Republican U.S. senators: I am writing to make a simple request. Please be objective and fair in the weeks ahead with your decisions. They will deeply affect the welfare of the United States and the world.
In 1998, a Republican House impeached former President Bill Clinton for lying about sex with an intern. This did not endanger the welfare of our nation and the world.
In contrast, we are now investigating our current president for illegally withholding vital aid to our ally, Ukraine, which is under attack by Russia. It was threatened that the reinstatement of the aid would only occur when the president of Ukraine publicly announced an investigation into the Bidens, thus helping President Donald Trump's re-election. Trump admits to this conversation.
This aid to Ukraine started years ago and has helped Ukraine resist Russian aggression. This was a bipartisan, congressionally approved policy designed to help Ukraine into the western family of democracies.
Trump's actions here were clearly against our nation's interests, endangering our country and the world.
If conviction and removal of Trump is defeated, it will set the dangerous precedent that a president may interfere with the implementation of anything Congress approves in bargaining for personal gain. This will reduce the power of Congress, the power of each citizen and constituent and give that power, instead, to the president.
I implore the senators to remember their patriotic and sworn duty to uphold the Constitution of the United States. The Constitution has survived for more than 200 years through many presidents, and it will continue to be this nation's guidance in the years to come. Senators' reputations in history will be made on the basis of where they stand in the weeks ahead.
It is time for nonpartisan, objective courage in doing what is best for our country.