What will happen next time?

To the Editor;

The president’s behavior on Jan. 6 presents a serious problem for the U.S. government and all Americans. Members of both major parties and independents concur President Donald Trump’s behavior and actions were impeachable offenses. However, because of the timing, many Republicans opine that Trump should not be impeached because he is no longer in office. Democrats say his behavior on Jan. 6 while in office warrants impeachment.

As a registered Republican, I’m beginning to wonder just how dumb our elected Republican leaders think we are. Trump said he could commit murder in New York City and get away with it. This time he bears responsibility for five deaths in Washington, D.C., and our elected representatives say, because of timing, he should not be prosecuted.

As a supporter of law and order, the question seems simple. If the offense violated the Constitution and the law, the violator should be prosecuted. Deciding whether he is president of the United States or a private citizen is a moot point. But it needs to be one or the other, there is no middle ground. Delaying the decision only creates “the next time.” The use of timing in the presidential term as a defense is not a defense. Republican leaders say they are for “law and order.” Either they are or they are not. Actions speak larger than words. 

A decision needs to be made before the next time, because there will be “a next time” and our elected representatives need to set an example and provide us, the voters, an answer.

Ron Snyder

Dexter