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The Courage of Kucinich in Pelosi's House of Wacks
Was it retaliation by the the Democratic Leadership that exempted Dennis Kucinich from appearing with fellow Presidential candidates at Friday's Jefferson Jackson Day fundraiser in Iowa?
Was it Speaker Pelosi's vindictive payback to Kucinich for his impudent dismissal of her "impeachment is off the table" dictum that kept Kucinich out of the Jefferson Jackson Day party? After all, hadn't Kucinich introduced HR 333 on the House Floor just that week, calling for the impeachment of Vice President Cheney, in defiance of the prescripted cowardice in Pelosi's House of Wacks?
Until that moment when Congressman Kucinich introduced impeachment resolution HR 333 on to the House Floor, members of Pelosi's Democratic majority had fallen spinelessly in line, kowtowing to Pelosi's disavowal of Article I Section 2 of the Constitution, which grants the House the authority to impeach.
Speaker Pelosi's wanton subversion of the Constitution, which has subjected this nation and the world to the continued atrocities of George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, will be far more relevant in the annals of history than her singular honor as the nation's first woman Speaker of the House. Pelosi's legacy (thus far), as the most powerful woman in the history of this land, has been shamefully tarnished by catastrophic failures in leadership and courage - predicated principally on her refusal to hold President Bush and Vice President Cheney accountable for their crimes.
On the heels of September 11, 2001, George W. Bush squandered his chance to capitalize on the support of the world by not taking the appropriate multilateral actions against the rogues who'd assaulted our nation from without.
On the heels of January 4, 2007, after becoming Speaker, Nancy Pelosi squandered her chance to capitalize on the support of the world by not taking the appropriate multilateral actions against the rogues who'd assaulted our nation from within - namely George Bush and Dick Cheney.
Pelosi's failure to form the necessary coalitions to pursue Bush and Cheney for their crimes against America is as damaging as George Bush's failure to form the necessary coalitions to pursue Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri for theirs. As Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri plot further assaults from without against America, Bush and Cheney plot further assaults from within. Some may argue the difference between the two-evil-duos is that Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri knowingly harmed America, while Bush and Cheney's harm is unwitting. Unwitting or not, Bush and Cheney have done more long-term damage to the safety and stability of America than Bin Laden and al-Zawahiri had ever hoped to achieve.
It's this failure on the part of Pelosi to use her authority to thwart Bush and Cheney that has incensed Democrats, and growing numbers of Republicans, all across this land. It's Pelosi's suppression of the members of her House, and their willingness to be suppressed, that has incensed Americans all across this land. Sadly, to the lawmakers ensconced inside the Washington bubble, the intensity of Americans' anger is likely not known - which makes the need to intensify the levels of activism, including outreach to their offices, that much more necessary. Constant contact is critical to make them understand.
If only both Houses of Wacks would empty in 2008 - to follow the Great White. If only we could replenish them all with real leaders.
During the dozen years the Republicans held the majorities in the U.S. Senate and House, there was ample sympathy from the frustrated constituents of the long suffering Democratic minority. It was believed, and certainly hoped, that if given control, the Democrats would summon the courage and moral authority to end the war and reinstate America's Constitutional principles and respectability in the world. Now, a full year has passed since November of 2006 and nothing of the sort has happened. In retrospect, it was sheer whimsy.
Instead, over the past year, Congress members, under the leadership of the well-mannered, genteel Speaker Pelosi, and Senators, under the leadership of the well-mannered, genteel Senator Reid, are fodder for brawling Republicans. Instead of backbone, Democrats govern by courtesy. How does one quantify how many American lives have been lost in Iraq due to courtesy? Or how many limbs have been lost? Or how many Iraqis have been murdered, maimed and displaced? How many Iraqi children have been orphaned? How many emergency rooms in America would still be open? How many Americans would have health care? How many homes would be rebuilt in New Orleans? How many fire-fighting planes would have flown over California? How many? How many? We will never know.
In different times - less urgent times - there is much to be said for courtesy. But these are not those times!!!
