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Commentary: Mueller’s Story Is A Far Scarier One Than Trump’s

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Commentary: Mueller’s Story Is A Far Scarier One Than Trump’s

July 28, 2019  

By Michael Leppert
michaelleppert.com

“The Mueller Report” turned out to be a thriller compared to Wednesday’s committee testimony. Only a few Americans have read the book. Not many more watched the live performance this week either.

I usually prefer my horror stories on the big screen, not in paperback.

I bought the Pulitzer Prize winning book, “To Kill A Mockingbird,” after I saw the play on Broadway last month. The play was nominated for nine Tony Awards, with Celia Keenan-Bolger winning for “Feature Actress.” I also loved the 1962 movie version which won three Oscars, including one for Gregory Peck as “Best Actor.”

This story seems to win the big awards no matter what the medium. Of course, it’s not a horror story.

The Mueller Report won’t win a Pulitzer Prize. And Robert Mueller’s performance on Wednesday won’t win an Oscar or a Tony Award either. No matter.

The hearings on Capitol Hill on Wednesday changed absolutely none of the facts and conclusions written in the report. In fact, after having watched the entire Judicial and Intelligence Committee hearings, it was clear to me that no doubts were even raised by committee members about the report’s key findings.

Russia did interfere with our election in 2016. The Trump campaign welcomed that interference. The interference was designed to help Trump win. The president then committed several acts to obstruct the Special Counsel’s ability to investigate the matter.

Only a small popcorn was needed for that movie.

The political structures in Washington are failing America right now. The president and many of his administration and campaign members were investigated during Mueller’s probe. Many committed crimes and have or are currently serving their post-conviction sentences. It looked like a criminal enterprise during the investigation, and continues to look like one today.

The president never agreed to speak to investigators. Mueller never subpoenaed him and reported on Wednesday that his reasoning for not doing so was out of expedience. Mueller was less forthcoming on why he did not subpoena Donald Trump, Jr.

America has grown numb to what has always been obvious about this saga. At no time during the last two and half years has our president led the effort to protect our elections from being manipulated by foreigners. He has resisted acknowledging that it even occurred. He now appears to be alone in that resistance, judging by public comments.  But the political fear of crossing him makes the Senate appear to agree with him, even though they won’t actually say that.

Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell blocked votes on two election security bills on Wednesday, the same day of Mueller’s testimony. That is not because McConnell wants to appear to not care about the issue. It is because McConnell doesn’t want to cross Trump. And to Trump, a vote like that would imply the 2016 election was not legitimate, and therefore his presidency isn’t either.

On Thursday, the Senate Intelligence Committee released its report detailing the extensive interference it uncovered through its own investigation. I expect McConnell to ignore this report.

So, while many Republicans in Washington know what the obvious right things to do are, their fear of Trump paralyzes them.

Democrats have the same fears.

Should the House impeach Trump for acts established in Mueller’s report? Of course they should. Further hearings are not even necessary do so. The report itself should serve as the congressional version of this indictment.

None of the witnesses from Trump’s team are willing to comply with a subpoena. So, what are Democrats waiting on?

They are waiting for the decision to impeach to become easy. It won’t ever be easy for those in competitive districts.

President Trump is not scared to do and say ridiculous things. Among the most ridiculous has been his avoidance of securing our elections. Since his inauguration, he has met with Vladimir Putin six times. He has spoken with him on the phone ten times. They have exchanged four letters.

Trump did not speak with Mueller and his team once.

The cases against Presidents Andrew Johnson, Bill Clinton, and even Richard Nixon pale in comparison to the one against Donald Trump. Impeaching Trump is a no brainer on the basis of fact and precedent.

That the Senate won’t convict him is not an adequate excuse for the House to not impeach.

Both parties and both chambers act scared of Trump’s political spook stories. Fear is no foundational principle by which to govern.

And by the way, the Mueller spook story is a far scarier one. No matter what the medium.

Footnote:Michael Leppert is a public and governmental affairs consultant in Indianapolis and writes his thoughts about politics, government and anything else that strikes him at MichaelLeppert.com.

POSTED BY THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER WITHOUT OPINON, BIAS OR EDITING.

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SEWER TO IMPACT TRAFFIC ON VETERANS MEMORIAL PARKWAY

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CALL FOR ARTISTS

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The Arts Council loves Halloween and we want to celebrate spooky time by giving Downtown Main Street MONSTERS for the month of October! There are TWO components to this exhibit:

3D monster sculptures that will be placed in different storefronts, windows, and areas of Downtown Main Street. We will need dimensions and an image or sketch of these at the time of registration so we can decide where each piece will go on Main Street. We will let artists know the location and time to drop off. At the end of the exhibit, we will bring the 3D monster sculptures back the gallery to be on display for a Monsters Homecoming party and reception.

