Villagers attended a Political Moderates Group discussion Monday evening to learn more about the 25th Amendment and impeachment process at Sea Breeze Recreation Center.
Leading the discussion was Villager Chris Stanley, who has hosted three previous group discussions this past year. Monday evening’s forum was her last one.
Stanley began the forum with some ground rules for discussion, stating that the discussion was “not about people, not about parties.” Mentioning people or party’s names was not favored, as the discussion was geared toward talking about issues and asking questions.
The discussion also defined terms that have been heard in current events to educate attendants on what they really mean.
Stanley then said she received a great deal of questions on what the impeachment process was, prompting this particular discussion group.
She began with explaining the impeachment process, reciting a part of the Constitution that lists reasons for why leaders in office receive impeachment. Stanley also touched on the emolument clause to define what it exactly is, due to its name popping up recently.
The next topic was the fourth section of the 25th Amendment, which deals with what happens if the president is unable to fulfill his constitutional duties.
The last topic dealt with grand juries and what exactly they are. Stanley says it wasn’t simply indictment and then the person goes to jail, but rather a process of reviewing evidence, witnesses and a vote in secrecy to indict or not indict.
“Impeachment is not something to cheer for. It weakens us terribly in the eyes of the world,” said Stanley. “It’s a terrible stain.”
Members from the audience asked questions and shared their ideas for the remaining part of the discussion.
