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John M. Mishler is a former dean of graduate studies and research and a professor of natural sciences at the University of Maryland. He lives in Harpswell.
President Donald Trump pardoned hundreds of individuals convicted of attempting to subvert a lawful and secure national election by a violent assault on law enforcement officers. Did he go too far? He has also pardoned several individuals convicted of cryptocurrency manipulation. Gone too far? He and his family have netted billions of dollars with their crypto-related business ventures. Has he gone too far? He has received a 747 jetliner as a gift. Gone too far?
He has encouraged the unlawful removal of thousands of federal employees targeted by Elon Musk and DOGE. Gone too far? He has politicized various government departments (e.g., Department of Justice, Department of Defense, etc.) and demanded they follow his whims and desires, rather than uphold state, federal, and international laws. Has he gone too far?
He has, with his own hateful rhetoric, essentially encouraged ICE to brutalize innocent citizens and lawful immigrants, even allowing the murder of said American citizens, in addition to the deaths of immigrants held in federal detention centers. Gone too far?
He has torn down the East Wing of the White House, without proper approvals, to be replaced by a hideous, gigantic ballroom. Has he gone too far? He has added his name to the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Gone too far?
He has allowed a totally unqualified individual (a real estate broker) to negotiate extremely important treaties with Russia/Ukraine, Iran, and Gaza/Israel. Has he gone too far? He has disrupted important relationships the United States has with NATO and the European Union. Gone too far?
He has “pressured” law firms, colleges and universities, to “follow” his desire and eliminate DEI policies. He’s threatened the media. Gone too far? He has instructed the Department of Justice to put forth criminal/civil charges against innocent political opponents without evidence of unlawful conduct. Has he gone too far?
His name has appeared in numerous documents related to the Epstein files, including an alleged incident of sexual assault against a minor. Has he gone too far? In addition, he is hindering the full and complete release of all documents, files, videos, photographs, and other pertinent materials related to the Epstein investigation. Gone too far?
Trump has “added” additional taxes on imported goods, paid for by U.S. citizens, by virtue of his imposed tariffs placed on products from foreign countries. Gone too far? Inaction by him and Congress has eliminated healthcare subsidies for millions of hardworking Americans. Gone too far?
Trump’s unnecessary war with Iran has resulted in the loss of the lives of U.S. service members, caused chaos in the Middle East, and significantly raised the price of gasoline, heating oil, natural gas, fertilizer and other petroleum-based products. Has he gone too far?
Finally, for some the answer is yes, but why did it take so long? For most Americans, all of the misadventures listed above, happened to other individuals and did not significantly impact their own lives. However, as a result of this unjustified conflict, petroleum products now suddenly cost more and are seemingly rising on a daily basis. Now, on a personal level, we feel the “pain” of Trump’s behavior.
Ergo, I believe too many Americans have been asleep for the initial stages of Trump’s second term. But, now, suddenly personally feeling the pain of higher prices at the pumps, soon to be followed by higher prices for most goods relying on gasoline, we have begun to notice how tainted Trump’s tenure as president has been.
Is there a remedy for his unrelenting toxic actions? Yes, the upcoming midterm elections, where Americans can elect candidates who care more about their constituents than following the whims of Trump and his sycophants.
We can reclaim our democracy in the coming election, but only if we support worthwhile candidates by voting.