By Mano Ratwatte –
Mano Ratwatte
Sri Lankan PM predicatbly survived a Vote Of No Confidence. Everyone knew the outcome beforehand. President Premedasa’s impeachment moved died before it hit the Parliament floor. In the US, Andrew Johnson and Bill Clinton are the only two presidents to have been successfully impeached by the House of Representatives; both were later acquitted by the Senate. Clinton was impeached in 1998 by the House of Representatives on grounds of perjury to a grand jury (by a 228–206 vote) and obstruction of justice (by a 221–212 vote). Two other articles of impeachment failed – a second count of perjury in the Jones case (by a 205–229 vote) and one accusing Clinton of abuse of power (by a 148–285 vote) (COPIED WIKI VERBATIM)
Since Trump won, liberal Americans and the never Trump movement has been hysterical trying to overthrow Trump by legal means. The entire world is watching this TV Reality comedy. Sex stories sell. No impeachment justifiable so far. One nation interfering in another nation’s democratic institutions and elections is a far more serious issue(US does that all the time) than sex with a porn star.
If there were campaign finance violations, that is worthy of investigation. Trump has not lied under oath yet, but is desperately flinging his lies left, right and center to obfuscate issues and block the Russia investigation; perhaps to avoid lying under Oath? But people forget about why Clinton was impeached. Those calling for Trump’s impeachment, because he lied about his sexcapades are wrong; they cite Clinton being impeached for a similar issue as the reason for impeaching Trump. That is not the correct legal argument. What Bill Clinton did was getting caught lying under oath(perjury), about an issue that came up only because of the wasted $37million dollar investigation into Whitewater scandal.
Clinton lied under oath. Trump may refuse to take an oath to testify. Clinton’s case was more serious than the Storm(y) in a tea cup because there was more than just a hint of abuse of power; the only reason Monica performed fellatio on him is because he was President. Ironically, these Republicans are rank hypocrites and the white evangelicals are far worse, because if Obama did or said what Trump does, they would have screamed for his expulsion. Yes Republicans remember it well because they wanted him brought down in so many ways. That investigation had nothing to do with the actual act he was accused of, but they went along with it because they hated him.
Republicans should let Mueller work unimpeded and don’t threaten the AG or Deputy AG. President Trump is also in a tizzy, making never heard before threats at hallowed Government institutions including attacking his own Department of Justice. He relentlessly insults the FBI, and even intelligence agencies who without any doubt found that Russia influenced the outcome of the 2016 election.
Their new strategy seems is a bit like the strategy the Rajapaksa regime used to impeach the hapless Chief Justice via his Parliamentarians. Trump team’s modus operandi is to vilify and discredit Robert Mueller in the eyes of his voter base. He has a fantastic ally in Fox-News to do so. A lot of Sri Lankan UNP supporters attacked Sirasa, but Fox-news is more like a Communist Pravda for Trump and his evangelical white base.
Looking at the way some Republicans acted during the Clinton impeachment episode, one might think that somehow Republicans are more moral and have sex only for procreation by the stance they took back then, until a lot of those moral Mullahs were exposed. Congressman (now retired)Bobby Barr committed adultery; famous Newt Gingrich did, House leader Republican Henry Hyde fathered an illegitimate child while he claim moral values to impeach Clinton; all were exposed when they threw stones at Clinton.
Clinton had so many other issues including Paula Jones(settled out of court) or what used to be called “bimbo eruptions” even as Governor of a Southern state.
Sexcapades are nothing new for the occupant of the Whitehouse because everyone knows John F Kennedy was a swinger too; but that didn’t take away from his presidency, both he and Bill Clinton presided over a very successful economy;
Clinton displayed terrible judgment; he was President, he should have had better judgment to think a Twenty something intern would keep a secret. At least JFK’s alleged sex partner Marilyn Monroe knew to keep quiet about JFK. Monica would not have performed the Piccolo concert in the Oval office, if Clinton were a roadside hotdog vendor, a Motel owner or a Gelato stand owner. She was enamoured by his power and office.
Legally, what Trump did doesn’t appear to be criminal conduct unless campaign finance laws were violated. He wasn’t President when he had Stormy, literally. That’s typical of a lot of rich powerful men from Trump to Berlusconi. His sex partners are not anyone’s concern but national security compromises are valid and serious concerns. Conservative Fox-News Republicans are sanctimonious and were hateful towards Obama. They and White Evangelicals would have jumped on Obama for 1 thousandth of Trump’s shenanigans; they hated Obama for his skin color. If Obama had sex with a porn star, White Evangelicals would have screamed for his ouster. Obamas had class and dignity in their conduct; Trump supporters think wealth, gold and vulgarity is class. Class cannot be bought. Trump has no class. Obamas conducted themselves with class and dignity. Obama handed a stable growing economy to Trump in contrast to the shit-bucket he inherited from Bush.
