Rule of Law

There are those among us who feel confident that the troubles in Washington are survivable. They hang their certainty on ‘the rule of law’. I wish I had their same confidence but there are now signs that perhaps they are right.

A federal judge has ordered the Trump administration to fully restore the DACA program. This will reverse what trump has done to destroy the program initiated by Obama. Young immigrants who came to the US as children will now find renewed protection from deportation. They have lived their whole lives here, have been acculturated, educated and begun their careers in America. Many of them have served in our military as well. For all intents and purposes, they are American citizens and ought to have that status bestowed on them automatically.

This turn of events is based on law, the courts, due process and all the rest of our legal traditions. Other arenas under fire are already feeling the support of the courts in defiance of the White House would-be president.

Which raises the entire question of Russian interference with our 2016 Presidential election. If Russia’s meddling caused a misfire of the election machinery, then the results of the election ought to be reversed. That would mean another election to determine the proper results. There is no indication at this point if the principals are willing to run again for office, but if they are, this can be sorted out and the election reprised.

Such a happening would avoid impeachment proceedings. It would also avoid succession of powers to the vice president. All would be null and void. The actions of the current occupant of the white house would all be declared null and void and what existed at the end of the Obama term would be reinstated.

Even if my suggestion is ruled invalid and impractical, I am certain the rule of law would guide us through an appropriate repair of the current situation. One certainly needs to be installed soonest.

From my point of view – yes, that may be quite singular! – it appears the current president has lost much of his bearing and is in an emotional breakdown. He is a clear and present danger to the nation and the globe’s peace of mind. It is time to end this nightmare. For his good and ours.

Already the white house power structure is developing policies and procedures separate from their boss. Already procedures separating the president and the military are showing. The rallies conducted for mr. trump are just that; they are not policy forums, or mass press conferences. They are single party, single candidate rallies. And they are being paid for by the American taxpayer. The cost of Air Force One, security details and all the rest should be borne by mr. trump himself or his party. This is politics pure and simple. It has nothing to do with governing the nation.

If we wait much longer to correct this situation, several ambulances and men in white coats will be needed to protect mr. trump from himself and his meltdown. What his crazed supporters will do is another matter, but we have trained personnel to handle that eventuality.

Let’s get on with it.

August 7, 2018