BY DAN VALENTI

PLANET VALENTI NEWS AND COMMENTARY

(FORTRESS OF SOLITUDE, MONDAY JAN. 11, 2021) — Who woulda thunk that Donald Trump — developer, magnate, magnet, shyster, tycoon, typhoon, icon, con man, human volcano, walking archetype, precedent of the United States of America — would go down as a great teacher of constitutional government?

That’s one conclusion THE PLANET offers with this discussion about Impeachment 2.0 and the 25th amendment.

This amendment provides direction for succession upon vacancy in the White House. The 25th contains four sections. In the case of President Trump, only the fourth applies. Before THE PLANET continues, here’s the full text:

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Twenty-Fifth Amendment

Section 1

In case of the removal of the President from office or of his death or resignation, the Vice President shall become President.

Section 2

Whenever there is a vacancy in the office of the Vice President, the President shall nominate a Vice President who shall take office upon confirmation by a majority vote of both Houses of Congress.

Section 3

Whenever the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that he is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, and until he transmits to them a written declaration to the contrary, such powers and duties shall be discharged by the Vice President as Acting President.

Section 4

Whenever the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive departments or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall immediately assume the powers and duties of the office as Acting President.

Thereafter, when the President transmits to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives his written declaration that no inability exists, he shall resume the powers and duties of his office unless the Vice President and a majority of either the principal officers of the executive department or of such other body as Congress may by law provide, transmit within four days to the President pro tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives their written declaration that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office. Thereupon Congress shall decide the issue, assembling within forty-eight hours for that purpose if not in session. If the Congress, within twenty-one days after receipt of the latter written declaration, or, if Congress is not in session, within twenty-one days after Congress is required to assemble, determines by two-thirds vote of both Houses that the President is unable to discharge the powers and duties of his office, the Vice President shall continue to discharge the same as Acting President; otherwise, the President shall resume the powers and duties of his office.

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In the aftermath’s of last week’s riot, Democrats have taken up the 25th while Trump has taken to the 19th. Suddenly, VP Mike Pence has become a VIP. Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate minority leader Chuck Schumer have called on Pence to trigger the 25th.

He won’t, of course, because it would be bad for everyone — Republicans, Democrats, every citizen, and the country itself. The reality is that Trump’s presidency has less than 10 days. To throw America into further chaos with the removal of a sitting president this close to the Inauguration would serve purpose than political revenge — something Democrats will have plenty of time for in the next four years. Despite the bluster, Democrats won’t pull the 25th. It would cost them too much political capital, given they don’t have a mandate. They have 50%. That leaves an entire other half. With this kind of division, pussy hats will never become a fashion statement.

Syracuse Joe Biden, of course, still talks of being a unifier, his comparison of Ted Cruz to Josef Goebbels notwithstanding. That gaffe was VP-elect Kamala nagging into his earpiece. At a press conference two days ago, Biden said, “We need a Republican Party. We need an opposing party that is principled and strong.” We here in the Bay State know what he’s talking about, with Dems commanding 81% of the House and 93% of the Senate. That’s one-party rule. We know how that’s worked out for Mary Jane and Joe Kapanski.

Joe did get off a good line. He noted that on his way to the press conference, someone informed him of Trump’s decision not to attend the Inauguration: “That’s the only thing he and I ever agreed upon.”

Best now just to ride out these 10 days, get Joe sworn in, and, like THE PLANET, get get ready for the ride.

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“It is better to fail in originality than to succeed in imitation” — Former Pittsfield resident, Herman Melville.

“OPEN THE WINDOW, AUNT MILLIE.”

LOVE TO ALL.

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