Impeachment Must Happen

[babylonsister]

Impeachment Must Happen
Submitted by davidswanson on Thu, 2007-12-06 21:43. Impeachment

By Carol Davidek-Waller, Eat the State

Clearly the nation has turned against Vice President Cheney and President George W. Bush. Their approval ratings are the lowest of any elected leaders in American history. We are weary of war and bled white from profligate spending and larceny. Our civil rights have been severely restricted and crimes have been committed. A once peaceful world stands on the brink of turmoil.

As the 2008 elections draw near, it's tempting to look upon regime change as an end to our long night. We would like to believe that a change of face in the Oval Office would repair the damage done by the current administration. Nothing could be further from the truth.

Without investigation and impeachment, electing a new president will only serve to codify the unprecedented and illegitimate power stolen from the Congress and the American people. The powers of a dictator will be passed on like an Olympic torch where they will reside with the next president like a ticking time bomb.

The nation has been wounded in its beating heart. The president is no longer obligated to uphold and defend the Constitution or obey and execute the laws of the land. We no longer have the protections afforded us in the Bill of Rights. Our elected leaders are no longer bound to tell us the truth. These wounds will continue to fester until they are cleansed by a strong dose of sunlight.

Failure to impeach is a threat to our national security. In the same way that we cannot expect our nation to be secure if we don't understand what threatens us beyond our borders, we cannot expect the nation to be secure if we don't understand and check what threatens us from within. The excesses of our own government can become a far greater threat than terrorism. Articles of Impeachment against Dick Cheney were filed several months ago and the majority of Americans favor impeachment. Congress has refused to act. They even turned a blind eye when Rep. Dennis Kucinich read out the well-documented charges against Cheney on the floor of the House and demanded action.

The charges against Cheney are chilling. They outline in stark relief the peril our nation faces when even one man exercises unrestrained power; even a man whose office is purely ceremonial. How could so much damage be done in such a short time? Why has no one stopped him?

more...

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/29187

[Mme. Defarge]

1. K & R!

[polichick]

2. Absolutely, and I want to see ALL of our candidates pushing for it...

That's what true leaders would do imo ~ but they won't unless we EXPECT them to!

[Fed_Up_Grammy]

3. Ain't gonna happen.

[Independent_Liberal]

18. Keep it up. "Ain't gonna happen." "Ain't gonna happen."

So when it does, I'll be ready to blow it back in your face.

:rofl:

Sorry, couldn't resist!

[99th_Monkey]

49. Defeatism is the handmaiden of failure. Plz do attitude check.. n/t

no one every accomplished anything by chanting "it ain't gonna happen" ..

this isn't really news to you is it?

[adadem]

4. Yes, it must n/t

[bobthedrummer]

5. k&r+ some useful Congressional phone numbers

Rep. John Conyers Chairman of The House Judiciary Committee where HR 799 The Impeachment of Richard B. Cheney is pending DC office directlines

[phone], [phone]

Rep. Jerrold Nadler a member of The House Judiciary Committee and Chairman of the Subcommittee on The Constitution, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties DC office directline

[phone]

Rep. Nancy Pelosi Speaker of The House DC office directline

[phone]

Rep. Steny Hoyer House Majority Leader DC office directline

[phone]

Rep. Dennis Kucinich who introduced HR 333 now HR 799 The Impeachment of Richard B. Cheney DC office directline

[phone]

Toll free Congressional switchboard numbers

1-800-862-5530

1-800-828-0498

1-800-614-2803

1-866-340-9281

1-866-338-1015

1-866-220-0044

Keep calling, NGU.

[Countdown_3_2_1]

6. Call me when we get 67 senate votes, otherwise its a waste of time.

I understand how urgent this is needed, but without the votes, its not going to happen.

And then there is Lieberman. Even if we do get the votes, all he has to do is caucus with the repukes, and impeachment is dead in the water.

focus instead on getting a progressive president and congress, and we can build from there.

[MonkeyFunk]

8. not quite true

for impeachment purposes, Lieberman is just one vote in the Senate. The senate majority can't block impeachment in the House. They can only vote to acquit.

That said, as things stand now, there are nowhere near 67 votes to convict, so it's all just political masturbation.

[rhett o rick]

10. You might be surprised who would be willing to vote guilty if it came to that. We must try at least

Please don't give up without trying, and what's wrong with a little masturbation among friends.

[MonkeyFunk]

11. It' s possible

I'd be surprised, but I've seen nothing to indicate anywhere near 18 Republicans would. You might get Hagel - it still leaves you far short.

