THE UNTOLD STORY OF FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND BILL AND HILLARY

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Clinton Cash, by Peter Schweizer (HarperCollins Publishers, New York, NY, 2015, 243 pages).

Book Review by Dennis Moore

September 9, 2015 (San Diego’s East County) - Peter Schweizer, the author of Extortion, Throw Them All Out, Architects of Ruin, and other books that have revealed political wrongdoing, and has been featured on 60 Minutes, in the New York Times, and elsewhere, has written a timely and provocative book; Clinton Cash: The Untold Story Of How And Why Foreign Governments And Businesses Helped Make Bill And Hillary Rich. It is timely because Hillary is the presumptive Democratic candidate for president of the United States, with the excess baggage of Benghazi and the email controversy hanging over her head. This book really comes at a bad time for the candidacy of Hillary Clinton.

Schweizer, the cofounder and president of the Government Accountability Institute, a team of investigative researchers and journalists committed to exposing crony capitalism, misuse of taxpayer monies, and other governmental corruption or malfeasance, pulls no punches in outing Bill and Hillary Clinton.

The author indicates in Clinton Cash that when Bill and Hillary Clinton left the White House, they owed millions in legal debt. Since then, they’ve earned over $130 million, and Schweizer answers in this book as to how it happened. He states that most people assume that the Clintons amassed their considerable wealth through lucrative book deals and speaking gigs that sometimes paid as much as $500,000 - $750,000. But who paid these fees, and why? Often foreign businessman and governments made the enormous payments, believing the Clintons would help advance their interests, according to the author.

In this eye-opening read, backed up with facts and extensively researched and footnoted, Schweizer reveals:

  • The mysterious multimillion-dollar Foundation gift from an obscure Indian politician that coincided with Senator Clinton’s reversal on the nuclear non-proliferation treaty;
  • How Secretary of State Clinton was involved in allowing the transfer of nearly 50 percent of U.S. domestic uranium output to the Russian government, benefiting large donors to the Clinton Foundation;
  • How multi-million dollar contracts for Haiti disaster relief were awarded to donors and friends of Hillary and Bill;
  • How Bill received large payments for speeches from foreign businesses and governments with matters pending before the State Department;
  • How the Clinton’s joint visit to Columbia was followed by the grant of lucrative logging rights to a Canadian billionaire, a top Clinton Foundation donor;
  • How Bill received $2 million for speeches from the largest shareholder in the Keystone Pipeline project, even as Hillary played a role in approving it.

Meticulously researched and scrupulously sourced, Clinton Cash raises serious and alarming questions of judgment, of possible indebtedness to an array of foreign interests, and, ultimately, of fitness for high public office. I reiterate, this book really comes at a bad time for the candidacy of Hillary Clinton. There are mind-numbing revelations in this book that has shaken my belief in politics and government.

The irony of this well written and meticulously researched expose by Schweizer, is that in Hillary Rodham Clinton’s earlier written memoir, Hard Choices, which this writer also wrote a review of in the East County Magazine, she states: “I also did not want to do anything that would limit the life-saving work Bill was doing around the world through the Clinton Foundation. Much was made in the press about possible conflicts of interest between his philanthropic efforts and my potential new position. That problem was quickly dispatched after the Presidential Transition Team vetted the Foundation’s donors and Bill agreed to disclose all their names. Bill also had to give up holding overseas versions of the innovative philanthropy conference he had started, the Clinton Global Initiative, to avoid any perceived conflict.” In retrospect, and with the revelations made by Schweizer in Clinton Cash, one could argue that the Obama Presidential Transition Team did not do that good of a job of vetting the Clintons.

After Hillary’s appointment, the Clintons promised both the incoming Obama White House and the U.S. Senate that his speeches and business ties would be vetted by the State Department Ethics Office, again according to Schweizer. He points to a particular instance in which the State Department Ethics Office was willing to “consider” a “variation” on guidelines, they wrote to Clinton’s office. Ultimately Clinton declined the speech. His office said there was a scheduling problem.

