Category: Politics

TRUMP’S IMPEACHMENT – A SENSE OF INEVITABILITY?

On July 23, 2019

Trump addresses media (AL JAZEERA)

The Appointment of a Special Counsel is only taken when matters of serious national interest are at stake when there are concerns that senior officials have abused their office.

The US Justice Department appointed former FBI Director Robert S Mueller III as special counsel to oversee the federal investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, including potential collusion between President Donald Trump’s campaign and Russian officials.

In a rare press conference Special Counsel Robert Mueller clearly stated that his report does not exonerate the President of the United States.

We know that Mueller’s findings did not result in an indictment for the President.

But what does this mean?

Well according to Department of Justice guidelines, a sitting President cannot be indicted by this entity. However, there is one who can….

Step forward the United States Congress….

Before Robert Mueller’s rare interview, the Democrats would have felt as though they would have to hold fire with impeachment proceedings, because it would look like a partisan hit. However, after the redacted Mueller report was released on his investigation and Attorney General Bill Barr’s attempt to mislead the public his controversial summary, Mueller stepped forward into public eye and in a way, almost gave Democrats the green light to impeach Donald Trump.

As someone from the UK, you felt Mueller had to say something, whether it was just on a podium to clear up Barr’s statements or to testify before Congress, which he had been invited to do.

Impeachment is now looking more likely than ever, despite the fact that Democrats hold only the House. Justin Amash who is a Republican has been the first Republican to state that impeachment is a possibility.

UNITED STATES – JUNE 19: FBI Director Robert Mueller testifies before a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing in Dirksen Building on oversight of the FBI. (Photo By Tom Williams/CQ Roll Call)

What is impeachment?

The United Kingdom Parliament would not likely not carry out impeachment. The UK actually has this power, but it is regarded as obsolete, so it is rarely used, and the phrase is never spoken. We instead have judicial review and more commonly used confidence motions, which can be used for removal of a party leader.

In the US, impeachment is the removal of any government official outlined in the Constitution, due to “high crimes and misdemeanours”. Essentially, the President must be well behaved and not upset the opposition party in order to not have proceedings against filed against him.

There have only been 2 proper proceedings in the history of the US – Andrew Johnson in 1868 and Bill Clinton in 1998. Both were unsuccessful.

Why is there talk of a Trump impeachment? Is it likely? Or is it just a nothing-burger that his base repeatedly claim?

The arguments for:

RUSSIAGATE

A picture from the Helsinki summit that speaks 1000 words (THE WEEKLY STANDARD)

During his first term, Trump has repeatedly been accused of “colluding” and/or “conspiring” with Russia, even as far back as the 1980s.

There had been many suggestions that this may have been true.

– The Steele Dossier written by a former MI6 officer Christopher Steele.

– Trump’s refusal to deride Putin but instead abuse and name-call US allies.

– His facial reactions and body language when he is around Putin? Particularly after the Helsinki summit. He went against the findings of his own intelligence agencies and sided with a foreign adversary.

– The removal of sanctions against Russia

– Refusal to release his tax returns, which could show he’s indebted to Russia businessmen and oligarchs.

– Majority of his associates being indicted to criminal activity relating to Russia, including his former lawyer, Michael Cohen.

DAILY EMBARRASSMENT

The Four Congresswomen Democratic Freshmen (Rashida Tlaib, Ayanna Pressley, Ilhan Omar and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez) have all been attacked by the POTUS (NY POST)

The times where Trump has been praised for his speeches have been minimal.

He regularly Tweets on Twitter either to say something controversial or downright false or he will attack any critic of his.

Recently, he went after 4 freshmen Congresswomen, who all happen to be minorities saying they should “go back to the places from which they came”.

Even if you disagree with a President’s or Prime Minister’s policies, the least they can do to show that they are a worthy leader, is to show some decorum and respect.

