No amount of rationalization could convince many otherwise intelligent, law-abiding citizens (MAGAs?) that we should not legitimately allow Donald Trump (a twice impeached former president, convicted on 34 felony charges) to run for the most powerful position in the world. Can you believe there are no criminal limitations blocking such candidates from running for the highest position in the world?
The Constitution states that a presidential candidate must be a natural born citizen of the United States. They must have lived in this country 14 years and be at least 35 years old. But the Constitution places no limitations on their character or criminal record. That is ridiculous, contradicting and sets a dangerous precedent. But when these qualifications were written, the ‘founding fathers’ had no possible idea that the likes of a Donald Trump would one day surface and run for president of the U.S.
But be that as it may, it is a direct insult to minor convicted felons in this country not to be given the same consideration as Trump. There is no federal mandate concerning restrictions on convicted felons. That right was given to the individual states. Therefore, each state has its own laws concerning restrictions or limitations for convicted felons. In some states felons are prohibited from possessing a firearm, voting, holding public office, serving on a jury and prohibited from certain jobs. Some states are harsher than others. So it’s obvious that providing no uniform, federal restrictions or limitations on felons is contentious and problematic. Allowing individual states to subjectively control such an important matter is absurd. Take a look at Donald Trump if you think it’s a good idea.
Does it make sense for some people to serve time as convicted felons in one given state, while in another state that same crime may not even be considered a misdemeanor? The unfairness we continue to allow in our judicial system is unacceptable and must be addressed and rectified. In the case of Trump, if any other felon was running for president, they would be raked over the coals—despite what the Constitution stipulates.
You would think individual states would at least weigh the character of a person running on their individual ballots for president and do the right thing. What makes Donald Trump so ‘special’ is that you have those who are willing to fight and defend his ruthless tirades, even as he makes a mockery of all Americans and our Constitution. Those of us who hold our democracy dear should be outraged. It is the foundation that makes us the nation we are, a beacon to all the world—and Trump mocks it!
Make no mistake, the world is in disbelief and questioning our ability as a world leader for other countries. Is this what we have reduced ourselves to as a nation? Are we to forgo any tenets of decency and dignity to allow what many consider a snake-oil, crook and con man to run for office as president of the United States of America?
Shame on anyone who honestly feels Trump is fit to be the leader of this country and the free world. Yes, as a nation we have our problems stemming from racism and divisiveness. But Donald Trump is not the solution. He is a major part of the problem. The mere fact that loopholes exist in laws allowing Trump to be on states’ ballots as a candidate for president reeks of improprieties and White privilege. It is a clear sign that our judicial system needs to be overhauled or amended making it fair and equal for all. As it stands now, the application of justice is highly subjective. That can be a problem when considering many of those adjudicating.
Each state has its own state constitution and state laws, making uniformity impossible throughout the country. That’s what makes our country a federal nation. But sometimes it would make good sense to operate in unison which could eliminate a lot of city, state and district problems. But states’ rights verses federal laws and statutes have caused an ongoing battle that has plagued this country since its birth. Many people feel that in the case of deciding on our president, federal guidelines should dictate and supersede laws of the states.
Anyone can easily extrapolate that everyone without exception should be held accountable for obeying the laws of the land. One of the biggest problems in America has been caused by making some people ‘exceptions’ to the rule of law. We all know that all hell would break loose if any felon besides Trump were running for president. Therefore, you can conclude that justice and equality are being held captive by the ‘powers that be.’
We need to learn one thing from our present situation: the Constitution should be amended to take into account the character and criminal record of anyone vying for presidency of the United States of America.
