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Are Republicans willing to violate the Constitution?

Melvin B. Miller

The solemnity of an event often instills an appreciation of its significance. The formal procedure for transporting to the United States Senate the articles of impeachment of a U.S. president assured citizens of the power of the Constitution that has been guiding the republic since 1787.

Nancy Pelosi has persistently asserted her authority to prevent the debasement of the process into a rank political confrontation. She did not include in the impeachment the personal conduct of Donald J. Trump that was inappropriate for a president. There are only two charges: abuse of power and obstruction of the House. The speaker held the articles of impeachment from Dec. 18 so that its significance would not be lost in the holiday celebrations.

Now it is up to Mitch McConnell, Senate majority leader, to assure the nation that he and the Republican Party respect the provisions of the U.S. Constitution. Fortunately, Speaker Pelosi’s delay in the impeachment process enabled the citizenry to become more aware of the complex issues involved.

Every American has the right to expect that senators sitting to judge an impeachment shall be bound by “oath or affirmation” to provide fair and honest judgment.