Lawler’s ethics standard should apply to President Trump

Dear Editor,

“If you serve the public, you should serve only the public.”

Congressman Mike Lawler wrote those words while celebrating legislation restricting members of Congress from trading individual stocks.

And you know what?

I agree with him. Completely.

So Congressman Lawler, let’s apply that beautifully simple principle consistently.

If elected officials should not use public office for private financial advantage, where is your outrage over President Trump and his family conducting private business while he occupies the most powerful public office in the country?

The Trump family has built an extraordinary web of crypto ventures and other business interests while Trump’s own administration makes policy affecting those industries. Reuters has estimated that the family has made billions from crypto-related ventures since Trump returned to office.

That seems like a slightly bigger ethical entrée than a congressman buying 100 shares of Apple.

As Chef Phil might say: you don’t get to inspect everyone else’s kitchen while ignoring the grease fire in the dining room.

Lawler says:

“If you serve the public, you should serve only the public.”

Good.

Then say it to President Trump.

Demand the same transparency. Demand the same separation between public power and private profit. Demand the same accountability.

Because ethics shouldn’t depend on whose name is embroidered on the chef’s coat.

It’s easy to pass an ethics bill and issue a press release. The real test is whether you’re willing to enforce the principle when the person violating it is the leader of your own party.

So, Congressman Lawler, does “serve only the public” apply to President Trump too?

Or is there a presidential exemption for the guy you’re afraid to challenge?

-Philip DuBon, Mount Kisco