Truthout Original

Kucinich: Impeachment Not "Off the Table"

by: Christopher Kuttruff, t r u t h o u t | Report

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Congressman Dennis Kucinich spoke Tuesday to Truthout about his impeachment resolution. (Photo: Getty Images)

    While Congressional leaders silently opt to table impeachment articles against President Bush, Congressman Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) vows to speak out and keep the articles alive and in the public conscience. Kucinich spoke on Tuesday to Truthout about his resolution.

    Last week the House voted 251-166 to refer Kucinich's articles of impeachment to committee - an action that most political analysts view as a desire by the Congressional leadership to bury the resolution. Kucinich, however, promised to keep impeachment from being swept "off the table" in order to provide a historical record of the Bush administration's policies.

    The 35 articles of impeachment include charges of violating domestic and international laws against torture, misrepresenting intelligence in the lead-up to the war, illegally spying on American citizens, obstructing justice and governmental oversight, and many other violations.

    When asked why impeachment has not been seriously considered, Kucinich recalled to Truthout:

"Back in October of 2006 ... the Democratic leaders, expecting that they would be in a position of being in charge of the Congress, when asked about impeachment, said no. So, what happened is the tone was set early on that impeachment would be off the table even before the Democrats took over.

The problem is that such an approach unwittingly licensed misconduct and violations of US and international law. This was not very well thought out by Congressional leaders. Because the inaction has nullified the historical role - the constitutionally mandated role - of separation of powers and checks and balances. Two years ago it was too early ... now it's too late. The only question that should be asked is did he violate the law? The answer to that question is yes."

    On MSNBC's Keith Olbermann on June 10, Jonathan Turley, professor of constitutional law at George Washington University, commented on the articles of impeachment. "The framers, I think, would have been astonished by the absolute passivity, if not the collusion, of the Democrats in protecting President Bush from impeachment," Turley stated.

    "Frankly some of these claims are not really impeachable offenses. For example, it's not impeachable to be negligent. But there are plenty of crimes there. What's really disturbing for many of us, is that it takes a real effort for Democrats to walk from the floor to their offices and not trip over crimes. They are all over the record. What's amazing is that the president is hiding in plain view. He hasn't really denied the elements of these offenses. So, all that is lacking is political will," Turley noted.

    "Speaker Pelosi will continue to lead legislative efforts to find a new direction in Iraq but believes that impeachment would create a divisive battle, be a distraction from Congress' efforts to chart a new course for America's working families and would ultimately fail," Nadeam Elshami, spokesman for Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi, said in a statement.

    House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer has questioned the effectiveness of challenging President Bush in the "waning months of this administration's tenure."

    With elections approaching, many Congress members dismiss the impeachment resolution as implausible and politically unwise, but few have attempted to dispute the substance of the articles. Sending the resolution to committee, a tactic frequently used to block debate on an issue or piece of legislation, reflects the Congressional leadership's unwillingness to debate the articles.

    But while most legislation can go to committee and not be heard from again, impeachment is a privileged resolution, meaning that it has to be initially voted on in a timely manner, and it can be brought up again. Kucinich vowed to do exactly that. He stressed that if the resolution is not acted on by the House Judiciary committee, he will reintroduce the articles. "I'll bring it back," Kucinich emphasized. "The minute I introduced it, someone from the media said 'Well the leadership says this is dead'; and I said 'well, then, I hope they believe in life after death' because I'm bringing this back. And it'll be brought back within about 30 days of when I introduced it. And there'll be more. There'll be 60 items. And I'll read them. And people need to hear exactly what's happened in this government."

    Congressman Robert Wexler (D-Florida), Congresswoman Barbara Lee (D-California) and Lynn Woolsey (D-California) have come out in support of the resolution, but most Congress members have avoided the issue completely, trying not to marginalize themselves before the 2008 election. Kucinich said that he is talking to other House members to try to get them on board, and that he was also going to speak to Judiciary Chairman John Conyers this week, and provide Conyers more information and evidence supporting the articles.

    "I've talked to Republicans who support the resolution, but they're not prepared to come out. There are Democrats who support it, and hopefully they'll put their names to it. But whether they do or not, I feel that this needs to be on the record," Kucinich said.

