The House on Wednesday voted to alt an effort by some Democrats to impeach Donald Trump.The Guardian reports
A total of 58 Democrats voted to move forward on articles of impeachment brought by Congressman Al Green, a Democrat of Texas. Another four voted “present”, a vote indicating neither for nor against.
In his resolution, Green said Trump’s “association” with white nationalism, neo-Nazism and his incitement of hatred and hostility was evidence that he was not fit to occupy the Oval Office. The resolution did not make reference to the Russia inquiry.
“I have a low tolerance for bigotry,” Green said in an interview after the vote. “I don’t think that obstruction of justice is more important to this country than racism, xenophobia, the hatred and the ugly behavior that’s coming from the White House. I think that we have for too long put hatred on the
In the resolution, the congressman specifically referenced: Trump’s comments after the deadly violence in Charlottesville, when the president drew an equivalence between neo-Nazi demonstrators and liberal protesters; his decision last week to share three anti-Muslim videosposted by the deputy leader of a British far-right group; and a list of statements he has made denigrating groups and individuals, including NFL players and congresswoman Frederica Wilson.
Wilson, who voted for the resolution, said “it felt sort of surreal” to be mentioned by name and that she was surprised to be included.
In a statement before the vote, the House Democratic leader, Nancy Pelosi, and House Democratic whip, Steny Hoyer, made that case.
“This president has made statements and taken actions that are beyond the pale for most Americans, embracing those who espouse hatred and division while promoting policies that would harm our economy and undermine our national security,” the Democrats said.
“Legitimate questions have been raised about his fitness to lead this nation. Right now, congressional committees continue to be deeply engaged in investigations into the president’s actions both before and after his inauguration. The special counsel’s investigation is moving forward as well, and those inquiries should be allowed to continue.
“Now is not the time to consider articles of impeachment.”
However, the No 3 Democrat in the House, Jim Clyburn of South Carolina, voted to advance the impeachment process, as did a number of other prominent figures including Keith Ellison, the vice-chair of the DNC.
source :www.theguardian.com