This is the President of the USA ladies and gents

Unindicted co-conspirator

Michael Cohen about to testify before Congress (NBC NEWS)

Michael Cohen, the President’s former lawyer and “fixer” was arrested for crimes committed at the direction of “Individual One”.

Individual One (Trump) was named as an unindicted co-conspirator for his crimes which included hush money payments to Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal.

Having to go to jail for someone else’s crimes would leave a bitter taste in the mouth, especially if that individual was the President.

Cohen’s 2019 testimony was received international attention as one of Trump’s former confidants exposed his misdemeanours.

All valid reasons yes?

Why has it not started?

Democrats dragging their feet?

Speaker Pelosi has repeatedly said impeachment should not be the main focus for Dems (NATIONAL REVIEW)

On the issue of Trumps impeachment there is a dichotomy in the Democratic party. The party leadership under Speaker Nancy Pelosi and a majority of the caucus hold the position that the case needs to be cast-iron and needs to enjoy bipartisan support such it would not get defeated in the senate. The other camp is pro-impeachment and feels that Trump has committed significant offences and brought the Office of President into disrepute.

Chairperson of the House Financial services Committee Maxine Waters has been calling for impeachment for several months. She has been joined by many of that newer ‘progressive’ members of the house. Among the Democratic presidential hopefuls Senator Elizabeth Warren was the first to state her support for Trumps impeachment.

So why don’t Dems just start then?

They have many cases that they can look into.

I mean they can even take inspiration from Bill Clinton’s trial.

The Clinton impeachment did not start with the Monica Lewinsky affair. Ken Starr was put there to essentially see if he could find any wrongdoings and initially, he couldn’t find anything with the Whitewater investigation, and it wasn’t until the Paula Jones scandal that Starr broadened his investigation into Clinton’s private life.

If the Democrats do this, more findings can reveal themselves,

But by just being idle, Trump is essentially given free-reign to act as he pleases.

Texan House of Representatives member Al Green tabled a motion for impeachment which was debated on but this motion was defeated which shows how untouchable the POTUS seems at the moment.

Examination of the numbers of votes indicates that in the House there is steady increase in support for Nancy Pelosi commencing impeachment hearings. With the public testimony of Robert Mueller looming it remains to be seen whether Donald Trump will be able to keep the pro-impeachment crowd at bay.

What do I think?

This is the President of the USA ladies and gents….,

My opinion which I am sure is held by the majority of the people out there is that the US can do so much better than this guy, Trump. I have never really seen a President act like this

Even if you want to “say it as it is”, informal personality can at least come with some form of civility for people who may not agree with your beliefs.

Perhaps, it will be happen in the near future, as he seems to hit new lows, on a near daily basis.

Is criticism of the NHS justified?

By Ben Nnene

On July 29, 2018

In Politics

Recently, I have worked at a paid intern at Thorpewood Medical Practice in Thorpe St. Andrew in Norwich.

The experience has been insightful; because I have been working alongside the admin team, partners and managers to see what goes on behind the scenes at the NHS.

I can say that I have been amazed by what patients really do think about the NHS, because I constantly hear people berate and see them take for granted a service that people from different nations around the world dream of having.

The main concern for the NHS is that real terms funding has been cut and patient demand has increased. While this is a problem, the committed professional charged with managing and delivering services have been able to keep the NHS afloat such that healthcare has been kept from falling into a state of stagnation.

This was going to be inevitable since the UK has an aging population, due to population growth and advances in medical science. From 2004 to 2014, the UK population rose from 60 million to 64 million, with the number of people living above 65 increased from 640,000 people in 2010, to 800,000 in 2012. (The Independent).

Jeremy Hunt who was the Health Secretary from 2012 to July 2018, has been a controversial figure, due to his policies, including the 2015 doctor’s contract which led to junior doctor strikes. While this took place, the number of reported deaths did not increase.

Former Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt

While the NHS is not perfect, I feel that the criticism that it receives, is very unjust.

