No Longer the Party of Lincoln

In a time when unfathomable actions are taking place on America’s political stage, it is truly astounding to learn of a new concerted effort to undermine the Russia probe by right wing operatives, pundits and media. More frightening is the moral vacuum of the GOP caucus in Congress to refute it.

Since the Intelligence community revealed ironclad evidence regarding the intrusion of Russia in our election process—how foreign operatives were able to manipulate social media, hack into state voting systems and unleash a steady rhythm of stolen documents from the Democratic campaign—members of the Republican Party have either remained silent or have pressed to discredit such evidence rather than push to protect our election process from further attack.

This exercise in media subterfuge would appear to be an effort to protect Mr. Trump. His actions have certainly grown more unstable as Special Council Mueller’s investigation looms at his door. Continuing denial of collusion ignores an even greater danger, obstruction of justice. Ethical improprieties that characterize his administration and his flagrant distain for the rule of law are indefensible, unless those choosing to do so have something of their own to conceal.

In dramatic contrast, Robert Mueller, a man of unquestionable principle, has conducted himself and his investigation in a judicious manner that has followed the evidence—and the means of obtaining it—in strict accordance with the law. His long career of service to country warrants respect and recognition as the ideal leader of such a daunting undertaking. There can be little doubt that he will present a fair and factual case, if his investigation is permitted to reach its completion.

It is for these reasons that operatives on the right have had to resort to character assassination, impugning that Mr. Mueller and the Department of Justice are part of the “deep state” The recent lawful execution by the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York of a warrant for records belonging to Mr. Trump’s personal lawyer has been likened to the tactics of Stalin and the Gestapo. In response, the Republican leadership denies the investigation is under attack and needs protection by Congressional decree. It appears many Republican Representatives prefer to quit the Congress rather than to execute their responsibility in defense of America.

This is no longer the storied Party of Lincoln. It has been perverted by Mercer, Koch, Adelson and Murdoch, along with their willing shill, Donald J. Trump.

Richard Kushnier