Letters to the editor | Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020: Impeachment and presidential politics

The real hoax: no witnesses

One of the president’s favorite words as he attacks the impeachment process, and other investigations, is “hoax.” Now that the U.S. Senate has decided not to have any witnesses or other new evidence, the so-called trial really has degenerated into an elaborate cover-up for the president. If that isn’t the hoax of the century, I don’t know what is.

Rubbing salt in the wound was Mitch McConnell’s earlier pledge that he would work hand-in-hand with the president’s defenders to steer Senate procedures in the trial. Fair trial? Ha.

It is appalling that the Senate Republicans (minus Romney) would ignore the wishes of three quarters of national poll respondents who supported bringing in witnesses.

I am so ashamed of what happened in this massive hoax and cover-up for the president that I have taken down the American flag that had been flying by my front door. It will fly again when we have a new and genuine president.

Sanders isn’t the one

I love Bernie, but I will not vote for him. Bernie’s done a spectacular job of raising awareness. Now we have a great opportunity. Americans want lower drug prices and lower healthcare costs. They want climate action, immigration reform, gun safety, and fair taxes. They want to invest in education and infrastructure to create good-paying jobs and strengthen the middle class.

Bernie was right to vote against the Iraq war, but was unable to persuade others. Being right is not enough; you must also convince others.

Bernie’s legislative track record is terrible. Bernie has “contributed to the debate, but rarely forged actual legislation or left a significant imprint on it.” See for yourself: Google “Bernie’s track record in the Senate.” Many Americans like their employer-subsidized health insurance. They will support a voluntary Medicare for all, or a strengthening of Obamacare.

We need skilled leadership, not just bold ideas. A skilled leader has solutions that don’t break the bank, solutions that will win the support of Congress. We must win senate seats and beat Trump in the swing-states, where voters are middle of the road. Our candidate must win their votes, not just ours.

Buttigieg gets my vote

After watching the debates, reading ads, fliers and news reports, I’ve lit upon two criteria for the next president. First and foremost is they must not be a billionaire. Although it’s not impossible that money makes a bad president, seeing one in action has spoiled me on the idea. To become a billionaire, one is likely either money-obsessed or has consistently chiseled customers, or both.

My other litmus test is they must be under 71 years old, for two reasons: 1) I can’t think of a single president over that age who did a good job; and 2) the effects of global warming, the world’s biggest problem, will not be fully appreciated by someone in their last decade of life.

Of the remaining viable candidates, I believe Pete Buttigieg is the best candidate because of the way he talks. He speaks with empathy, conviction and powerful intellect. He never lets his emotions cloud his judgment even at the most harrowing moments. Pete has the calm demeanor and moderate policies to ease the rancor that divides the nation.

However, I will vote for whoever has a valid drivers’ license and opposes Trump.

This story was originally published February 13, 2020 at 10:44 AM with the headline "Letters to the editor | Thursday, Feb. 13, 2020: Impeachment and presidential politics."