Natsku - I'm getting the feeling that the end of the properly democratic United States is nigh and a dictatorship is being allowed in its place, with Putin to follow Trump.
This, from Dan Rather. But for the first time, I am unconvinced by his cautious optimism that they won't get away with it. After all we have seen in the past year, it rings hollow.
"We don't know everything that's really going on in the Russia investigation (or maybe we don't know much at all)... but we know it's something big.
We don't know who is saying what behind closed doors... but we know a lot is being said.
We don't know how this will play out... but we know that history is watching and that we are in the midst of a serious test for the sanctity of our democracy.
Like pieces falling in a high stakes game of chess, we have move after move where the strategy is unclear. And the pace of the game seems to be accelerating - rapidly.
On the one side from Special Counsel Robert Mueller - indictments and guilty pleas of men close to President Trump and his campaign. And more smoke clouds billow as the heat of attention moves ever-closer to Mr. Trump's inner circle.
On the other side, Mr. Trump, his accomplices, and his apologists attack the long-held American norm of independent justice. An acting deputy attorney general,and an FBI director have already been sacked. And now a third scalp in Andrew McCabe, the deputy FBI director. And then there is this outrageous "memo" which seems like it will be released for partisan purpose.
No one can predict what will be the end game. The twists and turns have already been beyond the ability of anyone's imagination. These are dangerous times. I am convinced the story of what is happening will eventually come out. But what will be the state of the nation when it does?
Many have written, myself included, of the shadow cast over the administration by the investigation of the Special Counsel. But there is another shadow that is even bigger. And that is the judgement of the American people. Millions are already making their voices heard, in the streets, online, and in special elections. The pivotal midterms loom in November. It is not clear how many of the Republicans in Congress are paying heed. Many elected officials and members of the rightwing press are seeking to protect the President from the reckoning of justice, whatever that turns out to be. (And we must repeat that he does enjoy the benefit of presumed innocence.)
But the more they deflect and stonewall, the more I feel the pressure is building across the country. I believe the vast majority of the American people believe in a core value of our nation's founding, expressed so eloquently by President Theodore Roosevelt.
"No man is above the law and no man is below it; nor do we ask any man's permission when we require him to obey it. Obedience to the law is demanded as a right; not asked as a favor. "
That must hold true for the rich... the powerful... the politically connected... and yes, even the President of the United States of America."