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Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (DN.Y.) publicly denounced the stock-trading activities of lawmakers, pointing to an apparent inconsistency among Democrats.
what happened: Ocasio-Cortez and Jon Stewart expressed his disapproval of members of Congress owning and trading stocks during a conversation on Stewart’s “The Weekly Show” podcast on Friday.
During the podcast, Ocasio-Cortez highlighted what she sees as “hypocrisy” within her own party regarding this issue.
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According to Ocasio-Cortez, Democrats need to make sure their actions line up with their words, and she pointed to insider trading in Congress as a clear example of that hypocrisy.
“There have to be Democrats who walk the walk and talk the talk. There is an insane amount of hypocrisy, and hypocrisy is what is taken advantage of to use cynicism and wherever there is a hypocritical window. For example, I think one of the more The biggest example of this is insider trading in Congress,” Ocasio-Cortez said.
“It’s so crazy. I mean, like, it’s the end of it. Like, people think everyday people are stupid. I’m like, ‘Do you really think people don’t see this shit?’ ‘” Ocasio-Cortez added.
Stewart agreed with her, noting that the positions lawmakers hold on committees give them access to insider information that could improve their negotiating portfolios.
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“And then we’re supposed to act like money only corrupts Republicans?” Ocasio-Cortez said.
Both Ocasio-Cortez and Stewart took issue with the idea that the public was unaware of these practices. His remarks come amid growing calls for a ban on lawmakers from trading stocks.
why does it matter: The issue of lawmakers trading stocks has long been a contentious issue. Critics argue that it creates a conflict of interest and provides an unfair advantage to those in power.
Recent comments from Ocasio-Cortez and Stewart put this issue back in the spotlight, and may spark further discussion and action on the issue.
