By Ed Sperry, Col USAF (ret), Stevensville
I was amazed to see George Corn’s Guest Comment in the October 16th Star. With his vast experience as a past Ravalli County Attorney, during which he demonstrated great skill as a prosecutor, one must ask―how can he show such disregard for the Constitution? How can any prosecutor proceed with prosecuting an offense which can’t be named? The Democratic leadership has been seeking a charge for impeachment since the day President Trump took office. They have sought impeachment to the point of endangering the rule of law in our Republic. Their presidential candidates show a near compete disdain for our Republic. Since its founding our nation has demonstrated to the world the unique ability to transfer power without bloodshed. We have fortunately never yet had to witness the results of an ill-conceived attempt to deny approximately half the voting population the authority granted by winning a national election.
We are witnessing the erosion of the Bill of Rights by the old Chinese system of death by a thousand cuts. It’s referred to as the ‘Resistance’. Now they have resorted to star chamber secret hearings by a select group of Congressmen. Yes, I said it―SECRET HEARINGS!! This is the crew that a few months ago wanted more transparency. These anointed few have even denied attendance to other interested Congressmen such as duly elected members of the Judicial Committee.
Friends, don’t these antics upset you and cause a tiny grain of suspicion? I find it hard to believe that most Democrats want to pursue this path at a time when worldwide issues demand our attention. We should be very leery of one sided, often secret, ever changing searches for an offense that no one has been able to find or describe in a manner that withstands inspection for more than a day or so.
As God fearing and dedicated citizens, let us join together to stop extremists from trying to steal the results of millions of voters in the 2016 election. Let all of us decide about President Trump’s future during the election of 2020! These are perilous times. Aren’t we divided enough already?
Claire L Kelly says
I did not see Mr Corn’s comments, but am in total agreement with Col Sperry’s call to all of us for a renewed and vigorous reverence for our Constitution. In recent years, far too many, including many elected officials who swore an oath to uphold and defend our Constitution , have defiled and disrespected it, in word and deed.
The Constitution is not some vague concept. It Is the very backbone of our free and democratic society. It’s origins and words should be taught in every school. It is the law of our land..
I have known Mr Corn and Col Sperry for many years and have had respect for both of them. Let us all come together calling for a renewed allegiance to the Constitution of our country and denouncing those who would ignore or defile it. . .
David Welch says
Your assertion that Democrats in Congress are conducting “secret hearings” is utterly false.
The hearings you are so grossly mischaracterizing are known as “closed hearings”. They are routine and have been conducted by Congress since its’ very inception. ( Perhaps you recall all of the closed hearings during the plethora of Benghazi investigations conducted by Republicans? )
In a closed hearing lawmakers of both political parties, and their staffs, are able to attend and participate in questioning witnesses. Minority party ( Republican ) committee members have all the access and privileges as those afforded to the majority ( Democrats ).
If you want to know why closed hearings are sometimes necessary, do some research. Facts are not hard to find when you finally start looking for them.
But you aren’t interested in facts, are you? By harping on the impeachment inquiry process you are simply trying to distract attention from the substance of the inquiry. Because the substance ( i.e. Trump’s conduct ) is indefensible. Something even Republicans can no longer deny. Which is why they resort to misdirection instead.