Cheney Impeachment Gains Traction in House Judiciary Committee

Nine out of 23 Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee favor starting impeachment hearings against Vice-President Dick Cheney. Six of the nine are co-sponsors of H.R. 799, which contains three articles of impeachment.

Articles I and II of H.R. 799 accuse Cheney of purposely manipulating intelligence to deceive Congress and the American people about a fabricated threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction, and about an alleged relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda, respectively. Article III charges Cheney with openly threatening aggression against Iran absent any real threat to the United States. All three articles say Cheney’s actions have damaged our national security interests.

Three of the nine Judiciary Committee Democrats who advocate launching impeachment hearings against Cheney, Reps. Robert Wexler (D., Fla.), Luis Gutierrez (D., Ill.) and Tammy Baldwin (D., Wis.), co-authored an op-ed that appeared on December 27 in the Philadelphia Inquirer.

They wrote, “The issues at hand are too serious to ignore, including credible allegations of abuse of power that, if proven, may well constitute high crimes and misdemeanors under the Constitution. The allegations against Cheney relate to his deceptive actions leading up to the Iraq war, the revelation of the identity of a covert agent for political retaliation, and the illegal wiretapping of American citizens.”

There is also credible evidence that policies set in Cheney’s office authorized the torture of prisoners in U.S. custody, in violation of three treaties the United States has ratified, as well as the U.S. Torture Statute and War Crimes Act. The policies on the treatment of prisoners emanating from Cheney’s office triggered the abuse and torture, according to Lawrence Wilkerson, former Secretary of State Colin Powell’s chief of staff.

“It was clear to me that there was a visible audit trail from the Vice President’s office through the Secretary of Defense down to the commanders in the field,” Wilkerson, a former colonel, said on National Public Radio’s “Morning Edition.”

In November, the House of Representatives sent the impeachment resolution to the House Judiciary Committee for further proceedings. However many Democrats oppose impeachment, citing the year and a half of testimony about Bill Clinton’s personal relations. They think impeachment will detract from Congress’s other pressing business.

Yet, the three congresspersons noted, the Clinton impeachment “must not be the model for impeachment inquiries. A Democratic Congress can show that it takes its constitutional authority seriously and hold a sober investigation, which will stand in stark contrast to the kangaroo court convened by Republicans for Clinton.”

And, they argue, the hearings would “involve the possible impeachment of the vice president - not of our commander in chief - and the resulting impact on the nation’s business and attention would be significantly less than the Clinton presidential impeachment hearings.”

Seventy percent of American voters think Cheney has abused his powers and 43 percent say he should be removed from office, according to a Nov. 13 poll by the American Research Group. Organizations, including the National Lawyers Guild, have called for the impeachment of Dick Cheney.

Impeachment hearings against Cheney would not only fulfill the Constitution’s command that high officials who commit high crimes and misdemeanors be brought to justice. It would also deter the vice president from committing additional crimes that threaten the national security of the United States.

Any impeachment proceeding would have to start in the House Judiciary Committee. The nine Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee who favor impeachment hearings are: Robert Wexler, Fla.; Luis Gutierrez, Ill.; Anthony Weiner, N.Y.; Tammy Baldwin, Wisc.; Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas; Steve Cohen, Tenn.; Keith Ellison, Minn.; Maxine Waters, Calif.; and Hank Johnson, Ga.

Here is a list of the entire House Judiciary Committee: http://judiciary.house.gov/CommitteeMembership.aspx.

For information about the campaign to impeach Dick Cheney, see http://impeachcheney.org.
Marjorie Cohn is a professor at Thomas Jefferson School of Law and President of the National Lawyers Guild. Her newest book is Cowboy Republic: Six Ways the Bush Gang Has Defied the Law. You can visit her blog or see archived articles at www.marjoriecohn.com

These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages.

47 Comments so far

Maiden January 21st, 2008 3:18 pm

Heaven forbid something happen to ‘W’ and Cheney gets a chance to call martial law and hold himself in power for 8 years! If we don’t impeach now chances are, any opportunity to save this country will be gone.

He’s been at this for 30 years, president after president –trying for unlimited presidential powers….he’s not about to just walk away after all that work. We have to act now.

redjeff January 21st, 2008 3:47 pm

I don’t understand the headline saying that impeachment is gaining traction. Nothing has changed on the committee since the Wexler-Gutierrez-Baldwin editorial. Until chairman Conyers backs it, it won’t happen. And we all know Pelosi won’t allow him to back it. We may never know the real reason for that, but I guess treason is okay, now.

