To the Editor:

Last week was a horrible week for America, racism, and again for the president. Once again, a man was brutally and unnecessarily murdered for being black. Another was shot for no reason in Georgia for jogging.

It appears America has reached a tipping point. The latest incident combined with frustration of the federal government’s mishandling of COVID-19, has resulted in numerous protests and unfortunately destruction in at least 30 American cities from coast to coast. While I personally am never in favor of destruction, the reason for it is the people are “mad as hell and aren’t going to take it anymore.”

Once again, the president has failed on his part to calm the country down. In fact, if anything, he is inflaming the fury as he has with COVID-19 with ongoing insinuating tweets.

Former President  Barack Obama (and others) had it right when they said Donald Trump was not fit to be president. He has proven that almost every day. He has lied nearly 20,000 times since taking office, some of which have been very malicious. His lack of action might have resulted in thousands of unnecessary deaths from COVID-19. Now we are in the midst of a racist meltdown.

Some had wished the electors replaced Trump for another Republican president, like Ted Cruz or John Kasich. The Electoral College was designed for this purpose when the electors believed that the person elected by the people did not meet presidential standards.

While I think at the time that would not have been a wise option, in retrospect I wish they had. Recall Trump had said very early in the Republican campaign, “I could shoot someone on Fifth Avenue and still get elected.”

The Senate had the opportunity to remove him and of course voted not to. Section 4 of the 25th Amendment, established in 1967, allows for the removal of the president when Congress deems him or her unfit. It has never been invoked.

President Trump is not only an abnormal president but he is dangerous. The majority of people feel that. This is not about Democrat or Republican, liberal or conservative. There is no guarantee he will leave the office even if he is voted out via the Electoral College.

I personally believe things will get worse, even if COVID-19 “magically” disappears, which it will likely not. The economy is wrecked and this racial unrest is here to stay.

Perhaps protesters can peacefully but persistently focus their energy to pressure Congress to remove Trump and let Mike Pence finish out the term to January. As long as Trump is in the White House, I do not see any progress being made with climate change, COVID-19, the economy (other than for the wealthy) and especially this racist issue at hand. If we can persuade Congress to evoke the 25th, it might be better than waiting until November when Trump  might “steal” the election. 

Hugh Johnson

Albany