Readers sound off on Senate acquittal in Trump impeachment trial

This is a combination of letters to the editor and comments from Facebook and Twitter. Letters edited for clarity and style.

Our nation has suffered greatly during the past several months of the grueling impeachment process. The Senate has spoken and voted not to impeach President Donald Trump. It's over. Now it is time for our leaders to address other critical issues facing our nation that have been on the back burner such as the coronavirus crisis and climate change. Now is also the time to seek to heal our deep divisions.

Michael Pravica; Henderson, Nev.

History will not be kind to the Republican Senate.

—Bruce Robb

I wish to express my condolences on the death of co-equality between the executive and legislative branches of the United States government. Co-equality died at the hands of the Republican Senate majority. I will sadly miss congressional oversight providing transparency for presidential decisions and actions and constraints on the president’s ability to place personal interests above the national interest. I felt helpless and dismayed as the death occurred and especially saddened for its impact on my children and grandchildren. I shall be in mourning for the rest of my life.

David Prescott; Santa Fe, N.M.

I’ve criticized Sen. Mitt Romney in the past for being a flip-flopper on a variety of issues and even on his positions regarding President Donald Trump. And maybe he has wavered on some of these things to maintain his balance in Congress, his career and his candidacy in 2012. But he didn’t flip-flop Wednesday, regarding Trump.

Romney stood up as a man, as a responsible senator and as a responsible American by voting against the Republican Party line to convict Trump of abuse of power.

Romney will pay the price from his fellow Republican senators and from the Republican Party. He has already been disinvited to the Conservative Political Action Conference for voting against the party line to hear from witnesses.

Romney will also be taking flak from Trump himself.

Trump’s litany of "accomplishments" have always been a misrepresentation of the truth. He fooled half of America because it sounded great and everyone was high on partisan patriotism.

Romney wasn’t fooled, and I appreciate his responsibility and courage to stand alone in the midst of this Republican firestorm.

Romney agrees with many of Trump’s policies. So do I. But in the end, Romney called it like he saw it, and I respect and appreciate that.

So, nice going, Romney, on your heartfelt vote to convict. Trump will walk, but you have earned my respect, and the respect of many Americans. You will go down in history as a truly great American and as a man of conviction.

John Kushma; Logan, Utah

With the impeachment of President Donald Trump officially concluded, it is time to acknowledge that the Constitution has undergone a stress test and it failed. The underlying cause — lack of moral character among those in Congress who violated their oath to “support and defend the Constitution.”

James Madison, considered the principal architect of the Constitution, understood the potential threat that character imperfections posed to a budding constitutional democracy. To guard against these shortcomings, the framers created a system of institutional checks and balances, which has held since ratification.

Despite the need for safeguards, Madison remained optimistic. He presumed that “virtue in the people” would offset these human frailties and allow for effective self-governance. Over two centuries later, the 116th Congress, driven by personal interest, has proven him wrong.

Jim Paladino; Tampa, Fla.

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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Readers sound off on Senate acquittal in Trump impeachment trial