Spike January 21st, 2008 4:04 pm

Treason is the real reason for it. Pelosi and the other lice that infest the head of our government are knowingly usurping the Constitution and that is treasonous.

Jess January 21st, 2008 4:23 pm

Won’t any of the idiots running for president come right out for Impeachment of Bush as well as Cheney and modification, if not repeal of the Patriot Act, Homeland Security and Military Commissions Bill? Sorry, but it’s more of the same.

Kate Anne January 21st, 2008 4:30 pm

No, redjeff, impeachment IS gaining traction. New people have signed on (including Cong. Anthony Weiner) AND then at http://wexlerwantshearings.com the site is showing over 211,000 signatures. This got some good press last week with Cong. Wexler talking about it on the House floor. NOW it is up to US to keep the chatter going. It is growing. We can do it. Accentuate the positive, gang!

Peace hugs on National Hug Day AND MLK, Jr. Day (celebrated)!

tailcap January 21st, 2008 4:30 pm

“However many Democrats oppose impeachment, citing the year and a half of testimony about Bill Clinton’s personal relations. They think impeachment will detract from Congress’s other pressing business.”

What business could possibly be more pressing than upholding the constitution? To ask the question is to answer it: The business of making money.

Thank you Democrats: Robert Wexler, Fla.; Luis Gutierrez, Ill.; Anthony Weiner, N.Y.; Tammy Baldwin, Wisc.; Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas; Steve Cohen, Tenn.; Keith Ellison, Minn.; Maxine Waters, Calif.; and Hank Johnson, Ga.

I Thank the rest of you Democrats for being so cowardly and unprincipled that even a child could see it. I spit on you.

Only 9/23! Dump the Democrats.

aybayb January 21st, 2008 4:43 pm

>>>
Won’t any of the idiots running for president come right out for Impeachment of Bush as well as Cheney and modification, if not repeal of the Patriot Act, Homeland Security and Military Commissions Bill?…
>>>

No…none of THOSE idiots will; but Dennis Kucinich (who also, by the way, is running for president) has not only demanded Cheney’s impeachment, but is the author of the ‘bill of impeachment’ currently under consideration.

Of course, this fact will come as a complete surprise to many voters; because Congressman Kucinich has been “disappeared” from the field of candidates (whether by the Mainstream Media or by the hacks who run the Democratic Party, or by a combination of “status quo” types we’re not likely to find out). Ain’t “our” democracy great!?

Galen January 21st, 2008 5:02 pm

If I was Wexler and company, I would be very careful about being invited on any hunting trips in the near future…

keyinside January 21st, 2008 5:02 pm

Wow. 40% of 3% of the democrats in the House of representatives favor impeaching the vice-presidents.

The democrats are really kicking some a$$ now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cowards. Worthless, honorless, traitorous cowards.

moonraven January 21st, 2008 5:04 pm

This is just foolishness.

If and when an impeachment group actually forms, Cheney will be out of there.

Put the guy in front of a firing squad and get on with it.

hooversay January 21st, 2008 5:25 pm

What worries me is, if Cheney isn’t impeached and hopefully bushy too, is the next President going to correct the afronts to the constitution, the separation of powers, and will he/she back out of the patriot act, and others which have basicly granted the president the powers to declare marshal law, and then we’d immediately become the subjects of a dictatorship. bushies have snuck in an unbelievable amount of afronts to our freedoms, all that would have to be cleaned out even if we do impeach. bushies have created a nightmare for America. We truely are on very shaky ground.

Johnny36 January 21st, 2008 6:07 pm

We need to keep asking our Republican friends to explain how revealing the identity of Valery Plame wasn’t treason. And we need to keep reminding them that Cheney and Scooter were helped by several others: Armitage, Ari, etc., and possibly the Head Rodent himself. These bastards should all be in jail or facing a firing squad.

John F. Butterfield January 21st, 2008 7:07 pm

aybayb,

Thanks!

I just want to add that Dennis Kucinich has also been working on papers to impeach George W. Bush.

