President Yoon Suk Yeol Charged With Insurrection

 

President Yoon Suk Yeol has been charged with insurrection. Prior to this, he was impeached. President Yoon Suk Yeol is the first sitting president to be charged with a crime. Yoon is not the first South Korean president to commit criminal acts. Park Geun-hye was charged with abuse of power and bribery. She would eventually get a pardon. President Yoon Suk Yeol's arrest sparked protest from supporters. Now, there is going to be a trial that will change South Korean politics. The fear is that both opposing political parties will criminalize figures they see as competition. President Yoon Suk Yeol's attempt at imposing martial law was unconstitutional. The actions in December of 2024  are impeachable offenses. The insurrection charge would be easier to prove in court, if it was done to extend his term in office. Taking such action during an election or after the outcome of it would be insurrection. The South Korean Constitutional Court is debating on the impeachment process and if President Yoon Suk Yeol should be removed from office. Under conditions of removal, an election would held in 60 days. South Korea has fallen into a deep political crisis. The trial of Yoon Suk Yeol is polarizing the South Korean public. Even if President Yoon Suk Yeol survives insurrection charges, his future in politics has been damaged. The trial might expose a larger network of corruption and conspiracy in the South Korean government. 

Donald Trump, The Influence of Corporate Power, And The Corrupt System of American Politics

 Donald Trump became the second president to win non-consecutive terms. This so far, only happened with President Grover Cleveland in 1892. The US presidential election of 2024 was unlike any other. President Biden was forced out of the race over concerns about his cognitive health. Although Donald Trump and Kamala Harris are both senior citizens, Biden's age became a topic of discussion. The first presidential debate was held before Biden and Trump were made official nominees of their political parties. The error was having President Joseph Biden debate that early. Donald Trump's return to the presidency was the outcome of the public's dissatisfaction with the Biden administration. Kamala Harris replaced Biden, but did not distance herself from his policies. Worsening economic conditions, concerns about immigration, and interventionist foreign policy caused President Biden to slip in the polls. Donald Trump was able to exploit discord, resentment, and disillusioned individuals. Voters who were once Democrats decided to vote for Donald Trump. Libertarians, anti-political establishment voters, and far-right factions  are a part of the Trump base. Elon Musk used his resources to assist the Trump campaign. The unusual coalition of groups elected him president both in 2016 and 2024. Donald Trump's loss in 2020 was due to the inadequate response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The election of Joseph Biden was an attempt to go back to a form of normalcy. Instead Americans were faced with inflation, the consequences of escalating the Russia-Ukraine War, and a growing housing crisis. Donald Trump would have never been able to win, if the Biden administration was able to address dire issues. Donald Trump's election in 2024 demonstrates corporate power has an abnormal amount of influence in American politics. Billionaires have  created an oligarchy, which only has some institutions of a liberal democratic structure. Donald Trump has been presented as a unique threat by the political establishment. The exaggeration ignores the fact that both political parties are beholden to the business elite, special interest groups, and a number of lobbies. Donald Trump demonized not because of his corruption or crimes, rather he ruined the mythical image honest government. American politics is  a corrupt system, yet many want to believe it can be reformed or used for revolutionary change. The Donald Trump presidency dismantled these long held American convictions. 