Then there is Dennis Kucinich - the diminutive giant in the House of Representatives. The American Congressman from the 10th District of Ohio who refuses to be silenced. The Democratic candidate for President who passionately upholds his oath to protect the people and Constitution of the United States of America from all enemies both foreign and domestic. Not as an oral exercise when sworn into office - but as a moral exercise every day in office.
For Dennis Kucinich, nothing and no one will suppress his allegiance to his country and to his abiding principle of "strength through peace."
So when Speaker Pelosi tells the cowards in her House that "impeachment is off the table" because the fight to impeach is too hard, Kucinich doesn't believe her. No one ever told him being a Congressman would be easy. No one ever told him maintaining democracy was a cinch. When the President and Vice President commit acts as egregious as lying the nation into illegal war, illegally surveilling their own citizens, endorsing and allowing torture, and more, the strong don't stay quiet. It's the weak, like Pelosi, Hoyer, Emanuel, Clyburne, Boehner, Murtha, Blunt, and over 400 others in Pelosi's House of Wacks - Democrats and Republicans alike - who do. As do Reid, Durbin, Lott, McConnell, Feinstein and around 93 more in the Senate House of Wacks - absent Boxer and Feingold who have earned our respect.
At the October 31st Democratic candidates' debate in Philadelphia, NBC's Tim Russert tried to discredit Dennis Kucinich by questioning him about a UFO. Kucinich, accustomed to being blind-sided by agenda-minded practitioners like Russert, fielded the question with resilience and cool. Working in tandem, the networks and Democratic Leadership were trying to force Kucinich out of the running. It's amazing how much pressure the honest must endure, while the compliant seem to get a free ride.
At Friday's Jefferson Jackson Day Democratic fundraiser in De Moines, Dennis Kucinich and Mike Gravel weren't invited. Gravel, in all likelihood, was persona non grata to the Democratic Leadership for challenging his "fellows" on their lies, deceits and inadequacies. Gravel never seemed to "get" that his "fellows" can't handle the truth!!
Iowa Democrats, when challenged on Kucinich and Gravel's absence from the Jefferson Jackson Day event, stated that Kucinich and Gravel were ineligible to attend because they didn't have an office or staff in Iowa. Point of fact, Kucinich had garnered more than enough popularity amongst Democrats to warrant his inclusion. He's been polling quite high over the past two months, often running 4th in the field of eight.
For those who understand the politics of Pelosi's House of Wacks, it's clear Kucinich's dismissal of her no impeachment bray, ensured his own dismissal from her Jefferson Jackson Day. Particularly since, Pelosi, herself, was emcee.
As of now, Kucinich's House Resolution 333 to impeach Vice President Cheney has been sent to the House Judiciary Committee, chaired by former progressive hero, John Conyers. Hopefully, Congressman Conyers will be the fortunate recipient of countless letters, phone calls, faxes and emails asking him to give HR 333 serious consideration when it comes to his committee. He can change the House of Wacks to a House of Facts - and restore his nation to sanity.
Et tu John Conyers? Will you remain silent, as you have, since winning re-election on November 7, 2006? Or will you remember Article I Section 2 of the Constitution and the oath you swore to uphold it?
Support Congressman Dennis Kucinich's House Resolution 333 to impeach Vice President Dick Cheney.
Contact Congressman Conyers at:
Email: John.Conyers@mail.house.gov
IN WASHINGTON, DC: 2426 Rayburn Building, Washington, DC 20515 Phone: (202) 225-5126 Fax: (202) 225-0072
IN MICHIGAN: 2615 West Jefferson, Trenton, MI 48183 Phone: (734) 675-4084 Fax: (734) 675-4218
IN MICHIGAN: 669 Federal Building 231 W. Lafayette, Detroit, MI 48226 Phone: (313) 961-5670 Fax: (313) 226 2085
Linda Milazzo is a Los Angeles based writer, educator and activist. Her writing has appeared in numerous domestic and international newspapers, magazines and journals. Over the past three decades, Linda has divided her time between the entertainment industry, community development projects and education.
