Letter to Nine U.S. Senators

This is a copy of the letter I sent to nine U. S. senators today.

As you will read, I have hope for eight and almost no faith in Mitch McConnell.

Senator Mitch McConnell

U. S. Senate

317 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC 20510

                                                                                                                        May 11, 2017

Dear Senators McConnell, Burr, Corker, McCain, Brown, Flake, Graham, Portman and Sasse:

As a former Marine, retired American history teacher, and one who loves his country, I call on you to act decisively in excising a growing “cancer on the Presidency,” to use a phrase from the Watergate Era.

I sincerely believe most of you have the best interests of our nation at heart. I am reassured to hear Senators Burr, Corker and McCain, Senate committee chairmen, have expressed misgivings over the bizarre timing of the firing of F.B.I. Director James Comey. I am also heartened to know Senator Sasse and Senator Flake have expressed doubts about the decision of President Trump to fire the F.B.I. head at a time when there is an ongoing investigation into possible collusion between members of the Trump team and the Russian government.

I admit I have never been a fan of President Trump. Nevertheless, until now, I assumed any wrongdoing during the recent campaign was likely limited to his aides, in particular General Michael J. Flynn and Paul Manafort. Now, harkening back to Watergate once more, I fear the question becomes: “What did the President know, and when did he know it?”

It is possible that Mr. Trump knew nothing about any questionable activities. This affair may simply boil down to political incompetence. Yet the dark clouds hanging over the White House daily grow. I believe Senator Flake said it best yesterday morning: “I’ve spent the last several hours trying to find an acceptable rationale for the timing of Comey’s firing. I just can’t do it.”

Millions of your constituents surely concur and the black cloud over 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue must be dissipated. Only an independent prosecutor, an Archibald Cox or Leon Jaworski type, or very powerful Senate investigative efforts can put serious doubts to rest. The rule of law has been upheld before, with the impeachment of President Nixon and investigation into President Clinton’s reprehensible behavior. It is time for the proud Republican Party to act. Senator McConnell, you will either go down in history as a wise leader or a craven, political coward.

You seem inclined to trace the latter path.

The American people call on you for answers. Why does Mr. Trump so adamantly insist the whole Russian story is “a hoax?” Why did foreign intelligence agencies warn U.S. counter-parts if there was nothing to fear in this matter? Why would the White House act so slowly in firing General Flynn once they knew he lied about lucrative Russian connections unless President Trump knew about and signed off on same? If “there’s no there, there,” as the White House still insists, why, just as Director Comey was asking for increased resources to expand the investigation, with news sources reporting there are multiple grand juries impaneled, why then was Mr. Comey fired? Indeed, what story does General Flynn have to tell, as hinted at by his lawyer, if he can be granted immunity?

If President Trump has done nothing wrong, we need to know. It will be a relief if that proves true. If serious criminal activity took place during the 2016 campaign, and if a spreading cover-up is underway, we also need to know.

Faith in democracy is at stake.

Senator Portman and Senator Brown, I ask you to adopt the most principled stands. I ask you, Senator Graham, to work diligently to get to the bottom of this mystery. I know you support the President’s decision to fire Director Comey. I have grave reservations; but I respect the stands you have taken on many issues and trust you will continue to do what you believe is best for this country.

There may be little to this Russian story in the end. Or we may face a “grave constitutional crisis” as Senator Durbin has said. It will be up to all of you to insure that if the latter is the case, that crisis is met with wisdom.

Sincerely,

John J. Viall