My response to the view of Rodney K. Smith is that the impeachment of President Donald Trump should be dismissed in the Senate as a matter of summary judgment.
Summary judgment is appropriate when there are no credible facts in dispute and there is no underlying basis for impeachment. Mr. Smith acknowledges that the evidence the Democrats presented was mostly “indirect.” In fact, all of the evidence was indirect or based on presumptions and innuendos. The only direct testimony was contrary to any quid pro quo. Therefore, there is no factual basis for proceeding to trial.
Further, Mr. Smith cites polls to support his opinion for a rigorous trial in the Senate so that we can determine the “truth.” In my opinion, that is naive. First, public polls should not be driving the process; that is why we have elections and we are less than a year away from such an election. Second, the public is substantially influenced by the media, and by any objective measure and it appears from professional, credible studies, the media has demonstrated its bias against President Trump throughout his presidency.
An extended trial in the Senate will only further polarize our country and will unlikely change any opinions about whether or not President Trump abused his powers or obstructed Congress. The “truth” will only be what the beholders of the proceeding perceive, and most folks made up their minds long ago.
Mike Jensen
Murray