If it isn’t barred the criminal code, then it’s not impeachable
President shouldn’t answer to Congress
The camel has pushed its nose into the tent. The Constitution provides that the president can be removed from office upon impeachment and conviction for “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”
We are now told these malfeasances also include abuse of the powers of government office or a violation of the public trust — conduct not necessarily barred by criminal statute. If this is to be the standard for impeachment, then any president can be removed by Congress at any time based on a whim wrapped in a theory.
You may not like President Donald Trump, but do you really think that making the executive branch essentially subservient to Congress is in the country’s best interest?
- Dwight A. Heard, Benbrook
There is no doubt about it
The facts are clear: President Donald Trump pressured an important ally to help his 2020 campaign. How many American soldiers will die after an emboldened Russian President Vladimir Putin pushes past Ukraine in his lust for more territory? Meanwhile, Republicans relish their power to fool Americans by presenting flashier, if blatantly false, narratives.
The truth is that soliciting foreign interference in our elections could render them null and void. If Republican leaders don’t stop ignoring the Constitution, they will turn our country into a tragic farce.
- Barbara Chiarello, Arlington
Leadership that is obvious to see
When you search for leaders to hire away from other cities, ask yourself: Why is this person available to hire away from the city that knows him or her best? When you advance someone through the ranks of your own city and observe the growth of capability and character, you know what you’re getting.
Such was the case with the developing leadership of Police Chief Ed Kraus. We had a winner, and the city manager made an outstanding selection.
- Martin L. Moskowitz, Fort Worth
Don’t want to see these columns
I just read Eugene Robinson’s Dec. 11 column, “Cruel policies led to the death of teenage migrant.” (17A) As long as the Star-Telegram publishes the inaccurate and misleading commentaries by this liberal hypocrite, the paper will continue to lose what credibility it has left.
- Bill McDaniel, Arlington
Dollar stores serve a real need
I agree with those who say restricting dollar stores is a bad move. They are reminiscent of the neighborhood groceries that were on nearly every other corner where I grew up. They provide everyday convenience to those with limited transportation.
Reducing their availability will not correct the “food desert” problem. It will only force people to shop at convenience stores that are much pricier and not as well stocked. Fort Worth’s new ordinance needs to be repealed.
- Jack D’Amario, Granbury
Not a crunch on drug makers
Rep. Ron Wright, like all Republicans, is fearful of letting citizens negotiate lower prescription drug prices. (Dec. 13, 1A, “Wright fights cancer, drug bill”) Wright asserts that HR 3, the Elijah E. Cummings Lower Drug Costs Now Act that passed the House on Thursday, would squelch innovation. But a company that does not attempt to develop successful new products would wither and go out of business. Its shareholders would not allow it to pull back on innovation.
Americans just want a fair approach from pharmaceutical companies.
- Pat Gentry, Arlington