      Donald Trump built his wealth through real estate. It was 1976 when the Trump Organization did its major construction project. The renovation of the Commodore Hotel in New York, New York was the beginning of Trump's business career. The United States during this period was in a state of political doubt. The defeat in the Vietnam War and Watergate generated much discord in the American public. The United States was facing an energy crisis, which the Carter administration struggled to control. The economic condition was that of recession between the 1973 and 1975. The desire to see economic prosperity on the scale of the 1950s was desirable. Donald Trump took advantage of the political and economic shifts during the 1970s and 1980s. Donald Trump and the other corporate figures of real estate were  the forces behind gentrification. Manhattan was a specific target of pushing low income residents to other areas. When Ronald Reagan was elected president, a policy objective was to deregulate various industries. Simultaneously, housing subsidies were cut. The Regan administration's supply side economic policies enabled Donald Trump to expand his wealth.  This began a pattern of Donald Trump not paying taxes based on his income. The Trump Organization was not paying the proper amount of taxes. It was only in 2022 that the Trump Organization was convicted of criminal tax fraud. Corporations and the CEOs avoid any serious punishment. The Trump Organization's criminal behavior is common among large corporations. The influence of corporate power grew so much in the 1990s, it eclipsed political power. Both the Democratic and Republican Party became dependent on campaign donations from corporations. This phenomenon paralleled the monopoly trusts of the early 20th century. At the time, oil and steel were two immense trusts in the US economy. Figures like John D. Rockefeller and J.P. Morgan were despised for their domination of business. The Theodore Roosevelt administration set about challenging corporate power by breaking up monopolies. Trust busting was the only time in US history in which corporate power was challenged effectively.     

By the late 20th century, the government was collaborating with corporate power. The environment allowed Donald Trump to rise as a public figure. Prior to his entry into politics, he would meet with various politicians  and celebrities. Donald Trump cultivated an image as being different from other corporate leaders. He did not present himself as hostile to the political establishment, rather an ambassador. This disguised a more malevolent nature. Trump's race prejudice, poor treatment of his employees, and unethical business practices were not subject to scrutiny prior to 2016. Corporate power was not only enabled by Republicans, but by the New Democrats with the election of William Jefferson Clinton. Accommodating corporate power, meant abandoning working class concerns. The shift was to focusing on the middle class and accommodating the business elite resulted in negative consequences. The cost of living increased, while wages remained stagnant. Attaining a middle class or financially secure status  was out of reach for most Americans. Donald Trump has done several business ventures. Casinos, gold courses, and a  recent venture into cryptocurrency shows profit motive drives Trump's ambitions. Politics is another business project to enrich himself. Corporate power is no longer operating in a furtive manner. Corporate power over the past 50 years has been pushing for an oligarchic system. Neither political party would challenge this , because the preservation of neoliberal capitalism is more important than a democratic government. 

      Corruption has been a part of American politics throughout its history. Attempts at reform are not successful. Campaign finance reform is discussed, but no substantive action is taken. Presidential campaigns now boast about how much money they raise. Egregious to most of the public, candidates for public office will not attack the practice publicly. Money continues to corrupt a fragile republic. Donald Trump was able to use some campaign funds to pay for legal expenses. A number of lawsuits were directed at him between 2022 and 2023. Taking campaign funds to pay for legal expenses demonstrates the corrupt nature of American politics. Donations from voters and other organizations should be used for getting elected to office. Kamala Harris campaign generated a total of $1billion. Despite getting funds from other companies, her website was asking voters to donate money. This comes at a time when Americans struggle with inflation. After the loss of the 2024 election, Kamala was asking voters to donate to cover certain debts accumulated during the campaign. What can be speculated is the Kamala Harris campaign was spending more than they were supposed to. The irresponsible mismanagement of funds borders on embezzlement.  The existing laws are too weak or there remain loopholes that make it difficult to charge. Voter power is being undermined by not only the candidates, but by other entities. Political action committees, lobbies, and corporations have more control over the US  Congress . A Democratic or Republican running for president would be more responsive to these entities than the general public. The Israel-Gaza War made voters question Middle East policy. The desire for change related to the Israel-US relationship was expressed by various constituencies. Protests did not change the presidential candidates' positions on Israel. Both favored arming the country despite human rights violations and war crimes. The reason is that AIPAC maintains connections to both political parties. The healthcare system will not be improved for the reason of insurance company lobbies. Legislation is stopped before it is even voted on. Super PACs might not be able to directly contribute to a political party or candidate, however their funds make it easier for their agenda setting objective. Donald Trump's involvement in politics was a natural choice. The corporate world functions on a similar system of corruption, which is why Trump was able to get elected to the office. 

