Word Warrriors

 It ain't hard to figure.

   Emolument is Latin for profit, and profit means to derive benefit. The Latin phrase "quid pro quo" literally means "this for that," or "something for something." It's a trade.
   The Constitution says government officials are forbidden to profit from, benefit from, gain from or earn from any relationship with a foreign government, official or private entity.
   Lawyers spend hours, days and even weeks arguing over meanings of words, while the rest of the nation wonders why they can't or won't accept the concept of "shall not ..."
   Consider the term "inquiry" as applied to the possibility of an impeachment proceeding. Here are some synonyms for the word "inquire": Ask, question, examine, research, query, probe, investigate, seek or look for information, details and facts to support or deny the truth of some charge, allegation or theory.
   Which one of the ten verbs apply? Or all of the above? The debate only slows the process, which may well be the strategy.
   As for the current hassle in Washington involving the president, the question is this: Did he or did he not accept, earn, derive or benefit from any trade, agreement, pact, arrangement, or deal with any foreign official, agency, company, corporation, firm or individual or any foreign entity, whether friend or foe, while in office?
   If he did, then he violated the Constitution, which he promised to protect and defend. If he did not, then an inquiry -- by any name -- will clear him of any wrongdoing and the nation can move on.
   Either way, the inquiry, investigation, probe, examination, quest or whatever else you want to call it should continue, to establish the truth and the facts supporting it,  and the name-calling can stop.
   As for the comment from a high official the other day that this sort of thing "happens all the time," that does not make it legal.
   Politicians may ignore the Constitution just as burglars ignore the law, but repeatedly doing so doesn't make it right.
   Meanwhile, lawyers and politicians argue the meanings and implications of words, the better to support their beliefs and actions, regardless of what the Constitution says.
   Or as the president's personal attorney Rudy Giuliani said, "Truth isn't truth." And as presidential spokeswoman Kellyanne Conway put it, there are "alternative facts."
   Many in the political herd may argue until the cows come home, but voters know what is left behind.