America facing a moment of truth

That phone call: Volodymyr Zelensky, President of Ukraine



Even without watching television coverage around the clock of the political storm unfolding in America, much of the world is aware that the United States is rumbling towards a moment of truth, over serious matters concerning the oval office, and accountability, in complying with the Constitution in protecting values that promote democracy.

There have been furious clashes between the Republicans and Democrats over who has the best political recipe to move America forward, in a manner that keeps truth and decency out front, in all matters concerning what is best for the people.

Americas history of divisiveness was so deep, it once resulted in a civil war with thousands losing their lives on American soil. Many perhaps felt at that time, it was a moment of truth over deciding who was entitled to freedom and justice.

Since that tragic period of history, despite much progress in the area of civil rights for all, including people of colour, there are traces of hatred and bitterness from some, who despise people who do not look like them.

This is nothing new in America, but most Americans reject any attitude or policy that hints at demeaning people based on ethnicity and racial backgrounds.

The administrations immigration policy touched off a fire storm of protest when children were separated from parents on arrival on American soil, seeking asylum from war-torn countries. Some children died while in US custody, under conditions that left people questioning the motive behind such a policy.

With heated exchanges between the Republicans and Democrats over the plight of immigrants, it was clear that sparks would fly over the nations image over being that great country of freedom and opportunity for all who seek a better life. Elections in any country can often bring out the best and the worst in the world of politics, and it is the people who are usually subjected to wave after wave of political rhetoric, by those trying to cling to power, and those hoping to be placed in the drivers seat.

It can get quite messy and complicated to a point where the electorate ends up being confused, and bewildered over where to cast their ballots.

Difficulty is enhanced when there are people willing to support a candidate under any circumstances, with others scanning information as close as possible before deciding.

The Donald Trump Administration has been the subject of criticism for declaring war against the media, which has the responsibility of seeking truth irrespective of how it effects either party. It has become an issue because most Americans feel truth really matters.

Most of us have heard about the straw that broke the camels back.

In the political arena, a conversation between Donald Trump and the Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky, that according to reports, revealed that while Trump was willing to provide Ukraine with aid for military purposes, he suggested a favour for him would be for his legal people to probe a connection of Joe Bidens son and his business activity in that country.

For the Democrats who were wrestling with proceeding with impeachment of the President on other matters, they regarded this as openly crossing the line.

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, who had been reluctant to move in that direction, lost no time in launching impeachment proceedings declaring it was no longer a political matter, but one that involved the Constitution which all who serve should comply with. Prior to the latest development, polls were indicating that most Americans were not keen on having the President impeached.

However, with what many felt was a violation of the oath of office by the President in seeking assistance from another country to go after a political rival, according to the latest polls, there is growing support for impeachment.

All this came to light through a whistleblower, who Trump described as a spy, and hinted what he felt should be done to that person. The identity of the individual has not yet been revealed, but apparently the person has consented to testify before Congress.

There are stormy political days ahead for America, in the approach to another presidential election, but most Americans who cherish democracy, hope that truth will be regarded as more important than politics.

In the end it will be the people to make that decision.