MeYouWeUs January 21st, 2008 7:12 pm

Make the world a better place,
shoot dick cheny in the face.

texrey January 21st, 2008 7:43 pm

aybayb Its kinda sad that he wasn’t even mentioned in the article. He kinda started the ball rolling. If it wasn’t for KUCINICH, this f#@kin thing wouldn’t be where it is today. I think its good that Wexlar reached out a grabbed Dennis’s handoff. But he hasn’t even made a first down, yet.2nd down, 9 yards to go from their 33 yard line. The guy hasn’t had a fair shake ever in this political play-off, and he’s still there.He’s a freakin bulldog. I dig the man. What a statesman, what a true patriot. I don’t think the dem front runners, (check this shit out) H,O,E, get it, could’ve or would’ve lasted as long under the same circumstances. Of course there would have to be fair play invol……yeah screw that. Oh well, we’ll get whatever we deserve. I’m suprised we lasted this long. Thanks Texrey

Gail January 21st, 2008 7:51 pm

tailcap January 21st, 2008 4:30 pm

“What business could possibly be more pressing than upholding the constitution?”

Making certain the word “Honorable” appears before their name on their office door and anywhere else it might be listed.

The “honorable” and their “distinguished colleauges”, like Cheney and Bush, apparently have little regard for the Constititution of our Founding Fathers. It appears they also view the document as just a “goddamned piece of paper”.

AlexLawyer January 21st, 2008 8:24 pm

The most important result of this bill, if passed, won’t be the impeachment of Cheney a few months before his term ends, but the public hearings which will undoubtedly reveal widespread criminality in the administration up to and including the President. This could, and should, lead to criminal prosecutions once they leave office. If we are to restore the rule of the Constitution and laws, establish a precedent of accountability instead of the present impunity, restore the faith of the American people and the world in our government, and reduce the radicalization within the Islamic world catalyzed by our unjust, unlawful and immoral prosecution of the so-called War on Terror, we must act decisively and immediately.

Galen January 21st, 2008 8:57 pm

AlexLawyer: The only worthwhile prosecution of Bush and his ilk is for crimes against humanity…

Doom n Gloom January 21st, 2008 8:57 pm

It’s clear that the American People do not have enough power over their government. I support a constitutional convention to make needed changes. America looks like a ship of fools.

Gail January 21st, 2008 9:15 pm

AlexLawyer January 21st, 2008 8:24 pm

Alex,

You are so right! The problem is the number of criminal prosecutions that would result. The corruption in this country runs deep and seems to reach every level of government and big business.

If there are people on every level of government and in business who have evidence of criminal behavior on this person or that one, how in hell are we suppose to get anyone to talk? The criminal elements would be digging their own graves.

sungoddess January 21st, 2008 9:44 pm

As Dick Cheney once said and will say again to all of his detractors, “Go fuck yourself”!

claudius January 21st, 2008 10:17 pm

A good place to start might be listening to Sybil Edmonds.

zxvtrp January 21st, 2008 10:26 pm

I still think Cheney and Rumsfeld had something to do with the Anthrax scare! I really can’t get it out of my mind as I’ve even dreamed about them doing it!

auspiciousbunny January 21st, 2008 10:59 pm

Alex Lawyer-
The most important result of this bill, if passed, won’t be the impeachment of Cheney a few months before his term ends, but the public hearings which will undoubtedly reveal widespread criminality…

Yes, it’s very important we — those in our representative system, start enforcing this country’s own laws. This situation is totally out of control right now. I think Cheney or W could out and out stand there and shoot someone in broad daylight in front of TV cameras and they would just put some spin on it and get away with it. Pelosi would say now isn’t the time to start an inquiry into it.

Right now there is no accountability at all, it is frightening.

lizard January 22nd, 2008 12:22 am

nine out of 23 democrats favor impeachment. How shameful is that! This is the opposition? It is their job to impeach and only 9 out of 23 want to do their job. Disgusting!

O roe January 22nd, 2008 12:55 am

So how many got the MOTHERF@@KERS phone numbers that have not cosponsored yet? Christ, there is even an 800 #…
texrey and Abayb, at least 2 persons aware of WTF is going down, Kucinich, i have said many times as did you abayb, Kucinich has been ‘Disappeared’, like Pinochets ghost is about. His vote calls tell the entire friggin story, he is a true oxymoron, Politician and simply honest, truthful and humane. How does that ever happen? It doesn’t, so if I hear one more time ‘now i have to vote for brand X’, my vote will be wasted, huh?, I keep telling them, #2 pencil, sharpened then_____________, you understand, I hope. Damn, I’ll purchase them for you if you do not have .29 cents, okay? Just do it.

