This just in:  This entire Russian thing seems to be about, not collusion in and of itself, but rather…was there a Quid-Pro-Quo?  Did Russia help Trump get elected in exchange for Trump favors later?

Let’s take a look at a few things…

First, understand that Russia’s main income comes from the exporting of oil.  When oil prices are low, the entire Russian economy goes down the toilet.  Putin would love for oil prices to be high.  This includes squashing any alternative energy source that may cause people to use less oil.

What has Trump done?  Several things.  First of all, he dropped out of the Paris Climate Accord citing some nonsense issue about being treated “unfairly.”  This has a double impact.  First, it allows the United States to use more oil without consequence and it also separates the United States from a forum where they should be the World Leader.  Trump has also squashed nearly every anti-oil regulation he can find.  This includes eliminating fuel efficiency on cars.  In other words, he is allowing us to go back to the gas guzzlers of yesterday.  Americans only benefit from better mileage. It’s good for the pocketbook and for the environment.  However, Russia wins when we use more oil since that drives up the price.

Trump also pulled out of the Iranian deal. This is causing uncertainty in the Middle East and we are feeling it at the gas pump; just as Putin is feeling it in his fattening wallet.

Second, Putin wants to be relieved of all the sanctions put on Russia for their bad behavior over the years. Obama put on sanctions.  Congress overwhelmingly approved even more sanctions.  Trump has fought these all along.  For some reason, he knows more about Russia and their intent than the rest of the world as well as our National Security Agencies.  In fact, he continues to fight to lift sanctions on Russia whenever possible.

Third, Putin wants to be brought back into the G7.  It was a G8 until Russia was kicked out over annexing Crimea.  Just yesterday, out of the blue, Trump said he wants Russia back in.  He gave no reason.  The remainder of the G7 voted unanimously to keep Russia out.

Fourth, Putin wants to separate the United States from the rest of the world.  On nearly every front, Trump has given him this gift.  We are no longer the Climate leader.  We are no longer the Moral leader.  The G7 says they will become the G6 since Trump does not want to contribute.  Trump has put tariffs on our closest allies and is threatening to no longer trade with our longest standing and largest trading partners.  In just over a year, Trump has caused the United States to step back from every leadership position we have held since WWII.

This list could go on.  There is the push to enrich the wealthy at the expense of the poor.  There is the war on science and the war on education.  Every day Trump does the exact opposite of what is proper.

So yes, I think Trump works for Putin.  I don’t think this is all a repayment for winning the election.  I actually think Trump expected to lose the election.  I suspect this is to repay some ongoing debt such as the billions of dollars Russian banks lended him when no one else would touch him back in 2008-9.

Trump works for Russia.  But don’t forget, he is able to pull this off because Congress is controlled by Republicans that work for the handful of billionaires that are profiting off of Trump’s moves.  The GOP tolerates Trump’s Russia because it is profitable for them.

Up, up and away…

Jim