We're hearing a lot these days about "existential crisis." That should be "crises" because there are more than one. The two most directly affecting us in America are the chaotic constitutional crisis caused by a president who would be king, and the climatic changes that threaten our planet. They are interlinked because Trump and the deniers are blind to the causes of climate change and ignorant of its life-killing effects.
Taking the first crisis, Trump is acting like the CEO and Chairman of the Board of America, trying to expand the powers of the presidency beyond the limits of the Constitution, and behaving like a petulant child when thwarted. He uses tweets like weapons, denigrating his opponents and lying profusely to attempt to justify his bad decisions and malicious behavior. Have a look at the internet sites for Trump quotes and note the unbounded ego, contempt for women and ludicrous hyperbole.
One of his gross exaggerations is his claim that he is "the most transparent president" in history. In truth, he has refused to release his tax returns, contrary to presidential practice for decades; stonewalled his aides from testifying to the House committees investigating his presidency; complained about the customary practice of closed-door hearings (Republican representatives were present and full transcripts made public); and then declared that open hearings should not be held because it's all a (favorite words) "witch hunt." He claims the "transcript" of his conversation with the Ukrainian president exonerates him, but that "transcript" is full of ellipses omissions and questionable because of its source. Non-partisan career diplomats, appointed by Republican and Democratic presidents, have confirmed Trump's attempted deal to exchange military aid and a White House visit for a shot at Joe Biden.
Our Constitution is in jeopardy. The Supreme Court may be the final arbiter of some issues stemming from Trump's administration; but the Senate, as the decider of impeachment, is controlled by Republicans who thus far have shown no sign of spine in confronting their wayward leader, will in all probability continue to fawn at Trump's feet and clear him.
DICK BAUMAN
BLACKSBURG
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(11) comments
This is EDR. WELL SAID...thank you, Mr. Bauman.!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I agree.
And so you are afraid now, as I was in 2011, that the incumbent President will be reelected the next year? Be afraid, Mr. Bauman! Be very afraid!
Are you threatening Mr. Bauman, Jason? I am surprised that the Roanoke Times let your letter through. I thought their standards were higher than that.
jwb5555- I will take your question prima facie. The thing to be afraid of, for one in Mr. Bauman's shoes as a Democrat, is the four years following the results of the next election.
What YOU should he afraid of, is a lack of the mental horsepower needed to infer that without clarification.
"LET THEM GO AHEAD AND IMPEACH TRUMP ... HERE'S WHAT HAPPENS
By: Hyram F. Suddfluffel, PhD, (Political Science)
I have a degree in Political Science, and I am a card-carrying Libertarian. I've been studying politics and political history for the past 30 years. My specialty is U.S. Presidents. That said, I hope that the House of Representatives impeaches Trump. Let me tell you what will happen next!
1. The House can pass articles of impeachment over the objections of the Republicans and refer to the Senate for trial.
2. The Senate will conduct a trial. There will be a vote, and the Republicans will vote unanimously, along with a small number of Democrats, to not convict the President. Legally, it will all be over at that point.
3. However, during the trial, and this is what no one is thinking about right now, the President's attorneys will have the right to subpoena and
question ANYONE THEY WANT! That is different than the special counsel investigation, which was very one-sided. So, during the impeachment trial, we will be hearing testimony from James Comey, Peter Strzok, Lisa Page, Bruce Ohr, Glenn Simpson, Donna Brazille, Eric Holder, Loretta Lynch, Christopher Steele, Hillary Clinton, John Brennan, James Clapper, and a whole host of other participants in this whole sordid affair and the ensuing coverup activities. A lot of dirt will be dug up; a lot of truth will be unveiled. Finger pointing will occur. Deals will start being made, and suddenly, a lot of democrats will start being charged and going to prison. All this, because, remember, the President's team will now, for the first time, have the RIGHT to question all of these people under oath – and they will turn on each other. That is already starting.
4. Lastly, one more thing will happen, the Senate will not convict the President. Nothing will happen to Trump. Most Americans are clueless about political processes, the law, and the Constitution. Most Americans believe that being impeached results in removal from office. They don't understand that phase 2 is a trial in and by the Senate, where he has zero chance of conviction. Remember, the Senate will determine what testimony is allowed -- and *everything* will be allowed, including: DNC collusion with the Clinton campaign to fix the election in favor of Hillary, the creation of the Trump dossier, the cover up and destruction of emails that very likely included incriminating information. They will incriminate each other for lying to the FISA court, for spying and wiretapping the Trump campaign, and for colluding with foreign political actors, especially George Soros. After the Senate declines to convict the President, we will have an election, and Trump will win. It will be a backlash against democrat petulance, temper tantrums, hypocrisy and dishonesty. Even minorities will vote for Trump, because, for the first time, they will see that democrats have spent 2+ years focused on maintaining their own power, and not doing anything at all about black murders in Chicago, homelessness, opioids, and other important issues that are actually killing people. And, we will spend the following four years listening to politicians and pundits claim that the whole impeachment was rigged.
So let's move on to impeachment."
Yes, let's move onto impeachment. You are correct that the Senate will not convict him but Trump's name will aways carry the stain of impeachment. Future historians will talk about the crassness of President Trump and the Senators who were too afraid to stand up for truth lest Trump call them a mean name on twitter.
John Roberts will be in charge of the trial and, conservative as he is, I doubt he will let it turn into the spectacle you have outlined. I doubt John Roberts listens to right-wing talk radio or watches Fox News; I believe he is too intelligent to fall into the traps which you have.
Trump has not expanded his base; in fact he has lost some people, particularly women, who voted for him in 2016. If he would stop sending my tax money to prop up farmers whose profits he has hurt by his stupid trade wars perhaps the farmers would stop giving him a third or fourth chance. Selfishness is never pretty, not even if it is gold-plated.
"Trump has not expanded his base; in fact he has lost some people", .... You just keep on believing those polls you cling to, we'll see how that works out for you.
The Constitution: You get it, or you don't. You support it, or you don't. This is not rocket science, and if this was a Democrat in office, those against it would be howling for it...All anyone really needs to know.
You speaking of Obama and all he did to tear this country apart? Yeah, whatever.
Very thoughtful and well said. I agree.
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