2D monster-themed pieces that will be displayed inside of the Arts Council’s Bower Suhrheinrich Foundation Gallery. We will NOT need an image of 2D work. A juror will decide what will be included after drop off, and we will notify artists of acceptance.

McCarty Announces Coaching Staff Change

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Baumann Elevated To Assistant Coach

University of Evansville head men’s basketball coach Walter McCarty has announced changes in his coaching staff that are effective immediately.

After serving as an assistant coach for the Purple Aces last season, Todd Lickliter has announced his retirement.  The 2007 NABC National Coach of the Year will step back from the coaching ranks in order to focus on spending time with his family.

“I am extremely thankful to Todd for his work with our program,” McCarty said.  “His knowledge of the game of basketball really made a difference with our guys while his experience as a head coach helped me immensely in my first season.  We will miss his presence, but wish him nothing but the best in the future.”

Logan Baumann, who worked as the Associate Athletic Director for Basketball Operations last season, has been elevated to an assistant coach.  The graduate of Louisville was in charge of all off-court operations for the program last season.  Isaac McGlone, who was a graduate assistant for the program last year, will move into Baumann’s operations position.

“We are very fortunate to have someone with Logan’s experience and knowledge on our staff.  He impacted our program in so many ways off the court last season and we are excited to have him transition to working on the court this season,” McCarty added.  “It is also a great benefit to have Isaac move into our operations position.  He had the opportunity to work closely with Logan over the last 12 months and is ready to make that next step.”

This Week at USI

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Early registration ends Tuesday, July 30. Conference runs Thursday, August 8 – Friday, August 9

Early registration deadline nears for Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness
The University of Southern Indiana and SWIRCA and More, the local agency on aging, will present the 12th annual Mid-America Institute on Aging and Wellness (MAIA) on the USI campus on Thursday, August 8 and Friday, August 9, with a pre-conference workshop on Alzheimer’s disease and dementia care scheduled for Wednesday, August 7. The deadline for a reduced registration fee is Tuesday, July 30. After that date, the rate increases for the pre-conference workshop and one- and two-day registrations. There is a discounted rate for students and retirees. Morning keynote sessions will be free and open to the public; however, due to seating limitations, advanced registration is required.  More information about registering is online at USI.edu/maia or by calling 812-464-1989. Read More

9 a.m. Thursday, August 15

Welcome Week and Campus Housing Check-in
USI will welcome new students living in residence halls and campus apartments at check-in beginning at 9 a.m. Thursday, August 15 at Screaming Eagles Arena. Students with last names beginning with A-L are asked to arrive starting at 9 a.m., and students with last names beginning with M-Z are asked to arrive starting at 12:30 p.m. During this time, students pick up their key, parking permit and Welcome Week schedule as well as visit a resource fair for more information from campus departments and local businesses.  More Information

STUDENT EVENTS

A collection of events on campus and in the community sponsored by USI student organizations

can be found on the USI events calendar by clicking here.

 SAVE THE DATE

Registration closes Tuesday, October 15; Race is Saturday, November 2

Registration now open for the 18th annual Norwegian Foot March
The 18th annual Norwegian Foot March, an intense mental and physical challenge, will take participants 18.6 miles through the rolling hills of Evansville’s west side. Carrying a 25-pound rucksack, participants will begin and end on the USI campus, working to make it back to the finish line generally in under four and a half hours depending on age and gender. ROTC cadets, soldiers and veterans, as well as civilians, may register individually or as part of a four-member team. Registration can be completed online or by calling USI Outreach and Engagement at 812-464-1989. Early registration is recommended, as the event sells out quickly. ROTC cadets from any school can register for $25 and all other participants can register for $45. Registration will close on October 15 or when the event is full at 500 participants. Read More

 

University of Evansville Names New Chief Diversity Officer

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The University of Evansville has named Robert Shelby, PhD, as its new Chief Diversity Officer. Beginning August 1, Shelby will lead and coordinate the University’s efforts in all aspects of diversity, equity, and inclusion.

As the Chief Diversity Officer, Shelby will report directly to the president of the University, will serve as part of the president’s leadership team, and will lead the newly created Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. Shelby will work closely with the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Human Resources with responsibilities in multicultural affairs, institutional equity/Title IX, and university religious life.

“This new organizational structure strengthens our ability to coordinate and enhance efforts of diversity, equity, and inclusion across campus,” said UE president Christopher M. Pietruszkiewicz.