They won't overturn a veto. The Senate Republicans haven't done ANYTHING to distance themselves from Bush.

The notion that if we just impeach, they'll come around is nothing but wishful thinking.

[rhett o rick]

15. I absolutely agree that it is wishful thinking. But somewhere we have to draw

a line and fight for the whole enchilada. Win or not we must fight to reestablish our freedoms. I don't see any of the front running Democratic candidates speaking up. In fact I believe that Sen Clinton would love the dictatorial powers she would inherit should she win.

[MonkeyFunk]

25. No serious Democrat is proposing impeaching Bush

Not any of the candidates, not any Democratic senators, not Al Gore, not Jimmy Carter.... nobody.

One minor candidate proposes impeaching Cheney.

Why are people here so much goddamned smarter than every Democrat in national office? What do they know that you don't?

Here's what they know: Impeachment would fail.

[BeHereNow]

30. Kucinich is a serious democrat, so why do you say that?

Kucinich is the ONLY democrat in the race as far as I can tell.
We need another corporate backed president like we need
another war.
BHN

[MonkeyFunk]

48. Has he introduced articles of impeachment

against Bush? I missed that, I guess.

[BeHereNow]

51. Cheney must go first, or else...impeaching Bush leaves us with president Cheney.

Wouldn't want that, now would we?
:scared:
BHN

[MonkeyFunk]

54. So no, he hasn't

introduced articles of impeachment against Bush.

And if you think the Senate will vote to remove Bush AND Cheney, making a President Pelosi, you have an optimism that I can't share.

And if Pelosi is such an ineffective bitch, why do you want her to be President?

[BeHereNow]

55. I don't want Pelosi, Bush or Cheney as president.

I want to see them ALL impeached.
They are all complicit in crimes against the United States.
Pelosi by complicity and failure to uphold her congressional oath.
BHN

[MonkeyFunk]

56. but yet you're demanding

actions that would make her president.

And Pelosi can't be impeached - don't be silly.

[MonkeyFunk]

50. I disagree

In politics, there is no "win or not" battles for the sake of principle. If you can't win, you shouldn't start the fight.

And I think your characterization of Clinton is ridiculous.

[KharmaTrain]

26. Can You Name Me ONE Repugnican Who Would Vote To Convict?

Waivering Arlen Specter? Libermann's girlfriends Collins & Snowe? Jim Imhoffe? These are goons who felt a sleezy blow job was worth of conviction, but in the case of a Trent Lott that Nixon's crimes weren't (Lott was on the Judiciary Committee in '74). You really, really, realy believe that these politicians would cross party lines? It'd be their political suicide.

[Usrename]

27. How 'bout the ones up for reelection in '08?

2.4.1 Jeff Sessions of Alabama
2.4.2 Saxby Chambliss of Georgia
2.4.3 Pat Roberts of Kansas
2.4.4 Mitch McConnell of Kentucky
2.4.5 Susan Collins of Maine
2.4.6 Norm Coleman of Minnesota
2.4.7 Thad Cochran of Mississippi
2.4.8 John Sununu of New Hampshire
2.4.9 Elizabeth Dole of North Carolina
2.4.10 Jim Inhofe of Oklahoma
2.4.11 Gordon Smith of Oregon
2.4.12 Lindsey Graham of South Carolina
2.4.13 Lamar Alexander of Tennessee
2.4.14 John Cornyn of Texas
2.4.15 John Barrasso of Wyoming
2.4.16 Michael Enzi of Wyoming

[Yukari Yakumo]

33. Yeah, right.

Except for Coleman, are any of these in any danger of losing their seat?

[Usrename]

34. If they were to cleave to an unpopular criminal they would be.

Sure, they'd be tossed in a heartbeat if they tried to defend Cheney.

If just one-tenth of the corruption that we know about were charged.

[KharmaTrain]

37. Name One On That List That Even Voted Again Booosh???

They wouldn't give our troops extra leave time. They've voted against health care for children. You think there's gonna be a sudden change? Re-election means little to these goons now compared to the money and power they get from their party position. Voting to convict would all but guarantee their money would dry up, and sadly, few would suffer any loss if they voted to convict...maybe Coleman and Smith, that's about it. You need 17 to convict...we're not even close.

