Impeachment of the president is set to go forth on two counts: abuse of the powers of his office and the obstruction of Congress. There could have been other charges, but the democratic leaders of the House of Representatives decided to keep the charges simple so that the public could more easily understand the issues.
Nonetheless, the news media should keep citizens informed on matters that might not get formal attention. A prime example is the continuing concern of some Americans about the unusually close relationship Donald Trump has with Vladimir Putin, the president of Russia, even though Russia is at war with Ukraine. The U.S. assumed security obligations to Ukraine after that country agreed to the treaty on the non-proliferation of nuclear weapons of 1994.
Trump’s willingness to withhold weapons needed by Ukraine for its defense against Russian attack, among other claims, is a U.S. abnegation of its duty as a strategic partner of Ukraine. Also, contrary to the opinion of every U.S. intelligence security administration, Trump has insisted that Ukraine, not Russia, was guilty of meddling in the 2016 U.S. election.
Pres. Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine has committed to direct his nation to an alliance with the West, while Putin seems to want to enliven the Cold War between the West and what is left of the USSR.
Trump’s personal plans are in opposition to America’s natural interests. Trump and the henchmen of his administration seem eager to silence inquiry on these matters. The only protection is for the press to become informed and to speak out.