      The political establishment has a distain for Trump for a number of reasons. A political neophyte won the presidency twice. The second time was more irksome considering it happened with a number of lawsuits in progress. Donald Trump cannot be controlled nor does he adhere to Washington based norms. Donald Trump continues to remold the political landscape. While Donald Trump is not anti-war and expresses sympathy with imperialist views, he does not share the neoconservative foreign policy vision. The rise of the MAGA movement produced an unanticipated reaction. Neoconservative Republicans and political centrist Democrats formed an alliance, which was not possible in the 2000s. The Bush era was another period of extreme division. The Iraq War and the Afghan War split both political parties. Bipartisanship could not function under a Bush administration.   When voters went to the polls in 2008 and 2012, they hoped for genuine change. President Barack Obama was unsuccessful in addressing the economic challenges the population was facing. Discussion of change was not enough. When Donald Trump entered the race in 2016, he took a more vituperative and vexed tone. Donald Trump channeled the frustrations, fears, and sadness of  people who were left behind by globalization and neoliberal capitalism. Voters who selected Obama previously cast ballots for Trump. The group of former Democrat voters selecting Trump occurred in 2024. The public has felt that two party system is not working for them. Voting for Trump in 2016 was an act disappointment for those who desired a change to the American political system. The Democrats who voted for Trump in 2024 was rage directed at the poor performance by the Biden administration. The political establishment refused to acknowledge the changes domestically or on a global scale. Tactics that would have worked in 1992, 1996, 2000, 2004, 2008 and 2012 were no loner relevant. The political establishment then cited that Donald Trump was a fascist or collaborating with the Russian Federation. These accusations are not credible criticisms. Donald Trump ended the INF Treaty which did not work in Russia's favor. Fascism is a right-wing political ideology that promotes aggressive nationalism. Donald Trump's racism is based on  paleoconservative   convictions closer to Pat Buchanan.. Donald Trump as authoritarian tendencies, but classifying him under a fascist totalitarian designation would not be correct. The political establishment is not concerned about rights or freedoms. The objective is to maintain the status quo. Some of the anti-Trump Republicans and moderate Democrats share some of his hatreds and xenophobic attitudes. Their repudiation of him is not for a noble cause, rather to maintain the myth of an honorable country. 

     Donald Trump was able to market himself and the MAGA movement. The Democratic Party does not have an adequate response to this. The politically motivated lawsuits such as the classified documents case and the inflated values of his real estate properties helped his presidential campaign. Rather than focus on serious issues, the conversation was shifted. Donald Trump switched the subject to the culture war and Kamala Harris turned to identity politics. The focus on Trans rights was mentioned in negative terms , while the opposing view was an emphasis on inclusion. Wokeness, cancel culture, or anti-SJW sentiment are not relevant to most people. These ideas and beliefs are pertinent to workplaces or entertainment. The culture war is not determining the status of the economy, employment levels, crime, immigration, or foreign policy. To an extent political correctness created an atmosphere for Donald Trump and the MAGA movement to rise. Certain subjects or topics were not meant to be discussed for the sake of preventing offense. What happened was that political correctness was being used to censor opinions or perspectives some did not want to hear. Immigration was one of those concerns. While particular comments can be rude  or insulting, people were being attacked for expressing a view that was not intended to be offensive. Political correctness was used to stifle expression of various opinions in public discourse. Donald Trump challenged this by being a vitriolic and vituperative. By marketing himself as being outrageous, Donald Trump was able to get more media attention.  Any other political figure if they expressed views in that manner would be repudiated. Donald Trump when he was host of The Apprentice  created  a public persona of churlish and unfiltered speaker. CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News only amplified this image. While Trump despises the corporate media, it is understood that it is platform for marketing himself. When Trump makes a statement and the media reacts it only empowers him. Annexing Greenland, taking the Panama Canal back,  or making Canada part of the US generated panic among corporate media circles. These events will not happen, but Trump understands that words have power. 

