A "scratch my back and I'll scratch yours" method of governing characterized by centralized control, blurred lines between public office and private gain, and a reliance on personal networks over transparent processes.

"The presidency itself is treated as a business opportunity. It has become corrupt by definition, because its reason for being is to exploit the state for gain; political, personal, and financial. At every turn, it is at war with the rules and institutions that impede rigging, robbing, and gutting the state. However, corruption is patrimonialism’s Achilles’ heel because the public understands it and doesn’t like it. It is not an abstraction like 'democracy' or 'Constitution' or 'rule of law.' It conveys that the government is being run for them, not for you.” -- Jonathan Rauch

Originally coined by Max Weber in Economy and Society,

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Welcome to America's Constitutional Crisis. The Trump Administration just said they deported 350 Venezuelan immigrants who were gang members to Venezuela. Only they sent them to El Salvador, where they are to be held for ‘a very good price’. Note that El Salvador is not subject to U.S, Laws and therefore U.S courts. But a judge ordered the Administration to stop the deportations and return them home. None were returned. None of the judge's orders were obeyed and…

Well, here we are. My first daylog. Thanks wertperch for the reminder that they exist. I find myself in a weird, exhausted state. The week was long- between picture day and a licensor visit I had more than the regular routine to contend with. On Wednesday, I got dinner with a friend, but, truth be told, it was awkward as hell. It felt as though 50% of the time, he didn't respond to what I said. I found myself wondering if he didn't hear me, if

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