TRUMP: Trial is essential

Debate rumbles across our country about the wisdom of initiating another impeachment trial in the U.S. Senate. I argue in favor of proceeding with such a trial. Since the moment he took the oath of office in 2017, Trump trampled unimpeded on the rule of law and certainly the Constitution itself.

The last straw — the storming the Capitol to interrupt the legitimate business of Congress, or worse — was an attempted coup, incited, aided and abetted by the president himself. Indeed, he set the stage by months of rhetoric about a fraudulent election and his pledge that he would accept the results of the election only if he won. Five fatalities, directly related to the storming of the building, have resulted. The president — remember he labeled himself the law and order president — watched from the safety of the White House, cheered on his followers as they broke into the Capitol, and delayed by hours any personal response to stop the insurrection.

The president clearly has committed a treasonable act of sedition and must be held accountable. Should he not, the message to all future presidents is that s/he is indeed above the law and free to do anything they want. Regardless of the political consequences of a second trial, politicians should do the right thing for the future of democracy in our country by holding a fair and open trial in the Senate and convict Trump. Furthermore, they must vote to prevent his ever again running for public office.

PAULA NEILS

Hauser