Republican Red Lines
With the bombing of Syria and
the ominous standoff with North Korea, the term “red line” is appearing
often in the news, mostly related to foreign policy disputes. But
let’s direct the term to the domestic front, and more specifically, to
our Republican members of Congress. As our chief executive dismisses
the standards expected of all previous presidents, as he flouts the
Constitution, when will he cross your red line? His refusal to release
his tax returns reverses past practice of all recent presidents. You
know well that contents in the returns might be highly germane to the
Congressional investigations of Russian interference in our election or
to tax legislation Trump might propose that could enrich his own empire.
His businesses continue to reap enormous profits, benefitting from his
“brand.” Merely distasteful? Many, including those challenging his
profiteering in court, believe he is violating the emoluments clause of
the
Constitution. Trump, the billionaire, charges taxpayers over
$3,000,000/ for each frequent excursion to Mar-Lago. Only a
questionable style point? How about general incompetence? A host of
unfilled staff positions, failed legislative initiatives (Trumpcare),
dizzying policy flipflops, and the tweeting! . . . A cynic might guess a
number for your red line: 30%. When his approval rating drops into
the twenties, will your righteousness finally be drawn in crimson? Will
you suddenly find your moral indignation and discover the danger he
poses to our democracy? Only then? Or will 31% and above cement your
legacy as two-bit actors eager for a role in a madcap farce?
Publishing History
NP Times 4/27
Daily Freeman 4/28
No comments:
Post a Comment