     Donald Trump now has another term as president. Some wonder of the current administration will be the same as the 2017 to 2020. Based on the first term and the current political conditions a general prediction can be made. Immigration is going to experience some crackdowns. However, the H-1B visa programs will not be effected. The reason is because corporations want to exploit a section of skilled immigrant labor. President Donald Trump might want mass deportations, but there are obstacles to this. Legal challenges are to be anticipated. The amount of spending required would be immense . This includes transportation, law enforcement, and detention centers need funding. The MAGA  movement is starting to show political factionalism. The H-1B visa support by Trump  vexed many in the MAGA movement. The populist and working class section is experiencing tension with the more wealthy influencers. Elon Musk represents this divide. The more working class section of MAGA is suspicious of the tech billionaires. The religious right remains with Trump, so long as he remains anti-LGBTQ. To placate that section of the constituency more anti-Trans legislation will be proposed. The actions done will not create complete unity in the MAGA movement. Although intolerant, the movement has assorted group of people. Donald Trump was able to gain more African American and Latino voters in 2024. The majority of African Americans have voted Democrat since the 1960s. Now that loyal base is shifting. The reason could be that Democrats took the African American vote for granted. The United States is going to be more paleoconservative and functioning on a xenophobic nativist model. Economics during this second term is going to follow supply-side policies. The Biden administration did not attempt to repeal the Trump era tax cuts. Increasing tariffs will not solve inflation or prevent an economic downturn. The only way tariffs could be effective is if the US had a powerful manufacturing base. Most of those occupations have been outsourced and the idea of brining manufacturing back is not possible. Economic conditions were on the decline with Biden, but will continue under Trump. Foreign policy might be different. President Trump implied he wants the Russia-Ukraine War to end. This does not mean that the US will completely disengage in Eastern Europe. Conflict with China, Venezuela, or Iran is possible. President Donald Trump has made enemies in both the Republican and Democratic Party. What President Trump  accomplishes is dependent on the House of Representatives and the Senate. His election is not the beginning of an oppressive regime. Donald Trump's rise was a culmination of America's hatreds, failed promises, and lies.      

Evo Morales Faces Legal Challenges

 

Evo Morales is facing legal challenges. A judge called for his arrest for alleged relationship with a teenage girl while president. Evo Morales was the first indigenous president of Bolivia. Seeking to run for office again, the courts are also trying to stop him. The timing of these cases appear to have a political motivation. Evo Morales is still a popular political figure in Bolivia. He was removed by a coup and the basis of removal was just an accusation of electoral fraud. The opposition did not provide evidence of Evo Morales doing anything criminal. Evo Morales is being targeted both by the coups and other nefarious actors. An assassination attempt was made on his life in 2024 . President Luis Arce  might be orchestrating a campaign of lawfare against Morales. Law enforcement so far has not enforced the warrant for his arrest. The changes of sex trafficking or sex with a minor would be difficult to prove in court. The victim did not bring the charges to the court, which makes the situation more suspicious. Political opponents are being criminalized. Evo Morales is determined to get the nomination as the MAS Party presidential candidate. The courts want to prevent him from getting a third term. Evo Morales had to go into exile in Argentina due to the political persecution. The outcome of the election is not certain. If Evo Morales can avoid being imprisoned by his political enemies, he has a chance to win the presidency.   

Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew Responds To The Supreme Court Ruling

The US Supreme Court has shown support for the banning of Tik Tok. Based on the First Amendment this could be considered a violation of free speech and press. The legislation has to pass both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Tik Tok CEO Shou Zi Chew made a video response to the US Supreme Court. The response was more so directed at users. Chew assured Tik Tok users that an agreement can be reached with the US government. The case for the ban is that Tik Tok poses a national security risk related to data. There is no evidence that the CCP is using Tik Tok for espionage. If that was the actual concern, then Google, X, and Meta should be investigated. A bias exists against Tik Tok, because it is a Chinese company. The US government is attempting censorship on the basis of national security. If the Tik Tok ban happens, then a number of social media platforms could be at risk. Shou Zi Chew believes he persuade the in coming Trump administration to shift policy. Considering Trump's anti-China rhetoric, this seems unlikely. Even if a presidential veto is done it could be overridden. Social media has been under attack since the late 2010s. The attempts to ban Tik Tok is an extension of a growing movement to control access to information. 

