While not particularly surprised by Jay Fleitman’s opinion piece on impeachment, considering the widespread dismissal of facts and science by today’s Republican party, I was nevertheless saddened and dismayed.
Having read the Constitution again recently, and referencing the Federalist papers, I have become increasingly alarmed that the Trump presidency is precisely what the founders feared might occur should a rich faux populist gain power.
Impeachment was written into the Constitution, and expanded on in the Federalist papers, as the sole mechanism to try and halt a foreseen slide into autocratic rule. It was hoped that the Congress and senators would honor their vow to uphold the Constitution over their partisan leanings.
Does Fleitman believe that if Trump has secret recordings of his Ukrainian dealings he should and would hand them over if subpoenaed, like Nixon did? We all know the answer to that question, which is why I am saddened and dismayed, as we continue our seemingly inexorable descent into autocratic rule.
Peter Weitzman
Northampton