Republican Rep. Chris Stewart has finally gone too far in his attempt to defend Donald Trump.
Aside from the completely inaccurate statements he made at the impeachment hearings on Wednesday concerning the facts of the Ukraine inquiry, he proudly proclaimed that the proceeding was a “coup” against the president.
A “coup” is defined as “a sudden, violent and illegal seizure of power from a government.” Coups have taken place all over the world and usually involve many deaths and reprisals. The United States has never had a coup, because the change of political parties has always occurred in a legal, peaceful process.
As a former Air Force officer, I am appalled that Stewart, also a former Air Force officer, would use such a term before a nationwide audience. He has impugned the integrity of Utahns by this flagrant and incendiary proclamation.
No, Chris, this is not a coup, but is a proceeding provided by the United States Constitution to protect its citizens from corrupt leaders, including the president of the United States. Perhaps Chris missed this distinction when he failed to attend more than half of the private depositions held by his committee.
It’s time for Chris Stewart to go back to writing fiction and to replace him next year with a representative who truly represents the people of the 2nd District of Utah.
Craig S. Cook, Salt Lake City, Lt.Col, USAF, Ret.