“A man who does not think for himself does not think at all.” Oscar Wilde

"A man who does not think for himself does not think at all." Oscar Wilde

Wednesday, September 27, 2017

An Open Letter to President Trump

Mr. President,

The past eight months have been a revelation both for the American people and without a doubt their president. During this past week you have been the lead story on most news outlets both here and abroad.

Majority of those stories were not about your concern regarding the devastation caused by hurricanes or earthquakes. Nor, did they focus on your interest about the seriousness of the problem North Korea may pose. No, it was your rants on Twitter about the National Football League's players expression of free speech. At one point in time even calling for the firing of "those sons of bitches." A statement worthy of a ... worthy of .... can't think of an example but certainly not a world leader.

Much has been made of Constitutional rights this past week. Let me quote from Article II, Section 1 of that cherished document: "The executive Power shall be vested in a President of the United States of America." It does not say a dictator or a king or any other omnipotent.

In that same section of the Constitution, the last paragraph of that section states: "... he shall take the following Oath or Affirmation - I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the Office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my Ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States."

On December 15, 1791 the first ten amendments to the Constitution were ratified and form what is known as the "Bill of Rights."

"Amendment I

 Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech, or the right of the people to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances."

Even though that paragraph begins: "Congress shall make no law ..." it does not mean the President can make his or her own laws. Review your basic anatomy of our government's make up. Three branches, Executive, Legislative and Judicial. Each is charged with specific duties.

These first ten amendments were written by James Madison in response to calls from several states for greater constitutional protection for individual liberties. The Bill of Rights lists specific prohibitions on governmental power.

While we as individuals may not agree with certain things, there are avenues to redress such issues. The polls I've seen regarding the recent demonstrations of freedom of speech do not support the NFL players taking a knee. Majority feel it is disrespectful. Among our veterans the feelings are mixed. Many of the mainstream media have reported stories of combat vets while not agreeing with the players actions say they fought for them to have the right to express themselves. Senator John McCain went on the record with that sentiment.

Mr. Trump, don't you believe it would be more productive and in the best interest of our great nation if you focused your energy on such things as helping those left homeless and without anything from the hurricanes. And, how to defuse the situation you helped to create with North Korea and try to have the doomsday clock minute hand moved away 12 instead of closer to it.

Do you think there is a possibility that you may be able to be presidential and not egomaniacal?






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