Poughkeepsie Journal

We are a country of laws, three co-equal branches of government and legal remedies for abuse of power. Our laws are enumerated in the Constitution which is well over two centuries old and is a living breathing document. Within this document are checks and balances to prevent the loss of our democratic principles on which this great country stands.

No branch of government can supersede another and each has its individual duties and responsibilities. If in the course of the executive branch or a member of the legislative or judicial branch exceeds their legal authority or acts in an otherwise inappropriate manner, it is the responsibility of the other branches to act to address that abuse. In short, there is both the impeachment process to curb any abuse and the 25th amendment process to address physical or mental incapacity.

We are currently in the fact-finding stage which assures that any action now or in the future will be following the law. Just like the format of televisions "Law and Order," we have the beginning police investigation, middle district attorney bringing charges and end with the jury trial and verdict all within 60 minutes. And now a word from our sponsor: the Constitution of this great nation of laws.

David Bersak

Poughkeepsie