An open letter to GOP senators on impeachment.

It strikes me that mr trump committed a crime in his handling of the events before the terrorist attack on the Capitol. In fact, I would suggest that his specific crime is sedition ("conduct or speech inciting people to rebel against the authority of a state or monarch") which is a high crime in this country.

And you are constitutionally bound to act on it.

You can (incorrectly and absurdly) argue that he didn't mean anything by his words. But the fact that many of those arrested in connection with this assault on democracy have said unequivocally that they acted because trump told them to. There is no ambiguity there.

I have heard your colleagues argue that he can't be tried for the impeachment because he already left office. To this, I have two comments: first, he committed this crime while in office and was impeached in the house while in office. We need to hold any/every one to account for their actions on that day. And he himself reportedly will offer a defense of "the election was stolen so I felt some obligation..." which makes no sense whatsoever. It is simply an open admission of guilt.

And second, I would ask you if your answer to the question of whether you think it would be different if he were still in office. Think carefully, because it's very likely that you are supporting an attempted coup, which makes you complicit in the actions.

You see, senator, there is no reason to simply stand behind trump other than thinking of yourself or your party.

This is a constitutional crisis of sorts, and we need to ensure that everyone who was involved in this riot on our establishment is punished for their actions. Every. Single. Person.

Do your job to the oath you swore to protect and defend the constitution.