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Not even the president is above the law.

This seems like such an ironclad principle, one upon which both Democrats and Republicans would readily agree, regardless of which party holds the Oval Office. But that principle is being tested in a way that we have rarely experienced in our nations history. President Trumps firing of FBI Director James Comey and the patently transparent ruse that the action was in response to the Hillary Clinton email investigation shocked many across the political spectrum. Not since the days of Watergate have we experienced such corruption at the highest levels of government, and I am profoundly concerned for the future of our democracy.

This is far from the first instance of President Trump considering himself exempt from the law. Since his inauguration, the president and his Republican enablers have ignored the fact that he stands in violation of the Constitutions Emoluments Clause, intended by the framers to prevent foreign influence of our elected officials. This is, of course, the very charge that has ensnared the presidents former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn and threatens still others within his inner circle. Lets also not forget the presidents firing of acting Attorney General Sally Yates after she refused to implement his illegal Muslim ban, even though Yates decision was entirely within her authority and subsequently reaffirmed by federal courts.

The presidents pattern is clear: When provoked, he lashes out.

During a congressional hearing March 20, Comey directly contradicted the presidents wild and irresponsible tweets about wiretapping. So the president responded by manipulating Chairman Devin Nunes into spreading baseless propaganda that supposedly supported the presidents claims. This time, the FBI issued subpoenas to associates of Flynn and requested a significant increase in resources for the Russia investigation. So the president responded by unceremoniously firing the head of the investigation that was following a trail of evidence to the Oval Office.

Make no mistake: Many Democrats, including myself, disagreed with Comeys handling of the investigation into Clintons private email server. But its utterly ridiculous to think that the president and the attorney general would suddenly, in May 2017, lose confidence in Comey for his actions taken in July 2016.

As a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, I have had several opportunities to hear from and question Comey on the progress of his Russia investigation. Though a smoking gun has yet to be discovered, the director left me with no doubt that he was leading the investigation with the utmost seriousness, and would direct the FBI to go wherever the evidence led them.

This, of course, is what most terrified the president.

I am deeply skeptical that the president will nominate an impartial and independent FBI director who would charge ahead from where Comeys Russia investigation left off. The attorney general and his deputy are also tainted with this farce of a dismissal. The appointment of an independent special counsel is the only clear way to ensure a comprehensive investigation that the American people expect and deserve.

Those in public service, including elected officials, swear an oath upon assuming the responsibilities of office to defend and uphold the Constitution of the United States. Our allegiance is not to any individual, but to the founding principles of our nation and the laws that safeguard them. The Constitution is under siege, and all who love it Democrats and Republicans alike must join forces to defend it.

Jackie Speier represents the 14th District in the U.S. House of Representatives. She serves on the House Permanent Selection Committee on Intelligence and is ranking member of the House Armed Services Military Personnel Subcommittee.

Excerpt from:
Moment of peril for democracy - San Francisco Chronicle