It's official. ExxonMobil CEO and Vladimir "Vlad the Invader" Putin pal Rex "T Rex" Tillerson will be nominated as neo- fascist useful idiot Donald "Rump" Trump's Secretary of State. Coming on the heels of the intelligence community's assessment that Rump's presidential campaign was actively assisted by Russian intelligence, this nomination is much more than a red flag -- its the clearest indication to date that Rump intends the foreign (and domestic) policy of the United States to be in line with the business and geopolitical interests of Putin's Russian kleptocracy. Needless to say, the Russians are thrilled. (That must be some sword they've got over Rump's empty head.)
As an amoral multi- national corporate head, Tillerson has no culture of patriotism or loyalty to the United States, only to his corporation's bottom line and shareholders. It's just another (though rather more dangerous) plutocrat to add to Rump's collection of fighters for The Forgotten Man.
Here's just one indication of why we think T Rex will happily put Exxon's profits before country, should he be confirmed:
Exxon would likely stand to gain if sanctions are lifted on Russia by the new administration.
"We are very anxious to get back to work there," Tillerson told industry analysts in March when asked if Exxon would be interested in restarting its venture with Rosneft in Russia.
Tillerson noted that it would take time to resume operations, especially in the Arctic, because "we had to dismantle all of the capability and the infrastructure" due to sanctions.
Tillerson said he's "thankful" the Russians haven't done anything to "make the situation worse." To the contrary, Tillerson said Russia has "done things to help us hang on to the rights we have" in the wake of the sanctions.Good to know T Rex is grateful Russia's looking out for the "rights" of ExxonMobil. Those of the people being reduced to ashes by Putin's bombers in Aleppo? Not so much.
BONUS: Here's The Guardian's take on why T Rex confirms Putin's election win.
(Photo: The happy couple; Getty)
(h/t Wonkette for the heading idea.)
