Danger Signal

"It's frankly disgusting that the press is able to write whatever they want to write."

   So said the president of the United States of America today, October 11, 2017.
   Couple that with the quote attributed to him earlier today calling for a challenge to a television network's license. Keep in mind that broadcast licenses are issued to individual stations, not to networks, and not to cable television operations.
   But the biggest danger signal is the one that says someone can or should control what the press is allowed to write.
   Who decides that? Such a statement implies that the president himself can decide what an independent group, or an individual, can write.
   As if the solution to the dilemma of reducing the number of stories critical of a president would be to repeal the Constitution, specifically the First Amendment guarantee of free speech and a free press.
   Civics lesson: The Constitution does not grant any rights, but guarantees rights that Americans already have, by birth in a free society.

   Meanwhile, there are reports circulating that this president will not complete his first term in office.
   There are three ways this can happen: resignation, impeachment or removal under the 25th Amendment of the Constitution.
   Which is the most likely would be a matter for bookies to consider.
   But consider them in order.
   Resignation. Possible, but not likely, since that would mean an admission of failure. However, he could claim that he's leaving because he's not getting any support and cooperation from Congress and others in government. That would reflect his attitude that he's in charge, and Congress should obey him in everything.
   Impeachment. Possible, but very time consuming, since it would require evidence and proof presented to the House of Representatives that he was guilty of treason, bribery or some other other high crime or misdemeanor, followed by a full trial in the Senate.
   Finally, the 25th Amendment provides that the vice president and Cabinet members could get together and decide that the president was no longer fit to do the job. Alternatively, a committee appointed by Congress could take on the task.
   Any one of the three could well provide the means to remove the president from office. Which one and when is the open question.
   As to none of the above happening, the odds are against that.