Larry D. Lauer

Here is a list of comments from an interesting conversation with two lifelong Republicans:

1. Many of Trump’s actions have helped business: Eliminating environmental restrictions and reduced taxes.
2. An increase in overall number of jobs happened on his watch.
3. The economy is doing well overall.
4. He reduced the number of immigrants, who have been taking our jobs.
5. He also increased what NATO allies pay for their membership.
6. As lifelong Republicans, we see no reason to change now.
7. As for ethical issues, every president has carried lots of baggage. This one is no different.
8. Every politician that made it to the presidency did so because God had a plan for them. This president supports “right to life,” and speaks in support of Evangelical groups.
9. But, admittedly, we hate his tweets.

For the above reasons, these Republicans found it easy to overlook:

1. Asking foreign countries to help with his re-election.
2. Treating his staff as a dictator would.
3. Delaying aid to a foreign country that was specifically approved by Congress.
4. Lying constantly, even when it is not necessary.
5. Making comments every day that further divide the country.
6. Increasing the country’s deficit without concern.
7. Personally profiting from the presidency.
8. Denying scientific findings about the ravages of climate change.
9. Declaring that only he can fix the world.  

After winning a hard-fought revolution against a monarch the last thing our founding fathers would want is an autocrat in the White House.  So no matter your politics… and even more than agreeing on impeachment, maybe what we all really need right now is a president who will make good things happen at home and abroad, and never cozy up to dictators.