I am constantly amazed at the partisan shock and awe regarding different parts of government fulfilling their constitutional responsibilities. Playing for sound bites and trying to play to their bases has always been the game in politics. Although, every generation has produced someone who rises above the muck and leads us down a moral path, not a partisan one. Unfortunately, we don’t have one right now…nor during the Clinton Impeachment.
To be clear, I believe that Clinton and Trump both have committed crimes sufficient to warrant an impeachment inquiry proceeding in the House of Representatives. We have checks and balances for a reason. It is the role of the House to determine if there is sufficient evidence to prosecute. It is the role of the Senate to determine level of guilt.
Clinton’s high crime was lying to cover up an inappropriate sexual relationship. Representative Katie Hill just resigned over an inappropriate sexual relationship. I respect her courage, Clinton could learn a lot from her.
Clinton’s other crime was he was not true to the legal contract he entered into with Hillary. Moral violations of marriage contracts are not punishable in terms of jail time, but are nonetheless a violation of the terms of the marriage, hence the need for divorce.
Trump has committed several acts that put into question his moral, ethical and intellectual discipline. His abandoning the Kurds, his sexual relationships outside of his marriages, his attempts to cover-up his relationships with foreign powers, his bullying and belittling of people that disagree with him and his inability to bring any deals to completion.
While all of his shortcomings don’t rise to the level of High Crimes and Misdemeanors, in a totality they do. Just as they did with Clinton. I applauded the House for taking the steps to uphold their Constitutional responsibilities.
I am disappointed, though, in the Democrats’ political gamesmanship regarding the process. I agree with closed door sessions to ascertain the legitimacy of testimony, but their sharing of testimony after each session is shameful. We have a presumption of innocence in this country and this behavior rots the very core of that ideal.
As the process moves forward, I believe all Americans are hoping for a fair and honest evaluation of the facts. I hope that both sides of the political spectrum will take off their blinders and began to evaluate the situation logically.
If social media had existed during Clinton’s impeachment as it does now, I am sure that most individuals on both sides of the aisle would be eating crow now. Their complaints are more in defense of a party, than standing true to defending what is morally right and legally prescribed in our Constitution.