Sue Gibson
Jefferson City
Dear Editor:
U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer failed to do the right thing, but fortunately, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach the president for abuse of power and obstruction of justice.
Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley, the evidence is before you in the form of the deposition transcripts and public testimony.
In the House hearings, witnesses called by Democrats and Republicans alike affirmed that Donald Trump abused his power when he solicited foreign interference in next year's election and dangled our tax dollars - appropriated by Congress - to ask that Ukraine, while at war and in desperate need of our help, do him a personal favor for political reasons. Subsequently, he obstructed Congress' ability to investigate when he withheld documents and evidence and refused to let witnesses in his administration testify. It is impossible to reconcile that an innocent person would not want all witnesses to testify under oath.
Trump violated his oath of office and betrayed the public trust.
You swore an oath to support and defend the Constitution, too, and I therefore expect both of you to vote to convict. Beyond the scope of one man's abuse of power, the impeachment and conviction are about the power of the presidency and whether voters can trust that elected officials will honor their oaths to uphold the Constitution. The republic is at grave risk. It's time to prove that you will not let a president elevate his own interests above our national interest. You must vote to convict.
I recognize that you are supporters of the president and will do so with a heavy heart. It is nevertheless imperative that you affirm your devotion to the United States Constitution with your votes for conviction. The very foundation of the world's longest-standing democracy is at risk, and nothing is more important than fulfilling your obligation to defend the Constitution and protect the republic.