elkitz January 22nd, 2008 1:01 am

Momentum can be gained. Read “The Bill of Wrongs” Molly Ivins’ new book. It’s at your local library.

tenzing January 22nd, 2008 1:40 am

Last week, several impeachment supporters went to the office of Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) in Port Angeles, Wash., to deliver impeachment petitions and to address our concerns on the matter. Rep. Dicks has been very loyal to House Speaker Pelosi but most disloyal to his constituents and to the Impeachment Clause of The Constitution (Article Two, Section Four). Two videos of our visit are here:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2A7EC5150741930D

Buckoo January 22nd, 2008 8:02 am

The WILL of the people must be honored by the elected officials.

If we allow this man to go unpunished, we are all equally guilty of his crimes.

God give us the wisdom to standup and be accountable to you in this issue.

thewonderingyou January 22nd, 2008 8:11 am

moonraven:

I like your idea. We’re wasting time with the pleasantries. It’s obvious: the man’s a traitor to The American Way, and we ought to rid ourselves of him before that definition changes.

Quality Time January 22nd, 2008 8:22 am

Impeachment is too late. Cheney, Bush and their Republican thinking has given us war and poverty. A pity the Democrats were unable or unwilling to act as expected when we elected them. The government lacks compassion.

highrie January 22nd, 2008 9:16 am

Don’t get your hopes up, this will never happen. The Democrats live off of fear; instead of just doing the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing, the constantly worry about votes and money and power. 3rd party time.

http://www.ryanhartman.wordpress.com

milo2971 January 22nd, 2008 9:28 am

I can’t tell you how sick I am of the “detract from Congress’s other pressing business” argument. This lazy Tuesday-Thursday bunch, already vying for the name of “do nothing congress” would be better labeled “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” if the Veggie Tales folks hadn’t already taken the name. A better response is “The time is always right to do what is right” - MLK Jr - And we are way past time in holding Cheney accountable for the hundreds of thousands of lives his lies have cost.

NateW January 22nd, 2008 11:32 am

This latest development reminds me of a British term: back benchers revolt. It is when the rank and file members of a political party revolt at the rule of the leadership. It is time for this to happen in the Democratic caucus in the House. Pelosi and her team must know in no uncertain terms that the minimum required is articles of impeachment for “Shooter” Cheney. In order to facilitate that, the Democratic (forget the Republicans, they are deaf) members of the relevant committees must hear from their constituents loud and clear. Waiting and hoping for nothing bad to happen between now and Jan. 21, 2009 is not an option that Pelosi and crew be allowed to pursue.

mikepeters January 22nd, 2008 11:49 am

Cheney-Satan ‘08 For A Strong America. Make your vote count!

After decdades of redneck chestpounding: I’m Amerikan **** them ragheads, Native Americans, blacks, women, Mexicans…red white and blue cans of beer and confederate flags on ‘chevy’ pickups,

This country is getting the government it deserves. A rascist, sexist, holier than thou populace, bombsight diiplomacy….we have the government we deserve. Myself included.

pdxrob January 22nd, 2008 11:58 am

I feel Cheney needs to be brought up on impeachment charges and then UN war crimes charges in the Hague in the Netherlands.

pdxrob January 22nd, 2008 12:02 pm

Ever notice how the following 3 people have a creepy resemblence?
Dick Cheney
Dr Evil (from Austin Powers)
Mr Burns (from the Simpsons)

Do a google image search for yourself.

moonraven January 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm

Oh for God’s sake. You people are living in a fucking cartoon!

KEM PATRICK January 22nd, 2008 2:25 pm

We can readily see what will happen, the Jusiciary Committe refuses to give Jose Gonzales immunity if he testifies and therefore he won’t testify. If Gonzales did testify, Cheney and Bush’s house of cards would fall down in a day. The rats fleeing Washington DC would resemble the Exodus From Egypt.

MisoPretty January 22nd, 2008 2:37 pm

Maybe Bush/Cheney et al will have a nice all-expenses paid vacation in the Hague when they are out of office

and to Moonraven, I like your way of thinking, although I think that they would make nice tree decorations

shortattentionspan January 22nd, 2008 4:44 pm

There is no such thing as “you people” we are all people.

tonkatsu January 22nd, 2008 5:53 pm

Occams Razor says that, given two possible answers to a question, The simple answer is most likely to be correct.

