Donald J. Trump and Cato the Elder have something in common. Both were impeached more than once.
But Cato the Elder has been accorded a very high place among the pantheon of leaders by historians of Rome like Plutarch. This is because Cato respected the process, even though he suffered for his transgressions.
Other well-loved public servants known for their integrity were held to task when they stubbed their toe a time or two against the constitutional law. Such servants, and episodes of accountability, include Marcius, the fourth elected king of early Rome, and Solon, the founder of democracy in Athens.
Bad leaders were dealt with strictly and unapologetically by the elected representatives of these two great democracies. Pisistratus in Greece was impeached several times, after suppressing the rights of many while ruling twice as a tyrant. Opimius in Rome was impeached for crimes and misdemeanors such as bribery and condemning people without trial.
Impeachment is what keeps ambitious men from destroying democracy.
Kimball Shinkoskey Woods Cross, Utah
