Show Me: How Bernie has personally PROFITED from Public Office?

[Octafish]

Please, show me something Bernie ever did for HIMSELF from his years in public office, to make a buck or to put himself with people who could cash in?

Has he ever gotten $250,000 for a speech?

Has he ever gotten $100,000 on a $1,000 investment?

Has he ever gotten all the connections that come from sitting on a for-profit corporate board?

Can you show where Bernie Sanders has personally profited from his 33 years of government service?

I cannot think of even one example.

The only people I can think of who have profited from Bernie Sanders' years in public office are the people of Vermont, the American people, and the people around the world who believe in peace, justice and democracy.

[daleanime]

1. K&R.....

[Octafish]

6. I might not have as big a problem were it not for all the Austerity.

Hillary Clinton Speaks from Peter G. Peterson Institute on Foreign Aid

C-SPAN aired Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's remarks at the Peter G. Peterson Institute. Pete Peterson made billions as a private equity underwriter (PEU). He used $1 billion to establish his institute, focused on getting America's financial house of cards in order (without asking corporations or the rich to step up in any major way.)

[font color="green"]America believes government cannot do anything competently, thus the private sector is the answer. That goes for international development.[/font color]

SNIP...

That requires partners. Giants of philanthropy gathered in New York in 2009. This list included Bill Gates, Warren Buffet, Pete Peterson, George Soros, David Rockefeller, and Oprah Winfrey.

SNIP...

Clinton stated in her talk:

[font color="green"][font size="5"]Aid chases need, investment chases opportunity.[/font size][/font color]

[font color="green"]She mentioned the Clinton Foundation as a partner. President Bill Clinton privatized government functions during his two terms, benefiting multiple private equity underwriters.[/font color]

CONTINUED...

http://stateofthedivision.blogspot.com/2010/01/hillary-clinton-speaks-from-peter-g.html

[daleanime]

44. Amen.....

problem is that they would rather underwrite one at the cost of the other. It's "Investment Opportunities", which is just another way to say rich folks, over those in need of aid, i.e. the rest of us.

[polly7]

2. I was told that he was slurping at the public trough by being paid for being a politician.

Apparently the rest work for free.

[Octafish]

4. There were more like him in days of old...

The Kennedys, the Gores, the Rockefellers are among the more noble souls who put service to the public over serving themselves at the public trough.

Bums, though, get rich off public office.

[KittyWampus]

3. Since he refuses to release his tax records, we can't know. That's why both he and Jane LIE

about his tax records. The question then becomes, why doesn't the media follow up and call them both out on their recorded lies?

The footage is available to prove them liars.

Does Jane use TurboTax or not? If she does, as she claimed, then it's an easy matter to release their full returns.

[Octafish]

8. Did not know that. I understood he was very open about his income tax records.

You wouldn't have a link to where Bernie and/or Jane lie about their income, would you?

[amborin]

18. LOL! that was from the email blast several days ago

[Matt_in_STL]

33. I missed where it was shown they lie

Link please

[mythology]

53. Here you go

https://www.washingtonpost.com/news/fact-checker/wp/2016/04/12/recidivism-watch-jane-sanders-repeats-bernie-sanderss-four-pinocchio-claim-that-they-released-full-tax-returns/

They have absolutely lied about releasing their tax returns.

[Matt_in_STL]

55. That isn't the lie claimed in the post

Additionally, the poster is incorrect about being able to access their TurboTax files online. I use TurboTax every year and am unable to pull the files online as I use the actual software and the files are not saved online, but locally. That, in the post, is a lie.

[giftedgirl77]

5. Show me his taxes & we'll talk....

[Octafish]

9. I understand he's released his IRS tax return.

What he hasn't released is the form that shows to which charities he and his wife have contributed.

Can you imagine how embarrassing it would be to find out he contributed to the Council of Foreign Relations?

[giftedgirl77]

12. His itemized deductions have not been released.

those show all deductions not just charities. I'm not saying there's anything in them but it's hard to ask for a legitimate discussion when the key evidence hasn't been made available.

[phleshdef]

16. Stop pretending like you give 2 shits about his itemized deductions.

You and all the others are pretending to in order to gripe. You don't actually care.

[phleshdef]

22. I have no problem with the notion of candidates being expected to release their taxes.

I just see many of you pretending to care a lot more about this than you do and its amusing.

[giftedgirl77]

23. Now you're a mind reader....

There is a lot of dumb shit BS does that I could give a shit less about. Releasing his financials is not one of them.

[phleshdef]

24. Not a mind reader. But I can spot disingenuous bullshit pretty effectively.

You don't actually believe there is anything illegitimate about his deductions. You are just trying to trash the guy.

