By Larry Shurilla
The greatest public act of personal integrity in my lifetime-the vote of Mitt Romney in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump.
Few times in my life, have I seen a political leader under the kind of pressure our government can inflict, stand so tall, reject the easy way out, and give us all the hope that there is still virtue in our elected officials. It only takes one voice, crying out in the wilderness of consensus, to raise our eyes to the public virtue that our Founding Fathers believed exists within us all. In our society of hurricane force media bias, the only fear I have is if America can still recognise truth. I believe we can. Truth is calm. Truth is clear. Truth feels right in our hearts. It always has and always will.
I quote from Romney’s speech:
“Like each member of this deliberative body, I love our country. I believe that our Constitution was inspired by Providence. I’m convinced that freedom itself is dependent on the strength and vitality of our national character. As it is with each senator, my vote is an act of conviction. We’ve come to different conclusions fellow senators, but I trust we have all followed the dictates of our conscience.
“I acknowledge that my verdict will not remove the president from office. The results of this Senate court will, in fact, be appealed to a higher court, the judgment of the American people. Voters will make the final decision, just as the president’s lawyers have implored. My vote will likely be in the minority in the Senate, but irrespective of these things, with my vote, I will tell my children and their children that I did my duty to the best of my ability believing that my country expected it of me.
“I will only be one name among many, no more, no less, to future generations of Americans who look at the record of this trial. They will note merely that I was among the senators who determined that what the president did was wrong, grievously wrong. We are all footnotes at best in the annals of history, but in the most powerful nation on Earth, the nation conceived in liberty and justice, that distinction is enough for any citizen.
“Thank you, Mr. President. I yield the floor.”
It is interesting to compare the two Utah Republican senators’ explanations of their differing votes on the impeachment of President Trump. If you have the time, watch both speeches and perhaps, gain a deeper insight into your personal beliefs.
Senator Mitt Romney, Republican, Utah:
Senator Michael Lee, Republican, Utah:
Fellow Citizens, let us all become footnotes in the history of America this November. Stand for what you believe in and for the virtuous ideals that make America great-honor, integrity, truth. Please vote for the candidate of your conscience.
Finally, in the realm of public virtue, I yield the floor to the senator from Utah, Mr. Mitt Romney.