Disappointed citizen

I watched the impeachment hearings as often as possible beginning with the hearings that were held in the House.

I was very moved by the testimony of those career personnel who voluntarily gave testimony. Clearly, there was more than enough evidence for the House to impeach the president.

Yet, not a single Republican joined the decision. That bothered me, but I thought that there would be much less polarization when the hearing was performed in the Senate. In addition, that hearing would be attended by no less than the head of the Supreme Court.

At the age of 86, I have discovered my recollection of the Senate no longer met with the reality of what the Senate apparently is today. Indeed, it reminded me of the machine politics that existed in Chicago for so many years.

All of the Republicans were in lockstep with their leader who was in lockstep with his leader i.e., the president. It didn't seem to matter how hard and how well the managers on the House side did their job.

To some extent, I can understand why he did not want to get involved in the situation, but why could he not at least get involved in a few of the issues being contested e.g., the matter of having witnesses and/or documents to enable the Senate to have a more effective hearing.

As it is, we're left with a mess and a president who I personally neither trust nor respect. And I can't help but wonder if the judge at the hearing who I do respect, will be the first in our history to have had responsibility for not only screening the cards, but reading them too. Surely this is something that can be given some attention for future hearings of this nature.

Frank R. Ardito Jr.

Huntley