Matt Gaetz Under Investigation

[Belsnickel]

(04-06-2021, 08:58 AM)Crazyjdawg Wrote: Yea, I agree. The bar to convict is set very high for a good reason, but I think we can have a fairly good idea if he did something wrong without necessarily reaching that bar and, at that point, I do think removing him would at least be a good first step.

For an example from the Democrat's side, I feel the same way about Andrew Cuomo. Are the accusations enough to convict him of anything? I don't think so, based on what I've read, but they are definitely enough for me to think "you're causing more of a distraction from governing with all of your problems than you would solve if you stayed" so even if he is "innocent" by the courts' standards, I think it would be wise for the New York Democrats to impeach and remove him.

So, here are my thoughts on it all. I fully believe that indictment resulting in committee removal is a good move. It's a political decision, after all. The difficult thing about removal from office is it being such an extreme measure. I am fine, however, with preponderance, unlike SSF. I could agree with the clear and convincing standard, though. Regardless, the problem becomes how do you determine that? Unlike an impeachment trial in the Senate, you are relying on the criminal judicial system which relies on a higher level of certainty.

All of that being said, I just wish that our elected officials would have the personal courage to admit to their wrongdoings and step away from office. I know that I'm a bit idealistic with this thinking, but the integrity is just missing in our elected officials and it's sad.