House Tied In Knots Over Resolution To Impeach Cheney
Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, is trying to impeach Vice President Cheney for what he describes as “high crimes and misdemeanors” before the invasion of Iraq.
Right after the proposal was read on the House floor this afternoon, House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer stepped forwarded and tried to convince lawmakers to table the bill.
“Impeachment is not on our agenda. We have some major priorities. We need to focus on those,” Hoyer told Fox News.
Update at 3:39 p.m. ET: We thought that the vote to table was over — the clock said 0:00 — but lawmakers are still switching things around and Kucinich is within a few votes of getting his bill to come up for a vote.
Update at 3:43 p.m. ET: At least 149 Republicans have voted in favor of considering the impeachment resolution. Hoyer’s motion, which would have blocked a vote, looks like its going to fail by at least 31 votes.
Update at 3:53 p.m. ET: The 15-minute vote began at 2:53 p.m. ET. It’s been an hour, and they’re still voting. The tally stands at 170-242 right now. Hoyer needed 218 votes to push the bill off the agenda. He’s 72 votes short.
Update at 4:02 p.m. ET: Hoyer’s motion failed 251-162. (Roll Call) The House is now voting on whether to vote on whether the resolution should be sent to the Judiciary Committee.
Update at 4:25 p.m. ET: The vote to decide to vote (yes, you read that correctly) just ended. By a 218-194 margin, the House has to vote on whether to send the resolution to the Judiciary Committee. That’s happening right now.
Update at 4:30 p.m. ET: Perhaps we should pause to explain. When most Republicans unexpectedly — and on orders of GOP leadership, the AP is reporting — switched sides and voted against tabling the measure, they essentially forced Democrats to keep talking about it on the floor. Tabling the measure would have killed it.
Debate over Cheney’s impeachment is in direct opposition to House Speaker Nancy Pelosi’s wishes. She has repeatedly said an impeachment of Cheney or President Bush is off the table. Thus, failing to table this measure is a essentially a jab in Pelosi’s ribs.
“We’re going to help them out, to explain themselves,” Rep. Pete Sessions, R-Texas, told the AP of the impeachment’s supporters. “We’re going to give them their day in court.”
Update at 4:32 p.m. ET: The House just voted, 218-194, to send the resolution to the Judiciary Committee. That should end today’s debate — but it does keep the resolution at least technically alive.
© 2007 USA Today
Wow. Did not see that coming.
What a joke! For this we voted in the Democrats? All we got was another clear demonstration of their ineptitude. Vote Republican, my friends, if you want to get things done. At the least, vote to get these yahoos out of office so we can get on with our empire-building.
Nice try but no cigar . . .
Democrats were seen running en masse to the restrooms, peeing their pants in fright.
The arrogance of the Republicans, and this is another example, may eventually backfire.
Unfortunately, we have the Democrats, to insure that it will continue.
Ramsay
Thank you Dennis! Now more Americans can watch how the corporate purchased representatives will act. Will they act for the interests of WE THE PEOPLE or for the corporations, who purchased them?
Americans, watch to see if your elected representatives cover for the corporation’s Vice President or the PEOPLE.
A vote for republicans or democrats, that are both bought by the same corporations, is just a vote for corporations.
Vote for a candidate that will represent the PEOPLE!
Vote for your needs, the needs of your family and friends, and the needs of WE THE PEOPLE!
Don’t vote for the beauty kings and queens. Vote for a government Of the people, For the people, so we can have a government By the people!
Dang it! My represnetive (Doyle) was a nayer! Guess the yinzers love Mr. Cheny.
I don’t know exactly how to read this, but it does seem risky and brazen on the part of Republicans — or perhaps they want Cheney out.
With Democratic Congress already at a lower approval rating than the President, why risk keeping this thing alive? Seems like there is not much to be gained other than keeping the impeachment process technically alive.
I guess if there was a republican majority, this might have worked out?
Kucinich said today that this vote will show who is on the side of democracy and the constitution. It certainly showed that the Democrats do not think the constitution is a priority. The Fox article which has since been changed, mentioned that Pelosi said the priorities such as funding for “withdrawing the troops” and children’s health care were more important. They’re doing a fine job with those priorities, so that should shut us all up.
0.o
How dare these Republican liberals? These moonbats HATE America.
Cheney is just trying to fight them over there so we don’t fight them over here. And there they go again, blaming America first.
Thank God we own madam speaker, lock, stock and barrel, she’ll show them.
Strange bedfellows — gotta love it, the Republicans trying to embarrass the embarrassing Capitulosi, forcing Hoyer & company to explain why Cheney shouldn’t be impeached.
The Repugs share the belief of the Dead Dog Democrats, that impeaching the Smirk’s sidekick will somehow increase their popularity, because Clinton’s popularity was high throughout impeachment. This is the idea of the whorish political consultants, who must put it in subliminally into the DLC i-pods.
The Democrats are now wearing hand-me-down pants from UPS. The dark brown garments will not show the shit stains the Dems are befouling themselves with as they trip over each other to obtain the Nobel Prize for Cowardice. It is reported in the MSM that Pelosi has at least three dozen pair.
Kucinich is like the Chinese kid standing up against the tank in Tiananmen Square — but this tank of repression is driven by both the phony two-party Republicans and Democrats committed to maintaining the global corporate Empire behind this facade of ‘Vichy America’.
The question now will be whether the media powers in that ‘Vichy America’ also continue to oppress and repress the growing outrage of average American people to see their government restored to the real democracy against Empire that our founding fathers envisioned and died for — or whether the media will also rebel against this stacked-deck of Empire and report the real truth to the American people.
It is amazing to me (still a Pollyanna!) that the representatives that were voted into office to represent us continue to go against what the majority of us want, impeachment! Thank you Dennis!!
Impeachment is too good for Dick… Jail the bastard!
As a riverboat philosopher once said, it’s enough to make a cat laugh.
Perhaps now Dennis will be included in future debates with the Democratic Party “frontrunners”.
Hopefully DNC, AARP and their brethren are paying attention.
A strange turn of events, but it is key to keep momentum going for this, from the people. I saw Kucinich read the resolution live on CSPAN, and it was a breath of fresh air to see the right thing being done for the right reasons, for once, no matter what the cowards scattering around the room were up to. Thank God ALL of this–brazen acts of bravery and cowardice–is now at least on the historical record.
this vote shows that republicans and a lot of democrats are just alike.
WisANidiot,
Impeachment is too good for Dick… Jail the bastard!
That comes next.
GlobalFriend,
Check it again. A nay vote was a vote to NOT table the the resolution. So Doyle voted correctly.
“House Tied In Knots Over Resolution To Impeach Cheney”
Well, that (the knot tying) can only be seen as an improvement. Quick, somebody bring in the waterboarding specialists.
Vote for Me!
Cindy@CindyforCongress.org
I am writing an article about this latest debacle, but I think we should all support Dennis financially like Ron Paul’s supporters did yesterday. Dennis put himself out there to be pummeled by both sides…but, let me tell ya, it hurts when “your side” is the one doing most of the pummeling!
Send Dennis some love in the form of $—I am going to right now!
Cindy
I pray that Dennis keep his courage, I’m sure he is expecting heavy blows for this caper. Good for him! and good for the GOP, whatever their strategy… I look forward to hearing Dem leaders sputter about just why Cheney shouldn’t be impeached. Let’s just hope this is just the begining.
If you read the book “The Money and the Power-Las Vegas’s Hold on America” you see that both parties are told what to do by organized crime. The mobsters pretty much control everything and have fake mob trails every once and a while. Pelosi’s Husband is suspected of mob ties as is Harry Ried. The book says Reagan/Bush was a ticket chosen by the mobsters. They’re one big happy family.