Think of this like a case study…

Over 350 million appointments were made last year, in England, while there are just around 1.4 million people employed to the NHS.

This shows that the NHS is arguably the most important system in place at the moment in England.

The Figure above shows how GP practices are rated over Norfolk and England. As you can see, only 2% of all GPs practices have been adjudged to be “inadequate”. This was in 2017, where there were just fewer than 7000 GP practices, where there are around 7400 in total in England.

??!!

qcc pic 2

nhs pic 1

Thorpewood Medical Group recently achieved an outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission, the body appointed by government to assess service standards. The practice takes pride that it has been recognised as a beacon of exemplary practice.

Differential ratings from the CQC indicates that a perception that some GP practices are providing a good service for patients across the country.

The individual experience of patients will be influenced by the nature and urgency of the problem, the availability of resource and the professionalism and attire of the professionals encountered. From my experience of observing the goings on at the coal face I can conclude that even in the midst of severe pressures that the NHS offers an excellent service.

The Russia Story continues

By Ben Nnene

On January 20, 2018

In Politics, United States

It looks as if US President Trump’s inevitable impeachment is getting closer each day, with the first bombshell of 2018…….

Michael Wolff a well-known controversial author decided to publish the book, revealing chaos that had been going on in the White House since the inception of the Trump presidency.

Interestingly, Wolff had been invited to various parts of the White House, being allowed to observe and take notes in meetings that were going on.

Trump had allowed Wolff to interview him many times, over 200 times in fact, because he liked a story that Wolff had written about him in the Hollywood Reporter.

It seems shocking that Trump would allow a reporter to conduct many interviews and be present for many confidential meetings. This was bound to happen in a large form eventually, because his own White House staff have been leaking stories to the press anonymously.

The book called “Fire and Fury” was named after Trump’s threat to North Korea, after having an argument with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un over the two countries nuclear capabilities.

Once the book had been announced, by Wolff, Trump’s lawyer attempted to block its release using a cease and desist order. It was ultimately unsuccessful, which even led to Wolff pushing the release date one day forward, due to popular demand.

However, why would Trump want obtain a court order to block the sale of a book?

I don’t think embarrassment is the issue. He lavishes in doing that already.

Or is he just scared?

This is the key…. This could be Trump’s downfall:

Steve Bannon.

Steve Bannon has been through “Day 1”. He has stuck with Trump from his controversial statements from his days on the campaign trail, to his antics on the world stage in the Oval Office. He has insulted opponents of Trump, such as CNN and MSNBC’s Joe Scarborough, to show loyalty. Even after leaving his post as chief strategist, he continued to support Trump, often calling him offering support when General Kelly, the White House Chief of Staff was not around.

The Washington Post reported that Trump and Bannon were still talking in October 2017:

Did Michael Wolff somehow twist his words to get closer to Trump and his team? Credit- ABC NEWS

However, Trump made a fatal mistake. We all know that when the media focuses on a story regarding Mr Trump, he likes to use Twitter to complain about it or attack an individual.

Here, when it was revealed that Bannon had made comments in Wolff’s book, Trump took to cameras and Twitter to make his feelings known:

“Steve Bannon has nothing to do with me or my presidency.”

“When he was fired, he lost his mind.”

This was a Trump White House statement to the press after they pressed him for his opinion on Steve Bannon’s remarks.

Trump’s tweet on Bannon regarding Bannon’s job Credit- Twitter: @realDonaldTrump

This could spell bad news for Trump.

Why?

He doesn’t seem to understand that Bannon is a “snake”. He is no longer in a job at the White House, so he is free to say whatever he wants.

Bannon recently said that Mueller would crack Donald Trump Jr like an egg, due to “treasonous” meetings with the Russians.

Should Don Jr have a reason to be worried? Credit- liberalamerica.org

However, on 7th January 2018, Bannon apologised, stating that President Trump was a “great man” and a “patriot.”

It seems to me as if Bannon is trying to play mind games with Trump.

