Friday, 10 May 2024

Opinion | The Impeachment Inquiry: ‘It Is Time’

To the Editor:

“The Only Option” (editorial, Sept. 29) speaks to the urgency of this inflection point in our history.

The framers of our Constitution were learned men who knew that in the course of human events, one day our democracy might be tested by a president of low moral character and self-serving venality — a man who harbored kingly ambitions and brooked no dissent.

Indeed, it is time for, in your words, “the most radical check of all.”

The Republican Party has abdicated its pledged responsibility to uphold and to defend the laws embedded in our Constitution. The Democratic Party must now move forward expeditiously to prove its case to the American people for bringing forth articles of impeachment against this dangerously hubristic president.

Our country and the world are watching how the process unfolds, as our presumed fail-safe system of government is under siege from within. Can we self-correct? Are we a nation of laws or of men?

“The majesty of representative government,” in the words of the editorial, demands that we not shirk our patriotic duty to uphold and to defend the Constitution from the corrupting encroachments that subvert our democracy and, if unchecked, set a course toward the authoritarian rule of unaccountable men who presume to govern as if by divine right.

Barbara Allen Kenney
Santa Fe, N.M.

To the Editor:

Your editorial echoed the words of our forefathers in the Declaration of Independence, which spoke to the oppressive actions by King George III against the colonies.

You addressed the constitutional reasons for a House inquiry into the offenses perpetrated by the president of the United States. In the midst of passionate rhetoric on all sides, the editorial, unburdened by rancor or divisive claims, clearly lists the president’s unlawful offenses.

It was heartening to read this eloquent and timely editorial.

Laure Dunne
Norwalk, Conn.

To the Editor:

The framers of the Constitution, in their wisdom, provided impeachment as a mechanism to protect the integrity of our democracy from the abuse of power. But starting impeachment proceedings now is not a “traumatic recourse,” though you support the inquiry, but rather a much-needed and lawful means to address the traumatic harm that President Trump’s callous, corrupt, lawless and self-dealing practices have inflicted on our country and our residents.

(Rev.) Allie Perry
New Haven

To the Editor:

Re “Trump Can’t Take a Punch,” by Jamelle Bouie (column, Sept. 29):

President Trump has brought Vice President Mike Pence into the investigation. Mr. Trump said, “I think you should ask for V.P. Pence’s conversation, because he had a couple conversations also.”

And so the door is open for the investigators to begin an impeachment inquiry of Mr. Pence.

How many more will go down with the ship?

Doug Giebel
Big Sandy, Mont.

To the Editor:

Re “Last Exit From Trumpland,” by Ross Douthat (column, Sept. 29):

Instead of relying on a group of feckless senators to provide the votes to impeach the president, Republicans who want to salvage the electoral prospects of the party would be better served if the cabinet would invoke the 25th Amendment and declare Donald Trump unfit for the office.

At least this way the base would focus its outrage on a bunch of Republicans who are not running for re-election, and senators would be free to say they were not responsible for the president’s political demise.

While these cabinet Republicans run the risk of being ostracized by their fellow Republicans, one could imagine a scenario where their reputations would be enhanced once the dust has settled, when people in both parties realize what a relief it is not to have to deal with such a mercurial and lawbreaking president.

Michael Scott
San Francisco

To the Editor:

Re “Impeachment Is an Act of Desperation,” by Christopher Buskirk (Sunday Review, Sept. 29):

What I find amazing about this article is the absence of an ethical compass applied to the actions of our president. Mr. Buskirk calmly acknowledges that some of the abuses are probably true, yet he dismisses them.

How jaded are we to so casually dismiss such activity at the highest level of office?

My question for Mr. Buskirk is, “Have you no sense of decency, sir?” We have no choice but to pursue impeachment if President Trump has committed crimes. Our democratic system requires it.

Philip Rutledge
Charlotte, N.C.

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