In accordance with that principle, Impeachment is off the table for one reason only:

Blackmail.

That one word explains everything.

cornelbox11 January 22nd, 2008 9:31 pm

Juanita Brodderick never filed a rape lawsuit against Clinton, yet, Tom Delay gave republicans copies of her interview claiming Clinton raped her doing the impeachment hearings.
On December 2, 2002, Margie Schoedinger, a Missouri City Texas woman, filed a rape and sexual harrassment lawsuit against George W Bush in Fort Bend County Texas and not one Democrat in Congress has ever mentioned while on one of the corporate media whore shows.
Nine months later, in September 2003, Schoendinger committed suicide. What gives? What wasn’t this investigated? What in the hell is wrong with Democrats and Liberals.
Do libs and dems have sex problems are are too scared to force an investigation on what happened to Ms. Schoedinger?
Republicans know all about this lawsuit, along with all corporate media whores like Tim (I will protect the phony Reagan legacy for NBC) Russert, Chris “Tweety Pie” Matthews,
etc. Had Clinton been sued for rape, everybody in the country would know the name, Margie Schoedinger.

moonraven January 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm

shortattentionspan:

Wrong again.

You are not going to smear this bird with your gringo guilt.

McNeil January 23rd, 2008 12:40 pm

I have hope. Around two thousand people a day have been signing Wexler wants hearings. Keep up the good work.

terryb January 23rd, 2008 3:30 pm

Can you imagine if bush and cheney were democrats?

KEM PATRICK January 23rd, 2008 6:00 pm

~Moonraven~ What exactly is a GRINGO? Is that anyone who is not a Mexican? “Gringo”, as you use it here, is used in a derogatory manner. Like the “N” word. Do you dislike all white or mixed breed Americans?

Maiden January 21st, 2008 3:18 pm

Heaven forbid something happen to ‘W’ and Cheney gets a chance to call martial law and hold himself in power for 8 years! If we don’t impeach now chances are, any opportunity to save this country will be gone.

He’s been at this for 30 years, president after president –trying for unlimited presidential powers….he’s not about to just walk away after all that work. We have to act now.
redjeff January 21st, 2008 3:47 pm

I don’t understand the headline saying that impeachment is gaining traction. Nothing has changed on the committee since the Wexler-Gutierrez-Baldwin editorial. Until chairman Conyers backs it, it won’t happen. And we all know Pelosi won’t allow him to back it. We may never know the real reason for that, but I guess treason is okay, now.
Spike January 21st, 2008 4:04 pm

Treason is the real reason for it. Pelosi and the other lice that infest the head of our government are knowingly usurping the Constitution and that is treasonous.
Jess January 21st, 2008 4:23 pm

Won’t any of the idiots running for president come right out for Impeachment of Bush as well as Cheney and modification, if not repeal of the Patriot Act, Homeland Security and Military Commissions Bill? Sorry, but it’s more of the same.
Kate Anne January 21st, 2008 4:30 pm

No, redjeff, impeachment IS gaining traction. New people have signed on (including Cong. Anthony Weiner) AND then at http://wexlerwantshearings.com the site is showing over 211,000 signatures. This got some good press last week with Cong. Wexler talking about it on the House floor. NOW it is up to US to keep the chatter going. It is growing. We can do it. Accentuate the positive, gang!

Peace hugs on National Hug Day AND MLK, Jr. Day (celebrated)!
tailcap January 21st, 2008 4:30 pm

“However many Democrats oppose impeachment, citing the year and a half of testimony about Bill Clinton’s personal relations. They think impeachment will detract from Congress’s other pressing business.”

What business could possibly be more pressing than upholding the constitution? To ask the question is to answer it: The business of making money.

Thank you Democrats: Robert Wexler, Fla.; Luis Gutierrez, Ill.; Anthony Weiner, N.Y.; Tammy Baldwin, Wisc.; Sheila Jackson Lee, Texas; Steve Cohen, Tenn.; Keith Ellison, Minn.; Maxine Waters, Calif.; and Hank Johnson, Ga.

I Thank the rest of you Democrats for being so cowardly and unprincipled that even a child could see it. I spit on you.

Only 9/23! Dump the Democrats.
aybayb January 21st, 2008 4:43 pm

>>>
Won’t any of the idiots running for president come right out for Impeachment of Bush as well as Cheney and modification, if not repeal of the Patriot Act, Homeland Security and Military Commissions Bill?…
>>>

No…none of THOSE idiots will; but Dennis Kucinich (who also, by the way, is running for president) has not only demanded Cheney’s impeachment, but is the author of the ‘bill of impeachment’ currently under consideration.

