There have been five Presidential impeachments in the history of the United States. There were 105 years between the first and second, but only 47 years between the second and the fifth.
In 1973, I was in my early 20's. A lot of my memories were defined by the limits of the media landscape at the time. No 24 hour cable news, no internet. My primary sources of information were print media and network television. I read
All the President's Men, and closely watched the impeachment hearings. What I remember was the seriousness, the gravitas, of both Democrats and Republicans. The
process made me proud to be an American. There was a genuine sense of duty from Representatives on both sides of the aisle, and a genuine quest for facts and how they related to the Constitution.
Since then there have been 3 more impeachments. Yesterday I watched a little of the coverage, but spent a lot of the day on my bicycle, ignoring the proceedings. Why? Partly because with 24 hour cable or YouTube, I can watch it when it want. In 1973, if you missed it, you missed it. I know that if there are great speeches I'll be able to see them.
Nixon's resignation came shortly after the tapes were revealed, and their contents cut Nixon supporters to the bone. I still remember
Charles Wiggins, a passionate Nixon supporter, speaking with tears in his eyes:
...with great reluctance and deep personal sorrow, I am prepared to conclude that the magnificent career of public service of Richard Nixon must be terminated involuntarily.
I had thought Nixon should go for a while, but watching Charles Wiggins, I saw the personal struggle of one man trying to come to grips with the facts, no matter how they impacted personal loyalty. I disagreed vehmently with Wiggins on many issues, but on the issue of impeachment I saw a man trying to do his duty under the Constitution. Breaking with Richard Nixon broke his heart, but he did his duty.
Republicans! That thing you feel twitching? That's your conscience. I get the feeling that there a lot of people who are uncomfortably listening to their conscience while still putting their finger to the wind, especially since
body armour is considered the order of the day for RINO traitors. That's one thing the GOP had going for them in Nixon impeachment: no one was threatening to shoot you for voting for impeachent.
In the 47 years between Nixon and Trump II, times have become less civilized. Going against a mob calls for more personal courage. But the thing to understand about Trump is that after January 20th, any power he wields must be given to him. If you go against Trump, there will be hell to pay in the next weeks and months, but there are two years between now and the next election.
During that time, his personal power will be waning. What I am more worried about is the militia underground he has awakened, and the ties of those people to any current members of Congress.
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P.S. Just heard the National Mall will be closed for the Inauguration. This will be Sean Spicer's greatest challenge ever.
looked at his statements during the rally and said they were appropriate, and then he changes his tune in a written statement and now on camera. 
