Dear Senator Toomey,
I write to you as an American who is deeply concerned for the future of America. I truly fear we are on the verge of destruction. I say this with a heavy heart and tremendous sorrow. Allow me to explain.
I am a Christian pastor. I have a very strong sense of right and wrong, of morality, ethical conduct, process and Truth. I believe in being fair and providing justice. I attempt to hear all sides of an argument before I make up my mind. I have no delusions of superiority or perfection. I am convinced that the only way we can succeed in life is to respect one another and work with each other for the common good. “We the people…” is more than a phrase that sounds good. It is the very fabric of our nation; our DNA. This country lives and dies on the “we” because it is larger than the individual. We are the UNITED States of America, which simply means there are times when we must put our personal agenda aside and do what is right.
For this very reason I beseech you to approach the impending Impeachment trial in the United States Senate with an open mind and a patriotic heart. I am deeply troubled by the thought of this impeachment. It is not good for our country, on the one hand. However, more importantly, it is necessary for our future. This is a time in history when we must decide once and for all who we are. Do we stand for Truth? Do we believe in Justice? Can we put aside political identity in favor of national integrity? We have reached a defining moment in history, one that will determine our very existence.
Politically I am registered non-partisan, or independent. I refuse to identify as a Republican or a Democrat. Rather I seek to hear both sides and reach my own conclusion. Consequently, I want very much to hear from people like John Bolton, Mick Mulvaney, and anyone else who can add clarity to the facts surrounding the actions of President Trump. Because the President has refused to allow these persons to testify thus far we remain uninformed and unable to draw any conclusions. If, in fact, their testimony will prove the President’s innocence beyond any doubt they must testify. It is the only way to put an end to this disturbing mark on our character. On the other hand, if their testimony will prove his guilt we again need to hear it. Let us settle this issue once and for all.
I urge you to do all you can to convince Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to agree to letting these key persons testify. Furthermore, I plead with you to let the evidence – ALL of the evidence – enlighten your vote on the question of impeachment. If you remain silent and complicit with Mr. McConnell’s stated intention to deny these voices and work hand in hand with President Trump’s wishes you will bear the responsibility for your actions. You will go down in history as a weak, failed puppet who was manipulated and used by powerful – and possibly corrupt – associates.
A defendant cannot set the terms of his/her own trial. That is absurd. When Mr. McConnell says he is working with the accused to set up the trial he himself becomes a co-defendant. He should resign his position and stand trial with the President. That is the only reasonable conclusion. I am shocked an intelligent person like you cannot see this.
You yourself have gone on record, according to your website, as saying the following.
"In a
Senate trial, House impeachment managers should be permitted to make their
case, and the president's lawyers should be able to make their defense. At the
conclusion of these presentations, the Senate can then decide what further
steps may be necessary."
If you believe this you will agree that witnesses must be allowed to testify. Otherwise, House impeachment managers will not “be permitted to make their case,” as you advocate, and you become just as partisan as the process you have denounced in the House of Representatives.
“We, the people” are better than this. We must be. For if we are not, then the American experiment is over and we are no different from the other despots, monarchs, dictators and empires of the world.
Speak to your colleagues. Plead with your leadership. Search your soul. Let the American Justice system prevail so the world will know we are authentic and worth following.
Sincerely,
George Douglas Gehr
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