Of course, this fact will come as a complete surprise to many voters; because Congressman Kucinich has been “disappeared” from the field of candidates (whether by the Mainstream Media or by the hacks who run the Democratic Party, or by a combination of “status quo” types we’re not likely to find out). Ain’t “our” democracy great!?
Galen January 21st, 2008 5:02 pm

If I was Wexler and company, I would be very careful about being invited on any hunting trips in the near future…
keyinside January 21st, 2008 5:02 pm

Wow. 40% of 3% of the democrats in the House of representatives favor impeaching the vice-presidents.

The democrats are really kicking some a$$ now!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Cowards. Worthless, honorless, traitorous cowards.
moonraven January 21st, 2008 5:04 pm

This is just foolishness.

If and when an impeachment group actually forms, Cheney will be out of there.

Put the guy in front of a firing squad and get on with it.
hooversay January 21st, 2008 5:25 pm

What worries me is, if Cheney isn’t impeached and hopefully bushy too, is the next President going to correct the afronts to the constitution, the separation of powers, and will he/she back out of the patriot act, and others which have basicly granted the president the powers to declare marshal law, and then we’d immediately become the subjects of a dictatorship. bushies have snuck in an unbelievable amount of afronts to our freedoms, all that would have to be cleaned out even if we do impeach. bushies have created a nightmare for America. We truely are on very shaky ground.
Johnny36 January 21st, 2008 6:07 pm

We need to keep asking our Republican friends to explain how revealing the identity of Valery Plame wasn’t treason. And we need to keep reminding them that Cheney and Scooter were helped by several others: Armitage, Ari, etc., and possibly the Head Rodent himself. These bastards should all be in jail or facing a firing squad.
John F. Butterfield January 21st, 2008 7:07 pm

aybayb,

Thanks!

I just want to add that Dennis Kucinich has also been working on papers to impeach George W. Bush.
MeYouWeUs January 21st, 2008 7:12 pm

Make the world a better place,
shoot dick cheny in the face.
texrey January 21st, 2008 7:43 pm

aybayb Its kinda sad that he wasn’t even mentioned in the article. He kinda started the ball rolling. If it wasn’t for KUCINICH, this f#@kin thing wouldn’t be where it is today. I think its good that Wexlar reached out a grabbed Dennis’s handoff. But he hasn’t even made a first down, yet.2nd down, 9 yards to go from their 33 yard line. The guy hasn’t had a fair shake ever in this political play-off, and he’s still there.He’s a freakin bulldog. I dig the man. What a statesman, what a true patriot. I don’t think the dem front runners, (check this shit out) H,O,E, get it, could’ve or would’ve lasted as long under the same circumstances. Of course there would have to be fair play invol……yeah screw that. Oh well, we’ll get whatever we deserve. I’m suprised we lasted this long. Thanks Texrey
Gail January 21st, 2008 7:51 pm

tailcap January 21st, 2008 4:30 pm

“What business could possibly be more pressing than upholding the constitution?”

Making certain the word “Honorable” appears before their name on their office door and anywhere else it might be listed.

The “honorable” and their “distinguished colleauges”, like Cheney and Bush, apparently have little regard for the Constititution of our Founding Fathers. It appears they also view the document as just a “goddamned piece of paper”.
AlexLawyer January 21st, 2008 8:24 pm

The most important result of this bill, if passed, won’t be the impeachment of Cheney a few months before his term ends, but the public hearings which will undoubtedly reveal widespread criminality in the administration up to and including the President. This could, and should, lead to criminal prosecutions once they leave office. If we are to restore the rule of the Constitution and laws, establish a precedent of accountability instead of the present impunity, restore the faith of the American people and the world in our government, and reduce the radicalization within the Islamic world catalyzed by our unjust, unlawful and immoral prosecution of the so-called War on Terror, we must act decisively and immediately.
Galen January 21st, 2008 8:57 pm

AlexLawyer: The only worthwhile prosecution of Bush and his ilk is for crimes against humanity…
Doom n Gloom January 21st, 2008 8:57 pm

It’s clear that the American People do not have enough power over their government. I support a constitutional convention to make needed changes. America looks like a ship of fools.
Gail January 21st, 2008 9:15 pm

AlexLawyer January 21st, 2008 8:24 pm

Alex,

You are so right! The problem is the number of criminal prosecutions that would result. The corruption in this country runs deep and seems to reach every level of government and big business.

