Have we moved closer to a "constitutional crisis"?

[kentuck]

When the President of the United States challenges the rule of law, we have moved into a constitutional challenge, if not a full blown crisis.

Are we still a country of laws and not men? Is it still true that no man is above the law? It seems that Donald Trump is challenging those long-held beliefs.

First, Trump's lawyers argue that Robert Mueller has no "standing" to ask Donald Trump certain questions about certain issues. No "standing"?? I thought this Special Counsel was appointed by the Congress of the United States? Is there any more "standing" than that?

And his lawyers say that he probably will refuse to answer any questions about the Investigation? And they don't think Mueller has the backbone to subpoena him. They are willing to tie it up in court for months and months, if necessary.

Where does that leave Bob Mueller? He doesn't want to challenge the Executive branch of our government. But the rule of law must take precedence in these matters.

If a president is successful in ignoring questions and subpoenas, what else can be done? If he threatens to pardon all those involved, who can stop him? Our Founders debated whether or not to have a President at all? We had just rid ourselves of a King so they were very conscious of not putting another in his place. But, 242 years later, we have a similar problem as we had then, in a too powerful executive.

Donald Trump is intentionally creating this crisis to prevent an investigation into his campaign and possible connections to the Putin government of Russia. He is thumbing his nose at our Constitution and our rule of law. We are inching very close to a "constitutional crisis".

[no_hypocrisy]

1. It depends. The conflict of "standing" can still be resolved by the courts.

But if Trump & counsel decide to ignore the court's decision AND directive that he submit to questioning by Special Counsel, then you have a Constitutional Crisis.

[samnsara]

2. i have no idea what a constitutional crisis is or what it looks like or when...

..will we know it has happened?..and then what? Everyone keeps talking about this but honestly I think whatever is gonna happen, happened already... the day trump was illegally elected.

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

5. From Wikipedia...

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_crisis

[kentuck]

7. Thanks!

for that definition.

[RKP5637]

10. Well this is scary, but doubt this is applicable ...

"Politically, a constitutional crisis can lead to administrative paralysis and eventual collapse of the government, the loss of political legitimacy, or to civil war. A constitutional crisis is distinct from a rebellion, which occurs when political factions outside a government challenge the government's sovereignty, as in a coup d'état or a revolution led by the military or by civilians."

https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Constitutional_crisis

[doc03]

6. As far as I can figure a constitutional crisis is a pipe dream as long as the

Republicons stand their ground.

[tavernier]

3. Geez, Im sick of that phrase.

Since we have already gone to hell in a handbasket since the election, I don’t think any additional criteria is needed to put us in a crisis.

[BannonsLiver]

9. Me too

It has become utterly meaningless and a cliche.

[RKP5637]

4. What happens in a "constitutional crisis?" In the worst case, can Trump use that to

declare martial law? I know that sounds far out, but this whole administration is far out. I'm a little confused about exactly what a constitutional crisis is, but more so what is done to resolve it?

[Trueblue Texan]

8. Maybe Mueller doesn't need his testimony at all...

Maybe he's already got documentary evidence he needs to put him away forever. Wouldn't doubt it. Maybe Mueller was hoping Trump's testimony would help bring down accomplices. I'm waiting to see...

[N_E_1 for Tennis]

11. I think he opened a Pandoras box...

with the treason statement he voiced yesterday. Even though it’s not declared, we are in a war currently, a “cyberwar” with Russia. The definition of war should be broadened to include “cyberwar”. That would spark a constitutional crisis. But I think we’re already there.