LETTER

Reply to the pro-Trump screed of a letter-writer

 

Of all the good reasons to "delegitimate" Trump, alleged Kremlin intervention in the election should rank low. Trump's evils are huge, with a very incomplete list including vast greed, pathological lying, contempt for facts, enthusiasm for oligarchy, bigotry, environmental destruction, racism, misogyny, economic injustice, voter suppression and rampant conflicts of interest.

Though Trump has legal legitimacy, he totally lacks political legitimacy. He seized power through a cumulative set of actions that thoroughly undermine the integrity of the election outcome. These illegitimate actions include voter suppression engineered by the Republican Party, highly inappropriate and outrageous interventions in the election by the Director of the FBI, persistent demonizing and intimidation of a free press and, most egregious, a deliberate attempt (openly encouraged by Trump himself) by a hostile foreign government to influence the election in his favour. Taken together, these actions fatally undercut the political legitimacy of Trump’s presidency. These are specific accusations, all well documented in the public sphere.

Trump lacks the moral authority of the Presidency. Trump’s deficiencies of character undercut any notion that he deserves moral or civic respect. His deep flaws have been on full exhibit before, during, and after the election campaign. These character failures are revealed in his blatant and persistent lies, the scapegoating of vulnerable groups, eight years as a birther, a disgusting history as a sexual predator and racist, and conflicts of financial interest so wide and deep that he will be impeachable on day one of his presidency.

Nor should anyone assume that this lets the Democratic Party officials off the hook for their role in the disaster, the American election of 2016. “Draining the swamp” includes outing Trump and his proto-fascists—and the venial politicians of all parties, too comfortable in Washington.

Ottawa and the Liberal Party should be following these events very, very carefully.  The bell tolls for thee, political operatives everywhere.  

Linda Turner
Gatineau