Tony Smith
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
"If men were angels there would be no conflict or crime in government, therefore we wouldn't need government. Mankind is not perfect, and government is a reflection of mankind. Government must be balanced and checked." So said James Madison in the Federalist Papers essay number 51, 1787.
Our Founding Fathers were intelligent men, but very human. They understood the dangers of establishing a new Republic in a world of international intrigue. The intrusion of other governments into our affairs was a very real challenge in the 18th century. Their solution was to create a government that was based on checks and balances. There were to be three branches of government and each branch of government was to be a check on the other two.
In 1782, after the British were defeated in our Revolutionary War, some suggested to George Washington that he accept the title of king. Washington quickly declined. On hearing that Washington would resign his commission and retire from power, King George of England said if true that made Washington the greatest man in the world.
We know that Donald Trump lusts to be a king. After his election the media speculated about when he would pivot to being presidential. That never happened. In fact, Donald Trump has continuously confused himself with being our government versus representing our government. He never accepted the oath of office to mean he was bound to our constitutional government. Instead, he has demanded all government employees give their allegiance to him and not to the government they gave an oath to maintain.
This pattern of behavior has been consistent since the election of Donald Trump. There is a potential list of eight impeachable offenses against Trump. The House of Representatives will indict him on two to keep the narrative simple for the public. This is a sensible move in the age of Trump where illiteracy dominates. Only one article is enough to indict and remove a President for high crimes and misdemeanors.
The sworn testimony against Donald Trump has not been contested. No defense has been offered. Only obstruction and fantasy are put forward by Republicans. This is a sad day for America. Madison was correct, there are no angels to be found. Checks and balances are the only solution.