I haven’t been here in a while, but felt that I should comment on the impeachment “trial” or lack of one.

Back in the 1960s, JFK wrote a book (with the help of a ghost writer) that was a best seller called Profiles in Courage. The book included a series of historical vignettes about politicians who took an unpopular view because of principle. The career of some of them was ended because of that stand. The essays included a mix of Republicans, Democrats, and earlier historical parties.

The outcome of this trial was fore ordained, but how people voted gave insights as to character. Mitt Romney’s emotional speech as to why he painfully voted for conviction probably would have earned him a chapter in that book. Many of the figures saw the destruction of their career, but others went on to greater thing. In the future when the poison of Trumpism has been eradicated from the party, I believe he will be celebrated for taking a stand.

This is the not the first time a Romney has stirred the pot. His father, George, was running for President and began to complain that the generals were brainwashing him and others about the need for the Viet Nam war. Of course, history would prove him right even though that claim ended his quest for President.

Looking around, I didn’t see any other profiles in courage. I believe John McCain would also have voted for conviction. I was disappointed that Susan Collins and Lisa Murkowski wimped out. They like to talk the game that they are independent thinkers, but on a key vote they always find silly excuses to buckle. Had a Democratic President done those things, they would have roundly condemned him.

I understand some of the Senators may have really felt Trump was innocent. If you bury the evidence, how can you find him guilty. However, the special space in hell is reserved for those who privately believed he was guilty and wouldn’t vote their conscience.

These comments are my own views and in no way reflect the opinions of BAH.