The unfounded criticisms in the NCN opinion section concerning Representative Stefanik in the impeachment hearings is astonishing. Every charge leveled against her is vague, unsupported without specific examples of judicial wrongdoing. Instead, she should be thanked for exercising Constitutional due process and rule of law vetting the witnesses testimonies for validity.

On November 15th, she outed Schiff's duplicity in failing to fulfill his multiple promises given to numerous media outlets that the whistle blower would give testimony to the intelligence committee. On November 19th, she questioned U.S. envoy Volkner and White House official Morrison if either witnessed President Trump using extortion, bribery, or demanding a quid pro quo deal from Ukraine during his phone conversation. Both said no.

When questioned by Congressman Chris Stewart, Ambassador Yovanovitch admitted she had no information that the President took any bribes or was involved in any criminal activity with Ukraine. Ambassador Taylor did likewise when examined by Congressman Jim Jordan, confessing that he never had even talked to the President, and only heard second-hand hearsay. Mr. Jordan also exposed Ambassador Sondland for excluding from his opening statement exculpatory evidence where President Trump had said: "I want nothing, I want no quid pro quo."

I did not vote for Trump. I am not a Republican, or a member of any party. I will gladly support his impeachment if found guilty of high crimes and misdemeanors. But so far the uncorroborated allegations, speculations, and impressions by Schiff's witnesses fail to convince me, as apparently many of the Democrats in Congress as well, who easily have more than enough sufficient numbers to pass an impeachment vote.

I fear our justice system is being trampled underfoot for the sake of a party vendetta, which could result in legal precedents endangering our civil rights to future political witch hunts.

Our constitutional due process is at stake here, not whether Trump is a unpopular and controversial president. If our laws are cut down for political expediency to prosecute him, without conclusive evidence, then no American is safe from suffering the same fate. Do not let the ends justify the means, regardless of your political affiliation.

Ron Shirtz

Rensselaer Fall