    Asked why the conflicting principles of the Democratic Party and the Bush administration have not resulted in a more defined impasse between the two branches, Kucinich stated, "The Bush administration has promulgated this concept of a unitary executive, which essentially nullifies, again, the Congress. And if the Congress goes along with that, it's essentially engaging in self-negation. We don't have any right to destroy the Constitution any more than the president does. And we have to look at the consequences of our failure to act here."

    Kucinich refused to accept the notion that articles of impeachment were an exercise in partisanship that would not result in any action.

"There are hearings that take place, but of what consequence. There are letters being written, but where do they lead? If there's no accountability, hearings and letters are for naught. This impeachment resolution is a document, which should be the basis for hearings.

I am not going to relent in my determination to protect this Constitution and to show the American people that the government that they have had for the last two terms has been based on lies - lies that have separated us from the world..."

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Christopher Kuttruff is an editor and reporter for Truthout.

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I've said it before and I

I've said it before and I say it again: IMPEACHMENT is an absolute necessity for the United States to maintain its nationhood. Like all those who have commented on this: Thank God for Dennis Kucinich. He is indeed a hero and a patriot.

Impeachment is impossible

Impeachment is impossible without first confronting the reality of the 'Jewish Lobby's' stranglehold on the Congress and the Lobby's determination to keep the status quo.

Our sword and shield; the

Our sword and shield; the Constitution and the Bill of Rights are preeminent. It is the basis of all US democratic law. The more citizens emphasize the Constitution and the Bill of Rights as our central focus the more we are strengthened and the more likelihood we have of holding the Bush Administration's members accountable for War Crimes and treasonous subversions of the all our Rights. Let Congressman Kucinich embolden us all to keep insisting to Right and Left alike: The Constitution and the Bill of Rights are preeminent!

Kucinich the

Kucinich the "truthteller" Amy Goodman's Democracy Now is especially good today ( Tuesday). Senator Feingold addressing the "telecon" issue, tribute to George Carlin and Buckminister Fuller Award.

With some exceptions, our

With some exceptions, our Congress is scary. Not to mention the Executive Branch and the Supreme Court. As Kucinich has said, "One person can make a difference." Let's hope Dennis makes a big difference.

Ever feel like your world

Ever feel like your world has been stolen by the worst criminals on Earth? I do. Without Dennis Kuccinich, who speaks the truth, we would never know the extent to which we are being screwed. I listened to Dennis read all of the 35 articles and to me every one rang true. It's bizarro world all over again. When all this started, I thought it would never stand the light of day. Americans will not fight for liberty here, why should they fight for it there?

Dennis Kucinich has been the

Dennis Kucinich has been the most consistent progressive politician to ever walk the halls of Congress and needs to be supported by progressives wherever they live. Help keep him in Congress by donating to his campaign. In my opinion, whether Obama is progressive will be measured by his inclusion of Kucinich in his administration's braintrust. Otherwise, he, too, will be just another politician in a suit.

Last night, in a fit of

Last night, in a fit of anger and frustration, I dug up the names and contact information on the 105 "Democratic" traitors who voted to approve the latest version of the "Compromise FISA bill" -- which destroys our Fourth Amendment. I put the list on a website and will now go about "promoting" it. Ideally, with your help, we could bring this site to the attention of enough people to develop a viral network that could then gain enough critical mass among voters to remove these traitors. Here is the site: http://www.cloudbyte.com/traitors.html

