The Donald John Trump impeachment trial is underway in the Senate, with obstruction of justice the second of two charges leveled against Trump. But the Senate's own rules and procedures for this trial amount to obstruction of justice itself and set the stage for a giant hoax.
By refusing to consider pertinent documentary evidence requested by House Democrats from the White House, Senate Republicans obstruct justice.
By refusing to hear pertinent witnesses, such as former National Security Advisory John Bolton, and other witnesses with direct knowledge, Senate Republicans obstruct justice.
By refusing to consider new evidence that has been uncovered since the House impeached Trump, Senate Republicans obstruct justice.
By restricting media access during the proceedings, justice is obstructed.
Even Trump's attorney for the impeachment trial, Pat Cipollone, was part of the administration's "efforts to conceal" Trump's decision to withhold aid to Ukraine to pressure that country to investigate former Vice President Joe Biden and his son, Hunter.
"In light of your extensive knowledge of these key events, your personal representation of President Trump threatens to undermine the integrity of the pending trial. You may be material witness to the charges against President trump even though you are also his advocate," House impeachment managers said in a letter to Cipollone today.
If true, having a defense attorney who could be a witness is a conflict that could obstruct justice.
Originally, the Republican procedures for the trial limited each side to 24 hours to present their case split over two days, meaning that important issues likely would be discussed in the dead of night. After much criticism, that was changed at the last minute to three days instead of two, and evidence from the House impeachment proceedings will be automatically admitted into evidence unless someone objects.
"You must impartially do justice as your oath requires," said Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA), chairman of the House Inteligence Committee and the leader of the House impeachment management team.
However, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has already said he intended to work closely with the White House defense team, and other key Republicans like Sen. Lindsey Graham (SC) have said they had made up their mind even before the trial began.
"Nothing matters now but that oath to do impartial justice." said Schiff, calling for a "fair trial" that covers all of the facts, which he said most Americans are skeptical will happen, believing that the results are "pre-cooked" because Trump "has the votes."
What kind of trial will this be? As it appears at the onset, it will be a hoax.