Are you confused by the impeachment inquiry? Captivated? Bored? Don’t know what to think? Maybe a combo of all of the above? Here are some things I am looking for as I listen to the hearings:-
Listen. Sometimes watching the proceedings adds to the experience, but in this case, you might gain more by listening. Body language isn’t “speaking” to you when you are listening. Facial expressions aren’t distracting you. You’re hearing the words. Words are what will make or break the impeachment hearings/proceedings.
-The question that begs an answer is this: Is there an impeachable offense? According to the Constitution, impeachable offenses are limited to “Treason, Bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.” Listen with a mind to find that offense, if there is one. If the House inquiry isn’t looking for one or finding one, this should get your attention.
-Look for what the Senate is up to. How is the Senate reacting? Are they planning a trial? If the House impeaches the president and there is no trial, POTUS will remain in office as an impeached president. He may run again. He may win. This is constitutional. Why? The House is not the final word. A trial must be held in the Senate with the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court presiding. The president must be found guilty, or there is no removal from office.
-Try to hear at least a portion of the inquiry that is not being delivered to you in sound bites by your favorite commentator. You are an American. You can judge for yourself what is going on, to the best of your ability. We the People run the show around here. I didn’t understand everything on the first day of hearings, but this I know. I wasn’t hearing an impeachable offense by a credible witness. People with credentials? Yes. A credible first-hand witness? No. At least, not yet.You don’t have to listen to the whole thing to get an idea of what is going on. Just take the time to take an interest.
As an American, the impeachment of a president is a very serious matter. We need to treat it as such. We are not school children trying to get a bully in trouble. We are ascertaining, tax-paying, truth-seeking, freedom-loving Americans. That’s Common Sense Civics and Citizenship.??
