"The Damn Fool"

An immigrant then: 

Alexander Hamilton

Immigrants now:

#America Strong

Last weekend I went to see a movie. I write about this today, on this day, because it reminded me of something I had forgotten. So many people are worried that with the advent of the new President we have forgotten what America really is. Sure we have always had divisions, be they economic, racial, or political. But this movie reminded me of what is the core strength in my country. It is its people. Not one person, but all of us together. And when the going gets tough we rally around each other.

No one is fully prepared for any emergency situation. But on that day, and in its aftermath, many, many people helped those in need, or helped to make sure that others would not have to face a similar situation. This was their town, their country. They would not let those who would seek to harm it or tear it down succeed.

This is Boston strong, this is America strong.

 Never underestimate her.

The Reality of Being President

Our recent election of Donald Trump to the highest office of our country has made me contemplate what that job entails. We, the American people, I believe expect a great deal of the person who holds that office, not least of which is to conduct himself or herself with integrity. Governing the United States is not a game or a winner take all competition to be indulged in.

The United States Constitution has various checks and balances written into it. One of those is the ability of Congress to remove a president if he or she commits acts considered to be “high crimes and misdemeanors” against our country. This is not to be taken lightly. I thought it might be interesting to look briefly at what this means and so have delved into it further. This is some of what I have found.

Contrary to what some may believe Richard Nixon was not actually impeached. He was warned that the proceedings were going to take place and in all likelihood he would be convicted, so he chose to resign.

Impeachment of Richard Nixon

For those who don't remember, or aren't aware of, why Nixon was set to be impeached, this is an excerpt from the article on how it all started:

“A break-in occurred on the night of June 17, 1972, as five burglars entered the Democratic National Committee offices inside the Watergate office complex in Washington. Discovered by 24-year-old night watchman Frank Wills, they were arrested at the scene by police at 2:30 a.m.

Investigations soon revealed the Watergate burglars were employed by the Committee to Re-elect President Nixon. However, a White House spokesman dismissed the incident as a "third-rate burglary attempt."
In August of 1972, President Nixon told reporters, "no one in the White House staff, no one in this administration, presently employed, was involved in this very bizarre incident."
The arrest of the Watergate burglars marked the beginning of a long chain of events in which President Nixon and his top aides became deeply involved in an extensive coverup of the break-in and other White House sanctioned illegal activities.”

But as the following article points out the two Presidents that actually had impeachment proceedings initiated, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton, were not convicted, and went on to complete their terms.

The charges against Andrew Johnson pertained to violation of the Tenure of Office Act and the charges against Bill Clinton were obstruction of justice and perjury pertaining to his testimony before the Grand Jury with regard to his affair with Monica Lewinsky.

Presidents who were impeached

As we go forward with the new administration it would be my hope, as well as many others I am sure, that our country will continue to prosper. The new President should play an integral role to achieve that.

In my newspaper today there was an article regarding the realities of being President that will face Mr. Trump when he takes office. It is an interesting read.

A Realist's Guide

This New Year

"Where liberty dwells, there is my country."  Benjamin Franklin

We are at the start of a new year again.  For all out there who are struggling to find their way in an uncertain world, remember, never give up your dreams.

Happy New Year!