worse than maladministration

On September 8 1787, a Saturday, the delegates to the Constitutional Convention debated the subject of impeachment of the president.  All quickly agreed that treason and bribery should be included as grounds for impeachment.

Then the addition of the term "maladministration" to the impeachment clause was proposed by George Mason of Virginia, one of the most important and influential of the founders.  Madison objected that the term was not sufficiently clear.  Mason withdrew the language and substituted "high crimes and misdemeanors"

The framers of our Constitution wanted to give future governments the means and authorization to get rid of a president whose administration of his office was poorly handled.  It did not mean that an actual law had to be broken, as is clear from the discussion.

We are faced with a situation now that is long past the need to remove the president from office.  In addition to several violations (such as emoluments clause) Trump management of our executive branch is so poor as to constitute maladministration, a clear basis for impeachment.

Let's get going, Messrs. Ryan and McConnell!