letter to the editor

Now it’s our job

Mon, 01/27/2020 - 4:45pm

Dear Editor:

As I've listened to the entire impeachment hearings through this (Saturday) morning, I realize how essential it is for all Americans to see and hear the evidence behind the testimony of both sides. The attorneys and house managers are advocates for their sides and are presenting selective evidence to bolster their arguments. Each side is accusing the other of lying and manipulating facts. It has become a “he said, she said” argument and unless documents and witnesses are allowed, we will just have to go with whoever holds the cards.

An outcome based on prejudiced evidence will be a political one, not a Constitutional one, and will leave an already disillusioned, cynical public even more divided and distrustful of political processes. Unless we just want to turn our power to make the critical decision about whether the President is truly impeachable to either party - We the People, must demand that the evidence that is necessary for us to come to an informed, thoughtful judgment for ourselves - be provided and allowed. We must make this demand to the Senate.

We must also fight for the rightful power of Congress to conduct oversight on our behalf. If the rights of Congress are lost in this struggle We the People will lose the guarantee against the abuse of power of any branch of government provided by the creation of three equal branches. This powerful and important protection cannot become an incidental casualty in this impeachment trial.

Bonnie Gerrard

Damariscotta