Dear Senators Alexander and Blackburn,

I am a former Republican, now an Independent. The Republican Party has lost its moorings in “The Age Of Trump.” There is no place there for me anymore, so I could not stay. I cannot, will not, support a President who constantly lies, bullies and berates anyone who is not “loyal” to HIM. We should be first and foremost loyal to the country and its constitution. His brazen attitude concerning the power of the Presidency is very worrisome to me. His erratic behavior is unnerving, and I’m afraid what future “off the cuff” decisions he may make that will negatively affect the nation and the world. He is tearing this country apart as he constantly pits democrats and republicans against each other. 

I have been closely following the impeachment proceedings, listening to the hearings, and reading a variety of news sources. I care about the impeachment trial because I believe that what the President did involving Ukraine, was self-serving and his behavior was unbecoming of the President of the United States, leader of the free world. How can we help Ukraine or any other nation overcome corruption by being corrupt ourselves? 

Please help ensure an open and fair trial in the Senate with additional first hand witnesses (Bolton, Mulvaney, Pompeo, etc.), because I firmly believe that there must be transparency for the American people, and it is impossible to get a clear view without sworn testimony from primary witnesses. Sunlight is the best disinfectant, and I believe disinfecting is called for! Americans expect and deserve the whole truth.

I keep asking myself, “What is being hidden”? If nothing wrong was done, why not produce key witnesses and documents that have [been] blocked by the White House? Why not listen to ALL the evidence? Are positions of power more important to senators than the truth? The constitution? The welfare of the country? By playing politics, are you not also self serving? 

If there is not a fair and open trial I can assure you that more Republicans will leave the party. (I know many who have, just like me). Where will the GOP be then? There are not enough in “the base” to get you all re-elected. Those who have left the GOP will not readily come back, for you have lost our trust!

Sincerely,
Sue (Tennessee)