Editor's note: Letters to the editor reflect the views of individual readers. Scroll to see how you can add your voice, whether you agree or disagree, or click this link to fill out the form. We welcome diverse viewpoints.
Jack Smith’s Sept. 29 appearance before the Senate Judiciary Committee reminded us of how low our nation has sunk during the second term of the Trump administration, as well as what it once was, and might be again.
The attorney and former Special Counsel for the United States Department of Justice steadfastly maintained that he did his duty as an independent, nonpolitical federal prosecutor, following the facts, in obtaining two federal indictments against President Donald J. Trump. The Republicans now controlling the Senate
did not, because they could not, successfully challenge that proposition.
The American public saw what Trump did to encourage the attack on the Capitol,to prevent the certification of the results of the 2020 Presidential election, on live national television. They also saw the attack itself. The classified documents evidence was not as dramatic, but Smith has successfully recited the facts of that matter in his testimony, and the Republicans know these facts cannot be reasonably disputed.
Tragically and shamefully, neither of these indictments led to a jury trial, where Trump could be held accountable for his treachery. Such trials were successfully delayed until Trump was elected president, in spite of the indictments. To add to the shame and disgrace our nation will always suffer because of these events, Trump pardoned all the men and women convicted for their conduct in the Capitol attack, even those who violently attacked police officers, causing death and serious personal injury, and those who vandalized the premises of this symbol of our democratic nation.
The granting of these pardons amounted to an admission that Trump supported and was responsible for the attempt to prevent the peaceful transfer of power our Constitution was intended to safeguard, and he has violated the oath he twice took when assuming the presidency.
The contrast between the honorable, competent and courageous conduct of Smith, and that of the Republicans who have enabled Trump and acquiesced in his conduct, was dramatically shown when a Republican senator attempted to impeach Smith’s testimony. By falsely accusing Smith of perjury and calling him “a dirt bag,” only to find that there was proof Smith's testimony was truthful and that the senator’s staff had incompetently investigated the matter, the senator succeeded only in humiliating himself.
Smith remains an example of a faithful public servant and a reminder of a Department of Justice worthy of its name – one that we once had and can regain only if "we the people" insist on it. That insistence must begin at this midterm election by rejecting all members of a Republican party that has totally failed to serve us, taking us down a road of authoritarian, incompetent and corrupt rule infecting all three branches of our government.
Denty Cheatham, Nashville 37023
Agree or disagree? Or have a view on another topic entirely? Send a letter of 250 words or fewer to letters@tennessean.com. Include your full name, city/town, ZIP and contact information for verification. Thanks for adding to the public conversation.
This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Jack Smith's testimony highlights Trump admin's failures | Letters
