"There have been high crimes and misdemeanors, but they have been committed by the special prosecutor and the Congress, not the president"
- Donella Meadows
About this Quote
Donella Meadows' quote is a criticism of the special prosecutor and Congress for their actions in the investigation of the president. She implies that the president has actually not devoted any high criminal offenses or misdemeanors, but that the special district attorney and Congress have. This suggests that the investigation of the president is politically encouraged and that the unique district attorney and Congress are using their power to target the president. Meadows' quote is a pointer that the president need to not be held to a higher requirement than other federal government authorities which the examination should be conducted fairly and without bias. It likewise serves as a warning to the special prosecutor and Congress that their actions will be inspected and that they ought to be held liable for any wrongdoing.
"If the present Congress errs in too much talking, how can it be otherwise in a body to which the people send one hundred and fifty lawyers, whose trade it is to question everything, yield nothing, and talk by the hour?"