[giftedgirl77]

25. Do you know how absurd that sounds?

[phleshdef]

26. I know how absurd you sound.

[giftedgirl77]

29. I have done nothing absurd, all I said was that we can't make any

decision without seeing his taxes. In the real world that is considered making a well reasoned decision with all the supporting facts. Instead you want me to just assume everything is legitimate based on reassurances just because?

There is no logic to your accusation. Releasing taxes is standard practice, no candidate that expects to be taken seriously should expect differently.

[phleshdef]

31. So you base your vote on itemized deductions from a tax return?

Some real principle you got there. SO logical.

I'm not a Hillary-basher.... but talk about a web of crazy finances.

[giftedgirl77]

38. Ummm, it is a factor to consider.

kind of a reason for them being released. I certainly don't base the decision on if bird lands on a podium next to him.


Your attitude & brashness when someone tries to actually hold a legitimate discussion is what gives BS supporters a bad name.

[phleshdef]

41. Oh get off it. Supporters of every candidate are brash and have an attitude about it.

There is no more or less than that coming from Sanders supporters than there are Clinton supporters. Its even worse among Trump supporters, naturally.

If the guy was wealthy and had a history of shady dealings, it would be an issue for me. But thats not the case, so it isn't an issue for me.

And by the way, when I see people attack Clinton with fakey ass nonsense, I defend her as well. I may support Bernie, but I'm very fair to Hillary Clinton.

[TheFarseer]

56. Don't u get it?

Itemized deductions are bad. Using a charity as a slush fund to funell bribes is good.

[Armstead]

37. Gosh maybe he added 100 unrecorded miles to his travel expenses!

Worse yet, maybe he overstated the value of his home office.

Ohhhh the horror the horror.

[giftedgirl77]

40. So everyone else showed have to disclose everything under the sun

but St Bernard is gtg?

[Surya Gayatri]

13. Exactly. Until his full tax history is made public, this hagiographic praise is ludicrous.

BUT, CPA Jane is simply TOO busy to open the family filing cabinet and get them out.

Pity.

[giftedgirl77]

14. Funny since she uses TurboTax...

Like we need to go home to get our taxes.

[Surya Gayatri]

15. Well, that was her excuse. "Too busy to go home and find those pesky forms..."

Said while crossing her fingers behind her back during that MSNBC interview with Mark Halperin.

She looked SO uncomfortable in her flagrant falsehood, that it was almost comedic.

[giftedgirl77]

17. Lulz.

Ever since the first interview I saw her give when all she did was say um & mumble like she had a mouth full of marbles I lost the desire to decipher her. But the tax thing sounded like she has no clue, they probably have an accountant but don't want to admit it to their faithful followers.

[pangaia]

52. No wonder you have 14 hides in the last 3 months.

Feeling a little negativity, are we?

[amborin]

20. again, that was from the email blast;

[giftedgirl77]

21. Wait, so someone starts an OP about the issue of BS refusing to do

what countless candidates have done & it is somehow a Clinton talking point?

BernieBros whine & complain about HRC not releasing fuckin transcripts of speeches something that has never been done before but think blowing off standard practice is acceptable. Bunch of petulant children with zero understanding of how politics actually works.

[amborin]

47. they all got the email blast; and, why use profanities & obscenities in your reply?

we have an understanding of how Clinton politics works, and it's not acceptable

[jimmy_crack_corn]

43. Charitable Deductions

Interesting thought is in the details for HRC Tax return is $3,22,700 to charities... ( of which $3,000,000 was to Clinton foundation).. and if your aware of how foundations work I should not have to expound. I have added a good summary the summary on Clinton foundation summary:

==================================================================================================
The Clinton Foundation
==================================================================================================
Now the Capital Research Center - America's Investigative Think Tank published an article on "The Clinton Foundation: A cauldron of conflicts and cronyism"


https://capitalresearch.org/2015/05/the-clinton-foundation-a-cauldron-of-conflicts-and-cronyism/

Summary: The former first family’s philanthropy has always been a vehicle to promote the careers of the Clintons. It does some good things that help people but in recent years it has functioned more like an unofficial campaign headquarters for Hillary Clinton’s 2016 presidential bid. And if there is one thing the Clintons are good at, it’s getting paid. The Clintons said the charity would not accept donations from foreign governments while Mrs. Clinton served as Secretary of State. They must have been crossing their fingers behind their backs because it was recently revealed that the Clinton Foundation accepted millions of dollars from foreign governments during Mrs. Clinton’s tenure at the State Department. Making matters worse, Hillary Clinton’s cavalier approach to U.S. national security has also spilled over into her family’s foundation – and a new book called “the most anticipated and feared book of a presidential cycle still in its infancy” is to be published this month. The Clinton Foundation may soon dominate news cycles, but not the way the Clintons wanted.

