As of September 7th, 2018 the Northwest Arkansas Democratic Gazette released information to add onto the Kavanaugh hearings. Namely, the various documents released rather suddenly and even more that are reportedly being withheld. This is not to be mistaken as the NWADG releasing the actual documents to the public, rather they just released the news of it happening. The approximately 415,000 papers that were given for review were said to have been adequately reviewed by a Bush representative and then turned over. However, the more pressing manner were the remaining 101,921 papers still being kept away from view of both attorneys and the general public. This is because President Trump has suggested the papers can stay withheld because of "presidential privileges". This privilege is a result of the Presidential Records Act, which, in this instance, mainly allows the president to claim those papers presidential documents as unnecessary or unable to be shared with the public. This is certainly a hot topic in today's political scene as it has the potential to shift the balance of Republicans and Democrats in the Republicans' favor in the Supreme Court. So, while Trump decides to keep these documents secret from the public's eyes, Democrats will be sorting cases as to why either Kavanaugh is unfit or why Trump should instead release those withheld papers for review.
Do you think it is fair that Trump can withhold these documents at will? If so, why and if not, why not? Also, do you find it beneficial to America that he does so? Again, why or why not?
I do not think it is beneficial to America that he withhold these documents at will because Trump is effectively withholding potentially valuable information to the American public.
ReplyDeleteTrump is trying to make as much use of his presidential position in order to hide papers that may greatly affect the decision in Kavanaugh's chances of becoming a justice. I also think that by hiding those papers, it makes Kavanaugh's position look even more suspicious than before. If the papers concern the opinions of a person that may potentially become a justice in the Supreme Court, then it should be important that America knows of its contents.
ReplyDeleteNo it is not fair that Trump can withhold these documents. It is important that nothing is kept from the American people. Before we can a fair decision on whether Kavanaugh is qualified to become a supreme court juror we must acquire any and all of the documents that show his character. It is beneficial in the way that we do not misjudge Kavanuagh.
ReplyDelete@DonaldChung I agree with you that it isn't beneficial because of the potential importance of the documents. However, I don't think the context of the papers are the only thing possibly altered but president Trump and the Republicans that follow him will also have a tainted reputations.
ReplyDeleteI think that according to the powers outlined for the president in the law, Trump can legally withhold this information. However I don't believe that any informed decision regarding Kavanaugh can be made by senators without complete access to all pertinent information, and that it tampers with the process of American democracy to force on the hearing without complete information. In summary, I don't believe Trump is breaking a law in this case, but I do believe that the Kavanaugh hearings are anti-democratic and highlight how little the majority of Republican politicians (senators like Jeff Flake notwithstanding) are willing to stand up against Trump to protect American liberty.
ReplyDelete--Alessandra Squillace
I don't think its fair that Trump can hold papers or documents just by his own presidential privileges. This is unfair as these documents could be useful to the public and share information that was never seen before. Having Trump block these documents from being shared could lead to him hiding something or even worse.
ReplyDelete- Wendy
ReplyDeleteI feel that it should go under further debate to determine whether or not Trump should reveal these papers, and then go from there. That way it can be determined if these papers are vital information for the American people to see. In order for them to be seen however, Democrats are going to have present an argument that these papers are vital to his character. It's very important that executive powers are checked, especially when Trump is in office, as he is very likely to push his own agenda rather than those of the people.
ReplyDelete-Trey
I feel as if Trump is should not be able to hold the documents, especially during the process as being on of the judges in the Supreme Court, because the public should know what type and who the person is. In addition, if the judge is worthy enough to be on the Supreme Court, which only has nine members, the document should be shown without hesitation.
ReplyDeleteIt isn't fair that Trump can hide these documents whenever he pleases. He could be withholding information that could be crucial to the investigation and be an important factor of the fate of the investigation. It isn't beneficial to America for Trump to be hiding these documents--shows a lack of transparency with the American public only adds to our negative image of the president.
ReplyDeleteTrump should not be able to withhold these documents at will. Due to the possibility of a shift in power within the two parties, he should not be the one with the power to withhold the documents. Granted, there may be some documents not necessarily important but I believe someone who is unbiased of both parties should be able to decide that. On another hand, these documents may have some information that can really bring the truth out to the public. If the president is really the same guy thought to be elected in the office for the people, there shouldn't be any reason to withhold information. Unless the president doesn't want us to know about the things he did...
ReplyDeleteI do not think it is fair for the Trump administration to withhold these documents for the definition of his "presidential privileges" is vague and is not explained explicitly according to the Presidential Records Act. In addition, the Constitutionality of this Act, to my limited knowledge, is yet to be affirmed. Moreover, withholding these documents from reviewing will only harm the trust of the public has toward the government especially under such sensitive timing.
ReplyDeleteIt is legally fair that Trump can withhold these documents, however, personally this is a censorship of potentially important information with enormous ramifications. I can only speculate what these papers shed on Kavanaugh's history, but as far as benefits go, Trump is clearly in favor of Kavanaugh.
ReplyDeleteThe Kavanaugh's effect on America as a potential Supreme Court Justice can't be determined, but his appointment for Trump may help with potential litigation in the future. This action by Trump may just be a foresight into potential impeachment decisions.
To me it's more suspicious than unfair when it comes to Trump deciding not to release the documents. I would hope that the fact that this is suspicious will keep the Supreme Court balance from shifting right. I'm not sure if this is beneficial to America or not. I think that the documents should be seen by other political officials to further decide what the right thing to do in this situation is.
ReplyDeleteI don't think it's fair for Trump to do this since those documents may affect the judgement of whether Kavanaugh is qualify for being a supreme court judge. Also, I don't see any reasons for the general public for Trump doing so since he does not give any reason of why those documents need to be keep in secret.
ReplyDeleteElaine Huang
ReplyDelete