As the Public Impeachment Hearings Begin

https://www.nytimes.com/2019/11/13/opinion/letters/hearings-impeachment-trump.html

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To the Editor:

Re “What Is the President Hiding?,” by Neal K. Katyal (Op-Ed, Nov. 13):

Just shortly before the impeachment hearings even began, an unsettling feeling came over me. I now conclude that the public testimony during the impeachment proceedings, by longstanding devoted public servants, will not make a difference. The average Trump supporter and Republican either will not tune in, or will tune out (and deny facts). And, of course, the Republican-dominated Senate will never vote to convict.

Does that mean that the House shouldn’t have pursued impeachment? Certainly not, or more clearly, it has an obligation to do so. However, there should be many more contempt citations issued by the House, more subpoenas issued and much more court activity to compel witnesses to appear and testify. The judiciary, as the third branch of our government, must step up and do its job.

Mr. Katyal is right that the damage to our democratic institutions caused by President Trump’s and the executive branch’s obstruction of the proceedings may cause as much or even greater damage to our democracy than the Ukraine scandal itself.

Alan FischlerBethesda, Md.

To the Editor:

The question to be answered by John Bolton, former national security adviser, is: “What do you know and how do you know it?” The time for answering is now and not at some undefined point in the future. His reputation for honesty and integrity over his entire career is on the line.

Mr. Bolton is a consummate principled professional, yet, so far, he is failing to do the right thing and testify at the impeachment hearings. He doesn’t need the White House or the courts’ judgment to know what’s best for his country and what best underscores the oath he took to support and defend the Constitution — the same oath that I took when I was commissioned as an officer in the Marines many years ago.

Of course, he wouldn’t disclose classified material. But so much of what he heard and took notes about is the unclassified story of abuse of power and obstruction of justice. That knowledge cries out to be shared. Do the right thing, Mr. Bolton: Speak out now.

John J. GruehlBethesda, Md.

To the Editor:

Re “Ignoring the Real Problem in the White House,” by Michelle Cottle (Editorial Observer, Nov. 12):

The criticism of administration members who seek to help the country by quietly undermining Donald Trump’s insane or illegal efforts instead of resigning is too simple a solution to a complicated problem. Yes, as Ms. Cottle points out, they are “propping up a president who continues to erode democratic norms and the rule of law.” But aren’t they also saving us from some disastrous actions? Let’s look at a worst-case scenario:

Suppose Mr. Trump, in a fit of pique, decides to use a nuclear weapon against, say, Iran or North Korea. Do we want presidential subordinates who will stymie his demands by undermining such an order, or do we want them to resign until he finds someone who will carry it out?

Michael SpielmanBronx