If you really wished your boss well or were trying to stop more revelations coming out for the Russian investigation, you would keep quiet.

Most people that Trump has insulted, including his own supporters, other people on his transition team and Republican Senators, have still stuck with him through his controversy.

If you look at it, Bannon is really the first to say anything revealing to the public.

Could this book be the end of Trump?

As of 20th January 2018, it is the best selling book in it’s genre worldwide Credit- Amazon

The Snap Election – What next?

By Ben Nnene

On July 4, 2017

In Politics, Politics and Economics, United Kingdom

On the 8^th May, the UK had another general election. We saw the Conservatives emerge victorious, albeit with the result they were not looking for – losing their majority, with Labour taking many traditionally Conservative strongholds.

The result was another shock to many British people, with many claiming that this result shows just how unpredictable politics can be. Only two polls successfully predicted the outcome of the election.

Some have called for Theresa May to resign due to this result, saying that she ran an uninspiring campaign, showed arrogance by not turning up to the televised debates and for not reaching out to young voters.

Who could replace May?

Jacob Rees-Mogg?

Jacob Rees-Mogg alongside David Dimbleby on an episode of Question Time. Is he ready to be leader of the Conservatives? Credit: BBC NEWS

Boris?

Moments like this make people question, is Boris the man we want for Prime Minister? Credit: BBC NEWS

Rees-Mogg is a popular MP in his party, known for his witty speeches and use of the filibuster. However, due to his posh demeanour, would everyone approve?

No one can question Boris Johnson’s intellect, however, it is his colourful personality that creates comedic headlines, which some people feel a Prime Minister should not be associated with.

The Conservatives have been viewed as a “party for the rich”, with many critics highlighting the fact that the party fails to help the young and the less fortunate. Since the Conservatives have come into power, the government has been under fire for its approach to the economy, with many disagreeing with the party’s austerity measures. The economy has improved since the recession of 2008, however, the Tories have come under fire from those on the left saying that she does exploits those that are less well-off.

So, what does this mean for Great Britain?

Will we have another coalition, this time the Conservatives and the DUP?

Will another election be called?

Are we at a point of voter fatigue, with 4 general votes in the UK in just 3 years?

Will we see something like this in the near future? Credit: BBC NEWS

MINORITIES AND THE YOUTH LET THEIR VOICES BE HEARD

So how did we end up in this post-election chaos?

Brexit was one of the key issues during this election. Many people want a good trade deal with EU once Great Britain finally leaves.

Conservatives mainly wanted the EU law precedence over Parliament law to be abolished. On the other hand, Labour wanted to protect the rights of EU nationals, which would have given Labour more support during the election.

The youth was encouraged to vote in this election, because the implications of Brexit would affect them most in years to come. According to a YouGov survey the youth vote (18-24 year olds) was around 64% for Labour and only 21% for the Conservatives. The overall electoral turnout was 69%, which was a 2% increase from the 2015 election.

The reason for Corbyn’s increase in popularity, especially with the youth of today is his promises to improve public services and to scrap tuition fees for students. Some claim that this is unrealistic, because the money would come from taxing the rich people that have earned their money, as well as big businesses. However, this was a real opener for the Conservatives, because they now need to show that they represent not only the middle class, but the working class and the upcoming generation, the youths.

Recently, at the Glastonbury Festival, Corbyn came and addressed the youth to a positive reaction. He engaged well and people discussed on social media how a Prime Minister should be able to meet and greet regular people to show that they care about their citizens.

Image result for jeremy corbyn glastonbury

Jeremy Corbyn saw his party have a large youth vote. Has this always been the Conservatives weak spot? Do they fail to engage the younger generation? Credit: The Huffington Post

NATIONAL SECURITY MAY DECIDE MAY’S FATE

The United Kingdom is renowned for its prevention of attacks on home soil. Unfortunately, in the space of four months there have been four attacks, with two occurring in one month. This became a major issue during the election, because people were unsure which government could prevent any large-scale attack.

