Trump foes, friends rally in West Chester on eve of impeachment
WEST CHESTER >> A couple of hundred protesters calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump rallied on the steps of the Chester County Courthouse Tuesday evening.
Gathered near the Christmas tree and Menorah, under the banners of “Seasons Greetings” and “Peace on Earth,” they sang carols including, “We wish you a quick impeachment” and “Oh bring us subpoena pudding.” A sign reading, “Honk to Impeach”’ drew a hearty response.
The rain stopped just in time for the hundreds of protestors calling for the impeachment of President Donald Trump to rally on the steps of the Chester County Courthouse during the Tuesday evening rush hour. The event billed as “Nobody is a Above the Law” rally which was organized by moveon.org was reportedly one of hundreds taking place nationally.
Organizer Juliet Christopher of Downingtown has been at the courthouse for nearly three years as part of protests against what she said were Trump’s policies and inappropriate behavior. This is different, she said; she feels he should be impeached for high crimes and removed from office.
“The vote’s tomorrow, and we want to have a show of force across the country to say we’re not really for what is going on in this country,” said Dean Henry of Berwyn. “We’re not for control by Russia of our elections. And we have to stand up and show our elected officials before they vote, that the country is not for what is going on now.”
“I’d like to save the American Democracy, said Richard Stratton of Paoli. “The guy who is in office right now is compromised by the Russians, he wants to be dictator, and we let him get by with past primal activity he will increase his primal activity. He’s a threat to national security.”
U.S. Rep. Chrissy Houlahan D-6, representing much of Chester County, stated on social media that she will vote in favor of both articles of impeachment.
Houlahan stated that Trump withheld congressional approved aid to Ukraine to help his re-election not for the safety of the United States, and then he tried to hide that action and undermine congressional authority to oversee and investigate by ignoring subpnoeas, blocking witnesses, and withholding documents.
“Sadly it is my conclusion, after that investigation and after careful personal consideration of all of the testimony, documents and reports that these allegations are true and we must impeach this president,” Houlahan said in the video. “These are the facts; the president used the power of his office to advance his own personal political interest, rather than those of our nation. Disturbingly, he did this in a effort to undermine the upcoming 2020 election and in order to damage a political opponent.
“After deep reflection, I believe this is the right thing to do for our nation and consistent with my oath of office, “Houlahan said. “I grieve for our nation but I cannot let history mark the behavior of our president as anything other than an unacceptable violation of his oath of office.”
Houlahan also pointed out that some may not agree with her in what she called a difficult choice and that she respects that. She went on to say that she is confident that she is upholding her oath and working to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States.
“On both articles of impeachment - that of the abuse of power and that of the obstruction of Congress - I will vote to impeach this president. After deep reflection, I believe this is the right thing to do for our nation and consistent with my oath of office,” Houlahan said.
Representing the opposing view, Jim Stentson of West Chester came out to the rally with his wife, Kathleen, to support the president.” He’s going to be impeached, he’s honest, he’s doing a good job, he’s saving our jobs and we’ve got to support him,” he said.
Asked what will impeachment and protest will mean if the president is acquitted in the Senate as expected, Christopher said, “I don’t think you can do anything but what is right. Unfortunately if that makes him stronger in some people’s eye, there is nothing you can do about it. I’d rather be right than silent.”