Santa Barbara group joins nationwide impeachment rallies
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. - Close to 500 people were expected to gather outside the Santa Barbara County Courthouse Tuesday night for an impeachment rally, organized by Indivisible Santa Barbara.
Organizers say it’s all about sending a message that no one is above the law.
The day before a historic vote in the U.S. House of Representatives on the impeachment of President Donald Trump, thousands are mobilizing across the country and here at home. Officials said over 600 events were taking place around the county on the eve of the impeachment vote.
“I think everyone’s point in participating in this really kind of solemn occasion, because it’s enforcing the constitution at a time when we have a president who believes he is above the law,” said Ian Paige with Indivisible Santa Barbara.
The Group Indivisible Santa Barbara says it wants to show support for our Congressmen and a flag from Representative Salud Carbajal’s office was on the stage at the local rally.
“It’s going to be there as a symbol of our American values and I think that is why everyone is showing up. We want to support the idea that the rule of law is paramount, everyone is equal, everyone should be equal before the law,” said Paige.
However, the Santa Barbara County Republican Party isn’t praising Democratic legislative leaders.
“We think Salud Carbajal and other members of Congress should try and work with President Trump to work to improve healthcare and create more jobs and fix social security rather than continue this sham of a so-called impeachment,” said Greg Gandrud, Santa Barbara County Republican Party.
President Trump faces two charges, abuse of power and obstruction of congress.
As the House Rules Committee sets parameters for Wednesday’s debate, Indivisible Santa Barbara says this is a marathon not a sprint, urging the community to keep working and organizing ahead of the 2020 election.
“Everyone involved here in Santa Barbara really wants to support democracy,” said Paige.
“Far-left groups like Indivisible Santa Barbara have been trying to impeach Trump since he was elected,” said Gandrud.
Organizers said Senator Hannah Beth Jackson and County Supervisor Das Williams would also be speaking at the pro-impeachment rally.
