As a veteran, Ernst should vote to remove the president

Even though I disagree with many of U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst's political stances, I have been proud to think that my senator held a commission in our armed forces. I understand that holding that commission comes with the responsibility to disobey unlawful and unconstitutional orders. Lt. Col. Alexander Vindman's actions in testimony to the House committees investigating the president make it clear to me that he believes a violation of the Constitution has taken place. I expect and demand that Sen. Ernst, as someone who has held that same commission, recognize the importance of a fellow officer committing those actions. His words while wearing that uniform did not come lightly. Ernst, out of most senators, should understand that and act on it.

Ernst campaigned as a veteran and is looking to retain her hard-won seat. I would therefore encourage her to vote to remove the president of the United States should he be impeached by the House of Representatives, and to commit publicly to such an action as soon as possible. She should state solid reasons for doing so (of which many are available), and she should treat those words just as seriously as Lt. Col Vindman treated his earlier this week.

Matthew Dockter

Cedar Rapids