On Impeachment & Last Week

Dear Friends,

Like many of you, I watched today as the U.S. House of Representatives impeached the President. An impeachment of a president is no small matter, having only been done four times in our nation’s history. The health of our country is being challenged in an unrelenting fashion: we have endured through a pandemic that has lingered far too long; anguish over racial and ethnic discrimination; and the attacks on our nation’s Capitol last week.

I condemn the acts of terror and sedition that took place at the Capitol on January 6th. I am confident that history and our justice system will judge those elected or otherwise who took part in or ushered in this terrible moment. The facts are clear: The President incited a crowd of his supporters during his rally just south of the White House. As Congress exercised its constitutional duty to certify the results of the 2020 election, the crowd mobbed and desecrated the Capitol building, seeking to inflict harm on the people’s elected representatives and the Vice President – all in an effort to stop the democratic process.

Lives were lost and several others were injured during the assault.

Former Governor Deval Patrick said earlier this week, “the greatest threat to our democracy is inaction.” While I do not cheer on an impeachment, I do support the House’s action today to hold the President accountable for his role in the disgraceful and violent events of last week. As the action of the House moves forward, we must remember that the coronavirus pandemic is still with us. Many of today's problems can be linked back to the failures from this time last year as the virus initially spread. I urge you to stay vigilant and take actions that keep you, your families, and neighbors safe.

Sincerely,