Cannot wait to see how this event will fly! Mayhap the US o A has reached its tipping point and is ready to participate in politics again after being opiumed by the Bush-Cheney Cabal with lies, betrayal and out-right treason. Wish our lawyers would take to the streets like they are in Pakistan. We are so very close to so much virulent evil. I want to march in the streets with candles and chants and evict the non-patriots from too much power in their seats … as it were…IMPEACH. Such a pleasant ring to it, no?
What Cindy said!
I sent $$ to Dennis as soon as he started speaking this afternoon and I will continue to send as much as I can afford as often as I can. THANK YOU Dennis for having the intestinal fortitude to stand for what’s right.
how many of the “above” have called their senators and congressman? critisizing kucinich for having to put his nads on the line doesn’t get it done. your represenitives most hear your call !
Anybody who votes against impeachment of Cheney has his or hers thumb in the Plum-CorporateEnergy Pie, Dennis needs a medal of honor for Honesty and Guts. It appears that everyone else running for office wants to leave the executive branch running amouk with unlimited powers. If the Democrats are afraid of Dennis as President then they should have the good sense to make him Majority Leader.
COOOOL! Now our Democratic Representatives will have to vote yea or nay, on the Impeachment, and in the glare of publicity they will proudly and shamelessly vote NO. Agreeing with the Bush administration. Just like they do on the War in Iraq, the plans for war on Iran, and anything else of real significance. Watch and see.
Since it has gone to the Judiciary Committee, does anyone know what follows? The commentator on C-Span was not too clear in his interpretations.
Dear Madam Speaker,
Mr Kucinich has successfully and in spite of Mr. Hoyer’s attempt to scuttle it,sent the resolution to impeach Vice President Cheney to the Judiciary Committee. Apparently Rep. Pete sessions wants to help what should be a Very important Cause for the Democrats, he says We’re going to help them out, to explain themselves,”…. “We’re going to give them their day in court.”
So there you have it, your “day in court”, I suggest you take it and impeach Mr. Cheney.
Cindy:
Actually, the first thing that came to my mind, was send $$ to Cindy. Will someone please pay for t.v. Ads, supporting Cindy’s campaign, in her challenge of Nancy.
Only when the Dems in power feel threatened will this charade end.
There was a large number of Ron Paul supporters in the S.F anti-war march, break bread, united we stand…
Ramsay
Check mate.. Dennis is forcing their hand to act. I was wondering if Kucinich was ever going to bring it to the floor, and I’m ecstatic that he did. We all need to call the House and our respective Reps and let them have it if they think they can get away with not voting FOR impeachment.
PLEASE take a moment to call the Capitol switchboard right now at (202)224-3121 or go to http://www.house.gov and enter your ZIP Code to find your local member of Congress, and then tell them the following:
“I urge the Representative to VOTE TO START IMPEACHMENT PROCEEDINGS as outlined in HR 333.”
I know I will!
With opinion polls in the sewer, possible violations of the Constitution, and a slight majority of Americans overall who favor impeachment — and Hoyer refuses to even openly debate this, to go on record, so America can see where the Democratic Party stands in relation to its “opposition”?
Well, folks, Hoyer — like Pelosi — is another crypto-neocon.
Oh and here’s Pelosi’s number.. she needs a new orifice torn into her. Plus it’s her dime.. enjoy!
1-800-828-0498
Dennis already placed H Res 333 into the House Judiciary committee and Conyers’ has not done anything with it.
Conyers can, and probably will, judging from his defense of Pelosi about this and his past performance, will sit on this resolution, too.
He doesn’t have to do anything with it, and from what I have heard, Pelosi dictates what comes out of committee anyway.
Conyers could investigate, hold hearings, etc and then refer it to the entire house to vote.
You can send me money, too…
Love
Cindy
Here’s what this is about: (toddboyle above, at 6:22 pm is correct.) Two years ago (Nov ‘05), the Republicans pulled a very similar maneuver. They maneuvered to bring to the House floor a resolution that would require a prompt withdrawal of all US troops from Iraq. (Yes, you read that correctly.) This was simply a move to make the Democrats “put up or shut up.” The R’s knew the D’s would not be willing to go on record as voting for a pullout. It was well understood by the D’s that this was a deliberate attempt to embarrass them.
And they went ahead and did precisely as the R’s had calculated. Exactly 3 (three) Democrats voted for a prompt pullout. The rest voted (along with all the Repubs) against the resolution.
(By coincidence, I happen to remember that I went to see Cindy Sheehan speaking in person at UC Berkeley the very night they held that vote. She’d just flown in from DC, & she electrified the crowd.)
Ms. Sheehan…Having achieved “celebrity status” for your courage, drive, and persistence against the insanity in D.C., I’m hoping your words in the upcoming piece that you are writing will bring D.K.’s name further into the light along with yours. Thank you for your words in this post and thank you for your article-to-be.
In a perfect world, it would be Kucinich/Sheehan in charge of the recovery of the country, the world and the planet.
So get yourself some Senatorial experience QUICK!
Be Well…
The fracas now moves into the House Judiciary Committee. Here’s a link to its website, http://judiciary.house.gov/default.aspx and list of members:
Democrat
Hon. Conyers (Chair)
(D) Michigan, 14th
Hon. Berman
(D) California, 28th
Hon. Boucher
(D) Virginia, 9th
Hon. Nadler
(D) New York, 8th
Hon. Scott
(D) Virginia, 3rd
Hon. Watt
(D) North Carolina, 12th
Hon. Lofgren
(D) California, 16th
Hon. Jackson Lee
(D) Texas, 18th
Hon. Waters
(D) California, 35th
Hon. Delahunt
(D) Massachusetts, 10th
Hon. Wexler
(D) Florida, 19th
Hon. Sánchez
(D) California, 39th
Hon. Cohen
(D) Tennessee, 9th
Hon. Johnson
(D) Georgia, 4th
Hon. Sutton
(D) Ohio, 13th
Hon. Gutierrez
(D) Illinois, 4th
Hon. Sherman
(D) California, 27
Hon. Baldwin
(D) Wisconsin, 2nd
Hon. Weiner
(D) New York, 9th
Hon. Schiff
(D) California, 29th
Hon. Davis
(D) Alabama , 7th
Hon. Wasserman Schultz
(D) Florida, 20th
Hon. Ellison
(D) Minnesota, 5th
Republican
Ranking member:
Hon. Smith
(R) Texas, 21st
Hon. Sensenbrenner Jr.
(R) Wisconsin, 5th
Hon. Coble
(R) North Carolina, 6th
Hon. Gallegly
(R) California, 24th
Hon. Goodlatte
(R) Virginia, 6th
Hon. Chabot
(R) Ohio, 1st
Hon. Lungren
(R) California, 3rd
Hon. Cannon
(R) Utah, 3rd
Hon. Keller
(R) Florida, 8th
Hon. Issa
(R) California, 49th
Hon. Pence
(R) Indiana, 6th
Hon. Forbes
(R) Virginia, 4th
Hon. King
(R) Iowa, 5th
Hon. Feeney
(R) Florida, 24th
Hon. Franks
(R) Arizona, 2nd
Hon. Gohmert
(R) Texas, 1st
Hon. Jordan
(R) Ohio, 4th
This may very well backfire on the GOP. A lot of people outside of the insulated bubble in Washington — where Cheney’s at about 20 percent approval — think impeaching Cheney is a damn good idea. Let’s get those cards, letters and emails going to the members of the Judiciary Committee demanding this be brought up for a full vote; after all, Conyers promised impeachment before the Dems got a majority in the House. Let’s hold him to it.
Agreed! Every one of these Dems that failed to support Kucinich deserves a tounge lashing. I just sent a sharp note to my rep, Blumenhaur, after my jaw hit the keyboard seeing that he failed to represent the people of Oregon today. It’s just dumbfounding that in the House, where we hold the MAJORITY, we need the Republicans’ help to get something like this passed. It just fails to pass the logic test, seriously, what the hell is wrong with them.
