Mass. Delegation Embraces Role in Disgraceful Coup [OPINION]

On the scale of serious offenses found in the transcript of the phone call between President Trump and Ukraine President Zelensky, one may find a partial feather in terms of an impeachable offense.

Other examples of serious pressures applied to foreign states present more serious concerns that make Trump's conversation pale by comparison.

The President was cleared of any Russian collusion by July 14 and the accusation by the whistleblower was supposedly submitted in August, so what could he be referring to, if he was not aware of the "concerned whistleblower's" report to Adam Schiff the next month?

Even if it can be proven that he was, a lawmaker cannot impeach a seated president for being a jerk. The problem with Moulton is that 90 percent of his constituency has no respect or care for the rule of law – well, unless they want to remind the religious to back away from the Constitution.

Even Stephen Lynch (D-8th District), who I find myself agreeing with many times over the years, has mischaracterized what transpired. On September 24, Lynch tweeted:

If we are being honest, even the accusers who have read the transcript are calling it a pressured bribe, but not one of the plotters the press describes as "whistleblowers" have gone as far as Congressman Lynch. Trump never asks for Zelensky to "help take down" Biden. 

Given the knowledge of the levels of corruption of prior Ukraine and American administrations that Trump and Zelensky succeeded, Trump clearly appears to ask Zelensky to do nothing more than having Zelensky order his prosecutors to look at the events surrounding Burisma and Hunter Biden more legitimately. In no way whatsoever did he pressure  Zelensky to find Biden guilty. 

Lynch has made himself look more like an irresponsible lunatic than his decades-long balanced moderate persona with that remark. He is obviously on his last legs in D.C. and ready to call it a career, but I for one am disappointed that he would contribute more nonsense to this ginned-up mob armed with torches and rumor. 

Representative Katherine Clark (D-5th district) has also been tirelessly calling for Trump's impeachment, well before this latest excuse to demand one. She was on MSNBC on September 25 and stated, "The tipping point is clear; it was national security – full stop."

"The extraordinary reports this week that President Trump encouraged the Ukrainian president to investigate the son of Vice President Joe Biden, and withheld nearly $400 million in military aid in the process, has taken us to a new stage," said Congressman Richard Neal (D-1st District). “It is time that President Trump be held accountable for his actions.”

Money wasn't withheld, and the Ukrainians have not opened an investigation into Burisma and Biden (they should, but haven't). Quid pro quo means "something for something."

We have a House majority of Democrats looking to impeach the President of the United States, who got absolutely nothing after saying he'd like it if Zelensky requested a legitimate second look at the extremely concerning events surrounding the Bidens, and Hunter Biden's sudden lucrative contract to the board of Burisma Energy.  

Of course, all of the above are ready to believe that the NSC altered the transcript to favor the president, which is really a bold accusation in itself.

House Intelligence Committee star witness Col. Alexander Vindman, one of those listening to the actual call as Director of the National Security Council's White House unit, said the transcript and the call don't match exactly as he recalls. There are certainly grounds to look into this but keep in mind, Vindman has also been described by superior officers as a political activist for the Democrats, who had been reprimanded on record for political remarks to foreign dignitaries. 

Vindman may have recently opened up a serious can of worms, not just for himself but for the impeachment process itself. In recent testimony while under oath, he testified that he instructed Ukrainian officials to ignore the president's policy! I think it is Vindman who needs to worry about near-future court-martial proceedings if this is verified.

Col. Vindman and Eric Ciaramella are looking more and more like Jeff Gillooly and Sean Eckhardt than "concerned patriots" compelled to do their duty, including reporting crimes by the Commander-in-Chief.

The entire Massachusetts delegation has made reckless utterances that have removed each and every one of them from credible standing in the future. Their Trump Derangement Syndrome will follow them to the end of their days now. 

It has gotten to the point where they had better hope they are somehow right in all this. If Donald Trump survives this impeachment – and he will – life will get tougher for them all. 

Ken Pittman is the host of The Ken Pittman Show on 1420 WBSM New Bedford. He can be heard Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Contact him at ken.pittman@townsquaremedia.com. The opinions expressed in this commentary are solely those of the author.