85 Comments so far
Show All"Then there is Dennis Kucinich - the diminutive giant in the House of Representatives."
Was this necessary? Why do "supporters" so eagerly give ammunition to the other side? Think words don't matter? Read Lakoff's "Don't Think of an Elephant." (C'mon, admit it...didn't you think of an elephant?)
We live in a culture that considers "diminutive" men to be not quite up to the stature (pun intended) of high office. Why do folks keep skewering themselves on cultural pikes like this? Amazing.
Dennis Kucinich does indeed stand tall in the house of representatives.
He also stands tall on the issues of getting out of Iraq, single payer health insurance and worker's rights.
Let's all support his candidacy for presidency.
Dennis Kucinich Strength through Peace http://www.dennis4president.com/home
I would like very much to believe that DK actually represents something hopeful in the US political system. Realistically (cynically?) however, I can't help recalling the fate of other such hopeful signs (deliberate sops to progressives?) at the hands of their own party establishment.
Kucinich is the only one who has the fortitude to stand up to the status quo.. that makes him bigger AND more courageous than the spineless lot that make up the rest of his party.
And speaking of political parties, apparently we don't have any actual opposition anymore, so welcome to the new world order one party/one world system. Now is the time to give further support to those that truly do represent us.. So what that DK was shut out of one fundraiser event. The rest of us need to help him get the funds he needs so that he can be our beloved and brave contender.
Kucinich is not a politician. He is a Statesman. He is standing up for what is right, Not what is right for this group or that group. He is standing up for the rights of all of us. The rights that were given to us in our Constitution. DK is not afraid of political fallout or backlash because he's not playing a political game. He's trying to save America, not make it richer.
Hoa binh
Dear Congressman Conyers,
It was 'Your' name that was raised high when this country found out that it had been 'used' so that Cheney and Bush could follow out their own personal agenda. Yes, I remember now. It was the 'Conyers' name that surfaced as a call to challenge the Bush administration on its lies and betrayal of their own country. It was 'your' name we sought for hope in the impeachment of our very faulty leadership. Yes, the name 'John Conyers' became the talk in many circles as a new hope to rid our country of the 'New Terrorist' that had began to weild their power in the world.
John Conyers.. the citizens of this country, yes 'We The People', beg of you that you endorse Dennis Kucinich's HR 333 bill to Impeach Vice President Dick Cheney. We know that You know what this means.
Good article Linda, and Thanks for the link to Conyers.
I sent this message called "Fight terror with justice - Please Representative Conyers, Now is the time to Impeach the Parasites!
Courage should be your legacy and our constitution is now in your hands.
Democracy needs your Help so do your duty now."
I well send a letter too.
Sincerely, Jim Glover
jim.glover@verizon.net
"On the heels of September 11, 2001, George W. Bush squandered his chance to capitalize on the support of the world by not taking the appropriate multilateral actions against the rogues who'd assaulted our nation from without." Linda Milazzo
No Linda, he was part of the 9/11 conspiracy and they used it for the exact intention it was carried out for. I wouldn't call that sqandering. The fly in the ointment is how the war is going and all the evidence they left behind of the 9/11 event for true patriots to find.
And yes Kucinch is a man of courage with the intelligence we need in the person that runs this country.
Good article Linda, and Thanks for the link to Conyers.
I sent this message called "Fight terror with justice - Please Representative Conyers, Now is the time to Impeach the Parasites!
Courage should be your legacy and our constitution is now in your hands.
Democracy needs your Help so do your duty now."
Sincerely, Jim Glover
jim.glover@verizon.net"
I well send a letter too.
Just yesterday, I met Mike Gravel's daughter who was outside the SF Green Festival along side a mother and daughter who were holding up a Kucinich banner.
I remeber hearing radio excepts (live? recorded?) at the time that Gravel read the Pentagon Papers into the public (Congressional) record, his voice cracking from fatigue. I remember this the way I remember the Watergate Hearings.
Ms. Gravel informed me that after that heroic(my judgment) act, the Democratic Party found big and small ways to punish Mike.
