Over the last month, Donald Trump shutdown the American government because the Democrats would not allow him to fulfill a campaign promise: construction of a border wall that would keep people (primarily Hispanics), from entering the country. 800,000 government employees were without work and not being paid. The federal government, in many areas, was coming to a halt. Last weekend, in fact, the Air Traffic control control system’s lack of controllers caused some airports to temporarily close. In essence, according to some officials, the fool-in-chief was bringing the government “to the brink” of being able to safely operate. Those highlighted words brought me back to remembering October of 1962, when those words were repeatedly used to describe what became known as the Cuban Missile Crisis, when President Kennedy and the Russians were truly “to the brink,” but this time of nuclear war.

Looking back the 57 years since the Missile Crisis, events have brought us to the “edge” many times. But, the question now before us is whether or not Trump’s shutdown is the harbinger of a future in which the words “to the brink” describe a real situation similar to what occurred in October of 1962?

Think about how many events over the last two years—confrontation with North Korea, threats from ISIS, disputes with our allies, disintegration in Syria, etc.— could leave us in serious security situations. I didn’t even mention what is likely the biggest crisis of all: a President compromised by the Russians. That possibility has led to media, and serious public discussion, of Trump being a traitor. With all of these events having the possibility of bringing us “to the brink” of serious military and/or domestic conflict, why are we doing so little to prevent a catastrophe?

As Trump was stocking his administration primarily with sycophants, fools, malevolent personalities and racists, some of his choices allowed us to feel slightly safer: Mattis at Defense, Tillerson at State, Haley at the UN, and Kelly at Homeland Security, being the most obvious examples. The belief was that the three Generals could put a brake on dangerous moves by their boss. But, they are no longer members of the administration. The fool-in-chief is relatively alone, making decisions within a theatre-of-the-absurd. We should therefore count our blessings that the House is no longer in Republican control and that Nancy Pelosi is the Speaker. She’s clearly tougher and wiser than just about anyone else serving in either House of Congress.

So, for the next two years, we may have to rely on Congress—and especially to keep us relatively safe. But that’s not sufficient. Impeachment is an option which could, with the release of the Mueller Report, become a real option. But to remove the fool means Republican Senators will demonstrate courage and recognize their responsibility to the country.How likely is that?

What else can be done? Every American politician—especially at the federal level—needs     to begin operating on a crisis level. The President has already done a massive amount of damage and brought us to the brink of of political turmoil, nuclear confrontation, economic crisis and military conflict. A few days ago, leaders of the Intelligence community told Congress their concerns about many of these pending crises. A day later, Trump declared they were “wrong.” Now, America’s leaders must step in and use any means at their disposal to prevent a cataclysmic event from occurring. A campaign of truth-telling amid massive media exposure is required. Business as usual cannot be tolerated at a precarious time.

Next Tuesday, February 5th, Trump is to give his State-of-the-Union (SOU) speech to Congress. When better time to begin an appropriate demonstration of concern and protest?  At one of President Obama’s SOU addresses, a Republican Congressman screamed “Liar.” That was neither proper nor salutary to any cause. It was simply rude and crude. Instead, I am suggesting that Democrats remain absolutely silent from the moment Trump is announced as he enters the House Chamber to the time he departs. They should also remain in their seats throughout the speech and depart—together—after the President does. It should be a recognition that business cannot go on as usual until the evil, hatred, mockery and anti-human policies of this administration cease. While Trump may not be a traitor nor impeached and removed, it is obvious he has committed illegal acts (e.g. by violating the Emoluments Clause in the U.S. Constitution).

Charles Dickens provides the appropriate coda: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.” Let’s move now on hastening the “best” of times for everyone.