For god’s sake, I mean, for America’s sake, let’s help Dennis raise HIS $4,000,000!Everyone send $25 as thanks for his impeachment resolution. Thank you Dennis, and hell yeah, I’ve seen unidentified flying objects my self! Impeach the bastards! Let the world know that we do not support the murder and mayhem inflicted on the middle east. Help clear our name~impeach the bastards! Call the congress, donate to the Kucinich campaign,let’s get this show on the road. God the Dims are so disappointing…what a display of raw politics and utter failure of leadership we saw this afternoon. Thanks Dennis.I can’t say it enough.
Would someone please give me the link to the vote list? I’ve been to the House of Representatives site and just can’t make it work. I wrote a very long letter to my representative yesterday and I would like to see how he voted.
[quote]Twister22 November 6th, 2007 6:32 pm — Check mate.. Dennis is forcing their hand to act.[/quote]
Well, not to rain on anyone’s parade, but let’s not allow our expectations to run too far ahead of reality. As Cindy Sheehan points out, the House Judiciary Committee is already sitting on a resolution and, since Pelosi calls the tune, this one isn’t likely to fare much better.
Of course DK and his supporters could keep the pot boiling by introducing a ‘privileged resolution’ (all impeachment resolutions are privileged) every day. But that stategy would have its own risks.
I’d like to know why memebers from both
sides of the isle are such pussies. Is it
just to keep their jobs and corpoate gifts
or have they actually been threatened?
Friday I called my US Reps, gave Dennis
money and called or emailed everyone I know
to do the same.
So it’s now going to the Senate which
requires a 2/3 vote. Please start calling
your US Senators now. Remind them you’ll be watching
their votes and they will never get your vote
if they don’t support Dennis on this. And you’ll
email and call all your friends…
LOOKS LIKE HE COULD BE DENNIS THE MENACE! EVERY CITIZEN THAT WANTS CHENEY IMPEACHED, OWES DENNIS, WHETHER HE SUCCEEDS OR NOT. OKAY PEOPLE PUT YOUR $ WHERE YOUR MOUTH IS AND SEND DENNIS WHAT YOU CAN AFFORD.
Hopefully this will be a good discovery process. We all know he is guillty many times over of impeachable offences. Dennis Kucinich the only one with balls enough and brains enough to do the right thing. These guys can lie us into wars that bankrupt us and murder over a million people. How many laws do you[personally] get to break without getting called on it?
Throw the inside job mass murder of our own citizens from 9/11/2001 on top of it. Come on, your not still buying their lame story on that one are you?
The Republicans seem to think that if the Democrats impeach Cheney, a wave of popular sympathy for him will win them back Congress in 2008. I’d say they’d be in for a big surprise if the Democrats had guts.
papiowhipperer..Nope..stays in the House under Pelosi’s control.
Too bad there isn’t the faintest chance that any elected Democrat will ever read any of these comments or act on them if they did.
I have long suspected that Osama bin Laden shaved his beard and is hiding in the White House doing massive damage to our economy, our military and our principles. I am now starting to also suspect either that a sizable portion of the Democrat “leaders” are either closet Republicans or got caught in the illegal domestic surveillance by the White House and are being blackmailed into doing whatever Republicans want.
This is big! Thanks Dennis, no matter how this turns out, I would be proud to stand with you, and Cindy Sheehan as well.
please note that Rep Hoyer is the voice of the Democrats. So when you see Hoyer blocking the impeachment of Cheney saying its ‘not on the agenda’ or as they’ve said before, that’s the voice of the Democratic Party.
you must understand that the leadership of the Democratic Party is actively protecting Cheney (and Bush) from impeachment. That’s the policy of the Democratic party.
If you don’t like that, please stop voting Democrat. If you and everyone else who wants impeachment had voted Green last time around, Bush and Cheney would be out of office today.
Dennis is the only person who speaks for the american public god bless this man’s heart but this shit hole of a country will get worse before it gets better, sorry I have no hope
The question is what the above committee will do. In Clinton’s case, the committee held NO investigation, no hearings on its own and relied totally on the Special Prosecuter’s report. The Republicans simply drew up the articles of impeachment, voted them out of committee and put them to a vote by the whole House. The Watergate investigation was quite different, with Nixon resigning before any vote in the House occurred, having essentially been proven guilty during the investigative process.
There are enough books documenting the crimes and evidence for conviction that provided the gist for us all to argue that impeachment is a no-brainer. I have put forth my own reason why Pelosi bacame a felon by refusing to uphold her oath and defend the Constitution by actively pursuing impeachment–to preserve presidential impunity surrounding the Empire’s crimes.
It’s clear that our mission is to hound EVERY member of the Judiciary Committee into drawing up and voting in favor of a wide-ranging number of impeachment articles. That done, they will be sent to the full House for a vote, simple majority, to decide for a trial in the Senate. Conviction needs to be approved by 2/3s of those senators present at the trial’s end.
The first hurdle is over; now, the real work begins. It will be very interesting to see how the MSM handles this.
CNN.com has a short article on the events today. But their spin is “Third Time’s not a charm…Kucinich’s resolution has moved to committee, effectively killing it.”
What’s up with that?
I am very disappointed that 135 Democrats, as compared to only 27 Republicans, voted to table the impeachment. Then an astounding 214 Democrats voted for referral to the Judiciary committee, opposed by only 4 Democrats + Kucinich and 189 Republicans. Wow!
What’s Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers going to do? He should hold hearings with testimony and give Cheney a chance to defend himself.
Forward this article to everyone you know. That is the only way to beat the MSM.
By not getting “tabled” I think a victory was gained. Sure it’s back in committee, but this time with a lot more interest and conversation than with the number of representatives who have signed onto the bill thus far.
Kucinich’s action actually got some play on PBS. It may still be a tiny blip, but the national conversation on impeachment and American Renewal has begun. Keep your vocal cords warm. Persistence, vigilance, diligence - the grandest of human civility can be ours.
What’s Conyers thinking now? hmmmm…he’s said many times impeachment is off Pelosi’s table but not off of his.
I have faith in John Conyers! To my way of thinking, his assumption of the Chair of Juciciary was one of the delights of the Dems winning the majority in the House. Remember the Watergate days–it was the Judiciary Committee that deliberated the question of whether to recommend articles of impeachment to the full House. They came up with 3 articles and voted to send them to the floor with the recommendation to vote impeach. It never came to a vote in the full House because Nixon resigned when the Chair of Judicary (Rhodes) went to the White House that night to tell him the commmittee had approved the articles and were sending them to the House floor for a vote. Conyers will pursue the question with alacrity.
Impeach the son of a bitch!
Thank you Dennis! I’m sending you some money. And to Cindy too.
I e-mailed my Congressman, Hoyer, Sunday, strongly urging him not to support tabling HR 333. Lot of good that did! Anyone else in the MD-5th reading this, please take note, not to vote for Steny EVER again.
Moonshadow, here’s the link for the first vote to table the resolution, http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll1037.xml, and the second vote to send it to the House Judiciary Committee, http://clerk.house.gov/evs/2007/roll1039.xml.
pdj: “Conyers will pursue the question with alacrity”
Just so you know, in a quote from Raw Story: “I’ve spoken to Mr. Conyers and I’m quite confident that the ball is in good hands,” said Kucinich.”
I’m hoping he’s hinting at some REAL good news!
COMarc writes:
> “Rep Hoyer is the voice of the Democrats”
Is Kucinch a Democrat? Please answer this question, Mr. COMarc.
And the 86 Democrats who voted No to Hoyer’s resolution… Is Hoyer their voice, too?
I await your response.
Also, I’m just wondering, whose voice are you, dude?
Nader 2000,
Don’t waste your breath. Mr. COMarc is on a personal vendetta against everything Democrat. No matter how outstanding from the pack they are. (i.e. Dennis Kucinich)
Impeach Pelosi. Pelosi is to the Democratic party in the United States as Ramsay MacDonald was to the Labour party in the UK.