At critical moments, both Kucininch and Gravel, stood up to the powers that be. Gravel fro the Pentagon Papers and the filibuster against the draft. Kucinich prevented a private takeover of municipal power in the 70's only to be driven from office by the monied interests that fought him on public power. He was elected to Congress years later and his action to save municipal power was then recognized as the valued contribution it was.
Kucinich is the candidate who I support. He's been right on so many issues and has been out front. I admire mike Gravel for his courage as well.
What does it say for our country when the most courageous candidates are being denied access to the public through the media?
History has proven both right.
If this is what Pelosi has done with her legacy, what would Clinton do? I hate to think.
In your e-mails and letters to Coyners, Pelosi and your reps, start including pictures that the media won't print. Go to http://mindprod.com/politics/iraqwarpix.html and pick out your favourite - there are plenty to choose from. A picture really is worth a thousand words. Start sending the graphic pictures of what their 'off the table' has done and continues to do.
We all have blood on our hands. Each day that goes by, they get bloodier.
I would have ended the third paragraph with
..which mandates the house with the authority and responsibility to impeach....
It is all a matter of the oath of office taken by each and every representative.
see
http://therealnews.com/web/index.php?thisdataswitch=0&thisid=588&thisview=item
'Reagan administration official Bruce Fein, on why some Republicans support Cheney impeachment'
"We live in a culture that considers "diminutive" men to be not quite up to the stature (pun intended) of high office."
If we go by 'cultural frames,' the one to invoke with Kucinich is David vs. Goliath; the comparisons of the Repugs & Capitulosicrats with the soldiers hiding behind the arrogant, overgrown Philistine are too abundant & key in very well to the tales that form the backdrop of American English.
Bill BRG November 12th, 2007 1:21 pm
Well said...
Linda Milazzo you rule for putting up all that contact information. I just faxed, emailed and am about to call Conyers' office. Thanx for making it so easy- and thanx for the great article.
With Democrats like Pelosi, who needs Republicans? I'll be contacting Rep. Conyers.
I liked Linda's inversion of the old Ike slogan to "strength through peace". It ought to be the slogan for all progressives who oppose the wars the US started and is currently fighting.
Hey Dimocrats, if you want to narrow th field why not start with Bill Richardson,Joe Biden and Christopher Dodd--the "mee too" neocons who (like Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama) are nothing more than "Bush-lite"?
DK is in the wrong party. His party is the one between yellow and blue.......
Working in tandem, the networks and Democratic Leadership were trying to force Kucinich out of the running.
Same thing happened with Dean. Pelosi hated Dean too.
I agree with your hypothesis that Kucinich was blackballed in De Moines because he called for impeachment.
His presentation of the Privileged Resolution should have been carried in real time preemptively on all the networks and repeated over and over and been the subject of all the talk shows on Sunday.
It gives the appearance that he did not present a strong case when his presentation was ignored by the corporate media. If you have not heard it you can listen to it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJYbgouqlMw
The case is compelling that Cheney is guilty. It shows how far our country has sunk and how deeply we are in trouble to hear such a strong case presented and know that it was ignored by the corporate media and Dennis Kucinichs' own party.
Pelosi dropped the ball on investigating 9/11. There have been no subpoenas, no indictments and no trials in the biggest crime in American history. The failure to investigate 9/11 is the biggest failing of all since it is the defining issue of our time. It is even worse than refusing to exercise her Constitutional mandate to impeach when "high crimes and misdemeanors" have been committed.
If only for building safety and design there had to be a full investigation of the structural failure of the buildings on 9/11. Instead the steel was put on barges and shipped to China to be melted down as soon as it was possible. What would happen to you or me if we came upon an accident scene that the Highway Patrol had roped off and was investigating and we walked in and tried to take away a piece of a taillight that was laying on the road? - We would be arrested for obstruction of justice, and the same thing should happen to whoever ordered the evidence near the World Trade Center destroyed after the destruction on 9/11/2001.
