In Times Square, Thousands Demand Impeachment

On the eve of the momentous vote in the US House of Representatives to impeach President Donald Trump for abuse of power and obstruction of Congress regarding the Ukraine scandal — an effort that is now assured of victory — thousands jammed Times Square in the early evening on December 17 to demand his removal from office. (See Gay City News’ editorial from September 26 here.)

Our civic and sacred duty to hold onto hope

Talk It OUT: LGBTQ Voices In A Queer Election Year

The umbrella on the right raised the thornier issue — getting a conviction and removal from office in the US Senate.

DONNA ACETO

The march, which traveled south from Times Square to Union Square in the East Village, was one of hundreds convened by MoveOn.org and supported by untold numbers of resistance groups. Rise and Resist provided marshals for the event, and Sing Out Louise, the choral affiliate of Gays Against Guns, was on hand to serenade marchers with its pointedly satirical takes on well-known ditties.

The throng of thousands went south from Times Square to Union Square in the East Village.

DONNA ACETO

With impeachment in the House assured, the issue will go to the Senate early in 2020. Top Republicans there, including Majority Leader Mitch McConnell and Judiciary Committee Chair Lindsey Graham, have already disavowed any intention of being impartial jurors despite the fact that they will swear an oath to be exactly that. The Senate trial will be a test of how effective Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, New York’s senior senator, and the House managers in the trial can be in putting the case against Trump before the American people, even if the GOP is determined to acquit him at any cost.