I try really hard not to scream when I hear, “the both sides do it” argument, that is usually offered up by Republicans, whenever trouble strikes. They pull out, “but what about…” instead of admitting a problem exist. Even as kids, we learned the folly of, “if Billy jumps off a cliff; will you?” Just this morning, I listened to a number of Republicans defending and comparing the alleged blackmail, extortion, bribe (take your pick) attempt of Ukraine, by President Trump with “Obama’s off-mic” moment with Russian President Dmitri Medvedev prior to the presidential election of 2012. Any fool and his Giuliani can tell the difference between promising further talks if elected and do me a solid and you have my protection.
Essentially, that is what Mr. Trump is being accused of, making a request that if Ukraine helps him find dirt (sound familiar) on his possible opponent [Joe Biden] in the 2020 election, favors can be done. A far cry from Obama saying to Russian President Medvedev, "This is my last election. After my election, I have more flexibility."
Unfortunately, the behavior of the Republican party has turned into a bastardized organon of thought meant to confuse, mislead and subvert the United States Constitution. Senate Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) is seeking permission from Mr. Trump to pass gun laws, a direct abdication of his constitutional mandate to legislate. The Attorney General William Barr, who is the lawyer for the people of the United States, is not only planning a party at the President’s hotel but issued misleading statements to cover for the damaging information of conspiracy outlined in part one of the Mueller Report. The Attorney General of the United States is the attorney for the people, not the President.
The misuse of Executive Privilege has become a joke. Corey Lewandowski who was fired during the campaign declared a pseudo privilege that is reserved for White House staff who answer directly to the President.
The Republican contingent of the House Judiciary, Intelligence, and Ways and Means Committees have been turned into cheer sections and mendacious examples of cover-up and cover-over. In the face of overt examples of Executive branch wrongdoing, the Republicans turn into sight comedian Gallagher, hitting every credible witness with a mallet until they have bludgeoned important testimony into a flat, mushy mess. The separation of the Executive and the Legislative branches of government are now defined by the attempts to bias the Judiciary branch. From the theft and appointment of Neil Gorsuch to the position of Justice on the Supreme Court; a decision stolen from former President Barack Obama to Justice Brett Kavanaugh, who seemingly lied on more than one occasion, the Senatorial consent process has been turned on its head.
McConnell, Trump, Gorsuch, Kavanaugh, Barr and a coterie of right-wingers, including NRA head Wayne Lapierre, have one common purpose, Party, guns, and money over Country. They have found their perfect puppet, wooden-headed, mouth moving to the whim of his master’s hand, clueless, and devoid of feeling. Override the protections of asylum seekers—check. Drive-up deficits so the rich can get richer—check. Turn the country against itself to maintain control—check. Strip women of the right to choose—give us a little more time.
Vote in 2020 for Change.