It’s dead now in the Judiciary, thanks to the Democrats, who were going to vote against it along with a great majority of Republicans. Then the Republicans changed their vote for bringing it to the floor, offering to give the Democrats one hour of debate before a vote, hoping to humiliate them. Then the whole body voted to send it to the Judiciary, where they knew it would die. Pelosi will absolutely not allow Conyers to bring it to the floor. That’s why Kucinich voted against it going to the Judiciary.
You all have inspired me, I’m sending Dennis money right now!
Well I did try to call Pelosi but it seems that her mailbox is full. They are sorry I had problems calling her and asked that I get help and try to call back later. Then they hung up. :=)
HR 333
I sent Kucinich some money month’s ago.
I wrote to my congressman to support this bill.
I put my savings into Euros.
The very best comment is:
Soft Construction with Boiled Beans
(Premonition of Civil War), 1936
Dali, Salvador
In case nobody noticed, we gained a valuable ally in this fight as the National Lawyers Guild voted unanimously to support Kucinich’s efforts, http://www.commondreams.org/news2007/1106-09.htm
We have one year from today to force a sea-change in US politics, with the front man being Kucinich. This will probably be the most important year in United States History. Time to light a fire, to become “Wide-Awakes” for Kucinich, and FORCE Congess to uphold their oaths of office.
I’m part of the KucinichForPresidentPhila_Suburbs community that is working for Kucinich for Prez. If you don’t have3 one in your community, form one now!
For those who agree that he is the “only true presidential candidate worthy of consideration”, I say, Friends, do NOT compromise your values. Stand, work for and contribute to the candidate who is willing to withstand the wrongdoing of the “Republicrats”. Dennis Kucinich is a man of integrity, experience and intelligence.
Check out the Kucinich web site.
Dennis4President.com
Marlena in Philadelphia
anney–Yes, the bill’s in committee, but I disagree it’s met its demise. We shall see, of course; but to accept such a fait accompli without any effort is unacceptible.
Chairman John Conyers sent a note stating that the resolution should not be sent to his Committee … because he knew that Hoyer was trying to kill it.
GOP were ingenious in setting up the Dems to fight amongst each other. Of course, if they had backbone, they wouldn’t be fighting and Cheney would be impeached.
I agree that we ought to contribute $$ to both Cindy Sheehan’s campaign and that of Kucinich’s. What a shrewd move by the Republicans (I am not praising the Repugs). Sure it could backfire on them, but look what they did to many Democrats - ripped the towels off their slimy bodies and pushed them out on stage with the spotlight shining right on them for the country to see. And let’s make sure we expose Nancy Pelosi (not physically) for the loser she is!
Cindy…stay with us on Common Dreams! We will stay with you. Support Dennis. He stands taller than anyone in Washington. He really is Dennis the Menace, speaks the truth, the only one who has the guts to say the way things really are. Watch the MSM attempt to assassinate him. FOX will have their drawers in a wad for a week with Dennis doing nasties to their boy.
My God — that gutless Pelosi has already ordered Conyers to issue a press release saying that the Judiciary Committee is very busy and can’t take up impeachment right yet:
“For Immediate Release Contact: Jonathan Godfrey
November 6, 2007 Melanie Roussell
(Washington, DC)- A spokeswoman for the House Judiciary Committee issued the following statement today in response to floor action on a house resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against Vice President Dick Cheney:
“The committee has a very busy agenda - over the next two weeks, we hope to pass a FISA bill, to vote on contempt of Congress citations, pass legislation on prisoner re-entry, court security and a variety of other very important items. We were surprised that the minority was so ready to move forward with consideration of a matter of such complexity as impeaching the Vice President. The Chairman will discuss today’s vote with the committee members but it would seem evident that the committee staff should continue to consider, as a preliminary matter, the many abuses of this Administration, including the Vice President.” - House Judiciary Committee Spokeswoman
http://judiciary.house.gov/newscenter.aspx?A=880
Send email to Conyers by the ton that he needs to show some spine and back-up Kuncinich’s impeachment efforts with some real action!!
I think I see what happened here. I’ve been hearing snide comments about this all day at work. I live in Panama City Fl. neo con wingnut heaven. Fox News was on and was just flaming DK for even thinking of something so absurd as impeachment. Of course they had to throw in a couple UFO jabs as well. Several customers made comments about conducting the impeachment hearing on a UFO. They’re pretty slick, get Russert to throw the UFO thing out there to discredit DK before the impeachment resolution ever gets to the floor. Successfully killed the messenger before he ever delivered the message…I really think we’re in trouble folks….Another comment I heard today from an ex Marine who was discussing the war and the media. His gem of the day was “The media should NOT be reporting what they see, they should be reporting what they are TOLD.” I have to say, Big Bird was flabbergasted, my jaw just gaped open and I had to process that statement for a moment before I could even continue to serve drinks. This is the menality we have in this country now. Be afraid, very afraid, I AM.
I’ll tell you one thing this article did not do… was to explain that the Republicans voted overwhelmingly NOT to table the bill. They wanted for a public discussion on the motion.
They called the Dems bluff … what you saw was a bunch of Democrat panic as they didn’t know how they’d be able to spin and explain that the Republicans were helping the Kucinich impeachment deal, and Dems were looking to protect Cheney..
So, we all call/email Pelosi and Conyers.
There has to be something more we can do. We all know that contacting Pelosi means nothing: she doesn’t care in the least. (And Conyers…?)
Any ideas?
The resolution to begin impeachment proceedings against Darth will be buried in the House Judiciary Committee, UNLESS American citizens can rustle up enough energy to pressure Conyers to put it on his calendar (if that’s the procedure.)
FYI, Conyers first voted YEA to table the resolution, then he voted YEA to send it the House Judiciary Committee.
Any bets on what he plans to do with it there? Time to get busy on your email and letter writing campaigns folks, that is, IF you are in favor of impeaching Darth. Keep copies of those, because when we’re done with Darth, we’re going after the original Texas village idiot, shrub himself.
My history is sketchy..Has a Vice President ever been impeached before? Is there a precedence for the proceedure? And, if Cheney is indeed impeached (Please, Dear God) would the president have a legal recourse to unimpeach him? Sure wouldn’t put it past him. He likes to make up new rules.
Congratulations to Kucinich. I wasn’t sure who to vote for before. Now I know. Dennis is possibly the only Dem who is not a charter member of the BendOverFor Bush Society.
Impeachment first; indictment second; Find guilty third Pelican Bay fourth for Cheney, Bush et al.
We’re retired and on social security, but I will send a few $$ to Dennis.
Calippitt
Call, FAX or email Conyers - pressure the man to do the right thing!!
The Honorable John Conyers, Jr
John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
2426 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5126
(202) 225-0072 Fax
2615 W. Jefferson
Trenton, MI 48183
(734) 675-4084
(734) 675-4218 Fax
669 Federal Building
231 W. Lafayette
Detroit, MI 48226
(313) 961-5670
(313) 226-2085 Fax
==========================
Thanks to Cheney and Bush - over 800,000 Iraqi people (including tens of thousands of little children) have been killed, and over a million crippled for life.
Impeachment of both Bush and Cheney would be the wisest way to fight terrorism. Because of all the needless bloodshed, and because an estimated 800 Iraqi doors get busted down by u.s. forces every night, they have countless reasons to hate us.
We need to impeach (and imprison) those two war criminals, apologize to the Iraqi people, find a way to make it right, and also fight a way to make sure that such a horrible thing is never repeated.
———-
I read that Dennis Kucinich will soon be
calling for the impeachment of Bush.
http://www.dennis4president.com
He’s by far the best candidate for president!!
