TO WHOM THIS SHOULD CONCERN
TO WHOM THIS SHOULD CONCERN
First, a little history...
In the drafting of the document describing the form and rules of our federal government, the Founding Fathers of this country proved themselves to be men of exemplary intelligence and extraordinary foresight. Through extensive and exhaustive discussion and debate, they constructed a form of government that they hoped would unite the opposing factions that then populated their infant country. Through compromise and concession a consensus was reached. The Constitution of the United States of America was written and adopted, and our republic was established. This carefully constructed document has since become the model for freedom-loving countries around the world.
Our Founder’s biggest concerns were over the established power of a large central government and abuse of that power by individuals placed in positions of authority. Their ideal government was composed of three equal branches, each designed to exercise control over three separate functions of government. The Legislative branch was empowered to enact laws; the Executive branch authorized to enforce those laws; and the Judicial branch entitled to litigate differences that might arise between the Executive and Legislative branches. However, because the Legislative branch was deemed to be the branch most closely representative of the current will of “we the people”, it was also empowered with the right and responsibility to sanction, censure, impeach, and remove from office any individual that exceeded or abused the powers allocated by our Constitution.
Over the last 200 years, our country has changed. Our boundaries have been extended to include territory that exceeds the dreams of even the most fervent 18th century expansionist, and now encompasses a population consisting of people from every race, creed, and culture on this planet. The personal desires and dreams of such a diverse constituency, and the assertion of their right to an equal voice in their government, have tested the strength of our union and forced amendments to our Constitution to accommodate our altered national identity.
These changes have not come easily. Some were brought about only after years of public pressure on apathetic and apologetic administrations adverse to any alteration of the status quo. Other changes were bought with blood, and adopted only after the conclusion of hostilities. As our country changes, even more changes in the Constitution may become necessary.
Now, let’s examine the present crisis in our country...
Our House of Representatives has just taken the historic step of initiating impeachment proceedings against the President of the United States of America. While all the particulars have yet to be compiled and presented for an official vote, there is a strong indication that the charges presented will reflect President Trump’s propensity to pervert the power of his office. These may include: lying to Congress; contempt of Congress; obstruction of justice; and general malfeasance. A complete listing of the voluminous examples of Mr. Trump’s questionable and “unprecedented” actions will not be introduced here as I believe that the presentation of just a few should be enough to convince anyone of the man’s guilt, and make clear to all why impeachment of Donald Trump is not only prudent, but necessary for our country’s continued existence.
Our Constitution empowers our legislators with the right and responsibility to conduct investigations into all allegations of malfeasance by an individual while serving in federal office. Any attempt to restrict or hamper those inquiries can only be interpreted as contempt of Congress, and an attack on our government. Providing false testimony, denying access to documents pertinent to Congressional proceedings, or refusing to comply with (or enforce) lawful subpoenas to appear before Congress must be viewed as obstructions of justice. Donald Trump could be charged with each of the offenses just described.
The questions facing Congress can be simply stated as: Were the actions of the President in violation of the Constitution? Were they illegal, or just un-ethical? Their answers to these questions will determine whether or not Mr. Trump will remain in office. But the public’s answers to these questions are just as important.
In 2016, Donald Trump, acting in concert with his sons and others employed by his campaign committee, sought assistance from the Russians in procuring information that might be detrimental to his opponent and beneficial to his campaign. An investigation into the Trump campaign’s alleged collusion with the Russians was conducted. After an extensive investigation, and numerous indictments and convictions, Special Prosecutor Mueller issued a report of his findings. Mr. Mueller advised Congress that he was prevented from the complete prosecution of all those guilty of crimes against our country, and advised them of Congress’ responsibility to pursue those that his commission could not (due to Justice Department rules and precedent) bring to justice. More recently, during an official call with the head of another government, President Trump requested “a favor” that could be of benefit to no-one but Donald Trump and his 2020 re-election campaign.
Given all the particulars, were do we stand?
Every voter in the 2016 election knew of the fraudulent schemes and un-ethical and immoral behavior of private citizen Donald Trump. Most people were repulsed by the idea that such an individual should ever represent our country. Others, while acknowledging the man’s “misdeeds”, voted for him anyway. These same supporters will, no doubt, view his actions as the head of state with the same disregard for propriety and legality. The question the rest of us must answer is: Are we, as a freedom-loving people, willing to allow Donald Trump to continue to serve himself while acting as the President of this country?
In President George Washington’s farewell address to the nation, that great man warned our country’s citizens and leaders to be wary of allowing foreign powers any influence in the processes of our government. Yet, Donald Trump has made repeated request for assistance from foreign governments for his personal gain. I suggest that Trump’s actions would, from Washington’s view-point, be seen as a treasonous attack on our government and an assault on our personal freedoms. President Washington’s warning to the country in 1796 was important then, and is even more important now. Especially now.
The freedom of the press, as guaranteed by our Bill of Rights, is a bulwark in our defense against tyranny and oppression, and will always be of paramount importance to our country. The press presents facts needed to inform and arm the public in our continuing fight to maintain the freedoms provided us by our Constitution. Any attack on the press by anyone in a position of power can only be seen as an attack on our established government, and an assault on our own personal freedoms. Donald Trump has repeatedly declared that these freedom fighters are “the enemy of the people”.
In conclusion...
Our history records countless stories of brave men and women who refused to live under the yoke of tyranny and sacrificed their lives to provide others the opportunity to live in freedom.
Today we write a new chapter in American history. Whether this chapter will describe our country’s continuance or conclusion depends upon a collection of “ifs and thens”.
If our elected officials fail in the performance of their duties, then our Constitution is doomed. If ignorance and avarice are allowed to reign over reason and righteousness, our communal bonds will be severed. If the laws of the land are applied only to those below a certain station, then chaos and conflict will rule the land. If the inequities of yesterday are repeated tomorrow, then justice has no hope, and our country no future.
I respect and revere the memory of our Founders and all the brave patriots that fought to establish the great country we live in today. So, speaking for myself, I pledge upon my honor, that I will always refuse to live under the rule of a tyrant, and I will proudly pay with my life to buy another’s freedom.
Today, we write American history. The page is blank. Only time will tell if our country’s saga continues, or if this is the final chapter of a tragedy written with the blood of martyrs.
Robert P. Anderson, Jr.
December 7, 2019