Here's my letter to the

Here's my letter to the editor in support of Representative Wexler. Just substitute Kucinich for Wexler and read: Let's be frank. The Framer's intended that our democratic-constitutional-republic would provide the best balance to preserve the liberties and freedoms of the People by the use of the Triune Government. The three branches of the federal government are designed to keep checks and balance on one another. Inherent in our style of representative government is the insurance that the liberties of the essential minority, a.k.a. the individual be maintained. This means that there will always be someone dissatisfied with political events, but also that no one ideological group will ever always get their way. Though we currently hear disgruntled voices lambasting legislative member, Congressman Robert Wexler, remember, he does indeed represent a large group of Americans who feel that his efforts towards impeachment are most justified. There are many voices in the republic, and we should all be aware that that is essentially a good thing. The checks and balances intended by our constitution require that the Legislative Branch keep a check on egregious reaches of power by the Executive Branch. There are many Americans who feel that the Bush White House has far overreached their constitutional authority. Mr. Wexler is a representative of the voices of millions of Americans. He is exercising his constitutional authority, and that is his innate, constitutional prerogative. In other words, he is doing his job. Those who disagree may speak up. Those who agree with him will support his efforts. This is civil discourse and the conclusion will be decided through public debate. Therefore, it is his duty to voice the opinions of the many who agree with him that this administration MUST be held accountable as warning to future administrations, of any political party that the presidency is NOT a monarchy and not above the rule of law, (legislated by the procedures of our democratic-constitutional-republic). Two opposite scenarios are plausible. If he and his fellow colleagues fail in their bid to impeach, then future Americans will certainly revisit this issue again. They will have this historical moment then placing the burden of proof against a future presidency squarely on the people! Should impeachment be the outcome of his efforts it will be due to the fact that the majority of Americans support his cause. It would be decisive victory against the tilt towards totalitarianism. Future Presidencies will abide within explicit limits set forth by the constitutional and statutory laws of our nation, or face the consequences enforced by history. That history is being decided now. We the People will choose. I hope that we, and our descendents will forever have that choice. Impeachment will insure our right to choose. Sincerely, P.H.

It's really astounding how

It's really astounding how quickly and how violently the Republicans went after President Clinton for something as trivial as a private sexual matter; yet here is a fellow whose regime has lied to the American Public and the world. Because of those lies thousands of young America soldiers are dead, tens of thousands wounded, and hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians killed and wounded. Our economy is shutting down. Oil prices are shooting up, and no one wants to hold this administration accountable for all of the irreversible damage it has done to this Nation and to the world. GOD help us! Our government has lost its mind. http://antiterrorist.r8.org

Why the near universal

Why the near universal resistance to impeachment by both Democrats and Republicans? Answer: Investigating corruption, which is systemic, will lead farther down the chain of command within all branches of government. From the crimes of September 11th, 2001 (which was not an act of war, but, instead, was planned years in advance by our government); to signing off on illegal wars; to endorsing spying on US citizens, torture of "enemy combatants" in the "war on terror"...Our elected officials fear shame and embarrassment if not prosecution for their sins of commission and/omission. God bless Dennis Kucinich, a real American patriot.

Thank you Congressman

Thank you Congressman Kucinich. And I am glad to learn that you intorduced articles of impeachment against Vice President Cheney, whom I believe is the true mastermind of the Imperial Presidency. Why hasn't Congress demanded that the people who are acting out these treasonous policies are not being required to answer their summons to appear before Congressional committees? throw them in jail and maybe they will change their tune. they wouldn't hesitate to do the same to me. I guess we shouldn't be surprised by the passage of a war budget larger than ever, and eavesdropping bill which gave them even more than they could have dreamed of. We must have public campaign financing to restore our democracy and close down the Congressional, military, industrial complex. Norie Clarke

Notice how the mainstream

Notice how the mainstream media keeps this out of their news? The only report on television I have heard came from KO (Knock Out) Keith Olberman. CNN is a cowardly cohort to obstruction of justice by not reporting on this during prime time. I guess they are counting on a McCain presidency. Censure McCain also

Good on Kucinich for

Good on Kucinich for speaking what is only the truth. Bad on Congress for failing to listen. What cowards, and ultimately what stupidity! At least these Articles, all true, all undisputed, have been read into the Congressional Record. There they stand not only as an indictment of this Executive, but also as an indictment of the Congress that would not take the steps necessary to launch an investigation--which is all that impreachment is. The trial of Bush and Cheney's crimes would take place in the Senate, after the House impeaches. No wonder the people's faith in this Do-Nothing Congress is at an all time low. If we could only vote all of them out except for these few honest, brave souls, Kucinich, Wexler, Lee, Woolsey.