[rhett o rick]

38. No. But it is crucial that we draw the line and find out. Find out who is in favor of

a truly free republic and who is for a fascist state. It is time now to do this before we slide farther into tyranny. Impeachment will be that line. What are the Democrats doing? Investigating? Please don't give me this, it will take a long time to get back to where we were in 2000. I don't have a long time. I want the issue of our freedoms brought to a head now. Either give me liberty or give me death. This slow boil is going to kill the country. Your major candidates, with possible exception of Edwards, ain't even talking about reestablishment of our Constitutional rights. DK is of course but I see you have discounted him as a major candidate. The definition of major candidate is one that the MSM favors with publicity.

When are you going to decide to draw the line and fight for our freedoms?

[KharmaTrain]

41. We've Found Out Repeatedly...Lets Start With Habeus Corpus

What's more basic a right in any civilized state than that? And look at how many Repugnicans voted against restoring habeus...or how many will vote to immunize phone companies that snoop on your phone calls and email. Isn't that proof enough...can't you see the line? It's not about to move until an election moves it. I am hopeful we can avoid sliding into further tyranny but I see this regime as a caged tiger that will obstruct and outright break laws in their zeal to hold onto power and cover up whatever crimes they've already committed. These crimes are beyond political, they are criminal...something an impeachment doesn't deal with...it's a byproduct of criminal charges, not the other way around.

Conyers has favored a defacto impeachment to address the violations of the constitution and it will be imperitive, even with a Democratic administration, that we demand a full accounting of what's gone on over the past 8 years and to roll back all the signing statements and other abuses of the Constitution the "empiral executive" has created. There's going to be a lot to be done...and I'll bet we've just hit the iceburg in learning about the abuses of this regime. Damn right this is the time to investigate...line the ducks up and when these goons can't pardon themselves or hide behind "executive privilidge" they can be prosecuted and convicted. I want real justice, not a political/feel good political game that is premature.

Again, I have no candidate...and don't plan to decide on one until I see how other primaries shake out. I'm blissfully uncommitted as I have both positive and negative points for each candidate...none more than the other. I'm not the one whose discounted DK as a major candidate...his low poll numbers speak for themselves.

Cheers...

[Independent_Liberal]

46. KharmaTrain, I admire that you're willing to discuss your ideas, but I respectfully disagree.

Impeachment, in my opinion, is best done while the perpetrator is still in office.

In response to:

Conyers has favored a defacto impeachment to address the violations of the constitution and it will be imperitive, even with a Democratic administration, that we demand a full accounting of what's gone on over the past 8 years and to roll back all the signing statements and other abuses of the Constitution the "empiral executive" has created. There's going to be a lot to be done...and I'll bet we've just hit the iceburg in learning about the abuses of this regime. Damn right this is the time to investigate...line the ducks up and when these goons can't pardon themselves or hide behind "executive privilidge" they can be prosecuted and convicted. I want real justice, not a political/feel good political game that is premature.

Why I disagree? Impeachment now would prevent pardons of all of the thugs who are already in jail, indicted or on their way to the slammer.

Like the article above says, just hoping that waiting for an election will turn everything around just won't cut it. The dictatorial powers created by the current usurper can just be handed on to the next president and codified. That's why it's so important these issues are addressed sooner rather than later. Another thing DUer Time for Change has brought up is why would you want to just wait around for an election thinking everything will be hunky dory when Bush has the power to declare martial law and therefore nullify all elections.

And as for the "We don't have the 67 Senate votes" argument, I'll say this. The start of an impeachment investigation in the House would bring in testimony from many different witnesses and help bring out all the evidence and dirty laundry that's out there that the public doesn't know about. When the all the crimes are out there being covered by the media, it's likely that the public outrage may get so loud that soon not even the Republicans can ignore it. I wouldn't be surprised if people were in the streets screaming to a point where it's deafening and camping out on the steps of the Capitol demanding these fuckers pay for their crimes. All the Republicans up for re-election may just see the writing on the wall. You say that them voting for conviction would be political suicide, I'd say it would be political suicide if they didn't vote for it. While I believe they would never vote to remove both Bush and Cheney at the same time and make Pelosi president, I think they would be more willing to go along with a deal like this: 1. Get rid of Cheney first and Bush has to appoint a VP who all in the Congress can agree on (like McCain, Thompson or Powell). Then Bush is impeached or resigns and the new VP moves into the presidency as the caretaker until January 2009. The Democrats just have to assure the Repubs that they can keep the executive until Jan. 09. It was the case with Nixon. Agnew resigned after being indicted, Ford was the only person who Congress would approve to be the new VP, impeachment came and the Repubs saw they were faced with an option, "Stand with Nixon or keep your jobs" and they went with option 2 and forced Nixon to resign.