If there are people on every level of government and in business who have evidence of criminal behavior on this person or that one, how in hell are we suppose to get anyone to talk? The criminal elements would be digging their own graves.
sungoddess January 21st, 2008 9:44 pm

As Dick Cheney once said and will say again to all of his detractors, “Go fuck yourself”!
claudius January 21st, 2008 10:17 pm

A good place to start might be listening to Sybil Edmonds.
zxvtrp January 21st, 2008 10:26 pm

I still think Cheney and Rumsfeld had something to do with the Anthrax scare! I really can’t get it out of my mind as I’ve even dreamed about them doing it!
auspiciousbunny January 21st, 2008 10:59 pm

Alex Lawyer-
The most important result of this bill, if passed, won’t be the impeachment of Cheney a few months before his term ends, but the public hearings which will undoubtedly reveal widespread criminality…

Yes, it’s very important we — those in our representative system, start enforcing this country’s own laws. This situation is totally out of control right now. I think Cheney or W could out and out stand there and shoot someone in broad daylight in front of TV cameras and they would just put some spin on it and get away with it. Pelosi would say now isn’t the time to start an inquiry into it.

Right now there is no accountability at all, it is frightening.
lizard January 22nd, 2008 12:22 am

nine out of 23 democrats favor impeachment. How shameful is that! This is the opposition? It is their job to impeach and only 9 out of 23 want to do their job. Disgusting!
O roe January 22nd, 2008 12:55 am

So how many got the MOTHERF@@KERS phone numbers that have not cosponsored yet? Christ, there is even an 800 #…
texrey and Abayb, at least 2 persons aware of WTF is going down, Kucinich, i have said many times as did you abayb, Kucinich has been ‘Disappeared’, like Pinochets ghost is about. His vote calls tell the entire friggin story, he is a true oxymoron, Politician and simply honest, truthful and humane. How does that ever happen? It doesn’t, so if I hear one more time ‘now i have to vote for brand X’, my vote will be wasted, huh?, I keep telling them, #2 pencil, sharpened then_____________, you understand, I hope. Damn, I’ll purchase them for you if you do not have .29 cents, okay? Just do it.
elkitz January 22nd, 2008 1:01 am

Momentum can be gained. Read “The Bill of Wrongs” Molly Ivins’ new book. It’s at your local library.
tenzing January 22nd, 2008 1:40 am

Last week, several impeachment supporters went to the office of Rep. Norm Dicks (D-WA) in Port Angeles, Wash., to deliver impeachment petitions and to address our concerns on the matter. Rep. Dicks has been very loyal to House Speaker Pelosi but most disloyal to his constituents and to the Impeachment Clause of The Constitution (Article Two, Section Four). Two videos of our visit are here:

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=2A7EC5150741930D
Buckoo January 22nd, 2008 8:02 am

The WILL of the people must be honored by the elected officials.

If we allow this man to go unpunished, we are all equally guilty of his crimes.

God give us the wisdom to standup and be accountable to you in this issue.
thewonderingyou January 22nd, 2008 8:11 am

moonraven:

I like your idea. We’re wasting time with the pleasantries. It’s obvious: the man’s a traitor to The American Way, and we ought to rid ourselves of him before that definition changes.
Quality Time January 22nd, 2008 8:22 am

Impeachment is too late. Cheney, Bush and their Republican thinking has given us war and poverty. A pity the Democrats were unable or unwilling to act as expected when we elected them. The government lacks compassion.
highrie January 22nd, 2008 9:16 am

Don’t get your hopes up, this will never happen. The Democrats live off of fear; instead of just doing the right thing for the sake of doing the right thing, the constantly worry about votes and money and power. 3rd party time.

http://www.ryanhartman.wordpress.com
milo2971 January 22nd, 2008 9:28 am

I can’t tell you how sick I am of the “detract from Congress’s other pressing business” argument. This lazy Tuesday-Thursday bunch, already vying for the name of “do nothing congress” would be better labeled “The Pirates Who Don’t Do Anything” if the Veggie Tales folks hadn’t already taken the name. A better response is “The time is always right to do what is right” - MLK Jr - And we are way past time in holding Cheney accountable for the hundreds of thousands of lives his lies have cost.
NateW January 22nd, 2008 11:32 am

