As I write this, 25,000 National Guard Troops are assembling in Washington, D.C. Twelve states are also calling up on their Reserves to protect their capitals.
Law enforcement is on alert across the country. Even churches are told to be vigilant. All this, is because of the attempted violent overthrow of the United States government by Republicans.
The mob that stormed our nation’s capital was assembled at the behest of the Republican President, stoked with the Republican lie that the election was stolen.
Even though eyewitnesses to Trump’s failed coup attempt, West Virginia Congresswoman Carol Miller and Congressman Mooney by their vote both perpetuated the totally unsubstantiated Republican lie there was election fraud. West Virginia Republican Delegate-elect Derrick Evans stormed the capital; Republican State Senator Azinger boasts being present. Attorney General Morrisey promoted the lie the election was stolen. Republican Jim Justice offered cover for Trump instead of condemning him.
Let there be no mistake about it, the troops and law enforcement are on heightened alert to protect us from Republicans, not some lunatic fringe of the Republican party, but the hard core Republican Party.
Trump has been impeached for a second time. We all have heard his seditious words. We all know he is guilty, even Mitch McConnell has said what he did is an impeachable offense. The impeachment is not about Trump.
The importance of the second impeachment vote is this: will the Republican Parrty condone sedition? Is there any act, including insurrection, wherein the Republican Party will say “enough is enough?” Can we ever trust our government again to a party that will disavow an honest election and condones insurrection on the basis of unsubstantiated rumors?
Not all Republicans support the violent overthrow of our government. But how do we separate them from the rabble who do? There is a simple test: either support impeachment or not.
All West Virginians of both parties who love our democracy should write or call Senator Shelley Moore Capito at 202-224-6472 or 304-347-5372 and tell her she must vote to impeach Donald J. Trump as it is the only way to save what honor the Republican Party has left.
Paul S. Detch
Lewisburg
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