Shelby earned his Ph.D. from the University of Louisville in 2016 in applied sociology. He earned graduate degrees in sociology from Western Illinois University and communications from Trinity International University, and an undergraduate degree in youth ministry and biblical studies from Trinity International University. In addition to his higher education experience, Shelby worked as an engineering technician and served in the U.S. Army.

Additionally, Shelby has been teaching sociology courses at the University of Evansville since 2015 as an assistant professor.

“Dr. Shelby is already part of the UE family,” said Pietruszkiewicz. “He knows our culture and is well-respected among the student body. I cannot think of a better person to lead our diversity initiatives.”

During his time at UE, Shelby has served as a student and faculty mentor, as a member of the taskforce on race, and as a Title IX investigator.

“I’m most excited to work with students, faculty, staff, administrators, and alumni in this more actionable capacity,” said Shelby. “Being entrusted to educate our students in the classroom has been my honor and privilege. Now, I hope to extend my concern for diversity, equity, and inclusion to our entire learning community.”

Among his many duties, Shelby will manage the Diversity Resource Center, develop the annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, coordinate the Let’s Talk Diversity at UE events, serve as a mentor and advisor for multicultural and diversity-related student organizations, and work closely with internal and external constituencies to advance overall diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus.

“I am deeply humbled by the show of support from the UE community as I become the next Chief Diversity Officer,” Shelby said. “I firmly believe that if we can agree that every human being has inherent value, we owe it to one another to think deeply, plan effectively, and act empathetically about matters of diversity, equity, and inclusion at UE.”

Shelby has been married to Tricia for 26 years, and they have three adult daughters and one grandson.

MICRO WRESTLING FEDERATION IS RETURNING TO VICTORY THEATRE NOVEMBER

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BRINGS THE ORIGINAL MICRO WRESTLING EVENT TO

VICTORY THEATRE – NOVEMBER 2 – 7PM

TICKETS GO ON SALE FRIDAY, AUGUST 2 AT 10AM

Evansville, IN– Micro Wrestling is returning to Victory Theatre November 2. Tickets start at $29 and go on sale Friday, August 2 at 10 am. Limited stage seating is available starting at $64.

The Micro Wrestling Federation is a full scale, WWE type event sporting an entire cast under five feet tall. Founded in 2000, the MWF is the longest running organization within the Little Person wrestling industry; no other company has performed in more events over the last eighteen years. Four incredible matches take place during the 2-hour event which will provide great fun for the entire family.

Two Single Micro Matches: Who are the toughest Micro wrestlers? Come find out!
Micro Brawl: Body slams, suplexes, and punches to the face can take place anywhere in the venue! Get ready for up-close

and personal Micro action!

Micro Rumble: Six Micro superstars enter the squared circle and stand tiny toe-to-tiny toe against one another in the main event! The belt is on the line and only one Micro wrestler will leave as champion.

They are called dwarfs; they are called Little People; they are also called the most incredible minute athletes performing throughout the world! The Micro superstars have proven time and time again that even born with a disadvantage in

height, dreams can still come true with perseverance and hard work. Growing up, the Micro wrestlers have suffered through adversity. Each had been told that opportunities in the professional world would be limited, that locating full- time employment may be difficult. Apparently, that was not an option for the Micro superstars because they are living their dreams as professional wrestlers.

There is no denying that the Micro Wrestling Federation is the number one Little Person wrestling organization on the planet – high-flying, body slamming, and off the top rope! Don’t miss Micro Wrestling at Victory Theatre!

ECVB Meeting

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EVPL Foundation Summer Book Sale

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Thousands of books, movies, CDs and more will be available for purchase from $0.50 – $2.00!
Proceeds from the EVPL Foundation Summer Book Sale are used to support library programs and services, emerging technologies, collections, staff engagement, and special library projects and initiatives.

Saturday, August 3
10:00 am – 8:00 pm
Sunday, August 4
12:00 – 3:00 pm

Gov. Holcomb Public Schedule for July 30

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INDIANAPOLIS – Below find Gov. Eric J. Holcomb’s public schedule for July 30, 2019.

Tuesday, July 30: 2019 NDIA Hypersonics Capabilities Conference at Purdue

WHO:              Gov. Holcomb

WHAT:            The governor will give remarks.

WHEN:            Governor to speak at approximately 8:50 a.m. Tuesday, July 30

WHERE:          Purdue University

Loeb Playhouse, Stewart Center
128 Memorial Mall
West Lafayette, IN 47906

 

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