Free Press vs Trumpism

   International trading nations should "follow our rules," said President Donald Trump.
   Question: What if they don't? How will you make them?
   The nation's press should "keep its mouth shut," said presidential aide Stephen Bannon in a meeting with senior editors of the New York Times. He added that the nation's press has "zero integrity and zero intelligence." Bannon insisted "the media is the opposition party."
   Question: Have you forgotten the Constitution and the First Amendment?
   Trump claimed that news media "demean me unfairly."
   Question: What if critics do that fairly?
   The President, just five days into his term, promised that other nations will accept deported criminal aliens.
   Question: Suppose they refuse? What then?
  The nation's chief executive demanded that so-called "sanctuary cities" cooperate with immigration officials and hand over anyone they discover to be in the country illegally or lose federal funding.
   Question: What if cities still refuse, noting that they need the help of law-abiding residents -- even undocumented residents -- in tracking down and arresting the real criminals? And do you believe federal officials have higher authority over all local and state agencies?
   Trump said at a Republican Party meeting in Philadelphia that "We are blessed by Divinity, and we are bound by God to give full devotion to our country."
   Question: Do you have direct contact with the Divine, and do you feel entitled to that same devotion?
   The President said of waterboarding, "enhanced interrogation techniques" and other forms of torture "absolutely, they work."
   Question: Your own senior military officials insist torture does not work, that it endangers captured Americans, and moreover that it is illegal under national and international law. What will you do if, as commander in chief, you tell soldiers to use such techniques and they refuse to obey a clearly unlawful order?
   
   A quick response of "You're fired!" may work on a television show, but you cannot terminate press coverage because reporters ask tough questions. And ordering military personnel to perform illegal acts risks a refusal and a rejection of your commands.
   The Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and 240 years of precedent and practice have established basic unalienable rights that people are born with. These are not rights granted by government, but guaranteed by the Constitution, and no President can take them away.
   Anyone who tried would have to suspend the Constitution and set up a dictatorship.
   And that would be tantamount to treason, an impeachable offense.