Donald Trump and the Fifth Amendment

Donald Trump recently took the Fifth Amendment in a deposition in a case in New York in which the New York attorney general is investigating the Trump Organization’s business practices and whether it made misstatements on financial documents. 

Taking the Fifth to me is a conundrum because every American has a right not to answer any questions under oath that might self-incriminate them. However, how will we find out the truth if people hide behind the Fifth? No person is above the law in America, and I have always asked the question, “Why is it that any president who has committed a crime, no matter what the size is, doesn’t have to testify or can be pardoned be in incoming president (as happened with Richard Nixon)?” At least, Nixon had some remorse for his crimes and did the responsible thing by putting his country and people first by resigning from the highest office in the land. 

To me, it seems that most of our politicians have become almost numb to the idea that if you commit a crime, not only will you not have to take responsibility or be liable for your actions, but you might have an even have a greater chance of being re-elected by claiming that law enforcement’s investigation is politically motivated. Politicians are often rewarded for not caring, for putting themselves ahead of their country, and that is about as far from being an American as you can get. Once those in power do this, it’s almost game over – unless the American people rise up. Great idea, but I have even seen too many times where people march on the streets in protest against politicians, but then what happens is the politicians just ignore them and nothing changes.

Back to taking the Fifth. This is every American’s right; however, it does show that you have something to hide, and you don’t want the full truth to come out. In my view, every American should have to answer to charges that they might have committed a crime no matter what it is. Some may view the Fifth Amendment as almost a crime itself, because it borders on not allowing people to tell the full truth. One should also think about the following in a deposition (meaning you, Mr. Trump): “Even if you or your attorney objects to a question, a judge in court can still overrule your objection and compel you to answer.” In this case, one could then ask the question, “Then what is the point of taking the Fifth?” I would love to start a conversion in the comment box below as to what my readers think about taking the Fifth with the following questions in mind: 

1). Is taking the Fifth Amendment a form of lying?

2.) Does taking the Fifth Amendment show that you are hiding something?

3.) What is the point of taking the Fifth in a deposition if a judge can overrule that right?

Mr. Trump – though I doubt you are one of my readers – please feel free to respond…