House Republicans Invade a Deposition

As the evidence of President Trump's abuse of power and corruption mounts and his shifting defenses have fallen to the wayside, House Republicans have resorted to specious claims of unconstitutionality and lack of due process in the conduct of the impeachment investigation. Never mind that such investigations, like grand jury proceedings and the practice of past special counsels, must be and have been conducted in private until charges are recommended. Or that, notwithstanding their claims to the contrary, Republican representatives and their staff are present at the depositions of witnesses and have a full opportunity to cross-examine. 

The president and his congressional accessories falsely assert that the impeachment will occur in secret and will amount to a "Soviet style" coupe, though they know full well that the investigation will lead to open hearings and a vote in the House to be followed by a full public trial in the Senate where the President's lawyers will be free to present his defense with all of the protections afforded an accused.

Their deceit having failed, House Republicans, with the encouragement of the president and egged on by the far right media, have now adopted the tactics of the mob, invading the hearing room, disrupting proceedings, intimidating witnesses and violating House rules prohibiting cameras, phones and recording devices in secure facilities. If this dangerous and undemocratic turn to violence is not called out immediately by responsible Republicans, and reacted against by an outraged citizenry, the foundation of our democracy will be seriously at risk.