USA TODAY International Edition
GOP should acknowledge that facts don’t support Trump on impeachment
I am first an American and second a registered Republican. It is with these lenses that I have watched the impeachment hearings with an open mind hoping to understand the facts.
I was impressed by the nonpartisan testimony of patriotic career diplomats who served under Republicans and Democrats, some of them appointed by President Donald Trump. The facts from that testimony are clear: Trump used his position to pressure Ukraine for a personal favor.
While I understand that, and am clear on the strategic importance for the USA of Ukrainian resistance against Russian aggression, I am befuddled by the Republicans’ response.
They continue to insist that the Ukrainians interfered in the 2016 election. Fiona Hill, the top American Russian expert, chastised Republicans for repeating this “fictional narrative” that was pushed by Vladimir Putin because it promotes Russian objectives. Rep. Devin Nunes, the ranking Republican on the Intelligence Committee, insisted Hunter Biden be called as a witness.
But there’s no proof of Biden wrongdoing. These absurd responses add nothing, and make it appear that Republicans cannot challenge the facts. While I am still trying to be open about whether impeachment is the right call, the facts do not support Trump.
Dennis C. Woods Bradenton, Fla.
Here’s a blunt message to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi: Put an end to Democrats’ futile impeachment plan. I’m a longtime Democratic supporter in an important swing state. Although I’ve voted Democratic for years, I’m definitely going to jump ship if the impeachment saga continues.
Whether or not there’s been wrongdoing by President Donald Trump is an open question. However, it’s a question that should be decided by the American people. With an election imminent, this question should not be decided by partisans in Congress. Articles of impeachment approved by the House are destined to be defeated in the Senate. Pelosi, get on with doing the people’s business. Show us Congress is not as dysfunctional as it appears.
Roger Bonk Lakewood Ranch, Fla.