This latest development reminds me of a British term: back benchers revolt. It is when the rank and file members of a political party revolt at the rule of the leadership. It is time for this to happen in the Democratic caucus in the House. Pelosi and her team must know in no uncertain terms that the minimum required is articles of impeachment for “Shooter” Cheney. In order to facilitate that, the Democratic (forget the Republicans, they are deaf) members of the relevant committees must hear from their constituents loud and clear. Waiting and hoping for nothing bad to happen between now and Jan. 21, 2009 is not an option that Pelosi and crew be allowed to pursue.
mikepeters January 22nd, 2008 11:49 am

Cheney-Satan ‘08 For A Strong America. Make your vote count!

After decdades of redneck chestpounding: I’m Amerikan **** them ragheads, Native Americans, blacks, women, Mexicans…red white and blue cans of beer and confederate flags on ‘chevy’ pickups,

This country is getting the government it deserves. A rascist, sexist, holier than thou populace, bombsight diiplomacy….we have the government we deserve. Myself included.
pdxrob January 22nd, 2008 11:58 am

I feel Cheney needs to be brought up on impeachment charges and then UN war crimes charges in the Hague in the Netherlands.
pdxrob January 22nd, 2008 12:02 pm

Ever notice how the following 3 people have a creepy resemblence?
Dick Cheney
Dr Evil (from Austin Powers)
Mr Burns (from the Simpsons)

Do a google image search for yourself.
moonraven January 22nd, 2008 1:12 pm

Oh for God’s sake. You people are living in a fucking cartoon!
KEM PATRICK January 22nd, 2008 2:25 pm

We can readily see what will happen, the Jusiciary Committe refuses to give Jose Gonzales immunity if he testifies and therefore he won’t testify. If Gonzales did testify, Cheney and Bush’s house of cards would fall down in a day. The rats fleeing Washington DC would resemble the Exodus From Egypt.
MisoPretty January 22nd, 2008 2:37 pm

Maybe Bush/Cheney et al will have a nice all-expenses paid vacation in the Hague when they are out of office

and to Moonraven, I like your way of thinking, although I think that they would make nice tree decorations
shortattentionspan January 22nd, 2008 4:44 pm

There is no such thing as “you people” we are all people.
tonkatsu January 22nd, 2008 5:53 pm

Occams Razor says that, given two possible answers to a question, The simple answer is most likely to be correct.

In accordance with that principle, Impeachment is off the table for one reason only:

Blackmail.

That one word explains everything.
cornelbox11 January 22nd, 2008 9:31 pm

Juanita Brodderick never filed a rape lawsuit against Clinton, yet, Tom Delay gave republicans copies of her interview claiming Clinton raped her doing the impeachment hearings.
On December 2, 2002, Margie Schoedinger, a Missouri City Texas woman, filed a rape and sexual harrassment lawsuit against George W Bush in Fort Bend County Texas and not one Democrat in Congress has ever mentioned while on one of the corporate media whore shows.
Nine months later, in September 2003, Schoendinger committed suicide. What gives? What wasn’t this investigated? What in the hell is wrong with Democrats and Liberals.
Do libs and dems have sex problems are are too scared to force an investigation on what happened to Ms. Schoedinger?
Republicans know all about this lawsuit, along with all corporate media whores like Tim (I will protect the phony Reagan legacy for NBC) Russert, Chris “Tweety Pie” Matthews,
etc. Had Clinton been sued for rape, everybody in the country would know the name, Margie Schoedinger.
moonraven January 23rd, 2008 12:16 pm

shortattentionspan:

Wrong again.

You are not going to smear this bird with your gringo guilt.
McNeil January 23rd, 2008 12:40 pm

I have hope. Around two thousand people a day have been signing Wexler wants hearings. Keep up the good work.
terryb January 23rd, 2008 3:30 pm

Can you imagine if bush and cheney were democrats?
KEM PATRICK January 23rd, 2008 6:00 pm

~Moonraven~ What exactly is a GRINGO? Is that anyone who is not a Mexican? “Gringo”, as you use it here, is used in a derogatory manner. Like the “N” word. Do you dislike all white or mixed breed Americans?

Join the discussion:

You must be logged in to post a comment. If you haven't registered yet, click here to register. (It's quick, easy and free. And we won't give your email address to anyone.)