Quote is incomplete

To the Editor, Mark Kennedy’s quote printed at the top of the paper’s December 5, 2019 front page article is woefully incomplete. He forgot that the reasons he stated are exactly why public officials, including the city council, need to earn the public’s trust. Citizens deserve to see evidence of healthy management — not government masked by closed executive sessions directed by city attorneys. The newly-appointed Mayor’s words of wisdom properly should read as follows: You’re never going to agree on everything or how it’s done. Or maybe, in some cases, why it’s done. That is why we know we must work hard to earn the public’s trust in our decision making. Sincerely submitted, Susan Clough Ellsworth

Parrots — or Patriots?

Senators exist for many reasons. But finally and most critically, they have final say in our Constitution’s preservation and protection. That’s the centerpiece of their oath of office. and their most sacred responsibility. Our most sacred responsibility is voting them in or out. While not enough by itself, voting is still our barrier between democracy and dictatorship. An especially eloquent defender of that right was Professor Pamela Karlan, testifying before the House Judiciary Committee. Karlan’s unimpeachable credentials include representing the Judiciary committee in two Supreme Court voting rights cases. Her argument is simple and straightforward: Trump used his unique Presidential powers (and stolen power of the purse) to bribe and extort a foreign President to enter into a conspiracy. That conspiracy’s goal was to trump up charges against Trump’s possible opponent. This would hoodwink U.S. voters to vote for him, thus violating our right to fair and free elections. As Professor Karlan said, “He struck at the very heart of what makes this the Republic to which we pledge allegiance.” Donald J. Trump: Domestic enemy of our Constitutional voting rights. Sens. Moran and Roberts are now our only barrier between democracy and dictatorship. Voting against impeachment and removal would abdicate their responsibility to Constitution, Country, and Constituents. They can transcend party politics, or sink beneath it. Their voting choice will determine if they are mere parrots—or patriots. Their oath demands the latter. After all, what are Senators for? David Norlin Salina