The failure to investigate 9/11 is the elephant in the room, and could well be a factor in the reluctance to investigate other matters too regarding the Bush administration. After all, once a Special Prosecutor and Congressional Committees start issuing subpoenas, who knows where it might lead?
Pelosi could have demanded a full, impartial investigation of 9/11 by scientists and experts and it could have been a major campaign strength for the Democrats if they were sincere in their upholding of their oath of office.
We are in big trouble in this country because the leaders of both major parties are irredeemably corrupt.
So please don't use that analogy. I don't for a minute believe the crazy conspiracy theory that those buildings in New York just fell down because they were on fire. That is impossible. Just watch the video and you can see they were blown to smithereens. Fire and gravity can't do that. So the next obvious question is, "Why is no one looking into that?"
I used to read the John Conyers blog. I was known as Soma. His bloggers constantly pleaded and implored him to move toward impeachment but he never responded. He never seemed to participate in the discussion (discussions that were dictated by Conyers and his blog site administrator and not by the people who participated.) These participants, many of who became familiar through their writings always turned the discussion no matter what it was to impeachment. They never let up and Conyers never conceded.
The blog has changed now or so it seems. Perhaps I'm missing something. Perhaps one has to post in order to read others comments. I don't know but after a two-month hiatus across this country I return to find no audience participation except to respond in a way that is not interactive with other blog members. Either way I imagine Congressman Conyers got sick of reading the same people begging him to raise impeachment to another level. He seems to have sold out to the Pelosi camp along with the others. I say this with great remorse as I thought John Conyers would rise above the fray and not betray the average American that looked to him with hope for some justice against the Bush regime. He did not.
Google John Conyers blog and see what it is that he finds more important than reigning in the boy king, the fearless leader of what used to be America.
After being life-long independents, my wife and I recently mailed in our forms to change our voter registration to Democrat. For the sole purpose of voting for Dennis Kucinich in the 2008 Maryland primary. After which, we will change back.
We urge all of you to do the same - if you support Dennis. Unfortunately that's how the game is run and the only way to make your voice really count. So we're going to play the game by their rules. Get into the parade and try to change it's route.
"Bush squandered his chance to capitalize on the support of the world by not taking the appropriate multilateral actions against the rogues who'd assaulted our nation from without."
Um, this HAS NEVER BEEN PROVEN. No court case, no indictment. Why?
http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=-8834310461960956516&q
It is time to boot Nancy out of office and replace her with someone who is far more competent and understanding of the true needs of this country. That person is Cindy Sheehan. Go Cindy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
All the more reason to give to Cindy Sheehan's campaign to get rid of Pelosi.
OK Folks I've finally got it!
Here is how the political Revolution can win without war.
Encourage all 9/11 truth folks and Greens and Independent progressives and Communists and Hell everyone to take over the Dems and Republicans by infiltration by registering Democrat just for this special period (Crossroads of Destiny) and vote for Dennis in the primary and if the more Conservatives want to join the revolution all they gotta do is register Republican and vote for Paul.
Now the Greens and Socialists will still be independent but now we will have a method of having influence in the winner take all two party system that ain't a gonna change unless we do it ourselves and here is how...
Now you are the Captain ...go for it!
Thanks for writing this article, Linda!
truthteller; that is the truth! claudius; You bet!
Bill BRG; I went to the Green Festival on Saturday. It was great. You are so right about Mike Gravel and Dennis Kucinich.
keyinside; I know how you feel. When Dennis was interviewed by Amy Goodman on DEMOCRACY NOW!.org, a few years ago, she asked him if he would change party affiliations but said he wanted to stay in the Democratic Party. DK is GREEN within!
Kucinich/Gravel in 08
Got Metta:
Already did that and have the same plan as you have. I have also posted on other threads, although I didn't appeal to others to do the same. Thanks for that - and I like your parade analogy.
Thanks for the link iowairish. Yes every American has blood on their hands and few are EXCULPATORY; especially those that are obstreperous about justifying this war. OH, BY THE WAY THE CAPS ARE NOT FOR YELLING. I USE THEM TO DENOTE URGENCY.