Americans should be more concerned about Russian collusion, and potential blackmail than the Stormy Daniels sideshow. This hush money thing is only relevant if it’s tied to campaign finance violations. Real Fear is that Russia may have had enough sex materiel to blackmail Trump; will he weaken America’s democratic institutions to cover up for that? He has not ordered any of US major intelligence agencies to take aggressive steps necessary to stop them interfering in the 2018 elections.
Ironically, America interferes with elections in many countries including Sri Lanka. Compared to America’ White House comedy now, Sri Lankan politics look quite sane from the outside. No Sri Lankan President or Prime Minister has thrown tantrums, been abusive via Twitter or threatened democratic institutions in the manner Trump does on a daily basis and is adored and cheered on by millions; so much for being a mature democracy huh? Sex stories thrill the average American.
Jim softy / May 8, 2018
Mr. Rathwaththe: YOur article doe snot give lot of prosecutions, removals etc., How about Nixon’s watergate Scmdle. He had to go. There is a website that youc an check. In their senators etc., are being prosecuted or at least caught even for simple abuse of their male privilages. One santor was caught in the murder of a girl worked under him. WE never here such successful removals, prosecutions etc., in Sri lanka. Ranil and RaviK (only for this govt) are such pathetic cases. but, there are many I suppose who are involved ins candles. For example, Kiriella. I heard eventhe SAMPTAH BANK may be bankrupt.. that is why they are talking over it. Why in the world a Bank should be under the politicians. I think Sri lanka paked in corruptions. Political unstability is increasing because all the politiciasn are focused in these lucrative bonuses in their trade.
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yusuf / May 9, 2018
Jimmy,
Why do you keep repeating imaginary stories about Sampath Bank? Where is the evidence? Did they refuse you a loan to buy a toilet brush?
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Jim softy / May 8, 2018
Sri lankan politicis is not sane at all. Only the foreign journalsits publish what is going in Sri lanka and how foreign countries particualry USA and EU influence Sri lanka. some say it is USA and India. Even the USA says we are always in your back. Politicians are simply manoevering to become presidents or PMs. It looks Eventhough Ranil say he is going to be the president, He may Ask Sarah fonseka to represent UNP at the presidential elections. Protestant groups becuse they want equal status with the majority, and spy agencies because they have specific interests in sri lanka they run Sri lanka. Politicians are only for political donations, commis, perks etc., etc. IF some one study using RTI, Politician is a extremely well paid job. YOU can understand that with how many new faces whio are relatives of existing politicians are there and will be there next time.
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K A Sumanasekera / May 8, 2018
Dr Ranil, Mallika and Maggy want our inhabitants to learn how to drink Bourbon when they are on a Kassipu budget.
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Lankan-patriot. / May 8, 2018
It is not a question of impeach or not but the question of why people choose these people again and again as if Sri Lanka has no good people. Sri lanka has highly educated people. Drs, Engineers, academics, professionals.. and yet, thugs, murderers, mafia people without basic qualification come to politics .. Why? more than 50% of MPs do not have A/Ls . ? whither Sri Lanka? Land of paradise is turned into Hell by these people . God save Sri Lanka?
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Amaradasa Salgado / May 8, 2018
The tragedy of ours democracy that MS and CBK of Tamil federalist of SLFP ‘s under covered operation support to very survival of political culprit of UNP Ranil Wickmasinghe?
Which not only that failure of” good governance and rule of law ” has nothing do with FREE of CORRUPATIONS of prevailing “democracy” governances of social justice in an Island. ..Sri lanka?
Indeed Current regime of MS, RW and CBK +SLFP was installed by USA, UK and Indian foreign power has totally failure to delivered other than nothing else large scale corruption of looted the public money belongs to Tax payers Sri Lankan citizens?
This only the democracy is accepts by of the so-called champion of leading USA and UK politics of Democracy in Island?
On behalf of interest of USA, UK and Indian has intervention of economic package advices to by IMF World Bank and Asian Developing Bank kept silent of Central Bank corruption by Ranil W.. of Primer of any of monopoly of western media utter single word of Primer frauds by ” Liberal Democracy” of that world?
No way impeachments can be successful by given billions of rupees to as bribe for members of Parliament to discarded Impeachment out of chamber by foreign power to protected RW politics of UNP corrupting in Island? Therefor 21st century cannot this type of ” democracy” will having power remain in for-ever!
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Jim softy / May 8, 2018
Mr. Rathwaththa: I heard Ranil had said if he could not become the president of Sri lanka he would move to an Island, Perhaps, Nicobar or Secychelles. He does not need to sell jewelley and no need of public money and he has his own money.