==================================================================================================
Private Family Foundations
==================================================================================================
Private Family Foundations

In recent years, several private foundations have gained prominence in the media, and raised public awareness of their causes. Foundations, including the Bill and Melinda Gates, are often created with one philanthropic goal in mind. However, as the grantors often realize, establishing your own foundation can often make smart money sense, as well.

Plus, your last name does not have to be Rockefeller or Getty to start your own.



The Role of the Foundation

A Private Family Foundation (PFF) is a separate entity, privately funded by you. It is created with the specific purpose of contributing to various charitable causes.

As a distinct, legal entity, The Private Family Foundation:

1. Contributes to a charitable cause and takes a tax deduction, while relinquishing personal control over your gift.

2. Minimizes your estate tax liability.

3. Avoids capital gains tax on the sale of appreciated property contributed to the charity of your choice.

4. Provides continuing employment and activity for your family members.

5. Identifies and preserves your family name for years to come.




Create and Control Your PFF

Any Private Family Foundation must be created with a charitable "intent." The Foundation is managed by a trustee or executive director that oversees the Foundation's investments and distributes the Foundation's assets.

You can even appoint yourself as the trustee of your own Foundation. This way, you maintain control over the assets contained in the Foundation. Instead of making a one-time gift to a public charity (and losing control of that gift), you can monitor your favorite charities. If one non-profit changes its focus, or if a more meaningful cause comes along, you can reallocate your Foundation's support.




Special Tax Advantages

Private Family Foundations have special tax advantages, because they are considered "charitable organizations" themselves. Because of this classification, any earnings on Foundation assets are tax-exempt, and can be distribute to the charities you choose.

If established properly, a private family foundation can often avoid capital gains taxes on highly-appreciated assets (see below). In addition, interest and investment earnings that are not slapped with an income tax can instead be used to help the charities or causes you support.




Immediate Tax Benefits for You

If you have highly-appreciated assets that you're holding to avoid steep capital gains taxes, a Private Family Foundation could help. Any appreciated assets that you transfer to a Private Family Foundation can be sold by the Foundation with no capital gains taxes. This is because of the Foundation's charitable status.

Second, you can get an immediate tax deduction for any money or property to grant to the Foundation. This deduction can equal up to 30% of your adjusted gross income (20% for appreciated property). Any income tax deduction not used in your contribution year may be carried forward over the next five years.

The valuation of these deductions depends on a number of things, including original cost and the type of property being transferred. (For more information on valuation, please request the PFF Special Report.)




Estate Tax Benefits

Every dollar that you contribute to your Private Family Foundation means one less dollar that is included in your estate. Gifts that are regularly made to charities can instead be used to fund your PFF. And if you are in a higher tax bracket, that could ultimately save up to 46% in estate taxes.

Best of all, you can make such contributions to a Private Family Foundation without affecting the $12,000 annual gift tax exclusion or the current $1 million Gift Tax Credit .




Required Distributions to Charities

Private Family Foundations have certain laws they must abide by, because they are a legal entity. For instance, by law, a Private Family Foundation must distribute at least five percent (5%) of its assets each year to public charities.

Let's suppose you leave $2,000,000 to your Private Family Foundation. The IRS says you must distribute at least $100,000 (or 5%) to recognized charities in order for the Foundation to qualify for its special tax advantages. Of course, you can select a higher payout if you choose. But five percent is the absolute minimum.

The annual payout is established when you first sit down with a qualified estate attorney who has experience working with large estates. And the difference between what the assets earn (e.g. 6% per year) and the mandatory payout can be put back into the Foundation.




Employment for the Family

You may arrange for your heirs and descendants to receive salaries as "employees" of your Foundation. Simply name family members as replacement trustees to succeed you after death or resignation.

Many Foundations pay their directors using the difference between their required distributions and their annual income. If your Foundation is earning 10% annually on its assets, but only paying 5% annually to charities, the difference can be distribute for legitimate expenses, including salaries for the directors of the Foundation.




Ensuring Kids Don't Lose Out

While charities will definitely benefit from your Foundation, your children are deprived of the donated assets, after estate taxes are accounted for. To remedy this situation, some individuals also choose to establish a generation-skipping dynasty trust (like The Legacy Trust) to avoid estate taxes for up to three generations.

