It has been well-known that Speaker Nancy Pelosi has insisted that there will be no impeachment of President Bush during her term. Activists, however, have reported that John Conyers may be considering confronting Pelosi and starting such proceedings after a meeting in his office. They have started a campaign to show Conyers that he will have the support of the Democratic base, even if he lacks the support of Democratic leadership.
The meeting and campaign is detailed here.
This follows Mukasey’s bizarre rationalization of why he will not allow a criminal investigation into the Bush torture program. Click here
The Democratic leadership has been helping the White House behind the scenes to block any serious investigation of torture to avoid triggering an impeachment investigation and the disclosure of Democratic knowledge of the torture program. Conyers, however, is the wild card. Any impeachment move would be a direct confrontation with Pelosi. He would be lionized by Democratic activists, who have grown unhappy with Pelosi. Indeed, it may be difficult for Pelosi to survive such a public fight and to secure the votes needed next Congress to be renewed as Speaker. It is worth watching.
Pelosi originaly said impeachment was of the table as a gesture of good will. She extended the olive branch to the republicans to show them she was going to put party politics aside. Too try to work with them. She wanted to get several things accomplished. The repugthugins took the olive branch and shoved it right up Lady Justice’s assets. Then they took the sword of Justice and plunged it through the heart of Democracy. They then twisted it by staying silent after buSh called the U.S Constitution “just a God damned piece of paper”. They have been, and continue to treat this unique and powerful document, that lists the rights of the poeple, worse than a piece of used toilet paper.
Pelosi’s long ago jesture to “reach across the isle” was futile, and was taken as a sign of weakness by the repuplicans. The ultimate decision to impeach or not to impeach, can never be made by just a single representative.
IMO, Pelosi must be neck deep in the transgressions of this corrupt and indifferent executive administration. It is beyond my comprehension that she, or any patriotic person, after 9/11, could give buSh even the time of day. Whether by incompetence, neglect or intentional, 9/11 is buShes responsibility. He shouldn’t even to be allowed to wash the toilets in the White House.
There needs to be an investigation. Impeachment hearings need to commence. It is a known fact, buSh was warned more than 40 times something catastrophic and sensational was going to happen that month. He was privy to so much info and detail, they new exactly how and the exact week. Multiple warnings were sent and received through high priority top government channels. Sent by several different heads of state. Germany, Russia, even Saudia Arabia, to name just a few. We all know to this date we have never had a “real” investigation of 9/11.
Since before 9/11 (unlawful wire taps) buSh and his administration have commited so many egregious unlawful acts against this nation and the world. We literally haven’t been able to keep track. They should be investigated under the RICO act. Continue calling and writng congress, especially to thank them when they DO, do the right thing.
Well, that’s enough recall from me. I’m starting to get palpitations thinking about the perpetual screwing we are being made to endure.
Still hopefull, Masi…..
George Johnson: not only does it keep them from their pensions, but it also bars them from holding any “office of trust.”
Now, I don’t expect Bush or Cheney to be asked to come back in any serious advisory capacity in future administrations, but you do have to wonder about the equally incompetent and constitutionally ignorant underlings of the Executive Department.
I don’t feel the problem is we’re shooting for too much impeachment–I feel the problem is we’re settling for not enough of it!
First things first: impeach Pelosi and Reid for violation of Constitutional duties. Second: Impeach and indict Bush, Cheney, et al. Third: trust Conyers like you would trust Spector. Fourth: actions speak louder than words. Question: how do you go about impeaching Pelosi and Reid?
Wow, DW, I’m impressed!
Thanks for your support!
It’s not Valentines Day anymore,
but you are still a Sweetie!
I thought, too, watching Rep Conyers being interviewed by Rob Kall a few days ago, that he was on the edge of beginning impeachment hearings.
Impeaching Chimpy and Cheney has another benefit. It makes them ineligible for their pension.
Far be it from us not to welcome the new folks and remark on their contributions!! Starting at the top:
BEN FRANK–please don’t mention elective office for JT. He is destined for SCOTUS!
LESSER EVIL: nice post, but the contempt citations already in train may lead to impeachment ultimately, and its about time the Dems stopped political tea leaf reading and started honoring their oaths.
TUBULAR SOCK: Such dispair and cynicism! Maybe the Dems may surprise you yet-especially the House. I can tell you that there is probably a lot of emotion tightly bottled up on the left side of the aisle and as we used to say “payback is a medivac!”