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kolla / May 8, 2018
In desperation over the never ending stream of Hispanic and brown skinned immigrants Americans have turned to a man like Trump which may be a bigger disaster for them.
In Sri Lanka the situation is very different. Our political parties are organized gangs waiting to plunder and enjoy State assets.When in power they are most unlikely to remove their leaders( chief rogues) as all are eating the good food on the table.There are ambassadors who cannot even walk. There are bribe takers and criminals in the highest positions.
Any party underling or relative is good enough for the highest positions. MR had two cousins as our ambassadors in America and Russia. Both robbed the country and now on the run ! But no one is holding it against MR ! Those are our standards !
That is the way MR, MS and RW keep their followers under control-by allowing them to eat State assets.For all their faults America is still a good country. That is why millions keep going there. Imagine if America becomes like Sri Lanka ?
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Jim softy / May 8, 2018
theft has become a Cancer in Srilanka. The reason to transfer Sampath Bank to CB is within three months SB Dissanayake hzas finished 13 billion of Rs 25 billion Samurdhi funds when he should have finished only . 6.5 Billion. On the otherhand SB dissnayakw says Mahinda Rajapakse asked for money. I think MR needed more money for something near HAmbanthota port. Probably they give Samurdhi funds to businesses. Ranil had per month about Rs 300 million is vanished because of thefts/corruption.
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romani / May 10, 2018
Samurdhi Bank, you idiot.
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Jim softy / May 8, 2018
Now we have the Drugs, Booze, Sex and beech parties with bikini clad young women. that is the Beeach culture. when it is the evening it is the same thing but in sea side pubs.
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Muhandiram / May 8, 2018
“so much for being a mature democracy huh?”
Old Age for American Democracy with the Oldest President in the White House!!!
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Ajith / May 8, 2018
We try to put the blame on for the ills of our brutal nation which is ruled by Buddhist Fundamentalist terrorism. The word democracy and its practice was an imported product and it is manipulated to suit the fundamentalist terrorism of the so called Buddhists. Buddhism is also an imported product and Sinhalese Fundamentalists completely destroyed its characters. How many of us are prepared to give up western way of life? I read a news today (Virakesari) that a Sinhalese railway officer who openly tried to sexually abuse a Tamil female passenger and when other passengers interfered he was threatened others that nobody can’t take action against me for abusing a Tamil. This is the culture of politics we are in for many decades under Buddhist Sinhala Fundamentalist democracy.
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Ad / May 8, 2018
Why worry about USA? Why not think of impeaching MS for frauds?
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K.Pillai / May 8, 2018
Mano’s article is a good read but is a red herring as far as Lanka is concerned. Lankan undercurrents and tsunamis are our very own.
Lankan Armed Services and Police has been allowed (deliberately?) to evolve to be a law unto themselves. Their loyalty (and approval?) is needed for any impeachment.
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The Lankan Army Commander Lt Gen Mahesh Senanayake recently said (CT Report) that his soldiers ‘cracked skulls’ and ‘split ears’ within the framework of ‘operational duty’ and that he is not perturbed by it and will not punish anyone. He bragged that he had explained all this to President Maithripala Sirisena in a 45 minute discussion and that the President did not ask my ‘why was it done in this way?’
MS was dumbfounded. The Commander is virtually throwing a challenge “Dare sack me”.
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The 2012 impeachment of the then CJ SL exposed the undercurrents. On 07 October 2012, unidentified persons assaulted Manjula Tillekaratne, the then Secretary of the Judicial Services Commission. On 18 September 2012, the JSC directed its Secretary to issue a public statement citing the baseless criticism of its members in the state electronic and print media.
Remember the then Senior Minister Wimal Weerawansa explaining this as self inflicted!
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To cut a long story short : Sorry Mano comparison of SL and US is out of context.
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RathuSahodaraya / May 10, 2018
President Donald Trump threatened to take away the “Fake News” media’s credentials in a tweet Wednesday morning. “The Fake News is working overtime. Just reported that, despite the tremendous success we are having with the economy & all things else, 91% of the Network News about me is negative (Fake),” he wrote. “Why do we work so hard in working with the media when it is corrupt? Take away credentials?” In a statement, White House Correspondent’s Association President Margaret Talev said that “a president preventing a free and independent press from covering the workings of our republic would be an unconscionable assault on the First Amendment.” Trump famously banned certain news outlets from attending events in his 2016 campaign, and his propensity for attacking “fake news” has gained popularity with international governments.
TRUMP IS A THIN SKINNED BULLY and ARROGANT MAN. He attacks everyone and the US Embassy in COlombo are big fucking hypocrites.
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