Dear Senators Murray, Cantwell, and McConnell,

I am an unaffiliated member of no political party. I vote my conscience and seek to support political candidates who exemplify ethical decision making, who value what is best for “the least of these” rather than what is expedient for a political party. 

I have been following the news of the impeachment proceedings by listening to the hearings and reading a wide variety of news sources and historical events. I have paid close attention to your positions and actions. 

I care about the impeachment proceedings because I believe the current president, Donald J. Trump, is the tyranny historical about whom Timothy Snyder has warned us. He exemplifies strong man politics that disregard human dignity and wellbeing. I see you protecting him in order to allow him to continue disrespecting the rule of law he is sworn to uphold in the Constitution. 

I want to see a full and fair trial in the Senate because that is what the Constitution expects. The Democrats in Bill Clinton’s trial did not provide the American people a full and fair trial when seeking his removal, and I do not believe that adopting the Democrat’s rules from the 1990s is the ethical decision to make. This political game of tit for tat does not move the United States closer to civility, ethics, and cooperation. 

I believe the best way forward is to call for witnesses and to work with the Democrats currently in Congress to remove the threat to the Constitution that resides in the White House who also poses an existential threat to the Republican Party. In my decision making to affiliate with a political party, I cannot in good conscience look to the Republican Party for moral leadership at this time. You have the opportunity to make a moral choice here to protect our country. 

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

Sincerely,
Jenne (Washington)