The U. S. one month budget deficit reached a record high $234 billion in February.

Yet another hate crime, 100% of which have been committed by people influenced by rightwing hate groups, their ranks swelled by President Trump’s rhetoric, took place at a California synagogue.

President Trump’s rallies become ever more depraved. He may have reached a new low Saturday when he said to a cheering crowd in Wisconsin, “The baby is born; the mother meets with the doctor. They take care of the baby. They wrap the baby beautifully. Then the doctor and mother determine whether or not they will execute the baby.”

The Mueller report can be read online or can be downloaded and listened to free at audible.com. It is unequivocal in its conclusion that Russia interfered in the 2016 election to help Trump and hurt Clinton. It chronicles the astonishing number of contacts between Trump associates and Russia. Russian agent, Maria Butina, who infiltrated the Republican Party through the NRA, wrote to her Russian masters that their opinion would be given consideration as to whom the Trump administration picked for Secretary of State. Think about that! A foreign adversary may have had a part in choosing an American government official!

The report also stated it “does not exonerate” Trump of obstruction of justice. It  chronicles the many times Trump directed his associates to lie to Mueller. Trump told White House counsel Don McGhan to fire Mueller twice on one Saturday in June 2017. Trump later asked him to lie and say he didn’t, even directing him to write a memo indicating Trump didn’t ask him to fire Mueller, backdate it and put it in the official file.

But there are glimmers of hope in the darkness. Fox News lawyer Andrew Napolitano clearly and angrily stated that Trump obstructed justice on several occasions. J.W. Verret, part of Trump’s transition team, said it is time to impeach. Iowa’s longest serving Republican Congressman Andy McKean has quit the Republican Party, saying he could not support Trump’s policies or a Republican standard bearer who has “created an atmosphere that is a breeding ground for hateful rhetoric and actions.” “Some,” he said, “would excuse this behavior as ‘telling it like it is’ and the ‘new normal.’ If this is the new normal, I want no part of it. Americans of all parties should insist on something far better in the leader of this country and the free world.”

Amen! The Trump administration is ignoring lawful subpoenas issued by Congress. It will be known not only as the most corrupt and cruel administration in American history, but also the most lawless.

There are 20 Democratic candidates running for president, none of whom would sully the office as has Trump. But Republicans, if you won’t vote for a Democrat, you can vote for popular, decent former Massachusetts Republican governor Bill Weld who has challenged the man he calls (accurately) a “one man crime wave” for the presidency! Weld 2020!

Lonna Gooden Van Horn

Northwood