The author points as an example, that prior to Hillary Clinton becoming Secretary of State, her husband Bill in his first eight years on the global lecture circuit, had never been paid to speak in Nigeria. But once Hillary was appointed secretary of state, he booked two of his top three highest-paid speeches ever by traveling to Nigeria, pulling in a whopping $700,000 each. The two speeches were allegedly underwritten by Nigerian media mogul Nduka Obaigbena, who owns Nigeria’s ThisDay newspaper. Schweizer further points out that Obaigbena, a solidly built man “with a taste for bespoke Lanvin suits,” professes “to live modestly and discreetly,” all the while maintaining a home in Lagos, a large estate in Nigeria’s Delta State, and a sleek penthouse at the Ritz Carlton in Washington, DC. 

Schweizer points out in his book that one longtime Clinton benefactor is businessman Gilbert Chagoury, who has been implicated in corruption and bribery in Nigeria. Born in Lagos, Chagoury comes from a Lebanese family and has dual citizenship in Lebanon and the United Kingdom. He built a financial empire in Nigeria with the help of General Sani Abacha, a Nigerian dictator whose five-year tenure was “known for its corruption and brutality.” It is interesting to note that the two had a business partner in their activities; Marc Rich, the fugitive oil and commodities broker, whom Clinton would subsequently give a Presidential pardon.

Schweizer further points out in this well-researched and documented book, that in April 2010 Gilbert Chagoury and his brother Jack were indicted by the US Justice Department in a massive bribery scandal involving $6 billion and Halliburton, the same Halliburton that the Bush administration and Dick Cheney had been alleged to have been cozy with. Bribes had allegedly been paid to secure contracts in Nigeria. Eventually Chagoury and his brother were dropped from the case, and Halliburton settled with the federal government for $35 million.

Bill also took a $550,000 payment for an appearance in Shanghai at something called the Huatuo CEO forum, underwritten by Chinese billionaire Yan Jiche, according to the author Schweizer. He further points out that prior to Hillary’s appointment as secretary of state, Bill had given only two speeches on the Chinese mainland, for a total of $450.000.

Perhaps the most troubling of all the revelations in this book is the Russian purchase of a large share of America’s uranium assets. The Russian State Atomic Nuclear Agency (Rosatom) handles all things nuclear in Russia. Unlike the US Department of Energy or the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, Rosatom is not just deeply imbedded with civilian nuclear power but actually controls the Russian nuclear arsenal. In March 2010 Hillary was in Moscow for a meeting with Putin. Putin had set in motion the purchase of a controlling stake in “Uranium One” by Rosatom only a few months earlier, according to this riveting book by Schweizer.

In 2010, in reporting to the US government, Russian officials said they were looking to buy just more than 50 percent of the company and promised “not [to] increase its share in Uranium, One. Inc. But by the beginning of 2013, the Russian government moved to buy out the company’s other shareholders entirely. Today it owns the company outright, according to the author.

Still, despite a long record of publicly opposing such deals, Hillary didn’t object. Why the apparent reversal? Could it be because shareholders involved in the transactions had transferred approximately $145 million to the Clinton Foundation or its initiatives? Or because her husband had profited from lucrative speaking deals arranged by companies associated with those who stood to profit from the deal? Essentially, that is what Schweizer is conveying in CLINTON CASH: THE UNTOLD STORY OF HOW AND WHY FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND BUSINESSES HELPED MAKE BILL AND HILLARY RICH: This book is replete with similar such revelations.

Dennis Moore is the Associate Editor of the East County Magazine in San Diego and the book review editor for SDWriteway, an online newsletter for writers in San Diego that has partnered with the East County Magazine, as well as a freelance contributor to EURweb based out of Los Angeles. Mr. Moore can be contacted at contractsagency@gmail.com or you can follow him on Twitter at: @DennisMoore8.