Dennis is our man. He gets my monetary support every month until he WINS in 2008! Get out and support the guy. We need a real candidate. I bet Nader isn’t running because he sees a viable candidate in Kucinich — if only AMERICA WOULD WAKE UP AND STOP PUTTING THEIR MONEY AND MOUTHS TO THE WATERED DOWN RECYCLED REPUBLOCRATS. I don’t want to hear another person say: “If only Gore would run.” “I’m voting for Hilary.” “I would to see a Hilary/Gore ticket.” BLAH BLAH BLAH BLAH — Show some backbone will ya!
My suggestion is to include within every move taken toward bringing on Impeachment a vision of the future of American as distinct from the neo-fascist/neo-cons’. This a move toward regaining moral leadership. The role of transparency in government. This is the correct move to bring accountability to the whole of the political process. This is one move on the way toward redirecting the national (and international) economy toward a pattern of middle class expansion. A World Wide Living Wage. From here we can tackle the pressing challenge of adjustment to the incoming climate change. The ongoing criminality and attempt to have a defacto “paper Coup d’état” is getting in the way of increasing the educational level of our citizens.
If we link Impeachment to all the greater issues, issues that will come out in a trial or Judiciary hearing, we can demonstrate a vision of America that will resonate with the American People. As important as it is to Impeach all of those treasonous criminals it is more important that we link this to the renewal of participatory democracy in the United States. Shoot we can even grant one of them immunity to get some testimony or they spend time in Gitmo for Contempt of Congress. Just a thought.
irishgawdess–You are incorrect to say that Conyers voted to table; he voted nay on that, but did vote yea to send it to committee. Anyone doubting can click on the vote links above.
Just read the NY Times online item and comments about the vote, http://thecaucus.blogs.nytimes.com/2007/11/06/kuchinich-keeps-pushing-cheney-impeachment/ I suggest folks go there and post the same sort of comments posted here, which some have already done.
Come to think of it, there actually might be more milk for the Repugs to get from this Democratic cow. Given the fact that many Repugs voted in favor of debate, let’s assume the natural: that the bill will die in the Judiciary. What if the Repugs indeed do call for a debate? They know they have an uphill battle to regain seats. Why not milk this cow some more to entirely expose the Dems?
Folks, if you want to end the travesty vote for Cindy if you are in her district and/or contribute to her campaign.
Nancy Pelosi must go.
So Pelosi said the judicial committee is way too busy.
“The committee has a very busy agenda - over the next two weeks, we hope to pass a FISA bill, to vote on contempt of Congress citations, pass legislation on prisoner re-entry, court security and a variety of other very important items. We were surprised that the minority was so ready to move forward with consideration of a matter of such complexity as impeaching the Vice President. The Chairman will discuss today’s vote with the committee members but it would seem evident that the committee staff should continue to consider, as a preliminary matter, the many abuses of this Administration, including the Vice President.”
Hey Nancy, It sounds like a lot of alligators are causing too much time in your battles. Are not all those issues that you are having to deal with not due to the administration?
Drain the swamp, the alligators will disappear.
Wake up and drain the swamp!
Get the impeachment issue resolved quick before your voters realize that your vote will not come from them again. PS. I hear Cindy S is trying to run against you. Better decide where your future votes will come from.
Thank you, irishgawdess! My guy didn’t vote. I’ll have to ask him what he was doing instead.
Steny Hoyer is the voice of Lockheed Martin. He’s corruption defined and a staunch supporter of our tragic President. He’s pocketed loads of cash from banking and energy.
Most importantly, since being bought and sold has little to do with the quaintness of an outdated concept of party affiliation, Hoyer is a Democrat.
Proud to have worked for Kucinich for 2004.
Proud to be working for him for 2008
Will be extremely proud to be working for the Re-election of President Kucinich in 2012.
I doubled my check to Dennis after hearing he would do this today and for saying Impeachment in 3 sep. questions in the last debate.
GO DENNIS…this is courage!
Olberman had an interesting insight this evening–say Darth was impeached in short order, Chimp would then have the perrogative to fill the office with…uhoh… trouble in river city…Mitt Wonderbread or Rudely911 or, as the guest from Air America said, Jeb the vote crusher. The mind f12king goes on and on. Of course they both should be fired and punished–but precisely simultaneously or you might give them the opportunity to appoint a successor who appoints a successor who serves out the last 6 months and runs as an incumbent repugnant. Chaos ensues.
Power to Dennis K…K for kahones!
Let the Sun shine, let the Sun shine in…
Peace and power to the People.
The Democratic “leadership” is so damn pitiful it’s infuriating! They stand there to oppose and try to muzzle ANY Democrat who expresses what most of the American people want (why the hell did Pete Stark apologize for speaking his mind?).
The left-wing of the Democratic party needs to continue to put the appeasers Pelosi/Emanuel/Hoyer/Feinstein/Schumer/DLCers on the spot. The Republicans ought to embarass these spineless Democrats. The Pelosi Democrats are cowardly, and they deserve severe punishment for their betrayal of the many Americans who voted them into office to hold the fascist Bush regime accountable.
Maybe they’ll get the fucking picture when they’re voted out and sent packing…
snydly–an interesting observation that can be dealt with easilly by bringing forth an impeachment bill against Bush before articles of impeachment on Cheney are delivered to the full House. Thus they can be tried in rapid succession.
Spineless, schmineless. They’re crooks.
Pelosi probably got a fat envelope from Cheney and Rove the day after the ‘06 elections.
The Republicans do NOT want to debate this issue. They would then be forced into defending Dick Cheney, which most of them very much do not want to do, as it would then ally them to the most despised man in America, and they know it. Sending it to the Judiciary Committee was their way of killing it, and thus killing debate. The Dems look like losers, and the Repubs don’t even have to wash their hands. Smooth move.
Paul: Or maybe the other way. Pelosi and her husband may be worth $100 million+. According to the Wikipedia, she’s among the richest members of Congress. It may be that the politics of Bush’s Base trumps the politics of Americans. Expect no impeachments served on her table.
hey! maybe our legislators can fight over here so we don’t have to fight over there!
Impeach!
The first coup by Richard Cheney occurred on 911 when for some unexplained reason, the vice president was rushed into the control room as commander in chief and the president was left as a sitting duck in a classroom when we were obviously under attack. Who in the secret service made that call? Or who is really in charge?
The contempt of congress as well as the many violations of the Constitution should give the judiciary committee plenty to talk about. The republicans may have miscalculated on this one. I believe Mr, Conyers would love nothing more than to begin an impeachment investigation.
I agree with Cindy. We should all rush Dennis some money. Ron Paul is not going to make it in the long term, but Dennis will be there for us no matter what happens.
Three cheers for Dennis Kucinich! He is ‘The People’s Politician!
Nancy Pelosi has turned her back on her constituents and the majority of citizens of these United States. When she was a plain Congresswoman, Nancy was good in most of her voting on issues, but ever since she fought for the position of Speaker of the House, she reneged and betrayed the people. It’s almost like having dual personalities or a Jekyll and Hyde persona, not knowing what the other did last night.
Cindy baby, may you beat Pelosi next year and be the ‘people’s’ Congresswoman from San Francisco.
Have you all forgotten?
This last July, a large number of people (including the independent candidate for California’s 8th District Congress seat) attempted to convince Conyers at his office to pursue impeachment. All they got was arrested, and slandered with ridiculous accusations of racism…
Conyers fully supports the Pelosi position.
Nice to see the only honest candidate in the Presidential election(Congressman Paul of Texas) voting to impeach the scoundrel Cheney. What’s up with th e13 democrats who didn’t vote? and the 7 repubs. These guys don’t seem to be doing what we voted them into office to do.
karlof1, thanks for the clarification, but as crazy as things are, one would have to ask, “how close is close?”…Close enough to keep one from declaring a state of emergency, etc, or worse, before the hammer comes down on him?
In Foreign Affairs mag, recent, there was a small article in the back concerning the sworn duty of the big Brass/ Chiefs of Staff, to …not obey illegal orders… as is in their oath of office.