GOGONZO: Right as rain on the facts. Good observations.
MITCH: You too, but “moronic brain damaged loser”? Why don’t you say what you REALLY think?
LESTER WEEVAL: With a name like that you must be from my part of the country! Anyway, I don’t think there is a reciprocity like that operating. The GOP in fact has waged such a wide-ranging attack on the Dems for the last 8 years that it would astound you. It even reaches to intimidating traditional corporate donors to the party. Its a fight to the death I am afraid. Or rather a fight for survival as a viable political institution.
RJ CRANE: Great post. censure is an option, but as a last option if other events don’t work out. USC Title 18, chapter 1, 4, misprision of felony
TOM: What has the poor Speaker done to earn your wrath?
MAXIMAHEART: Senators Kennedy and Feingold probably appreciate your support, but will have to stay in their current chamber. Kucinich, though is an excellent choice!
SERENA1313: Great post! Good thoughts.
CHABUKA: Anyone who quotes from Federalist 41 is a friend of mine! I was with you and admiring your contribution until you veered off and attacked the career people. They are definitely not the problem!!! Rather look at the mid management/asst director level of the cake where GOP loyalists with minimal or indeed anti-qualifications have been installed in hordes. This is where the mischief has been. Ever wonder why the GOP has been trying to weaken the whistleblower protections?
Ok, I’m worn out. welcome everybody!
Well, I was being a bit facetious there, but you know how I would love to see him wading through IFP’s up there on the Court, and giving a much needed counterbalance to that charming rascal AS. We MUST get a JT or his equivalent up on the Court when the next vacancy comes open (and since that vacancy is going to come from the ‘better half’ of the current court, it is all the more imperative.
But you’re right, his absence here is noticeable and I am beginning to worry a bit!!
At least you’re still here holding down the fort.
“j’accord, Patty C.
But since JT MAY be on some kind of short-list for some appointment POSSIBLY, maybe he has to avoid creating a paper trail that could be used against him!!!
One has to consider such things….. :)”
***
DW, that would be dandy-IF HE DECIDES TO LEAVE US, ALONE, IN THE DARK
-FOREVER AND EVER!!!
I thought he would like to know ‘we noticed’, is all…
I can’t imagine what kind of deal Pelosi has made with Bush in order to keep him and his gang of criminals out of hot water. Maybe it was a trade — We’ll let the 2006 congressional elections go to the dems if you don’t persue our texas mafia.
Once again what the people of this country think and feel doesn’t matter at all. In order for us all to heal, move on, and take pride in our country we need to see justice reign down on these criminals. Wouldn’t it make current and future politicians see that they need to follow the same rules of law as the people they represent are expected to? It’s difficult to believe that a blue dress with semen stains was ever worse than anything Bush Co has managed to F-up. Impeachment would be the beginning — war crime tribunals would be the next step.
Also why is Tom Delay and Ken Blackwell showing up on MSNBC occasionally for commentary? Oh yeah, I saw Ann Coulter there the other day too! What’s up with that?
j’accord, Patty C.
But since JT MAY be on some kind of short-list for some appointment POSSIBLY, maybe he has to avoid creating a paper trail that could be used against him!!!
One has to consider such things….. 🙂
USC Title 18, chapter 1, 4, misprision of felony
This net reaches wide and deep.
JT, they are coming out of the woodwork! All these new bloggers with their nuanced opinions and requests for your expert Constitutional opinion.
I’m glad you are layin’ low, although I think I speak for everybody – “we miss your face”… 😉
Start Impeachment hearings the day after election day. That way, there’ll be no blowback because it’s too late for the “press” or the Republicans to destroy the Dem’s for election day. If the Dem’s win the Presidency, start the hearings. If the Dem’s lose the Presidency, start the hearings. Either way, it makes sense to do it then. Stringing up the traitors should only need about a month because all the work of evidence gathering for Impeachment has already been done by bloggers.
“An ELECTIVE DESPOTISM was not the government we fought for,” James Madison wrote in Federalist Paper 41. As America nears the 229th anniversary of its independence, it is well to recall Madison’s words and to remember what the Founders fought for is best described in Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence, which remains the single most important statement on the nature of our republic.
Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, that whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the people to alter or abolish it, and to institute new Government laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their safety and Happiness.
Jefferson went on wisely to warn that long-established governments must not be changed for “light and transient reasons.” He added, however, that the documented record of a government’s “long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing … a design to reduce them under an absolute Despotism” creates for its citizens a right and a duty “to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security.”
