Dear Senator McSally,

I am an Army wife. Though I have only been [able] to identify as such for the last 18 months, I can attest to the importance of sacrifice in the name of protecting the freedom of our great country. Among our freedoms is the freedom of speech, and I am grateful to have the opportunity to share my concerns with you in this letter.

I have been following the news of the impeachment proceedings by way of impartial news outlets. My investment in the proceedings is much greater than any other occurrence in D.C. than I’d have ever expected. Truthfully, I feel a great need to pay close attention, for I fear that work in my government is being done dishonestly.

As an American, it’s my responsibility to understand and follow the events of the government, but as a mother and military spouse, doing so can prove to exhaust great effort and time. It’s my expectation that I need not follow the news with such concern, that I need not fear positions are being exploited for the sake of loyalty to a party or person. My standards for government office are high, and I expect duties to be performed with honesty, integrity, and commitment to the truth.

I care about the impeachment proceedings because the virtue of our democracy depends on it. What precedent are we setting if we do not seek the truth in such a potentially dangerous event? We have already seen harrowing events since the alleged abuse of power. What more are we risking if we do not pursue appropriate accountability?

I want to see a full and fair trial in the Senate because no one is above the law, just as no one is exempt from being given a fair trial. Once, as a potential juror, I was heavily questioned on whether I had any predisposing thoughts on the trial. If the defendant chose not to testify, would I hold it against him? If I did, I would not be selected for the jury. That process of ensuring fairness among jurors takes place every day in our court, and it must take place in the Senate with this impeachment trial. To rally votes before witnesses and vital testimonies are provided gravely disrespects and dishonors our justice system.

I call on the elected leaders to uphold their offices and oaths honorably. You must hold a fair and full impeachment trial if you intend to uphold your oaths.

I agree with the enclosed statement on impeachment by Mormon Women for Ethical Government.

Sincerely,
Kirstin (Arizona)