That's my argument. Whether you agree with me or not is fine. I'm just glad there are those of us willing to discuss our ideas in a mature and calm way on this board.

[KharmaTrain]

47. I Appreciate Your Arguments

Trust me, if I thought impeachment could happen tomorrow, I'd be hopping for it as it is truly deserved of this regime and I fully agree with all those who cite it as being necessary and very valid. There not a thing any proponent says I don't line up with...if anything I see myself demanding even greater actions...as I see Impeachment in purely political terms (all well and good) but that the crimes this regime has committed and continues to commit demand criminal, not political actions.

My concern is a failed impeachment will be used by the corporate media to "vindicate" this regime...in essence doing the opposite of what those favoring impeachment want. Without conviction this regime remains not only in power but emboldened that they can get away with anything...unhinging them even further. Also, without a conviction, the gravity of the political crimes...the damage to the Constitution aren't properly address and if anything an acquital would "codify" future executives from acting in a similar manner. A conviction puts the mark in the history book and is the only way to attempt to rectify the damage this regime has done.

Any attempt by Pelosi to push impeachment will be greeted by the corporate media as an attempt of a coup de etat...overturning an election (just like many of us screamed when Clinton was facing his sham trial)...she stands to directly benefit from pushing this (Gingrich didn't push the Clinton inquisition...DeLay did)...thus the lead must come from elsewhere...and I respect Chairman Conyers as being that person. There's no one who understand impeachment more than this man...I first became acquainted with him during the 1974 Nixon Judiciary hearing and have respected him ever since.

Also, Agnew didn't resign when he was indicted, he resigned when he copped a plea. He was ready to fight, just like Nixon was, but was forced to resign when it became obvious he was going to jail if he didn't. There were few Repugnicans who initially supported Nixon's impeachment...and we had asshat's like Trent Lott who voted against every article (yet found Clinton guilty)...only a few intrepid souls, like Christopher Cohen (then a Maine Rep) did vote to pass along the articles...but we sure don't have men in the GOOP like Cohen these days.

Also, the articles against Nixon were based on the criminal indictments that had already been tried (Nixon being named an unidicted co-conspirator) that gave the articles validity. Even in Clinton's case, the "lie" to the grand jury and the contempt charge were used at the basis on that inquisition. So far we don't have any real criminal charges that directly implicate either boooosh or cheney. This is what Conyers wants and needs to move forward. This requires more investigations and compelling others to either come forward with evidence or testimony...without hiding behind either executive privilidge or some kind of pardon. This will require going to court to blast away any "privilidge" that this regime is using as a firewall against criminal prosecution. Once these obstructions are removed, then we can start getting to the truth...the real crimes...bring to light all the criminality and those involved. Criminal and civil suits are bound to follow and with them even greater discovery into this regime's crimes.

I don't see the election as making things "hunky dory"...and as I've stated, I'm very much concerned that the abuses of this regime are codified...I see a failed impeachment as making that happen. I'd rather take the time and do this right...get a solid conviction based on facts...facts that are currently burried behind the obstruction of 67 Repugnican votes.

I appreciate your comments...as I stated earlier, if it were possible to remove this regime, I'd be pushing as hard as anyone, however, the reality says the votes aren't there, no conviction will occur thus we have to deal with this regime until 1-20-09...and to make their life as miserable as possible in those remaining days...then seek true justice.

Cheers...

[rhett o rick]

9. I get infuriated reading posts like this. Stop the presses, stop the government, stop

everything. NOTHING is more important than holding these criminals accountable. I don't care about your dire predictions about the votes. Make the damn republicans stand up and say they support these criminals. If the country doesn't rally behind us and kick their sorry asses out, then there is no hope for repairing our broken system. A new president can not repair this damage without punishing the guilty. If we wait they will walk. Now or never, impeach to save our democratic system.

[yodermon]

45. The goal is to bring the crime to *light* for the general public.

Actual votes on conviction are moot.

"getting a progressive president & congress" and pursuing impeachment are congruent.

Impeachment hearings are the absolute most effective way to inform the public of the vast crimes of this regime. As they become more aware, they will be driven further & further away from the GOP. Even if (hell, *especially* if) the conviction vote fails, we'll be ensured massive victories in November.