Amazingly, the writers concluded that in the modern world there was stuff that was just too important or secret for them to know about before they carried out an order from the cic, and so, gosh, it wasn’t their job any more to make that call, but just to carry out the orders.
Now, just because these two ( backed by Powell ) say so doesn’t make it so, but it shows you how thin the ice is.
As incredible as it may be, and inspite of the oaths of every one of our General and commissioned officers, there may be now no level of command at which the responsibility to determine an illegal order exists. I would be delighted to know otherwise, but am not optimistic.
Peace.
Talking to the people in the white house
is as useless as farting into the wind.
and they wonder why their approval ratings are barely hovering above 20%
i’m not following. What was the first vote, and what was the second vote, and what is the current status of the “bill?”
Can someone briefly explain? Thanks
Why do the morons Bush and Cheney keep repeating the stupid, tired lie that “We’re fighting them over there so we don’t have to fight them over here.”
When did Iraqis plan to attack the world’s superpower??
I think I understand. No one can be impeached unless they are caught lying to the grand jury.
Just lying and getting people killed does not matter. Nor does incompetance.
They would all be kicked out of office and the politicans have better things to do with their time. Courting special interests overseas comes to mind.
Who created this system where everyone is accountible and unredemable if you are making under $50,000 a year?
karlof1, you are right, thanks for pointing out my error. Conyers did in fact vote NAY to table the resolution.
I still feel that Conyers can “protect” the resolution from ever coming up for discussion in the House Judiciary Committee. I just wrote him a letter and sent it to the House Judiciary Committee’s website at: http://judiciary.house.gov/Contact.aspx
Conyers’ press release after the votes is elsewhere on that site. I see it as an attempt at CYA; the Republicans called the Democrats’ bluff, and they folded like deck chairs on the sinking Titanic.
Now is the time to call Congress: Congress toll free numbers
1-800-828-0498, 1-800-862-5530, 1-800-833-6354
Those of us faithfully paying attention to this very crucial moment have to keep whittling away at the dead tree-house. The more that HR 333 gets exposure the greater the chance it will gain momentum and start peeling the corners of the media tent. People will begin to join in the drama. The more numbers of people, the less fear to support this necessary move.
“Our committee is very busy - over the next half a month, we really truly absotively hope to pass a law about more security, a vote to slap someone on the wrist, a law about prisoners, another security law and a variety of other crap.
We are much too occupied. We cannot do something important.”
Where is the San Francisco Green party on this? Back Sheehan to pressure Pelosi to pressure Conyers to move forward not backward.
Send it to Sheehan! (I got dibs on that).
Dennis is “The Man”
BRAVO, DENNIS!!! For your courage and integrity. With reference to Cindy’s comments above, I am sending Dennis more $$ today!! With the majority of democrats (including my ‘democratic’ congressman -ugh!) refusing to hold criminals in the White House accountable and stop the damage to our country and the world, I will only support someone like Dennis, who understands what it means to be a “public servant”. If you want to hear my song about Dennis, go to YouTube[dot]com/sharmuse. Peace to y’all!
yes help Kucinich…send money to and support his bid for President!
mastershake, the first vote was on whether or not to table HR 799, “A resolution raising a question of the privileges of the House.” (impeachment proceedings)
The second vote was about “whether [or not] to vote on whether [or not] the resolution should be sent to the Judiciary Committee. That passed 218-194.
The third vote was the actual vote on “whether [or not] to send the resolution to the Judiciary Committee.” That vote passed by 218-194.
The bill is now on its way to the House Judiciary Committee. A spokeswoman for the House Judiciary Committee released a press release late in the day: http://judiciary.house.gov/newscenter.aspx?A=880
Basically, they’re saying that the Judiciary Committee has more important and less complex items to work on over the next two weeks. I say “less complex” because it doesn’t take much thought at all to just cave in to “his petulancy” and give the farm away.
Chairman Conyers probably won’t be putting impeachment hearings on the Judiciary’s calendar.
Hope that helps, and if my interpretation is wrong, I apologize in advance.
I spent some time trying to figure out what went on from the roll call. Apparently the vote to table would have killed it. (Of course my gutless alleged Dem Rep voted for that) The Dems would have killed it but the Repugs kept it open, apparently to embarrass the Dems.
The second vote, to send it to the Judiciary Committee sounded reasonable to me, and I was surprised to see Kuchinich vote against it. Then I found out that if they had kept it on the floor, it would have been openly debated. By sending it to Judiciary, it will just die in committee and that will be that.
So, it passed and hundreds of alleged Democrats heaved huge sighs of relief, as they would not have to debate it or make a decision. They just gave it to Conyers, who after sniffing Pelosi’s butt, will see that it dies in committee.
Will somebody tell me what we worked so hard for? Democrats? Constitution? Rights of Man? Oh, sorry, megabucks to stay in office. I see. To coin a phrase,
ARRRRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!
On the site showing how each representative (sic) voted, Pricess Chicken Nancy’s vote is unrecorded, even as a non voter. How did she suppress her vote?
Go Dennis!!!
get on your phones - and contact your Rep to support them if they helped, berate them if they didn’t.
Let’s get on this!
What happened to lawmakers that had guts? Fire Pelosi for no guts in ridding the country of the dictatorship of cheney and bush; fire Feinstein for caving-in to bush and agreeing to the bush sponsored, puppet AG who is unsure water-boarding is torture. Folks, what happened to the masses forcing issues like what was done during the days of vietnam? If we choose to not make changes, then we are accpting of the outcome.
Email address for Rep. Conyers http://judiciary.house.gov/Contact.aspx
Email address for Rep. Pelosi
http://www.speaker.gov/contact
Give them HELL !!!!
Thank you Dennis!! Enough said!!
Those of you who LOVE to generalize about All Democrats seem to forget that many helped Dennis with their votes …
papiowhisperer … I think they have all been threatened … including Hagel and Warner … two dissenting & now retiring members of the “ruling” party!!
mjolnir;
Perhaps you would prefer … John Wayne? He was a tall macho man’s man. Except his.. uh.. his.. you know, his… was reportedly very small. I mean, admittedly, that shouldn’t be important but you seem to think size matters your men.
Thank you, Dennis! Don’t give up — make them do this every freakin day. If we have to shame the democrats into their role as opposition party, fine. We, the people can all switch to green in case they aren’t getting the message.
Do it again, Dennis. Then let all co-sponsors take turns setting it up every day for as long as it takes.
Does anyone know if an impeachment proceeding gives Congress strong investigatory and subpoena powers. I mean the evidence from the public record is strong enough , but couldn’t this backfire on Republicans in a big way if the Dems could use it to pull away the veil of “executive privilege.. What if the Dems came out and said, well we thought an impeachment proceeding would hurt the country but since the Republicans insist we intend to show that Mr Cheney should be impeached.
The dems are focused on campaign money so fat chance, but It would be so dramatic it could actually work. The record here is a lot uglier than John Roberts. It could certainly stall the Iran game, which already looks pretty stupid since Pakistan is making Iran look like a haven for the rule of law.
I mean all of us know George Bush couldn’t run a dishwasher let alone America. This is Cheney’s government and he is the chief architect of the wars, the torture, the spying, the extraditions. He has negated the fundamental balance of power between the executive, judicial and legislative branches, under the dictatorial and fabricated doctrine of the unitary executive. His criminal lies and unconstitutional abuses of power have shamed America before the world, and cost many precious lives, and he would not look as good in an impeachment hearing as the republicans seem to think.
Americans hate this war and this government, public opinion has brought down Rumsfeld and got very close to Rove, and did in Gonzales.
3 facts about John Wayne:
1. He never served in the military.
2. Every day at work he put on make up.
3. His real first name was Marion.
Anyway, Dennis is one ‘ornery hombre. He’ll ride them no good varmints the hell outta dodge!
Yippie-o-tay-hey, Dick, you motherfucker. We, the people, are coming after your sorry ass, and Sheriff Kucinich has got a rope.
