Russian Collusion Exposed

Mainstream media's hysteria over Russian collusion has been slim on facts but hefty with speculation. Alleged anonymous sources have supplied the majority of the grist for the conspiracy that rages inside the Washington beltway.  However, shadowy informants and unnamed tattletales aren't needed.

There are public facts that the Russians have colluded with American businesses and politicians. There is nothing secretive about the information.  It is readily available, so why has the American mainstream media ignored it and chosen to engage in rumors and conjecture? Good question.

Here are some real examples of Russian alliances with politicians and major U.S. firms.

In 2013, a Canadian firm (Uranium One) acquired by Russian-state owned energy firm Rosatom was green lighted by then Secretary of State Hillary Clinton to scoop up valuable American uranium assets.  The company now controls one-fifth of all uranium production capacity in the U.S.

It was certainly no coincidence that the chairman of Uranium One shelled out $2.35 million to the Clinton Foundation prior to the approval. Although Ms. Clinton had promised President Obama to disclose any foreign contributions to the foundation, the gift was not publicly revealed.

In 2012, President Obama was hosting Russian President Dimitri Medvedev in a public session with the news media.  Thinking his microphone had been muted, Mr. Obama raised the subject of missile defense, a sensitive national security issue between the two countries.

In hushed tones, Mr. Obama leaned over to the Russian president and confided, "After the election, I have more flexibility."  It was a clear signal that Mr. Obama would be more receptive to Russian terms, but preferred to keep the matter a secret from his American audience.

The chairman of Ms. Clinton's presidential campaign John Podesta failed to disclose his role on the board of a small Massachusetts-based energy company that received $35 million in funds from Rusano, a Kremlin-backed investment fund whose officers are appointed by Vladimir Putin.

The non-partisan Government Accountability Institute pointed out that Podesta was required under "federal laws on financial disclosure" to publicly reveal his membership on the board.  Chummy Russian business leaders served with Podesta on the board of the firm, Joule Unlimited.

President Trump has taken flack for Russian investment in his real estate ventures.  But American companies and their CEO's have been cozy with Russian oligarchs for years.  The media had no interest in investigating the linkages, despite a number of problematic business entanglements.

For example, U.S. defense contractor Boeing announced in 2012 plans to invest $27 billion over the next 30 years in Russian titanium manufacturer VSMPO-Avisma Corporation.  The firm supplies titanium and other alloys for the defense and aerospace industries both in Russia and globally.

Lukoil, a Russian leader in exploration, production, refining and marketing of petroleum products, entered the U.S. market in 2000 when it purchased New York-based Getty Petroleum Marketing. The firm operates 286 service stations in New Jersey, New York and Pennsylvania.

Last year Forbes Magazine described Russian President Putin as "influential in the inner workings" of Lukoil, a firm with global aspirations which controls the largest chunk of the oil supply in its home country. In fact, Mr. Putin's fingerprints can be found on most large Russian owned business firms.

In recent months, Congressional lawmakers raised alarm bells over the prospect of Russia's state-owned oil company Rosneft grabbing control of Houston-based energy firm Citgo.  Although it wouldn't qualify as a direct takeover, Rosneft could use a financial back door to assume ownership.

Russian nuclear fuel company TVEL is partnering with General Electric in a joint venture with Hitachi and Toshiba to introduce Russian-designed water reactor fuel into American nuclear plants. Given the concern over nuclear energy safety, the arrangement should be scrutinized.  

Russia also has substantial financial interests in the U.S.  They invested $5.2 billion in this country in 2016. Last year, the Russian government increased its holdings of U.S. Treasuries to $90.9 billion. It also exported $16.6 billion in goods to America.  Moscow is the 16th largest holder of U.S. debt.

If the media and Democrats have problems with Russian involvement in America's affairs, it is a little late to sound the sirens.   This whole conspiracy canard is nothing more than a naked ploy to undermine the president and give Democrats an excuse for groundless investigations.

For the record, there is not a scintilla of evidence offered by anyone that the Russians colluded with any American during the presidential election.  There are rumors.  There are nameless sources.  There are alleged leaks.  There are uncorroborated whispers.  But there are no facts.

If the media, Democrats and special prosecutor Robert Mueller want to get to the bottom of Russian collusion, they can start with the actual examples cited above.  That would be a better use of American taxpayer dollars than chasing media fabrications.