In his July 4 letter to “Voice of the People,” Walter J. Eno addresses the admissibility of Cassidy Hutchinson’s testimony before the Jan. 6 Committee. Had such testimony been given in a court of law, certain portions of it would not be allowed. Much of Hutchinson’s testimony, however, was first-hand knowledge of what she heard and saw. The most shocking was her report of Trump’s profane demand to get rid of the metal detectors and let an armed crowd onto the Ellipse from which they could then proceed to the Capitol. They’re not here to hurt me, he said.

Some people with first-hand knowledge of events have yet to show the courage to tell the nation what they know. Hutchinson’s boss, Mark Meadows, refused to testify and Congress cited him for contempt.

As for Eno’s complaint that the “other side” is not represented at the hearings, the original plan for an independent bipartisan 9/11 style investigative commission was defeated by a Republican filibuster. The Select Committee consists of seven Democrats and two Republicans. It could have been evenly split and fully independent had the Republicans chosen to take the matter seriously.

So, watch the hearings. Take them seriously. Most of the testimony presented comes from staunch Republicans, many supporters of the former president. They aren’t happy about having to speak of such horrors. They would like us to know what happened and to learn from it and to prevent it from happening again.

Michael F. Conley. Jr.
Portland

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