The Legacy Trust, which is an advanced type of dynasty trust, also acts as a shield for assets (subject to variations in state law). When properly drafted and implemented, the Legacy Trust can also help place assets outside your estate, outside the reach of creditors, judgments, malpractice and divorce.

The Legacy Trust can also provide a substantial benefit for your heirs, particularly through the use of cash-rich life insurance. After funding The Legacy Trust with annual gifts, it can purchase insurance payable to your heirs (as beneficiaries of The Legacy Trust). The children would then receive a lump-sum when you pass away, or you could have The Legacy Trust support grandchildren (or even great-grandchildren). All of these benefits are usually 100% estate tax- and income tax-free if structured properly.




Foundations and Charitable Trusts

Private Family Foundations can also be combined with Charitable Remainder and Charitable Lead Trusts. By doing so, you may able to draw a significant income for your lifetimes and earn significant tax savings, while still maintaining a large degree of control of your assets.

[questionseverything]

51. nice work, welcome to du

n/t

[jwirr]

7. K&R

[WhiteTara]

10. He didn't need to...his wife made the money for them.

[felix_numinous]

11. You won't get a direct answer

or a debate about real issues. The way I handle it is to see we are actually two completely different factions that should be in separate parties. I suppose we can unite against Trump or Cruz, but must agree to disagree on many many major issues. It's like a divorce, we will have to cut a deal with each other eventually.

[Octafish]

48. Profit implies business and finance.

Bernie has earned what he has through work, an entirely different concept.

[KingFlorez]

27. His only real income is from being in office

He never had a steady income until he was elected Mayor of Burlington, VT. His biggest income has been from being in Congress.

[Armstead]

32. And...? That's a bad thing?

One would think by now he would have taken that trip politicians usually make through the Golden Revolving Door in which they cash in with their connections and insider knowledge to advance the interests they used to pretend to regulate.

[KingFlorez]

36. I answered the question, but didn't make a judgment

Personal income is profit. Not saying it's good or bad, just pointing out what profit is.

[Armstead]

39. Okay.....I apologize if I assumed snarkiness if not there

[passiveporcupine]

46. Don't beat yourself up over it

I'm really tired of hearing this 'real' income trope.

I guess I've never made any 'real' income either, because I've never made a lot of money. His jobs in congress pay well, but as Mayor he probably didn't make a lot, so that was probably not 'real' income either.

Prior to that, his jobs consisted of:
Head Start Teacher,
Psychiatric aide
Carpenter
Film maker
Writer

I guess none of those jobs pay 'real' income. What does that even mean? They pay artificial income? He's always been interested in politics and social change, so it's not surprising that he eventually got into it and stuck with it. So now I guess, because he found a job that he stuck with longer, that is considered 'real' income.

Yes, it is snark...mild, but snark.

[PufPuf23]

28. One is ludicrous to compare the personal finances of Bernie Sanders to the Clintons.

Way much ludicrous going on at DU and from Clinton 2016 POTUS campaign over comparing Sander's financés to that of Hillary Clinton.

No ex POTUS has come close by magnitudes to Bill Clintons increase in wealth.

Hillary Clinton would never have been SOS, Senator, receiver of 6 figure sums for speaking engagements, or candidate for POTUS had she not been the First Lady as spouse of Bill Clinton.

Sanders always has been much more the economic and social justice populous.

[silvershadow]

30. K&R.

[Renew Deal]

34. When was the last time Bernie had a real job?

[Armstead]

42. Today. he's a US Senator. before that a Congressman. before that a Mayor.

But I guess none of those are a real job....Unlike poor Hillary who has had to sweat and strain working in a McDonald's just to pay the bills.

[oldandhappy]

35. He is held in high esteem by many people.

His reputation is clean. Many look to him as a role model. He is seen as a truth teller. He is cheered to the rafters at public events. He has a loving family. He is consistent in Congress. Thirty-two years in public service and all the clinton team can say is 'he is not vetted'!! giggle. I would say his profits are mighty nice -- tho I know that is not the direction you were taking, smile. He is the most ethical politician in the race.

[redstateblues]

45. He's been getting six figures from We the People for a quarter century

That's pretty damn sweet

[CentralCoaster]

49. His family foundation took in millions from Chevron for his setting them up in eastern Europe.

And then funneled additional money through PACS to his campaign.

Oh, wait, that wasn't Sanders.

Never mind.

[ecstatic]

50. Benefits and a 6 figure salary in exchange for 2 weeks of work per year

All he had to do was make a few speeches and support the gun manufacturers to keep collecting a steady paycheck.

Only in Vermont...

[7wo7rees]

54. Nice. Tks, Octafish!!