How Shall We Impeach Thee? Let Us Count the Ways Part III

Contributed by Paige Barnett.

If you’re feeling like your head is on a swivel with the increasing pace of the impeachment news, you’re not alone. Since September 24 it’s been fast and furious, as the crescendo builds with public hearings beginning this past week. Here is a link to The Guardian’s timeline of impeachment events. 

Breaking Nov. 9th:  Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman who serves as the Director for European Affairs for the United States National Security Council was called to testify before the House Judiciary Committee. Vindman was privy to the July 25th call between Trump and the Ukraine’s President Zelensky. Vindman testified that he expressed concerns regarding Trump’s quid pro quo wherein Trump said he would release aid to the Ukraine in exchange for dirt on Biden’s son.  You can read the Oct. 29 transcript here. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman’s testimony

Also Fiona Hill’s transcripts were released. Hill confirmed during a “July 10 sit-down between Trump administration officials and Ukrainian officials, that the Ambassador to the EU Gordon Sondland “blurted out” that there was an agreement: Ukraine’s president would get a meeting with President Donald Trump, if Ukraine agreed to launch certain investigations.”  ~Vox  You can read the Oct. 14 transcript here. Fiona Hill’s testimony

Many key players who have first hand knowledge of Trump’s quid pro quo with Ukraine’s Zelensky are defying subpoenas to testify. Refusing to appear Nov. 1, Rick Perry, outgoing Energy Secretary. As of Nov. 4, John Eisenberg, deputy counsel to the president for national security affairs; Robert Blair, a senior adviser to acting White House chief-of-staff Mick Mulvaney; Michael Ellis, Mr. Eisenberg’s deputy; and Brian McCormack, an associate director at the White House budget office. ~WSJ And as of Nov. 7 Trump’s former National Security Advisor John Bolton refused to appear before the HIC. ~USA Today, and finally on Nov. 13, the first day of public hearings, acting Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney said he will follow White House orders not to appear. 

And the hits keep on coming.  

Here’s WHAT YOU CAN DO.  See actions below and be on the ready. We don’t know exactly when these vigils, rallies and protests will take place, since they’re timed to the House Impeachment vote. When it happens, drop everything and take to the streets with ILNH or other organizations planning events. It’s imperative that we are LOUD & VISIBLE to make known that we want Trump IMPEACHED & REMOVED. More info to come! 

• Rolling Impeachment Vigil – Volunteer organizer(s) and planning team needed! 

A coalition of NJ Indivisible groups is planning to hold rolling impeachment vigils at several locations across the state. Indivisible Lambertville/New Hope would like to host one, however, we are in need of somebody, or several somebodies,  to take the reins on organizing. 

The format of the vigil is up to the hosting organization. It could be a rally, protest or a march, with or without speakers. Timing is still TBD, but likely before Christmas. 

Anyone interested in taking the lead or co-lead on this should contact Karen Mitchell, who’s our liaison to other NJ Indivisibles. 

• “Nobody is Above the Law” Impeachment Vote Rapid Response

ILNH is joining forces with Indivisibles from Bucks for a “Nobody is Above the Law” rapid response rally. The night before the House of Representatives takes a historic vote to impeach Trump, people and organizations across the nation will head to every congressional office and public square to declare that Nobody Is Above the Law as representatives finalize their positions and senators look on. 

Events will be visible, family-friendly, public gatherings to demonstrate to our lawmakers that their constituents are behind them to defend the Constitution—and that Trump has left them no alternative to uphold their oath of office but to support impeachment and removal. 

THE ILNH PLAN: At 5 pm on the eve of the vote, as many people as possible will gather at Rep. Brian Fitz’s Langhorne office at 1717 Langhorne-Newtown Rd. Suite 400, Langhorne, PA 19047. WE WANT BIG NUMBERS. Reminder to obey all public safety and traffic laws and do not put yourself or anyone else at risk. Volunteers are needed to help with marshalling the group. Contact Cindi Sternfeld to volunteer. 

ACT NOW: Start making your signs now since we don’t know the exact date of the vote and the time between alert and action will be short.  Bonus points for those who decorate their vehicles and come up with super-creative ideas. We are currently considering a sign-making night in Lambertville, TBD. We will also welcome anyone who wants to make (Im)PEACH(ment) goodies to share with the crowd. Or send to Fitz. 

Check out these resources from MoveOn.org, including graphics files for downloading and signage making.