Dear Editor,
There are lots of local activities that are newsworthy and important, but the impeachment proceedings should be of paramount interest to all Americans in every walk of life, even those patriots weary of the political gamesmanship we’ve witnessed in recent history.
But the future of the once greatest nation on earth is at stake, a nation with democratic values and a reputation for decency once rivaled around the world.
While our stock portfolios and 401k balances are important, all the money in the world will be useless if our children—our future—continue to see government leaders as slicksters and liars, afraid of truth and direct answers, only masters of lies, obstruction, and pivot and spin. Imagine how our children’s values are being shaped as they see senior leaders feign concern for openness and transparency in the interest of fairness, even as they lie and hide, refusing to make government documents, communications and staff available to Congress as part of the shared power and transparency our democracy requires.
When confronted with evidence of wrongdoing, there are no straight answers nor hard evidence offered in defense or explanation. Instead, there are calls for crucifixion of whistleblowers, and claims that historical process should now be abandoned. George Orwell was spot on in “Animal Farm”—some government pigs are apparently more equal than others.
From our “leaders,” we hear claims of a witch-hunt, but receive no facts, no straight answers, no hard documents to explain concerns about what has been going on within the castle. A presidential press secretary has not held an open press briefing in over a year, and the president talks to media only in the presence of a whirling helicopter or other setting from where he can quickly retreat without offering a single substantive answer to a straight question. All we get are “we’ll see,” or, “it will be great.” How about some straight, specific, complete answers for a change from the commander-in-chief, or even any of his staff or minions?
The congressional impeachment proceedings are necessary, but they will be a national and international embarrassment. The world will see how grown men and women in elected positions suddenly lose their backbones and consciences as they do or say anything to prevent truth from coming to light. We will see obstruction and lies, insults and mob mentality that would alarm us if exhibited by our children or spouse. Like a 3- or 4-year-old child, grown men and women in suits will cry unfairness within the walls of Congress, but refuse to answer directly whether a stolen cookie was eaten or a bad word uttered.
Yes, we have become delusional. I become despondent when I see a “Christians for Trump” sign. Who would believe that Christ would expect or want decent people to embrace a philandering, tax-cheating, sexist, racist, lying, bankrupt shell of a man like Trump for their national leader, a man who conjured up bone spurs to avoid military service yet freely mocks and demeans real patriots? As you watch the impeachment proceedings, think about the example being set for your own children, the ones you work so hard to guide toward decency, respect and truth.
Mike Fetzer
Independence Township