Words Matter
On October 22, Donald Trump posted a tweet comparing the current impeachment process to a lynching. On both sides of the aisle, members of Congress condemned the tweet. In their criticism, they raised valid points. The current impeachment investigations follow a standard procedure involving due process and have legitimacy under the Constitution. The investigating committees involve members of both parties. There are precedents for the impeachment process. On the other hand, lynching represents an illegal mob-based action, primarily targeting African Americans. Almost 5000 died as a result of lynchings during a time of extreme brutality directed towards usually innocent African Americans. Does the president’s tweet, in fact, lack sensitivity? Is he completely unaware of important historical facts? Do his words influence our divided country?