Category: Impeachment

Contributed by Paige Barnett.

As we shook off the tryptophan induced coma, the House Intelligence Committee voted 13-9 to issue its 300-page report of the impeachment investigation findings. Released on December 3, all findings were garnered via testimony of government employees who had knowledge of the call between Trump and President Zelensky of the Ukraine. In this “perfect” call, Trump suggested withholding military aid to the Ukraine unless Zelensky agreed to launch an investigation into the Bidens, Trump’s potential 2020 campaign opponent.  

The Harvard-educated committee chairman, Adam Schiff, proved worthy of his juris doctorate by rounding out an excellent line of questioning with astute commentary and summarizations of the day.  Devin Nunes however, had nothing but Russian talking points that he excessively repeated and did nothing except further prove that Trump’s actions are indefensible. Gym Jordan demonstrated exactly why he never passed the bar.  His fist pounding and yelling was more empty bravado or rather, much ado about nothing. Lt. Col. Vindman and Fiona Hill shall go down in the history books as true patriots. Sondland, on the other hand, may be noted for saving his own hide by throwing everyone under the bus.  

The truth of the matter is, Trump’s actions re the Ukraine “perfect” call are indefensible. The Constitution and the law safeguard the American republic from such illegality and point squarely to impeachment of the <cough> president for the actions he took. As Schiff duly noted in the draft report, “In his farewell address, President George Washington warned of a moment when “cunning, ambitious, and unprincipled men will be enabled to subvert the power of the people and to usurp for themselves the reins of government, destroying afterwards the very engines which have lifted them to unjust dominion.”  The report makes clear from its findings that Trump has abused his presidential powers. You can read it here: HIC Draft Report

The next round of hearings began December 4 to lay bare the information in the report. Four constitutional law experts, Noah Feldman, Pamela Karlan, Michael Gerhardt and Jonathan Turley, testified as to the merits of the report and why this is a case for impeachment. Dec. 4 Hearing Highlights   On Wednesday, December 5, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi gave the House the go-ahead to proceed with impeachment. What comes next is drafting the articles of impeachment upon which the House will vote and is likely to pass. Once the articles of impeachment pass the House, it goes to trial in the Senate. Chief Justice Roberts will preside over the Senate trial. 

Of note, are the numerous people who spent countless hours behind the scenes transcribing, drafting and editing this document for American public to read. They too, are heroic. They are the unsung heroes and deserve as much recognition as Schiff and Pelosi for their hard work and dedication. 

Again, here is WHAT YOU CAN DO.  Be ready for the RAPID RESPONSE action. On the eve of the House vote, join us in front of Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick’s Langhorne office. Drop everything and take to the streets when the eve of the House vote is nigh. It’s imperative that we are LOUD & VISIBLE to make known that we want Trump IMPEACHED & REMOVED. More info to come!

Contributed by Paige Barnett.

If you’re feeling like your head is on a swivel with the increasing pace of the impeachment news, you’re not alone. Since September 24 it’s been fast and furious, as the crescendo builds with public hearings beginning this past week. Here is a link to The Guardian’s timeline of impeachment events. 

Breaking Nov. 9th:  Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman who serves as the Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council was called to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. Vindman was privy to the July 25th call between Trump and the Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Vindman testified that he expressed concerns regarding Trump’s quid pro quo wherein Trump said he would release aid to the Ukraine in exchange for dirt on Biden’s son.  You can read the Oct. 29 transcript here. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman’s testimony

Also Fiona Hill’s transcripts were released. Hill confirmed during a “July 10 sit-down between Trump administration officials and Ukrainian officials, that the Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland “blurted out” that there was an agreement: Ukraine’s president would get a meeting with President Donald Trump, if Ukraine agreed to launch certain investigations.”  ~Vox  You can read the Oct. 14 transcript here. Fiona Hill’s testimony

Many key players who have first hand knowledge of Trump’s quid pro quo with Ukraine’s Zelensky are defying subpoenas to testify. Refusing to appear Nov. 1, Rick Perry, outgoing Energy Secretary. As of Nov. 4, John Eisenberg, deputy counsel to the president for national security affairs; Robert Blair, a senior adviser to acting White House chief-of-staff Mick Mulvaney; Michael Ellis, Mr. Eisenberg’s deputy; and Brian McCormack, an associate director at the White House budget office. ~WSJ And as of Nov. 7 Trump’s former National Security Advisor John Bolton refused to appear before the HIC. ~USA Today, and finally on Nov. 13, the first day of public hearings, acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said he will follow White House orders not to appear. 

And the hits keep on coming.  

Here’s WHAT YOU CAN DO.  See actions below and be on the ready. We don’t know exactly when these vigils, rallies and protests will take place, since they’re timed to the House Impeachment vote. When it happens, drop everything and take to the streets with ILNH or other organizations planning events. It’s imperative that we are LOUD & VISIBLE to make known that we want Trump IMPEACHED & REMOVED. More info to come! 

• Rolling Impeachment Vigil – Volunteer organizer(s) and planning team needed! 

A coalition of NJ Indivisible groups is planning to hold rolling impeachment vigils at several locations across the state. Indivisible Lambertville/New Hope would like to host one, however, we are in need of somebody, or several somebodies,  to take the reins on organizing. 

The format of the vigil is up to the hosting organization. It could be a rally, protest or a march, with or without speakers. Timing is still TBD, but likely before Christmas. 

Anyone interested in taking the lead or co-lead on this should contact Karen Mitchell, who’s our liaison to other NJ Indivisibles. 

• “Nobody is Above the Law” Impeachment Vote Rapid Response

ILNH is joining forces with Indivisibles from Bucks for a “Nobody is Above the Law” rapid response rally. The night before the House of Representatives takes a historic vote to impeach Trump, people and organizations across the nation will head to every congressional office and public square to declare that Nobody Is Above the Law as representatives finalize their positions and senators look on. 

Events will be visible, family-friendly, public gatherings to demonstrate to our lawmakers that their constituents are behind them to defend the Constitution—and that Trump has left them no alternative to uphold their oath of office but to support impeachment and removal. 

THE ILNH PLAN: At 5 pm on the eve of the vote, as many people as possible will gather at Rep. Brian Fitz’s Langhorne office at 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Rd. Suite 400, Langhorne, PA 19047. WE WANT BIG NUMBERS. Reminder to obey all public safety and traffic laws and do not put yourself or anyone else at risk. Volunteers are needed to help with marshalling the group. Contact Cindi Sternfeld to volunteer. 

ACT NOW: Start making your signs now since we don’t know the exact date of the vote and the time between alert and action will be short.  Bonus points for those who decorate their vehicles and come up with super-creative ideas. We are currently considering a sign-making night in Lambertville, TBD. We will also welcome anyone who wants to make (Im)PEACH(ment) goodies to share with the crowd. Or send to Fitz. 

Check out these resources from MoveOn.org, including graphics files for downloading and signage making.