 

 


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Comments

WHY HILLARY CLINTON DOESN'T DESERVE THE BLACK VOTE

Hillary Clinton loves black people. And black people love Hillary - or so it seems. Black politicians have lined up in droves to endorse her, eager to prove their loyalty to the Clintons in the hopes that their faithfulness will be remembered and rewarded. Black pastors are opening their church doors, and the Clintons are making themselves comfortably at home once again, engaging effortlessly in all the usual rituals associated with 'courting the black vote,' a pursuit that typically begins and ends with Democratic politicians making black people feel liked and taken seriously. Doing something concrete to improve the conditions under which most black people live is generally not required. This, is taken from an aricle in "The Nation" by Michelle Alexander, the author of "The New Jim Crow", whom I also wrote a review of in the East County Magazine.

Thanks, Dennis for this

Thanks, Dennis for this important review.....

just one of many elements people should keep in mind as knowledgeable voters.

To our readers, I'd like to point out that Dennis also did a wonderful review of Mrs. Clinton's own book, for those who want to learn more about her own views and stated goals.

Secondly, rest assured once we know which candidates in both parties will actually be on our ballots here in California, our news team will be analyzing the financial contributions of all candidates with equal scrutiny, as well as bringing you information on their backgrounds, past voting records, and goals if elected.

You can also find preiminary info on some of the candidates now in our Politics Section as part of our "Run for the White House Rose Garden" series profiling the contenders in this race. So far we've profiled Clinton, O'Malley, Chafee and Sanders on the Democratic side as well as Trump, Bush, Paul, Rubio, Cruz, Walker, and Perry on the Republican side, with more in the works. Note: Perry announced yesterday that he is dropping out of the race. Our profiles include basic bio info, key issue positions, controversies, and just for fun, Vegas oddsdmakers take on the chances for each candidate including front runners, mavericks and dark horses in the running.

Matthew Whitaker: I'm reasonable, and I would indict

Matthew Whitaker, U.S. attorney 2004-09, executive director of the Foundation for Accountability and Civic Trust, states: "I'm reasonable, and I would indict!" He further states in a USA Today Opposing View Opinion, dated July 6, 2016: "According to FBI Director James Comey's statement on Tuesday, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton could have been charged with violating several different code sections, and he detailed the evidence that supports criminal charges.

"When Hillary Killed feminism"

So says Maureen Dowd a columnist for the New York Times. She rails on Bill Clinton and Hillary, as well as Madeleine Albright.

CLINTON CASH: GIVING BOTH SIDES OF THE POLITICAL DEBATE

You are so very welcome Miriam, as I feel it our obligation to keep our readers informed, by giving both sides of the political debate. I feel that my review of "Hard Choices", in Hillary Rodham Clinton's own words, and "Clinton Cash" has done just that. In my reading of both books, I was made aware of things that I was previously unaware of, and I have attempted to share it with our readers.

CLINTON CASH: GIVING BOTH SIDES OF THE POLITICAL DEBATE

You are so very welcome Miriam, as I feel it our obligation to keep our readers informed, by giving both sides of the political debate. I feel that my review of "Hard Choices", in Hillary Rodham Clinton's own words, and "Clinton Cash" has done just that. In my reading of both books, I was made aware of things that I was previously unaware of, and I have attempted to share it with our readers.

