Just Giving Them a Reason

Do Democratic members of Congress “loathe” President Trump, and did they try to get him impeached for almost three years? Of course, some do loathe him and yes, they did try, and now have succeeded. Perhaps others have been praying that he change his ways and do right for the country. But I bet most just want him to go away, and their attitude was, “Just give us a reason.” Apparently, he gave them one.

Many of us are now gasping for breath over the historic nature of the impeachment vote. I look at it more like this: I am by no means a DIY type, but in the garage here at home, I have tools. There are some I have used very rarely, but once in a great while, there are jobs that arise requiring just one special tool, and I’m always grateful it’s there, and that I don’t have to head to the hardware store and spend top dollar on the latest version of that tool.

This may go against the grain, but it doesn’t really matter to me whether it was Russia, the Ukraine, or the 400-pound guy on his bed who interfered with our elections in 2016. It’s just the fact that the President and his fans have spent so much time looking backward. A more legitimate question is: where has Trump’s leadership been on protecting us against such interference in the coming year, or further in the future, from any quarter?

On another front, I don’t know that Presidents can always take credit for the performance of the economy during their terms. But in one area, Mr. Trump in fact has shown leadership: trade deals. Most all of the interested parties seem to feel that the new USMCA deal for the US, Mexico, and Canada is a huge improvement over NAFTA, and even though the latest version is much different from the version the President originally supported, he was the one beating the drum. Does a pending new deal with China indicate that tariffs actually worked? Stay tuned.

What we might call a typical voter, when asked by a TV reporter recently about whether he supports the President, said: “Well, he is an embarrassment to me, but you know, things are going pretty well.” The left loves to suggest that the record stock market only benefits rich people. Not true! Many workers have 401(k)s, 403(b)s or other retirement plans, and their performance is also going through the roof along with the markets. Is it going to be, “It’s the economy, stupid” again?

Back to the point, though. The first step in the impeachment process is done. Mr. Trump’s name will forever carry this stain, which he deserves. The next chapter will take place in the Senate, and if all goes as expected, the President will not be removed. That issue will remain with the voters. I don’t expect any Republican senators to vote for removal. But if one or more were to at least say something like. “This guy has been a terrible President, but removing him would cause too much disruption right now. Let the voters do it!” I might actually nod my head.