TRUMP: Truthful 'maps' needed

Citizens considering President Trump’s impeachment rely upon congressional representatives to provide information. Their comments should, like a good map, accurately describe the territory. The territory here is President Trump’s three-month long campaign of getting President Zelensky to announce a criminal investigation into Biden and his son.

Documents and sworn testimony clearly show that Trump withheld military aid awaiting that announcement, scheduled on CNN. But days before the interview, the scheme became public. Trump then released the money and falsely denied there were any conditions imposed.

The Republicans in Congress faithfully repeat Trump’s words that he did nothing wrong during those three months. That map reflects only Trump’s verbal claims, not the more crucial map describing his actions with the State Department, ambassadors, Giuliani and Department of Justice. Using their “nothing wrong” map, what other secret deals can Trump arrange, using our nation’s money and agencies to help his 2020 re-election?

The July call, made midpoint in this lengthy operation, was not perfect. Career officials reported possible legal violations, and a whistleblower alerted Congress.

Over two-thirds of the public believe Trump did something wrong and about half want him removed; hundreds of scholars and professors say his actions amount to an impeachable offense. But the Republicans do not use those landmarks in their “nothing wrong” map. Our representatives must make truthful maps that include important facts, without deflection or abnormal distortions. Public opinion can then rest on solid ground.

DENNIS REUTER

Coeur d’Alene