You are right peaceman ...by infiltration we now can take advantage of our predicament!
THE WAR MACHINE'S MENACE...VOTE DENNIS!
sorry to sound so redundant ... but ... we got it now no more excuses Folks.
As much as Bush is disliked, I don't believe the majority of American people see impeachment as a productive thing at this late date in the life of the current Administration. Democrats were voted into Congress to enact the will of the people, and that's what they are trying to do. Unfortunately, Republicans in Congress and Bush stand in the way of the passing legislation that we want (out of Iraq, health care, education, foreign policy repair, etc.).
Furthermore, impeachment by itself will not remove the President from office anyway. As you may recall, Clinton was impeached. So what? If impeachment is successful, then conviction must take place as well to remove the President. Two presidents have been impeached during my lifetime. In both cases, the impeachment processes were the focus of massive congressional time and public attention, but proved very little. Nixon was eventually pardoned anyway, and Clinton is not remembered for being impeached.
While there is no doubt that Bush and Cheney deserve to be removed from office, Democrats will be under attack from the American people even more if they spend their time on an impeachment that will not accomplish anything - assuming that the votes exist to impeach.
If you want to change the government, get behind your candidate and start knocking on doors, making phone calls, and donating money. Although our Democracy is not perfect, it does provide us with a method of making changes. The problem is that most of us are entirely too comfortable complaining while sitting on our butts, driving our SUV's, and talking on our cell phones about what we're going to buy at the mall. If you're going to talk the talk, then walk the walk - literally - from door to door.
Pelosi is a bit smarter than you give her credit for.
"...vote for Dennis in the primary..."
I'm pretty sure that's what I'm going to do.
However, you can count on the Democrats to lash out, accusing us of attempting to skew and corrupt the process. Then, expect them to try to take over the process by any means possible to have their anointed candidate come out ahead. If that doesn't work and someone who challenges the Party status quo wins...well, forget about that - they won't allow it to happen.
Finally, if the Republican candidate wins, look out for the witch hunt.
"If you want to change the government, get behind your candidate and start knocking on doors, making phone calls, and donating money."
This advertisement brought to you by Globalcorp, Inc.
I disagree dmia,
with the Yellow dog Dems and the Bush veto... the people already know that congress is blocked and controlled by this fascist Unitary Government and will not be able to get on the peace train.
Impeachment on the table or under the table will keep them on there toes while we wait them out with a clear conscience .... I would feel real bad if before I die a young boy or girl asks "What did you do, Glover"?
To iammyself: What constructive suggestions do you have? What have you done to change the government you disklike?
Jim Glover: "...take over the Dems and Republicans by infiltration by registering Democrat just for this special period (Crossroads of Destiny) and vote for Dennis in the primary..."
Jim, My Friend, that is EXACTLY right! Now...how do we get the hard core "Dem haters" to understand this? And how do we get people to follow this simple equation? After all, the primaries are for voting conscience, issues, and Soul.
If D.K. (Or whomever YOUR Soul leads you to) wins the primary--Wonderful! If not, well, you can clothes pin your nose for Dem#2 or vote another party.
Got Metta: BEAUTIFUL!!! YOU understand the equation!
I do respect your opinion Glover. But I just find it hard to believe that the threat of impeachment would have any impact on Bush and/or Cheney.
Celebrity has it just right.
I am getting so tired of well meaning journalists like this one pushing the same tired old story about the "rogues who assaulted our nation from without" on September 11th. History will show that we were assaulted by rogues from within our nation. And stop prattering on about the "unwitting" nature of Bush and Cheney's antics, as if they were Laurel and Hardy and aren't intentional in their actions.
dmia - how about this impact?
The threat of impeachment will make the bat-shit crazy folks in a certain country that shall not be named think twice before nuking Iran and then screaming for our protection. If Cheney is on trial then their crazies won't be sure of our complete support for their lunacy. Peace will break out all over.
As I always say, Impeach Cheney and save the world.