Support the posse with cold, hard cash at:
http://www.dennis4president.com
“Impeachment is not on our agenda. We have some major priorities. We need to focus on those,” Hoyer told Fox News.
In the class war, capital and people have two conflicting agendas. Hoyer is covering for the vice-president as they both represent capital. Kucinich represents people.
The person we most need to send our support to (and prayers for) is Mr. John Conyers, the chair of the Judiciary committee. It will take courage above and beyond the call of duty for him to see this thing through. But America is hurting and we sorely need him to. How can we show him we’re worthy of the sacrifices he would have to make?
Karlof,
I’m afraid it’s all too clear how the MSM will handle this.
Not a single word of mention of any of this on CNN, NY Times, or NBC/MSNBC.
Some buried entries on Washington Post.com. The only snafu by the Post is that they have a section on the page titled “Most popular.” So, the impeachment blurb, though buried in the site, still managed to make it to the top of the “most viewed” links.
Most interestingly, but not surprisingly, the only network site on which any mention of this could be found — Fox News.
So, it certainly appears that the Democratic Party “leaders” (what they are leading is anyone’s guess at this point) have the MSM completely locked down except for the channels that are out of reach.
I actually find the lack of coverage of this a bit shocking. It obviously sells. The dominant theory has been the MSM is in it for profit.
Well, the profit in this case is in pushing this story, as it is juicy as all shit. So, I think the profit theory has some serious holes in it now.
Here is my letter to John Conyers, emailed this morning (Wednesday):
Dear Representative Conyers,
Several years ago, when the Democrats were a minority, I
watched CSPAN as you heroically held non-official hearings,off-site, concerning the impeachment of Bush and Cheney.
I appreciate all of the work you have done to uphold the rule of law in the Department of Justice.
I appreciate your respectful, wise,calm, fair demeanor.
I was distraught to learn that several months ago, you turned away protesters representing the millions of
Americans clamoring to see the president and vice-president
impeached. It is difficult to get accurate news this days, but this is the version I heard. I was distraught because it seemed that you no longer believed in the cause you supported when you held non-official hearings on impeachment years ago. This made me question the core
and will of the man I so respected. To my eyes, it appears, and I beg you to prove me wrong, that your turn away from the urgency of impeachment has to to with the larger Democratic strategy to keep your heads low until the 2008 elections, when the party, in possession of the
executive and legislative branch, will effect “real changes.”
However, the time for change is now, not 2008. By refusing
impeachment, a far more legitimate cause than it was in 1998, the Democratic party is demonstrating to all Americans that it does not respect the Constitution or the rule of law. The progressive base is especially hurt and alienated by this non-action.
Please reconsider and hold real, thorough hearings on impeachment in the Judiciary Committee, as soon as humanly possible. The Constitution has been ripped to shreds, and it is the duty of the House to hold those responsible for the shredding accountable.
Impeachment sounds just peachy, when you consider the broad with the cigar and that rather innocent old man hanky panky shenanigans with the Mossad maiden Lewinsky. It’s a side-show to give gullible amerikans the last dying impression that they live in a “demokracy”. Dream on you poor deluded fools as the road to Armageddon gets paved. It’s all part of the pre-season same party no agenda mousocracy run up to your next “elections”.
“Impeaching Cheney” when they should be carting the thug off in leg irons to a chain gang in the boonies where the brute was spawned.
Quality time said: “What a joke! For this we voted in the Democrats? All we got was another clear demonstration of their ineptitude. Vote Republican, my friends, if you want to get things done. At the least, vote to get these yahoos out of office so we can get on with our empire-building.”
This is not a joke. Cynicism about Democrats is OK, but this should NEVER result in support for Republicans. The only thing that can replace Democrats is either other Democrats, Independents or Greens.
Please leave the Republicans, they have caused enough damage. They are finished.
So I was looking at the role call for the motion to table, and saw my brave “Democratic” rape-resentative voting aye. Bastard! Then I noticed that on the motion to refer the resolution to the judiciary committee that he again voted aye. I also noticed that he is a member of the judiciary committee. So I wonders to myself “what is this weaselly little prick up to here”?
I sent the little weasel an email insisting that he do his duty and uphold the constitution, I managed much righteous indignation over the crimes of Mr. Cheney and the abysmal failures of the Dim majority in congress. But I do not hold out much hope. I am fairly certain that Mr Conyers and the others on the judiciary committee will bury HR 333 in committee.
Still we need to try, I will continue to send emails and make phone calls to my rep, and to Conyers, and I will do my best to get others in my district to do the same. And perhaps we can get them to do their jobs before it is too late, for I fear that if this administration is not brought to heel before the end of their term our faux-democracy will have made the shift completely to a fascist state. Then again perhaps we are already there, we will see.
It’s time for Mrs. Conyers to give Mr. John Conyers an ultimatum.
And when the Republicans pulled their little stunt in voting for the article to be debated, a truly savvy Democratic leader, if she saw the opportunity, would have switched gears and supported the debate.
THAT is not what the Republicans want. And that would have opened the window to all kinds of criminal activity being exposed.
Why they wouldn’t take advantage of the opportunity is a mystery. They’re just truly inept..
And of course, I think Pelosi is friends with Cheney and Bush.. at least she dines with them, so….
EVERYONE CALL JOHN CONYERS’ OFFICE TODAY!
(202) 225-5126
John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
http://www.house.gov/conyers/
2426 Rayburn Building
Washington, DC 20515
(202) 225-5126
(202) 225-0072 Fax
2615 W. Jefferson
Trenton, MI 48183
(734) 675-4084
(734) 675-4218 Fax
PUH-LEEZ, it’ll never happen……
American Democracy is on the death path.
Republicans support a fast death.
Democrats support a slow death.
Death is death either way.
This is your only choice in the next election.
Jabbing the death tokens is good sport.
Jab John Conyers here: John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
1.) If your representative is not yet a co-sponsor of HR 333, call his/her office and ask WHEN (not IF) he/she will support the resolution. I did this last summer before Rep. Keith Ellison signed on, and I believe it took the staff member in his home office by surprise (at any rate, the staff member was temporarily at a loss for words).
2.) Anyone who would like to e-mail Rep. Kucinich but does not live in his district should try using the address below in the House of Representatives webform (it is the address for the county fairgrounds in his district, which I found after much internet research):
164 Eastland Road
Berea, OH 44017
I used this address two days ago, and it worked! In the text of my message, I included my actual address.
3.) If you live in Rep. Conyers’s district and have the address of a well-known public place that can be used in the HoR webform, please share it!
4.) NOTE TO CINDY SHEEHAN: If you read this posting, please share a public address or addresses in House Speaker Pelosi’s district for the same purpose (during the summer, someone on this list mentioned that messages in the “American Voices” e-mailbox are not opened).
FYI, following are my messages to Rep. Kucinich and the House Committee on the Judiciary:
* * *
(Sent Tuesday, 11/6 after the vote.)
Dear House Committee on the Judiciary:
On Monday, November 5, 2007, I sent the message below the asterisks to
Reps. Dennis Kucinich (author of HR 333) and Keith Ellison, my
representative and a co-sponsor of HR 333.
Without liberty and justice FOR ALL, we are at high risk of becoming an
official fascist state, and eventually an occupied nation. Deprived of an intact and honored U.S. Constitution, the American flag becomes devoid of meaning and patriotism will surely die.
Please join Rep. Kucinich and the co-sponsors of HR 333 by acting with
exemplary courage: send HR 333 to the floor for a vote. NOW IS THE TIME. The longer the legislative branch waits, the more we risk an offensive attack on Iran and domestic martial law.
Thank you for your serious consideration of this request.
* * *
Dear Representative Kucinich:
This message is sent on behalf of the many Americans who support
impeachment of the current federal executive branch. We want very much to save the nation, but know that in order for this to happen peacefully, we need the U.S. House of Representatives (and eventually the U.S. Senate) to act.