The London attack a few days before the election again raised questions as to whether May expand on her “Snooper’s Charter” if elected. Her critics have stated that this is a violation of privacy, a basic human right, however supporters have argued is “if you are not doing wrong, you have nothing to hide.”

Image result for theresa may in the house of commons

Should the UK have more surveillance online to ensure that we are safer? Credit: The Telegraph

The Conservatives had a relatively low terrorist threat during the coalition, but Theresa May has come under increased criticism from the opposition, because of the reduction of police. The cuts of around 20,000 police officers gave Corbyn the argument that the attacks could have been prevented if fully staffed.

Terrorism could decrease substantially if a good negotiation for Brexit is agreed. Brexit could potentially mean immigration is going to be clamped down, making it harder for EU nationals to come to the country.

Despite Corbyn’s popularity with the youth, many did not want him in charge of the nation’s security, because of his past links to Hamas and the IRA, as well as his stance on nuclear weapons for the United Kingdom.

GRENFELL TOWER

On 14^th June 2017, a fire was started on the 4^th floor of a 24-storey high council flat. As of 28^th June, the death toll was 80, with many others still missing and around 74 injured.

Despite Theresa May promising £5 million for the families that were affected by the tragedy and going to the area to visit those affected in hospital, people criticised May by calling her a “coward” and “murderer”. While it is natural to feel aggrieved in these situations, many thought it was inappropriate for people to abuse May in public.

The Grenfell community demanded answers from Theresa May from her recent visit. Will an enquiry led by Sir Martin Moore-Bick be welcomed? Credit: The Independent

It is most likely that if this event took place before the election, May would have lost, not necessarily for her policies, but just due to the natural anger felt by those in Kensington.

These events will test May’s ability under pressure. Only time will tell, whether she can survive this latest political storm…

It’s all about Trump?

By Ben Nnene

On April 10, 2017

In Politics, United States

Credit: forward.com

Misogynistic

Moronic

Outspoken

President

The Trump phenomenon.

Here are just a few superlatives that voters, analysts, political scientists and the general public have used to describe Mr. Trump.

Some still can’t comprehend how he won. For many, it has given them hope. The fact that you can repeatedly lie and fear-monger a section of people to push through your agenda? Opponents have stated that he has not said one thing of substance, to make them consider him for the most powerful job in the world, during the campaign or as acting POTUS. Political commentators and analysts have criticised Bush for his policies, as well as Obama. However, some say that the “political landscape has completely changed” and that “rules have been re-written”, since Trump has arrived in the White House.

The many faces of Donald Trump, from a GOP debate. Credit: CNN Politics

We have seen Trump evade so much, throughout his lifetime, surviving many scandals and controversies, to deflecting attention away from his business dealings, in and out of government. Some have argued that it is partly due to his name and his organisation that has made him “untouchable”. More recently, Presidential privilege has been a significant factor.

However, are his days numbered?

Will he be the second US post-war President to be impeached?

Is there another Watergate on the horizon?

Would Mike Pence be an improvement?

Voters and political commentators have said that if he was elected, he would get voted out at the next election or not survive a full first term.

The latter seems to be the consensus currently, but the question is why?

Bill Clinton remains the only post-war President to be impeached. Will Trump be next? Credit: CBS News

Some have said it’s because of his basic lack of knowledge, generally and politically and his inability to show at least a “smidge” of succinct policy understanding, in any field.

Others have said it’s because of his dodgy business deals in the past. For example, the POTUS has repeatedly refused to show his tax returns to the public, despite there being no valid reason why he should not.

However, I think the main reason he would and is going to leave the White House, is due to his ties to Russia.

Here’s why….

DNC HACKING

Emails. Emails. Emails.

Clinton lost due to her emails?

I feel that a Trump victory came to fruition due to his claim that Clinton was this “dishonest, corrupt and CROOKED” politician.

