Impeachment: Trial or farce

The House of Representatives' impeachment of Donald Trump has the same effect as an indictment by a grand jury, while the trial in the Senate determines guilt or innocence, The Republicans in both the House and Senate complained that the House hearings, controlled by the Democrats, afforded them no opportunity to call their own witnesses so the entire procedure was unfair. In truth, the Republicans were allowed to call witnesses, to give evidence of the president's innocence, but the White House used executive privilege in order to prevent witnesses from testifying, while also denying access to documentation. Career diplomats testified with evidence of crimes committed by the president, adding to statements by the president and his chief of staff. The Republicans, instead of participating in the hearings or showing any evidence of innocence, chose to rail against procedure. The trial in the Senate will be conducted by the chief justice of the Supreme Court under rules spelled out in the Constitution, while the 100 senators will act as the jury. The Republicans are the majority in the Senate and would certainly want to include any documentation or testimony which clears the president.

The Senate majority leader has stated that he wants a quick trial with no witnesses being called. Has anyone ever heard of a trial where witnesses with direct information and knowledge of the case would not be allowed to testify, no documentation would be provided, where one juror, a senator from South Carolina states that he has made up his mind before the trial even begins, and where the Senate majority leader has publicly stated that he is coordinating the defense with the White House? Such actions would disqualify these men from serving on any public jury trial.

So, Republicans are not at all concerned that there should be at least the appearance of a fair trial. They do not care if the president violated the Constitution by committing high crimes. Every senator in their oath of office has sworn to preserve and protect the Constitution. However, for Senate Republicans, protection of the president is more important than this oath. This is the action of a political party that embraces and welcomes a president who believes he is above the law. Republicans have shown unwavering support for this man so they can maintain their majority regardless of the consequences to our country.

Robert Frankel

Schaumburg