We wish you success on November 6, 2007, and will support you in this
endeavor in every way humanly possible.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and other U.S. representatives affected by
“Beltway syndrome” must understand that those who resist reform when it is most needed only encourage totalitarianism. . .or revolution.
Historically, revolution is usually not kind to those in positions of
power who refused necessary reforms.
We thank you for your courage, and wish you strength and peace. May
American’s honor be someday restored.
Thank you Dennis Kucinich for bringing to light for the American people just how inept and weak the Democratic Party is. Unfortunately, you are attached to it, if not through your high ideals and standards but through name association. They couldn’t scramble and hide fast enough to prove once again that the Democrats are the lackies of the corporate Republican masters. Perhaps it’s time to get out of that cesspool of a party and spread your wings.
thanks dennis, for making those simpering little girls up in the house, squirm and pee in their pantys.
The gauntlet has been thrown down here folks. I’m doubling my contribution to Kucinich and pushing on this with calls to my corrupt politicians. The MSM may belittle this effort, but it is remarkable. Everyone must treat this just like we are in the fight of our lives. We MUST turn the tide in this country; there isn’t much time. This is a moment to stand up and do something to stop the slide into the abyss. It might not work, but we should give it our best and remember who stood for impeachment and who stood with the war criminals. Visualize Pelosi on trial.
I’m not deluded enough to think that the inevitable final destination for this if it succeeds is a 2/3 majority vote in the Senate, and that no way will 18+ Reps then be saying the same then.
That being said the current situation confuses me as one of the few rationales of this move is that like Clinton, a failed attempt will garner more sympathy then disdain. I disagree there. Clinton and Cheney are apples and oranges. Clinton broke no law except for lying about breaking no law. The country was no worse for the wear, in regards to what happened with Lewinski directly.
Cheney, however, I doubt will get much sympathy for outing spies, war profiteering and the architecture of a preemptive war and a myriad of other charges that have cost lives and taxpayer money.
Other than that, perhaps there’s other filth they want shielded from the MSM during a lengthy investigation, or would prefer the dems not be able to work on their current agenda.
Indirectly there was a Clinton “wag the dog” scenario during the Lewinski deal that will probably be far worse with Cheney (not to downplay Clinton’s nastiness, mind you)
But I say, lets push this forward. Lets flood the MSM with the admin’s dirty laundry. Lets have SNL, Letterman, Leno, and goes without saying, the Daily show be all over this leading up to the next election, and make the war hawks an object of ridicule with no leg to stand on in 08.(on both sides)
After all, social issues will have much greater success if we get the money out of the military industrial complex and back to where it belongs.
Impeach Cheney? Cheney belongs in a jail cell, along with the rest of this sorry excuse for an administration! The American people should be suing Cheney, and everyone else in the White House!
Bush and Cheney should be impeached TOGETHER, rather than Cheney alone. An impeachment-free Bush would just pardon Cheney and keep him in the White House even if impeachment led to a Cheney conviction and removal from office. They both need to be taken out at the same time.
Nancy Pelosi’s saying she can’t be bothered about a conflagration that’s destroying the kitchen because she’s too busy arranging flowers in the dining room. What a patronizing ass…
By taking impeachment off the table, it’s obvious that the Democrats are just waiting with drooling mouths for the “expanded” illegal presidency of GW Bush to come to them in 2009 to solidify an unconstitutional government.
The Preamble to the Constitution says this:
== We the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America. ==
The remaining sections of the Constitution establish how the government will accomplish these bedrock principles.
http://www.law.cornell.edu/constitution/constitution.overview.html
As Bill Moyers says, “The first obligation [of the government] is to defend the people, to defend their freedom, to defend their rights.”
That sure isn’t what this administration and this Congress are doing. Bush and Cheney may be the ones who originated and engineered the destruction of the Constitution just a few short years ago, but the Democrats have approved and supported it all along in anticipation of their turn at the wheel, with few exceptions.
They have double-crossed America, committed political adultery, and there are not enough words in the English language to adequately christen their treachery against the people AND the Constitutional rights that once were ours and their obligation to protect those rights.
pogo agrees with most comments thus far….likewise, I am also am not deluded. However, it does take a village and a man with “great balls of fire” to quote Mr. Jerry Lee Lewis, to get the cowardly ‘pols’ off their hindside and as someone in earlier comment said “pissing their pants”. We are being held hostage by not only our ‘elected officials’ but by our very own submission to defeat. We have met the enemy and it is us! I say impeach the bastard(s), build a fire, call the village elders to counsel, and let the good times roll along with their heads….well, that was a nice dream.
Pelosi = Failure
Umlaut,
You are exactly right in my opinion. This impeachment would be the exact opposite of the Clinton impeachment in one crucial respect — Clinton’s divided the country and destroyed the public’s faith in our government and the impeachment of Cheney would have precisely the opposite effect.
The argument “look how it divided us before” does not apply at all in this case. In fact, if restoring or eroding public faith in government is the litmus test, impeachment should begin immediately for both Bush and Cheney.
The printed rationale for avoiding impeachment is “we have other good stuff to do for the people.”
Well, impeachment is the people’s business. I suppose what this means is that we don’t want to avert any Congressional energy away from pushing the corporate agenda. The business that must go on, ladies and gentlemen, is business.
Pelosi defines Failure
So from what I gather from taking all of this in is this. They played political chess on the floor yesterday and stale mated the game. The Repugs tried to force the dems hand then the dems rather than picking up the ball and running with it decided to stale mate the chess match by giving it to the judiciary committee who will in turn do nothing. Is that about right? So the end result is Dennis doesnt get talked about on the Katie Couric show, so no recognition or bump for him, and Pelosi continues to get her way, as do the Repugs. So all said and done absolutely nothing accomplished…….
Right on Dennis! But what a chickenshit Steny Hoyer is. And Pelosi is just a total dumbshit that can’t think two minutes ahead of anything. The Republicans, in the arrogance wanted that debate, and the Democrap leadership blinks! Give me a break! I want to see Fascists in Republican jackets defend a Fascist dictator. Let’s see them back Cheney blowing a CIA operative’s cover, Cheney saying we had to go over to the dark side and use torture, holding secret meetings with the gas and oil industries, tell Senator Leahy to fuck off, twist intelligence, lie to Congresss and the American People about the need to go to war with Iraq.
Let’s see these regressive neaderthals support a man with a 9% approval rating, less than half of the pretend Decider.
Rangel, Farr, Miller, De Fazio, Lantos, etc: show some guts and some balls! Blue Dogs: put up or switch parties! and what the hell is Linda Sanchez doing as a Blue Dog?
Umlaut,
Certainly your argument about the unlikelyhood of 18 Repug Senators voting to convict is the conventional wisdom. But if detailed, substantive investigations were actually held by Hon. Conyers and the House Juciciary Committee in the full light of the public eye, the MSM couldn’t ignore it, and neither could the average American. If the extent of Cheney’s crimes were laid out, including a bona fide Act of Treason against the Government of the USA in the Valerie Plame incident, even many Republican would have to abandon ship. You can’t parse Treason. They’d be swept out of office in the next election, and they’d know it.
And even if he were just impeached, and not removed, that would still be sufficient political damage to prevent the Administration from moving forward in their plans to provoke war with Iran.
So, as you said, let’s move forward on this. And let’s hope for the best.
“We must draw clear distinctions between our vision of the future and the extreme policies put forth by the Republicans. We cannot allow Republicans to pretend they share our values and then legislate against those values without consequence.” - Nancy Pelosi
What a lying hypocrite.
Heres a conspiracy theory “what if” for you all. The democratic party has been bought off, and their instructions are to be incompetent so that America sees that they are bafoons and subsequently it decimates the party beyond any credibility. much like the scripted Clinton debacle with monica did. i mean their actions are pretty much beyond any rational logic are they not. any thoughts?