This is true, because after a hack, it was revealed that the Democratic National Convention (DNC) had been hacked by an individual under the persona “Guccifer 2.0”. Guccifer 2.0 claimed that he was Romanian like his predecessor “Guccifer”, who in 2013, had started the Hillary e-mail scandal.

Was Russia behind all of this or like some have argued, was it just an everyday hacker that wanted to see Hillary Clinton fall? Credit: ABC News

2.0 denied involvement, claiming he was Romanian like his infamous predecessor.

However, after investigation from many cyber-security firms and CIA, they claimed that it was the Russians that were behind the hack, using the name to cover up their misdemeanours.

On 10^th April 2017, a Russian hacker was arrested in connection to this scandal.

Russian hacker arrested in Spain upon US request: BBC NEWS

Will there be more revelations?

TRUMP ADMIN TEAM

When Trump decided on his Cabinet appointments, many of his selections have been considered odd and dangerous, due to their respective histories personally and in government. Some have argued that this is the messiest transition of power in US history.

Michael Flynn who was Trump’s national security advisor first made me realise that this “Russian problem” was a bit suspicious. Initially, commentators were a bit sceptical to Russia’s involvement. However, much of the public now feel that they had a massive influence. Flynn was revealed to have had contact with Russian officials, including Russian ambassador Sergey Kislyak and to have lied about this to VP Mike Pence. He resigned as he faced pressure from many Democrats, who said that his position was untenable. Later, in March, when Flynn offered to testify in exchange for immunity from prosecution, a lot of people knew that something was up.

Contemplation. Kislyak allegedly had contact with the Michael Flynn. Credit: The New Yorker

Later, people had recalled him earlier stating in 2016, that anyone that is granted immunity, “has probably committed a crime”.

Jefferson Beauregard Sessions from Alabama.

A man that has made questionable remarks in the past. He once said that one particular organisation (known for their white robes and horrific actions against African Americans) were okay, until he realised they “smoked marijuana.” (1)

Yet, he’s appointed Attorney General, who deal with legal affairs in the Justice Department.

During his confirmation hearing, he was asked whether he had contacted Russians during the election campaign. He denied this. However, his lies came to haunt him, when it was it revealed that he did indeed have contact. He too faced calls for resignation, when it was revealed that he had lied under oath. Sessions initially denied this again, however he later said that he would “recuse” himself from investigation into the Russian interference of the US election.

This is the first time any Attorney General has had to “recuse” his or herself, from any investigation.

Former Senator for Alabama, Jeff Sessions said under oath that he did not have contact with the Russians. Credit: The Hill

PUTIN

Have you noticed that Trump has repeatedly mentioned Putin despite not even being asked about him?

Could this just be an extensive admiration for a “tough-guy” figure that has been described as authoritarian by critics.

It has been proven that Trump contradicts himself all the time. However, with Putin, he has done this on multiple occasions.

e.g. Oct 2015 – Trump tells a commentator that he met Putin a long time ago and that he was a “nice guy”.

July 2016 – Trump tells CBS that he doesn’t know Trump and that he’s never spoken to him.

On more than 5 occasions has Trump alleged meeting with Putin, then later stating that he’s never met him. Like many, I do not know if he’s lying or if he genuinely cannot remember what he has said….

Putin has repeatedly denied any Russian government involvement in the US election. Credit: NBC News.

To conclude, it doesn’t look too good for him, does it? From my perspective, I think that if he does get impeached, not only will everything in his government be revealed, but his deals and any other scandals will pop up again.

It may just be the most remarkable political story yet….

(1) The Guardian. (2018). Jeff Sessions to crack down on legalized marijuana, ending Obama-era policy. [online] Available at: https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2018/jan/04/jeff-sessions-to-crack-down-on-legalized-marijuana-ending-obama-era-policy [Accessed 9 Oct. 2023].

This is the Active Opinion.

My name is Ben Nnene. I am a graduate from the University of Essex, having studied Economics and Politics BSc.

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