No one is above the law, John. It's one of our country's founding principles.

And yet, almost since the moment he finished speaking his oath of office, Trump has brazenly betrayed it. His outrageous, reckless self-dealing has compromised our national security, eroded our democratic norms, and attacked our core values.

That's why, over 6 months ago, I was one of the first and most vocal supporters of an impeachment inquiry. It's why I, along with hundreds of thousands of people in Oregon and millions across America, have been fighting to protect our country's values and ideals.

The U.S. Constitution, Article II, Section IV says the president, vice president and all civil officers of the United States shall be removed from office on impeachment for and conviction of treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.

After weeks of hearings, the whole country can see that the evidence of Trump's abuse (and fundamental ignorance) of his role has made an already damning case against him even stronger.

The evidence reveals a President who used the powers of his office to demand a foreign government participate in undermining a competing candidate for the presidency.

The evidence reveals a President who obstructed a congressional investigation into his conduct.

The evidence reveals that Donald Trump is a clear and present danger to the rule of law; he's made no secret of the fact that he will not stop.

I strongly support the charges in these two Articles of Impeachment; in fact, from my perspective, Donald Trump has committed many, many more impeachable offenses in the last three years.

Despite what he seems to think – the presidency is not a license for Trump to do what he wants, when he wants, to whomever he wants.

All of the Republican bluster and nonsense won't change the facts:

Donald Trump has abused the power of the presidency and will continue to do so in any way available to him. He must be removed from office; the future of our democracy is at stake.

Courage,

Earl