Impeaching Trump a second time is needed

Donald Trump leaves behind numerous tragedies including three I have selected as representative of his corrupt regime: 1) the pandemic, 2) state sponsored cruelty to children, and 3) contempt for the norms of a functioning democracy. These three are but a sampling.

To date about 400,000 Americans have died due to COVID-19. Almost every American knows someone who has died due the virus. The pandemic triggered business collapse and widespread unemployment. Trump was informed about the virus early and chose to ignore it. Later he resorted to a mockery of containment and treatment efforts. He extolled doses of a medicine for malaria as a magical cure for coronavirus. His cure was pure hype and may even be harmful.

At the borders, as official policy, children (including infants) of immigrants were separated from their parents. Trump felt that if the border guards were cruel enough, the immigrants would stay home. These are examples of Trump’s smug vengefulness and broad disregard for human suffering. According to some sources, today, 600 children cannot be matched with their parents.

A functioning democracy has rules, some of which are written (the Constitution) and some of which are unwritten and are the norms or tradition. Ignoring norms was deliberate policy during Trump’s administration. The Constitution was routinely bent by Trump as a game of catch me if you can. Transition of power is ruled by the norms. Trump has ignored the usual transition protocol to try to damage the incoming president as much as possible.

Impeaching Trump a second time is needed. In view of his corruption, he should not escape free and without penalty.

— Allen Fuhs, Carmel