By Mildred Robertson
America is currently trapped in a
conundrum as it awaits a response from the president to legislation needed to stabilize
our economy, address our health-care crisis and fund vital government services,
both military and domestic. As the nation suffers under the indifference of its
Commander-in-Chief, it has become obvious that Vice President Pence must discharge
his constitutional duty and invoke the 25th Amendment in order to break
the log jammed legislation lying on the President’s desk at Mar-A-Largo. Section
4 of that amendment states that when a president is unable to fulfill his constitutional
duties, but will not step aside, that the Vice President and a majority of
either the Cabinet or a body designated by Congress may declare that the
President is “Unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office.”
There has been much discussion as
to Trump’s psychological state, and whether his mental health is a factor in
the manner in which he has governed. Over the past 4 years we have suffered
under his leadership much as a child subjected to the whims of a schizophrenic parent.
As we await his signature on legislation required to keep the government open
and address other pressing governmental needs, many in the government and the
media wring their hands, wondering how he will respond.
He has tied the hands of Congress
due to his refusal to either veto the Covid-19 legislation lying on his desk or
sign it. But whether his failure to carry out his constitutional duties is
based on mental deficiency or simple mean-spiritedness, it is clear that his
intent is to stymie both Republicans and Democrats in their quest to address a
dire public need in order to assuage his wounded ego. Without his action,
Congress can neither move forward to over-ride his veto or submit a revised
bill that meets his specifications. If he refuses to act, that legislation will
have to wait until the new administration takes office January 20, 2021.
But the American people don’t
have that kind of time.
Trump, it seems, is oblivious to
the consequences of his failure to act on the lives of countless Americans
facing eviction, the end of unemployment payments, food shortages, job loss and
for many…death. His failure to act encumbers funding for Covid-19 treatment which
will impede the production and distribution of life-saving vaccinations and
will negate the $600 stipend intended to help Americans struggling with
lay-offs and job loss. So he is indifferent to the crises Americans face as he
wastes precious time on political posturing and adolescent temper tantrums.
This president poses a clear and
present danger to the welfare of our nation. He has tested every lever the
Founders created to safeguard us from despots and their tyranny. Thus far we
have survived with a democracy that is tattered, yet still somewhat intact. But
we now teeter on the brink. We must not, at this final hour of his
administration, allow him to bring democracy to its knees.
Vice President Pence must do what
he has not done during his entire tenure as Vice President. He must make a
stand. It is clear that Trump is either unable or unwilling to carry out the
duties necessary to maintain the health and well-being of this nation. He
represents a clear and present danger to our union.
