Impeachment will hold Trump accountable for Jan. 6

Published 1:30 am Monday, February 1, 2021

Like most Americans, I am appalled by the events that occurred in our nation’s capital earlier this month. As a Christian, it makes me feel sick to see others using God’s name to advance an agenda of hate and racism. Our country has a troubled history with race, and I believe the only way we are going to move forward in a positive direction and create true healing is by calling it out. There are many who will argue that not impeaching President Trump is the correct path to take for unity and peace. I disagree.

For peace and unity to occur, we need to hold the people involved in acts of violence accountable. No person, let alone a president, should encourage others to participate in acts of violence. Healing cannot occur unless there is some form of recognition. Taking a stand shows that we are serious about not allowing hate a place at the table. By not impeaching the former president, we risk sweeping the problem under the rug and set the stage for greater violence and conflict.

Until problems are brought into the light and fully dealt with, there will continue to be racism. Supporting a president who also supports hate groups is akin to supporting those same groups yourself. By fully impeaching him, Trump will not be allowed to run for office again. His party can choose a new leader and create a new era of peace and unity, but they cannot do that with him still in a position of power. Politics needs to involve compromise, but not if that compromise treats others as less than because of the color of his or her skin.

Michelle Spivey

Everett