Impeachment is the formal process of inquisition, investigation, and trial (both in the form of voting and formal hearings).
Donald J. Trump is facing an official impeachment inquiry as a result of whistleblower allegations, incriminating the president with abuse of power in attempting to draw Ukranian assistance in his reelection. According to a non verbatim transcription of a recorded phone call to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, Trump requested investigation into former Vice President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. This information calls into question the validity of the 2016 election, as well as the potential for international interference in the upcoming 2020 election.
Trump’s impeachment inquiry (as of October 31st) reached a simple majority in the House, and the next step is a public hearing later in November.
The crimes committed by Trump are an indisputable transgression on the democratic process. By making this request to the Ukranian President, Trump is attempting to cheat the election and removing the power from the hands of the people for his own personal gain. This is an abuse of power and fulfills the requirements for invocation of an impeachment.
The House voted almost entirely along party lines (with two democrats voting against impeachment), and if this trend carries over into the Senate vote, a ⅔ majority is unlikely to be reached. This would allow Trump to remain in office and run in the 2020 election.
An individual without the integrity to respect the power held by the people (as guaranteed by the Constitution) and prosper on their own volition is inherently not meant to act as leader of the land of the free. Reckless disregard for his oath of office, where he agrees to uphold the Constitution, is dangerous and counterproductive as we attempt to become a nation of inherent equality and justice.
A nation with the ability to grow with the values of its people is not one controlled by a single individual, but one that is guided by the collective voice of its people. Social progress is being made slowly, as the youth’s voice grows louder and louder, and abuse of power is in direct opposition to this progress.
Donald Trump does not belong in a position of power in today’s America, and his impeachment is a strong first step towards change.