It is the time of making lists: A list of the things you did right and wrong in the year expiring on December 31st. A list of things you made happen or things that happened to you. A list of places you went and things you did. A list of accomplishments and shortcomings.
We are by nature list-making and list-following beings. Those of us who follow political news and historical events make a list, consciously or subconsciously, of the most significant stories of the year for better or for worse. This is mine.
10. The Ukrainian Debacle.
It is hard to believe that the story for which Donald J. Trump was finally impeached could fall so low on the list. Objectively, there is no doubt that Trump is guilty as charged. He brazenly solicited political assistance from a foreign leader under threat of withholding military assistance essential to that nation's survival. There is no doubt that his actions betrayed his sworn duty to uphold the national interest above his own personal benefit. There is no doubt that his treacherous dealing ran contrary to our foreign policy to the distinct advantage of Russia's Vladimir Putin.
That Trump sees nothing wrong in his actions and openly boasts that his infamous conversation with the newly elected Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was "perfect" is convincing evidence that our president is delusional.
Does he deserve to be impeached? Of course. For this and a dozen other reasons.
9. Turkish Invasion of Northern Syria.
Not everything Donald Trump does is evil though his motives may be. His sudden withdrawal of American troops from Syria left the gates open to Turkish invasion, a Kurdish genocide, and ceded foreign control of Syria to our regional adversaries.
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