 

Romania's Protests Against The Cancelled Presidential Elections

 

Romania is seeing protests due to the cancellation of the presidential election. The reasoning behind this decision was suspected Russian interference. The evidence has yet to be made public and the motivation is political. The possibility of the AUR Party winning was a threat to the political establishment. The AUR is far-right and it is assumed that this type of behavior would come from those of that political affiliation. Romania's Constitutional Court ruled in favor of the annulment of the presidential election. The Romanian Constitutional Court needs to provide evidence of electoral fraud or foreign influence for this decision to be legal. Otherwise, this is a case of the judiciary violating the public's right to vote. A new election is being scheduled, but there is concern they could be postponed. Romania's internal crisis poses a problem for the European Union. The claim is that the EU supports liberal democracy and human rights. However, if it is a political party from another ideological spectrum, then few words of condemnation are given. Calin Georgescu if he runs again, might find that the election will be annulled a second time. Public discord could grow from a error in the Romanian Constitutional Court. The only charges Georgescu was given were related to campaign funds and the use of certain digital technologies. Georgescu never revealed the financial sources for his campaign. An investigation would probably not show that Calin Georgescu was being influenced by a foreign government. Romania is not under Russian influence. During the Cold War, Romania was the most independent of the Eastern Bloc nations. Romania refused to invade Czechoslovakia in 1968 along with the U.S.S.R. Romania is being influenced by the EU and NATO countries. The coalition government tends to favor the West, rather than the Eastern European region.      

Ecuador and Guatemala's Involvement In Haiti

 

Haiti is facing occupation from other countries in South America. Guatemala and Ecuador are getting more involved in the Caribbean nation. The justification was that the mission is to stabilize Haiti has a number of armed groups and gangs. While crime has been a problem, this is an internal matter for Haitian law enforcement. Gangs or armed groups are not directing there violence at Guatemala or Ecuador. Haiti does not pose a security risk to any of these countries. UN missions and foreign occupations have never helped Haiti. Kenya's mission to Haiti has also generated controversy in Africa. The Haitian National Police seeking foreign assistance proves that it no longer has independence. The United States appears to be outsourcing imperial projects to proxies in Latin America. What appears to be gang violence could morph into resistance against foreign military occupation and interference. The violence began in 2021 and was a reaction to Prime Minister Jovenel Moise refusing to relinquish power. His assassination led to a series of puppet governments. The Monroe Doctrine never disappeared, but changed with the geopolitical shifts. Haitians are taking up arms against being occupied and foreign interference in domestic affairs, Ecuador and Guatemala could be attempting to partition Haiti. Guatemalan and Ecuadoran troops are not there for human rights. Gaining more influence in the Caribbean is the objective. Haiti is not the same as Colombia in terms of violence. Foreign countries should not get involved in the policing Haiti. The advisors sent are going to have more of a command role and limited mechanisms exist to stop violence directed at the public by Central American soldiers.    

Jean-Marie Le Pen Vexed Over Suspension From The National Front (2015)

 

Jean-Marie Le Pen (1928-2025) was a prominent figure in French far-right politics. Known for his anti-immigrant and anti-black racism, Le Pen had not problem expressing his views publicly. Marine Le Pen expelled him from the National Front in 2015. One remark that got more criticism was Le Pen referring to the Holocaust as a "detail of history." The coded language implied that it was not that serious of an event. Jean-Marie Le Pen also expressed anti-Muslim sentiment. Jean-Marie Le Pen was not removed from the National Front for being too extreme. Most members and leaders hold these views. His daughter wanted more control of the party and to change its image to the public. Far-right parties try to appear more civil to get votes. The attempts to mainstream far-right political parties only work under poor economic conditions. Marine Le Pen  was not concerned about the National Front's racism, but trying to appeal more to the French population. Intolerant ideas would be repackaged to the voters. Blatant hatred could not be openly spoken, but done through policy. This required Jean-Marie Le Pen to be removed. The National Front continues to be active in French politics.  