Pelosi et.al. want to keep these thugs around to use as a punching bag for the '08 elections - what better way to punch them than to hold fucking IMPEACHMENT hearings?!?! It would be campaign copy that writes ITSELF. Plus the Dems would not look so weak in the public eye any more. They're actually standing up and FIGHTING for something. It's a win-win.

[spanone]

7. MUST

[Joe Fields]

12. As I stated in another thread a bit ago, It seems we are way ahead

of the curve on this issue. It's high time the media caught up to us. I've been chanting this identical mantra for a long time.

[zorahopkins]

13. Applause! Applause!

Impeachment must happen.

This is a wonderful article.

:applause: :applause: :applause:

[bobthedrummer]

14. Welcome to DU, zorahopkins!

:hi:

[Independent_Liberal]

19. It's a matter of life and death.

I believe the future of the country and humanity itself depends on it.

[BeHereNow]

31. Welcome to DU! And I must tell you...

This is one of the best things I have seen in
the nearly SIX years (I can't believe it!) on DU.
WELCOME!!!

BHN

[lonestarnot]

16. May just happen...

[bobthedrummer]

17. .

[feelthebreeze]

20. Ulster County New York votes for impeachment investigations

So many are ready for this. The dam feels like it is showing cracks. About Damn time!

feelthebreeze

It made me proud to be an American watching democracy in action last night!

The Ulster County Legislature listened to many impassioned speakers making the case for impeachment against Bush and Cheney. Then the legislators spoke - many saying to not begin impeachment proceedings would be as big a crime as those committed by this administration. They passed a resolution ( I believe it was 28 to 9) for an investigation into impeachable offenses to begin immediately (or words to that effect- yes, I wish they had simply called for impeachment, but other local governments have taken this route- like Woodstock- and they get listed with municipalities and counties voting for impeachment- so Ulster Co will be counted as an impeachment county- YEAH!)

We are very grateful for their leadership on this issue. I also want to take this oppportunity to thank Annie Katz, head of CodePink, Hudson Valley Contingent. She spearheaded this effort and the collection of 4,000 local signatures on a petition for impeachment. A person speaking on her behalf informed the legislature that she is now facing a serious health crisis. I know we all send her our very best wishes for a full recovery and Annie...we couldn't have done it without you!

This burgeoning grassroots movement to hold the president and vice-president accountable for their illegal, indefensible acts is the first step in restoring our system of government and our reputation in the world. Like Thomas Paine said, "The responsiblity of the patriot is to protect his country from its government." Thanks to all the patriots who came out last night and to those who have worked and will continue to work to preserve our democracy and our freedoms.

Barbara
New Paltz Women in Black

[lonestarnot]

21. Why has no one stopped them.

[HCE SuiGeneris]

22. This is not a request Congress. Do your damned jobs! n/t

[ClayZ]

23. "Failure to impeach is a threat to our national security. "

K and R

[ClayZ]

24. "Failure to impeach is a threat to our national security. "

K and R

[deacon]

28. k + r

[BeHereNow]

29. FUCKING RECOMMENDED!!!!!

The author has SO clearly stated our biggest collective problem.
It will not matter WHO is elected president as long as the
winner stands to inherit the abuse of power established by
the current goon squad.

BHN

[Senator]

32. K&R&ImpeachToUniteUsAgain

[Perry Logan]

35. If impeachment is doomed, the pro-impeachment people have no one to blame but themselves.

[Karenina]

36. Three words...

State. level. activism.

[rhett o rick]

39. YES, yes a thousands times yes. The party is unresponsive because we don't own the party.

We need to get active locally. I am ashamed to say I have only done that in the last 6 months. And I must say I was shocked at the ambivalent attitudes of the local people. They are more interested in pot luck dinners and being friends with our Democratic HOR rep. They would never think to put any pressure on him. And since he has been in office for 30 years he is safe from a primary defeat.

[rhett o rick]

40. Scobbydoo says "huhh". nm

[femrap]

42. k and r

I'm sending another round of Xmas cards to the Dems on the Judiciary Committee plus Pelosi telling them to do their job and IMPEACH NOW!

[Xenotime]

43. YES YES!! ACT NOW!! REMOVE THEM FROM OFFICE!

[AuntPatsy]

44. In full agreement.

[realFedUp]

52. Do it.

At least make the attempt at hearings, so the news has
to report something on them and people get a historical
picture of what this administration has done to this
country. No other bill or vote matters at this point.
It will get vetoed. Make the case. We will remember.

[bobthedrummer]

53. kick

[bobthedrummer]

57. ...