Well yes the threat of impeachment is the big Hammer for the House and if you are impeached even if you are not convicted in the senate, You cannot be pardoned by any president and you would probably be more vulnerable to War Crime trial out of the USA.
what a riot... Bush planning on escaping his destruction of the world by living in a 100, 000 acre Drug Zone in Paraguay..... "Hey "W" You will be safe in South America They love the Yankee Imperialist down there".... What a boy genius can dream of...or swallow.
Jim Glover: Absolutely! In Addition: We all need to give more attention to local elections for each Secretary of State-- they control the election laws! Putting "progressives" in those positions will allow more good people in (and less sellouts). We all know what's needed: Fusion tickets, instant runoff, easier or no pre-registration, public financed elections, more debates and less tv ads, less fees and signatures and other restrictions for 3rd party and "minor" candidates.
And as always... YOU run for office!
Also, is it just me or impeachment should happen because it's the right thing to do (justice!) even if it is the 'wrong' thing to do politically, or if it is not likely to succeed? (I think it is- just ask a few million people, they'll tell you what's up!)
And thanks to all. I've sent my letters (and money to DK) too.
Strength through Peace!!
I don't have the guts to run, but I will keep fighting for the Bill of Rights as a Free Freakin Folk Singer!
Love Ya, Jim
dmia,
"While there is no doubt that Bush and Cheney deserve to be removed from office, Democrats will be under attack from the American people even more if they spend their time on an impeachment that will not accomplish anything - assuming that the votes exist to impeach."
So we should never put criminals on trial if we don't know whether in advance they'll be convicted, and to do so is a "waste of time" which will cause the Demcocrats to "come under attack from the American people"?
It's necessary to call to account those who use the highest offices to commit crimes with impunity -- in this case, crimes against the American people and against humanity -- and as the article says, these people took an oath which obliges them to do it; but I guess we should just eliminate oaths on taking office, since no one takes them seriously.
We cannot entrust power to people who either abuse high office or those who refuse to take the action to which their own office commits them. It doesn't matter whether Pelosi or Conyers or anyone "feels" like doing it or thinks it's politically savvy: they have a civic, moral, and institutional obligation to take that course.
If we had anyone who had any conscience in the Democratic leadership, Cheney would have already been impeached & possibly removed, and we'd be well on our way to chucking the Smirk.
"To iammyself: What constructive suggestions do you have? What have you done to change the government you disklike?"
I worked my ass off within the DNC and the Green Party. Then I vomited the kool aid and went down the rabbit hole.
You?
Any Democrat who is well read in political and economic matters, who appreciates the powerful human dynamics of true participatory democracy, who understands how our corporate capitalistic system is the destroyer of democracy, who understands that we can only have peace in the world through justice, who understands how our corporate military industrial complex exists only to protect the corporate capitalistic elite, to wage war so that they can control the world, and who understands how Western Industrial Capitalism is truly the evil in the world, then there is no better way to send a thundering message to our nation than to vote for Dennis Kucinich in the Democratic primaries. It would raze political havoc. It would open eyes and ears. It would be transformational.
Unfortunately, Dennis Kucinch may not be elected President, but he would become forever one of the most powerful independant voices in America.
"I do respect your opinion Glover. But I just find it hard to believe that the threat of impeachment would have any impact on Bush and/or Cheney."
Can you imagine that there might be other presidents after Bush who might have similar interests?
If we don't set a precedent, we will get similar presidents. That's what precedents are for.
iammyself
It will set a TERRIBLE precedent if Bush and Cheney are not charged with articles of impeachment, no matter where it goes from there. We'll live in a strange world where Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about a BJ, while the Bush administration, who vandalized the Constitution and gutted the Bill of Rights, gets off without any charges at all being filed.
If we don't impeach them, our only other choice is to prosecute them for war crimes after they leave office, but you'd better believe Bush, at least, will flee the country rather than face prosecution. Cheney, too, probably. One or two people may end up taking the heat for those two. Somehow I can see Condoleeza Rice in that position and maybe Bush's new AG, Mukasey.
If we are not a country of law and order, then we're really close to being anarchists. Or stupid.