What would John McCain think, Senator Graham?

See Disclaimer. 

Dear Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):

I am an independent voter, from the state of Oregon. I would like to encourage you to pause for a moment, and listen to yourself.

Did you really mean to introduce a resolution censoring the House impeachment inquiry? On the basis of legitimate closed-doors interviews that represent a first stage of what, soon enough, will be a public process? Truly?!?

The Constitution (Article II, Section 4) clearly spells out the duties of Congress in the impeachment and trial process of a president under suspicion of having committed “treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.”

You thus know that it is in the Senate trial that the US President has the right of representation. You also know that, as a Senator, you will have a voice (and, in fact, a vote!) at the trial. Why disrespecting the Constitution, by adding your interference to that of the president, during the House’s exercise of its constitutionally mandated oversight responsibility?

May the memory of the late Senator McCain (R-AZ)—a principled man for whom country came before party—remind you of the meaning of supporting and defending the Constitution.

Please withdraw the censoring resolution, Sir. It is an unfair resolution, in disingenuous defense of an undeserving president, and an altogether wrong use of your power as Senator. 

Respectfully,

— Antonio Baptista   

Cc: Representatives Greg Walden (R-OR2) and Adam Schiff (D-CA); Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-CA); Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley (D-OR); Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY)