We all knew that Donald Trump would end his
term with a bang, rather than a whimper. In the event, he rather surpassed
expectations by inciting a mob of maybe 3,000 of his followers to storm the
Capitol and attempt to prevent the formality of counting the unfavourable
Electoral College vote - Biden 306, Trump 232.The Capitol police were easily
overrun, the mob enjoyed the Rotunda and trashed the offices of legislators,
some yelling “Hang Pence!” the luckless Vice-President, who joined shaken senators
and other VIPs sheltering in secure Capitol bunkers. Bored, and after 5 fatalities, the mob
drifted off and order was restored, the Electoral College votes were formally
counted, long before Trump stirred himself to tell his followers to go home,
while repeating claims that the election had somehow been “stolen”. Most US
citizens were greatly alarmed and horrified, America’s friends were much saddened
and her enemies were totally jubilant.
A Pro-Trump mob storms
the Capitol 6.01.21
After the shock wore off, the reaction in the
US has been furious and confused. The first instinct was to depose and punish
Trump; he must, many said, be held accountable for his actions and their
consequences. Two roads seemed possible. Apply the 25th Amendment
whereby the Vice President (Mike Pence) and a majority of the Cabinet can find
the President unfit to continue in office and replace him with Pence. Unfortunately,
Pence is a Trump loyalist, if also a respecter of the Constitution, and he has
not shown any inclination to pursue this course, so it may be a non-starter.
There is a school of thought that America
should not divide itself further and vindictive pursuit of Trump is a mistake. Certainly,
many Democrats, including Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, are highly partisan
figures, but letting Trump off lightly is basically a milksop policy. The man’s
conduct has been outrageous and he must he brought to justice.
The nuclear option is Impeachment. The House
raises charges against the President alleging abuse of power, “high crimes and
misdemeanors” and a trial is held in the Senate, requiring a two-thirds
majority, if found guilty, the President can be sentenced and would lose his
pension and normal benefits and could be barred from future Federal office.
Although the Chief Justice of the USA presides at the trial, the process is
essentially political rather than judicial. As the Inauguration of Joe Biden is
only 7 days away on 20 January, it is hard to see how much could be done before
then.
The House, with its Democratic majority, will
pass the required impeachment resolution today (Wednesday) but may not forward
it to the Senate until after Biden is inaugurated. A trial of Trump would be a
great distraction for the early days of a new Presidency and anyhow achieving a
two-thirds majority in the evenly-split Senate is a high bar to jump, even
though some Republicans may break ranks. Remember, this is second time round
for a Trump impeachment – the last one, about corrupt dealings in Ukraine,
failed as the Senate voted strictly on party lines. The impeachment road could
easily fizzle out. Once Trump has left office, he could face criminal charges
like any other private citizen, including presumably, incitement to
insurrection and tax evasion, a long process.
Between now and 20 January, Americans worry
about security from more marauding armed gangs, the reliability of certain
police forces, control of nuclear codes, (especially if China, North Korea,
Russia or Turkey pull some opportunistic stunt), inappropriate presidential
pardons, and Biden’s personal safety. One hopes all these contingencies are
covered and Trump’s malign influence can be contained.
So, the Trump Presidency ends in turmoil. How grievously
mistaken was the reading of Trump’s character by the US electorate and by the
Republican establishment. From the start, it was obvious that he was a blowhard
ignoramus, made arrogant by great wealth and contemptuous of the traditions of
his office. He had no qualifying experience, nor gifts of eloquence nor respect
for his fellow-men. Acts of grace or kindness wholly eluded him. One soon
wondered, as one heard his narcissistic ramblings and lies, if he was mentally
ill – yet was that possible? For 4 years he has mis-governed America and
overturned her alliances. He will not be missed. The famous lines of Sir Walter
Scott seem apposite;
If such there
breathe, go, mark him well;
For him no Minstrel raptures swell.
High though his titles, proud his name,
Boundless his wealth as wish can claim;
Despite those
titles, power, and pelf,
The wretch, concentred all in self,
Living, shall forfeit fair renown,
And, doubly dying, shall go down
To the vile dust, from whence he sprung,
Unwept, unhonor’d, and unsung.
SMD
13.01.21
Text Copyright © Sidney Donald 2021
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