See No Evil ... Hear No Evil ... — Letters that should have been in the new york times

11.18.19

To the editor:

It is disheartening to know that many Americans are tuning out the impeachment hearings and not availing themselves to unadulterated information from career non-partisan civil servants who have put patriotism before self-interest to speak truth to power (House hearings roll on, but many tune out, 11.18.19). The integrity of those who have come forward (with the notable exception of Ambassador Sondland) is unimpeachable.

We are living in an age of disinformation honed by the Russians and perfected by President Trump in his ability to gaslight a large sector of the population. How else to understand the defensive mantra by his supporters that the impeachment proceedings are nothing more than a 'witch hunt?' These hearings, reluctantly undertaken by Nancy Pelosi, pose serious political risks to Democrats. But not moving forward would have damaged the very foundation of our democracy.

Former Senator Moynihan famously said '"Everyone is entitled to his own opinion, but not to his own facts." In my opinion we have a responsibility to pay close attention to these historic hearings and decide for ourselves as best we can - absent the commentary and spin of others - what the facts are.

Respectfully submitted

Larry S Sandberg