GOP’s impeachment reasoning is flawed
What’s interesting about the Jan. 13 House impeachment vote is not that it was a largely partisan affair. Every presidential impeachment – from Andrew Johnson to Richard Nixon and Bill Clinton, to Donald Trump and Trump again – has been along party lines. The party line has beaten impartiality every time.
Although 10 Republicans broke ranks this time and voted with the Democrats to impeach the president for his role in last week’s riot inside the Capitol, the other 197 Republicans remained loyal to their party and its leader, Donald J. Trump.
But what’s interesting about this most recent impeachment is the unanimity of the reasoning of those 197 Republicans who voted “Nay.” They recognized the president had addressed the potential mob and expressed disapproval of the violence that followed. But impeachment, they reasoned, would only inflame the passions that have developed within America.
So to help the country heal, they had to vote “Nay.” By excusing the president’s role in inspiring a mob – by putting the president above the law – they nobly reasoned, they were saving the country further anguish.
With these 197 Republicans, maybe Trump could shoot somebody on 5th Avenue, grab a woman’s genitals, mock an impaired reporter and get away with it all. And more.
Grady S. Burgner, Ooltewah
Find all responsible for Capitol assault
Was the breaking and entering of our capital on Jan. 6 an inside job? Who at the Capitol Police told the mayor of D.C. that they needed no extra help? Who at the FBI decided that there did not need to be a threat assessment as with the Black Lives Matter protests?
There was a ban on visitors to the capital since March because of COVID. Who authorized the tours that showed potential groups of rioters around the building on Jan. 5th? Who at the DOD did not have the National Guard ready for action? Who organized these groups of protesters?
When we have answers to these questions we will be closer to the answer to who must be held responsible – in addition to the president – for the attack on our democracy.
In the meantime, it is apparent that all members of Congress who perpetuated the BIG LIE that the election on Nov. 3 was not free and fair must resign or be removed as stated in the 14th amendment.
This includes our own Chuck Fleischmann.
Peter J. Elvin
Fleischmann vote shows weakness
As a Marine I swore an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution, As an attorney I serve my community upholding the rule of law. As a conservative, I hold fast to the pillars of society namely order and tradition.
Representative Chuck Fleischmann by not voting to impeach President Trump, is disregarding his oath, the rule of law, and the notions of order and tradition.
His vote reflects a weakness of character. It demonstrated that he is more loyal to President Trump than to the Constitution of the United States.
It is a sad day for the people of the 3rd Congressional District of Tennessee.
David Schmidt, Signal Mountain
What is the GOP thinking?
It baffles me how Pachyderms embrace Trump’s antics.
If Attila The Hun was Republican, he’d get the same love.
Harry Sholl, East Ridge