In search of facts and evidence
Virginia Congresswoman Abigail Spanberger issued a fine statement:
“As a former federal agent and CIA officer, I have spent my professional career in search of facts and evidence—the facts and evidence necessary to uphold the rule of law and protect our national security. Today, I am driven by facts and evidence to protect the integrity of our democracy.
“This week, the House of Representatives will vote on two articles of impeachment. In advance of casting my vote, I have read the articles and studied the evidence—including the majority and minority reports, deposition transcripts, and public testimony.
“The facts are not in dispute; witnesses, including those called by both parties, affirm these facts. The President has abused his power by soliciting foreign interference in the 2020 election and leveraging U.S. security assistance dollars paid for by taxpayers and appropriated by both parties in Congress to compel a close ally—at war and dependent on our aid—to malign his political rival. When these actions became known, the President endeavored to hide the truth, and he obstructed Congress’ constitutional duty to investigate by withholding documents, evidence, and fact witnesses.
“The President’s actions violate his oath of office, endanger our national security, and betray the public trust. Because of the oath I swore to support and defend the Constitution, I will be voting in favor of both articles of impeachment. This vote is about more than one man’s abuse of power; it is about the power of the presidency and whether we, as citizens, can expect that our elected officials, and most powerfully, our President, will fulfill their obligation to uphold the Constitution. The framers foresaw the risks to our republic that could come with a President willing to put self-interest before national interest, and they gave Congress the sole power of impeachment as a remedy.
“It is with a heavy heart, a solemn devotion to our Constitution, and a deep belief in our country that I believe we must pursue this remedy. The world, and our children, are watching as the foundation of the world’s longest-standing democracy is tested. Through this trying time, nothing is more important than fulfilling our obligation to defend the Constitution and protect our republic.”
I think the former federal agent and CIA officer bit helps. She knows from facts and evidence.
Tragically, the Republicans in the Senate appear to be wholly indifferent to the facts and evidence, but it’s still good to have people who aren’t.
Unfortunately, “former CIA officer” reads to most Trumpets as “Deep State operative”.
Well, to be fair, it does to me too, to some extent, given the history. The CIA was monstrous in the 50s and 60s and 70s, overthrowing elected socialist governments and replacing them with murderous fascists.
I think every member voting should have to write a letter like that, explaining their decision. I would be curious as to what excuses Trumpkins would be willing to put on paper to explain how what Trump did isn’t an impeachable offence and how his actions have not violated his oath of office.
Ophelia: Oh, I’m no defender of the CIA. It’s the “Deep State” narrative, where every last government cock-up is, in fact, just part of one grand master conspiracy, rather than the sort of thing that occurs when you have a lack of transparency and accountability on those in power (see also: clergy sex abuses, Catholic laundries, etc). Usually, the only actual conspiracy is the subsequent cover-ups; the initial offense is generally just wicked people doing wicked things, using their power and secrecy to get away with it long enough that once their higher-ups learn about it, they’re afraid to act properly to correct the problem because of the tarnishing of the image.