Impeachment trial will affect the nation’s future

In many ways the impeachment trial is like all other trials occurring every day in our courts.

One side will present evidence that the accused did the deed. The other side will present evidence that the accused did not do the deed.

One side will show that in the past, government officials have been held accountable after leaving office. The other side will show the opposite.

Unlike many trials, because of the attacks on legislators and their families, the senators, as jurors, may be in fear. The same way jurors for the Tammany Hall trials of the 1930s, for the lynching trials of the past, and for the drug cartels trials of the present day, jurors were all afraid for themselves, their families, and their communities. They had fear but also had courage to stand up.

And like all other trials, it will affect our future. If the evidence shows the deeds were done and shows past government officials have been found guilty while out of office, then senators need to vote for impeachment to save our government and save our elections. The Jan. 6 mob individuals and their leaders cannot rule.

Charlene Lange

Iowa City