Patriotism and nobility of impeachment witnesses is inspiring

My growing sense of anguish about the ethical state of our country was replaced by a sense of pride for these public servants selflessly and fearlessly demonstrating the best of American values.

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LEFT TO RIGHT: Top US diplomat in Ukraine William Taylor, former U.S. ambassador to the Ukraine Marie Yovanovitch and U.S deputy assistant secretary of state for European and Eurasian Affairs George Kent during their House Intelligence Committee public impeachment hearings of President Donald Trump’s efforts to tie U.S. aid for Ukraine to investigations of his political opponents.

Photos by Andrew CABALLERO-REYNOLDS and Saul LOEB / AFP

The Constitution of the United States is an amazing, historic document. It’s not perfect, and it has been used, at times, to support unforgivable sins, none worse than slavery. But it created a foundation upon which to build a nation based on the rule of law. There is no room in our Constitution for kings or queens or other nobility. However, the framers did grant considerable powers to the president.  Accordingly, they also included a provision to allow for the impeachment and removal of a president were he/she to abuse those powers. 

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Today, we find ourselves on the brink of impeaching a president for only the fourth time in history. An interesting thing happened as I somewhat reluctantly brought myself to watch the hearings. I observed Americans who I had never heard of before testifying to Congress. They were William Taylor Jr., George Kent and Marie Yovanovitch, among others. The patriotism and integrity exhibited by these individuals was uplifting. Ms. Yovanovitch even received a rare standing ovation from the gallery when leaving the chamber. My growing sense of anguish about the ethical state of our country was replaced by a sense of pride for these public servants selflessly and fearlessly demonstrating the best of American values. 

The Constitution may not recognize nobility, but we are a noble nation nonetheless, and we will remain so no matter the outcome of this moment in history. America has survived worse. 

Michael F. DeSantiago, Niles

Bikers, be wary of cars

I have commuted by bicycle for the past 20-plus years, year round, city and suburbs. I don’t do snow and ice if I can help it. 

I have a suggestion for cyclists while they wait for government to create their perfect cycling world. Before you walk out the door each morning and saddle up, grab yourself a big slice of humble pie. Realize that you are the slowest, weakest, most vulnerable entity in the traffic flow. I have seen squirrels dash between the wheels of a car and come out unscathed. Your perceived right of way means nothing to a vehicle that is unaware of your existence.

In the game of cars vs. bikes, the cars are still pitching a shutout. That is not going to change,

Neil Johnson, Lansing

How do you legislate evil?

In response to the editorial on Monday [“Gun violence in Chicago and Illinois: Hopefully courts can force Legislature to act“], I ask the author this question: How do you legislate evil and the will to kill? We have every law possible on the books to prevent murder, yet it continues to happen every day. What lawsuit or law will end evil? 

Brad Drake, Hinsdale

Couldn’t put it down

Great little Chicagopedia book in the Sunday Sun-Times. I couldn’t put it down. And I will save it in my home library.

John P Keating Jr., Near North Side

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