As a combat veteran living in Northampton, I watched the testimony of Robert Mueller with a mix of outrage and disgust. If Congress is serious about protecting our democracy and our national security, our representatives must act immediately to impeach Donald Trump.
When I joined the U.S .Army in 1997, I swore an oath very similar to the one that President Trump took when he assumed office. That oath should mean something. As an Iraq War veteran and combat medic, I deployed and treated casualties in war because I valued dignity and human rights. I treated soldiers, Iraqi civilians and children because I led with my compassion. I wanted to represent the caring nation I know we can be.
But poor leadership sent me into Iraq — the single most disastrous foreign policy blunder since Vietnam. Trump represents a newer, more dangerous evolution of this same irresponsible leadership. This president leads with hate, aggression and represents the worst of our country.
Instead of preserving and defending the Constitution, Trump has trampled on our most sacred values, and he is unfit to be commander in chief. That’s why I say thank you to our own Rep. Jim McGovern for taking action and voting to impeach Trump. I hope our neighboring district Rep. Richard Neal will now do the right thing, follow McGovern’s leadership and press for Trump’s impeachment now.
Jason Hurd
Northampton