Justin Trudeau Resigns

 

Justin Trudeau has resigned as Canada's prime minister. The Liberal Party is facing struggles on multiple fronts. Questions are mounting on who will get the leadership of the Liberal Party. This is a major change considering Trudeau has been in office since 2015. While some legislation benefited Canada under his leadership, other policies undermined progress. The concept of postnational state had some unforeseen consequences. Opening the Canada to refugees and more immigration without more accommodation generated public concern. More border crossings were happening at Roxham Road. The economic relations with the United States became more turbulent during the Trump administration. NAFTA was replaced with the United States-Mexica Canada Agreement. CUSMA did not improve the financial situation of the Canadian citizen. Tariffs became a topic of serious discussion. Steel and aluminum were effected the most in Canada. Foreign policy tended to follow a pattern common among western liberals. Canada's attitude toward China became more contentious and the support for the Russia-Ukraine War did not advance Canada's objectives in Europe. A peaceful Europe is better for Canada, rather than  keeping the conflict going. Diplomatic relations with India were in decline during the early 2020s. Much of this is due to India's accusation of Canada's support for the Khalistan  movement. The movement wants to see an independent Sikh state. Canada has a Sikh population, which advocates for a new nation on the Indian  subcontinent . Prime Minister Justin Trudeau could not formulate a policy to navigate these complications of foreign policy. The government could not survive decreasing poll numbers and  election losses. The wave of cabinet resignations demonstrated the frustration with Trudeau's premiership.  

Zimbabwe Abolishes The Death Penalty

 

Zimbabwe has announced that it will no longer use the death penalty. This is a significant move related to human rights in the Southern African nation. Zimbabwe only has a total of 60 prisoners on death row. Zimbabwe only executed one prisoner in 2005. Zimbabwe does not favor capital punishment for a number of reasons. Executions are a reminder of the abuses of the white minority rule Rhodesian regime. Many lost their lives in the Bush War and wider liberation struggle. Capital punishment and executions were used against Zimbabweans to maintain colonial domination. President Emmerson Mnangagwa has voiced his rejection of the death penalty. During the liberation war, given the death penalty. The sentence was changed to ten years in prison, but some were not so fortunate. Zimbabwe has been criticized by the EU for  having a poor record on human rights. Just like the EU Zimbabwe abolished the death penalty. The criticisms of Zimbabwe are not out of genuine human rights promotion, rather a political agenda. African countries can advance human rights with out external advice or interference. Zimbabwe could inspire other African nations to ban capital punishment. Ghana, Kenya, and Liberia might be moving in this direction. President Mnangagawa signed the bill into law, preventing certain prisoners from being executed by the state.  

Billionaire Isabel Dos Santos And The Questions Around Her Assets

 

Isabel Dos Santos has been described as "Africa's richest woman." Questions remains about how she generated her wealth and how assets were acquired. The UK has frozen some of her assets, but she has stated her innocence related to criminal activity. Isabel being the daughter of the former Angolan president did have certain advantages. Isabel had investments in numerous banks and one telecommunications firm. President Jose Edurado dos Santos  made her head of Sonangol. This is an important oil firm in Angola. Isabel Dos Santos was removed by the new administration in 2017. Isabel Dos Santos was charged with embezzlement and money laundering by Angolan courts. There is indication that some of these assets were gained through illegal means and a system of nepotism. The  heaight of her fortune was around 2013 to 2015. Isabel Dos Santos has lost some wealth and according to Forbes rankings was removed from their list in 2021. Based on their sources her net work was $1.4 billion in 2020. The asset freezes probably did not make much on an impact. This does not account for hidden funds. Isable Dos Santos is considering running for president of Angola. The intention could be to use the office to enrich herself and reestablish Santos influence in government. The average Angolan does not see a dramatic increase in income, but Isabel used family and government connections to become a billionaire. The MPLA used to support socialism and Marxist-Leninist ideology. The ironic situation is that a billionaire could possibly run for president of Angola. Angola has gone though a similar transformation that China did after the end of Maoism. Isabel Dos Santos is a product of this economic shift.