Letters to the editor: Trump, Risch
Trump
In a letter written by Alexander Hamilton to President Washington, Hamilton showed his genius and perhaps his prophetic ability, “When a man unprincipled in private life, desperate in his fortune, bold in his temper, possessed of considerable talents, having the ability of military habits — despotic in his ordinary demeanor — known to have scoffed in private at the principles of liberty — when such a man is seen to mount the hobby horse of popularity — to join in the cry of danger to liberty — to take every opportunity of embarrassing the government and bringing it under suspicion — to flatter and fall in with all of the nonsense of the zealots of the day — it may justly be suspected that his object is to throw things into confusion that he may ‘ride the storm’ and direct the whirlwind.” This letter was read by Jerry Nadler to the senate sitting as jurors. It would seem to describe President Trump extremely well. Were our senators awake for this? Will they actually stay awake to hear the overwhelming evidence of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress? We have been waiting for some show of integrity and independence, it is past time.
Richard Shackelford, Boise
Risch
This morning, I find that our distinguished senator, James Risch, became the poster boy of the “thoughtful consideration” the Republicans are giving the impeachment trial. Mr. Risch, you were sketched sleeping and, later, talking so loudly you could be heard in the press gallery. The sketch of you slumped over with your head resting on your right hand has gone viral and the story of a Idaho senator “zonked” is in all the media along with thousands of re-tweets. A representative of your office stated that this is just an example of how you do your job, i.e., with your eyes closed and looking down. Senator Risch, it is time for you to pack it in. You are an old white guy (76) and have more money than you’ll ever spend. It would be best for you and the people of Idaho if you just retire and spend the time you have left enjoying your ranch and the beauty Idaho has to offer. Idahoans can do without a senator who does his job with his eyes closed.
Boyd L. Mauer, Boise
Risch
Wanted: A Republican, socially conservative, technologically savvy, and internationally minded candidate to run against Senator Risch in the upcoming 2020 Republican Primary. Qualifications: Must actually prioritize principle above agenda, agenda above party, and party above a singular, loud-mouthed, psychologically troubled President. Must be willing to accept donations from Idahoans of all stripes in order to fund her/his campaign--donors who feel that the Republican Party has expelled them, owing to some transfixing that was done on a portion of the base of the party, much of it on a slanted basis. Must be able to articulate, in a way that grows to resonate with the principled people of Idaho, the betrayal of the rule of law that Senator Risch will have likely committed, as he will likely have voted by then to acquit President Trump for one of the worst abuses of Presidential power in our nation’s history. Must not be inclined to imagining that they are doing a lot of good behind the scenes in advising the President, when in reality they’re allowing an international monster to go about his ways. Please aspire to help lead the nation back from a partisan abyss, and to help restore our national dignity!
Ryan Gibby, Boise
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