The “Despotism” Americans face today is not that of George III’s Britain, nor is it the expanding Northern commercial and social juggernaut the Secessionists despised and feared. No, Americans are confronted and oppressed by an “absolute Despotism” of incompetence, cowardice, and self-interest, a despotism controlled by an aristocracy of male and female life-time office servers who have forgotten that they are hired help, not demigods. These men and women care only for the perpetuation of their power and sinecures and only act to preserve their power. They care not a jot about protecting Americans and their land.
Lew Rockwell
Impeachment is a remedy not political revenge. It is the only way we can restore our system of checks and balances. If the democratic leadership were involved they need to be held accountable, too.
The minute Pelosi said “impeachment is off the table” she overstepped her authourity. It is beyond me why Pelosi took impeachment off the table because by doing so it guarantees Bush & Cheney free rite of passage. Meaning no matter what they do they will not be held accountable.
If Pelosi had stated something to the effect that the language in the Constitution is unequivocal regarding impeachment, but at present nothing leads her to believe impeachment is necessary adding notwithstanding they would follow the facts wherever they lead, etc… hence if merited then appropriate actions would be pursued. However she didn’t, so as it stands now, there is no incentive for Bush and/or Cheney to keep within the bounds of the law.
Churchill stated that ‘one of the first strengths of democracy is holding leaders to account for their decisions…’ Until the public acknowledges that the rule of law is meant for everyone, Bush and Cheney will continue abusing their powers and breaking the law without accountability.
Get rid of the current democratic leadership and replace them with true democrats, progressive democrats. Democrats who will NOT support republicans or vote like a republican.
Vote them out! Replace Nancy Pelosi with Edward Kennedy or Russ Feingold or Dennis Kucinich, etc.
When Bush and Cheney are finally imprisoned let’s hope Ms. Pelosi accompanies them. I wonder how she’ll look in orange.
Pelosi made a calculated move to take impeachment “off the table” prior to the 2006 elections so it wouldn’t become a distraction for the Dems to defend during the election believing that this issue hurt the Dems more than it helped them. As long as impeachment is considered a political hot potato I don’t see Dem leadership wanting to do anything to upset their election chances again in 2008 by bringing it up. I have heard good arguments that the Kuchinich impeachment resolution wasn’t that carefully crafted and from what I read of it I would agree as it seemed to make some wild accusations that even if true would be hard to prove. That said, I can’t understand why just holding some hearings to see what’s there would present problems for Dems in the election. It seems to me this represents a sale’s deficit on the part of the Dems – an ability to articulate the correct position. What also is a concern is there might not be enough time now before Bush leaves office to get a real investigation off the ground knowing how easy it will be for BushCo to stonewall attempts at discovery with every request for information being litigated to the max under executive privilege or state’s secrets, etc.
That said, I have always wondered why the House Dems won’t consider censure resolutions of both Bush and Cheney? Why not at least start with the least offensive measure and try and get support for that before moving up the ladder for impeachment.
I think every sane person realizes there are plenty of good grounds to impeach both Bush and Cheney and in order to repair the damage they have done, this would be the right way to proceed. Unfortunately we don’t have enough Dems willing to risk their political careers in order to do what’s best for the country. While my web site continues to urge impeachment and support every effort that pushes for this, I think the window to begin this might already be closed or now part of the 2008 election strategies.
That said we all should be making sure the Dem candidate for President and those running for Congress and the Senate assure everyone they would support an independent investigation of Bush’s administration with intent of indicting and prosecuting any of them for crimes once a Dem becomes President. RJ Crane
The Americn public has not been quiescent. By all appearances, however, we have been largely ignored and/or unheard-until now.
It only appears as though we have been manipulated. Our elected officials, and a generally cool-headed constituency geared toward the democratic process, are the only things that stand between us and immediate resolution of the issues that concern us – most notably, those responsible.
That is why, in my view, is is SO important to proceed, during THIS term, with any and all pending criminal investigations – from FISA/NSA, Torture/Waterboarding, the US Attorney Firing Scandal, to No-Bid, Overseas, Iraq/Afghanistan, Military Contracts
– including Halliburton and Blackwater, to name a couple.
It is also why “they” would prefer matters do not proceed. And there lies the rub.
This time, I wouldn’t look for trends stemming from any past Presidency. Throughout history you come across sentiments expressing
that theirs were “extraordinary times’ and, now, ours is one of
those extraordinary times, as well.