I PROMISE NOT TO UPHOLD THE CONSTITUTION OF USA

There is a famous saying that the love of money is the root of all evil. This book outlines the lives of two people who made a promise to the citizens of the United States of America to uphold the values of freedom and liberty. Instead they have lied and lined their pockets for years in ways destructive to the well being of this country. There appears to be no low to which they will not stoop to increase their power and influence. I feel our country is in grave danger from corruption that has already and will continue if allowed to weaken our position as a world power. Mrs. Clinton is an advocate of allowing the aborting of four month old fetuses and says that not allowing this is dangerous. It is my opinion that women are able to make a decision prior to four months, which is almost a premature infant as to whether they need to abort. Aborted fetuses are very very valuable and the would be children's' bodies are sold to avid buyers for research. These buyers are able to look at the ultrasounds to be sure that their purchases are not damaged. Mrs. Clinton wants to make sure the woman carrying the fetus is not allowed to see the ultrasound herself. This is big business. It looks to me like the four month fetus is the one in danger. Only about 1% of abortions are performed due to rape and incest. It seems to me that allowing those girls who are often underage to receive abortions is logical. Also for rape victims. The current limits proposed are difficult to deal with. Either no abortions at all, or abortions almost to the point of birth. I think there is a way to accommodate women's rights and also deal with the fact that women bear life in their bodies and all that entails. This is just one of the issues where I see double speak and euphemisms covering a trail of money with Mrs. Clinton. There are so many others outlined in this book review. Mrs Clinton is not Margaret Thatcher. More is the pity. I will be rushing to the polls to vote against her should she be a candidate.. America, wake up before it is too late. Let's work together to undergird some common sense values we all need. If not for us, for our children. MJ Payne Author, "The Remembered Self: A Journey into the Heart of the Beast".

CLINTON VOWS TO KEEP U.S. TROOPS OUT OF SYRIA

Hillary Rodham Clinton vowed Thursday to keep American troops out of Syria, saying in a sweeping foreign policy address she would resist sending forces to fight Islamic State militants even if there were an attack within the U.S. Offering a detailed assessment of the conflict in Syria, the Democratic presidential front-runner said America must lead the effort to fight against IS but called on Arab nations to supply much of the military force on the ground, according to an Associated Press story by Jonathan Lemire and Lisa Lerer in the Lancaster Antelope Valley Press.

NEEDED INFORMATION!

I am spreading the news about this book. I am referring everyone to this review! Facebook, LinkedIn, GooglePlus, Twitter - all of them are going to hear this every day. It is about time we are given the truth. Thanks, Dennis, for another fine review. Donalie Beltran - Award Winning Author of MURDER IS A FAMILY AFFAIR

Trump's 'Crooked Hillary' label may stick

Donald Trump dispatched his Republican rivals by branding each one with an insulting but memorable nickname: "Lyin' Ted" Cruz, "Little Marco" Rubio. As the general election campaign nears, Trump has settled on a label for the likely Democratic nominee: "Crooked Hillary." "It works," he boasted to the New York Times. "It Flows." The problem for Hillary Clinton is that he may be right, according to the viewpoint and op-ed by Doyle McManus in the Los Angeles Times, dated May 11, 2016.

Corrupt politicians, a US problem top to bottom

but the Clintons set the bar very high. (Pay-to-play is as American as apple pie.) Here I was looking for something on Hillary's trip to India selling Arkansas' WalMart entry into that country, unsuccessful as I recall.

BUSH FOCUSES ON CLINTON; RUBIO PRESSES ON

A steady debate performance may have helped keep Jeb Bush's campaign afloat, according to an Associated Press story by Thomas Beaumont and Catherine Lucey today in the Lancaster Antelope Valley Press. But if Bush was good in Tuesday night's prime-time face-off, rival Marco Rubio was probably better, according to the two reporters. And the candidates' conflicting trajectories played out in Iowa on Wednesday as a confident Rubio worked to sustain his progress while Bush pursued a new strategy to regain his footing in a contest he was once expected to dominate.

As he did the night before, Bush shifted his attention away from his Republican rivals and toward Democratic front-runner Hillary Rodham Clinton as he campaigned in the state set to nost the nation's first nominating contest in less than three months. Bush insisted he wasn't criticizing Rubio, even after declaring "I'm a better bet" to defeat Clinton.

Clinton Cash, by Peter Schweizer

This is quite an interesting read. If the information can be corroborated it can prove damaging to the Clinton's presidency's run. Jacqueline Carr - Author of A Selected Few Just For You.