I applaud Dennis for his

I applaud Dennis for his fervent stance on impeachment of Bush and his whole crime family. I hope he is successful, but it doesn't look good. From what I've been able to gather on progressive radio is that some of the Democratic leadership, namely Pelosi, Reid and others may have had knowledge of some of Bush's activities and so may be complicit. Pelosi may be trying very hard to cover her own butt. To me, that is the strongest argument as to why she or Reid don't want impeachment to go forward. Our Congress and Senate on the whole have really become sad and pathetic.

Though I once voted for

Though I once voted for Bush, this is the right thing to do when Presidents so badly abuse their position. I fear Cheney even more than Bush, worry that he should be impeached first, and that the impeachment attempt might have come up short with the Senate politics that existed (the only reason I could see for delay). My father-in-law, though a staunch conservative, did not hesitate in calling for impeachment proceedings against Nixon (whom we had both voted for). He has clarified my view that the President must answer sooner than later, whether or not that reduces chances of removing them (it will certainly change their behavior sooner). Although previous Presidents have had to use extraordinary emergency powers, they have answered for their actions later. I can tolerate that, if they keep the records for later review. Cheney and Bush deserve harsher treatment for their apparent massive attempts to destroy as many traces of their actions as they can. I still want to see details of Cheney's Energy Task Force which I believe are among the first of their criminal misdeeds.

Denis is a TRUE PATRIOT in

Denis is a TRUE PATRIOT in every sense of the word, he stands up when it is not The Thing To DO. Keep it coming....

Imagine Impeachment! Thank

Imagine Impeachment! Thank you Dennis and all the others that will make this happen.

Thank you Congressman. Sent

Thank you Congressman. Sent money to the last two of your campaigns for President because of your rational stances. Keep up the great work!

God bless you!THank you

God bless you!THank you Dennis Thank you Truthout THank you everyone who reads this and related articles and who goes out to spread the light in to the dark as i have and will twice harder thrice better Now is the time.......patriot

Well, one cannot be sure

Well, one cannot be sure about Kucinich's true motivations for pushing for impeachment (all politicians have their hidden agendas), but I do agree that this is a GOOD THING. As an American that has lived overseas for 34 years, I have seen world opinion of the USA drop to its lowest levels ever under the Bush/Cheney regime. The USA has been viewed by many as the champion of freedom and democracy even though we as a nation have frequently and blatantly violated these same principles many times. Now is the chance for America to show the rest of the world that we stand by the principles we espouse, to include going so far as to openly clean our own house. However, I am amazed at the lack of willingness on the part of our Congress to engage proactively in countering the blatant and egregious disregard of the principles set forth in our Constitution by Bush/Cheney. This trend seems to parallel the transition of the Roman Republic to the Roman Empire where an Emperor had absolute control and the Senators were reduced to figureheads. Why are we letting this happen? While the USA will always have issues and conflicts to deal with on the world stage, there are certainly better ways to deal with them than to declare a War on Terror and create a Department of Homeland Security. These are all measures taken from Leo Strauss' playbook which calls for creating an enemy even if none exists for the purpose of manipulating and controlling our own society. There are concerted efforts being made by certain groups to make our Constitution irrelevant and steal American freedoms from Americans. Because of this, we need to be afraid, Very, very afraid. And because of this, we need to support Dennis Kucinich and his impeachment initiative.

bless you mr. Congressman

bless you mr. Congressman Dennis Kucinich for speaking the truth.

It is the responsibility not

It is the responsibility not just of the military but of all citizens "to preserve and protect the Constitution of the United States".

The problem with the

The problem with the Democrats is that they are Bush-lite Republican DLC lobbyist acting Democrats, but voting Republican.

I have read all the other

I have read all the other very thoughtful comments and realize I can not match their prose but I can say I agree with all of them, true patriots of this country we all love. Dennis Kucinich is not the voice of one crying in the wilderness, but the conscience of all thoughtful Americans. We the people better wake up or there will be no country left. We are quite fortunate to have a leader such as Dennis Kucinich and I hope his wisdom and intellectual guidance will be with us to turn this country around. He truly epitomizes the very best of governance, such as succinctly set forth in the Jaycee Creed, which I have followed for the last 50 years, and which I set forth here: J. A. C. Creed We Believe: That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life; That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations; That economic justice can best be won by free man through free enterprise; That government should be of laws rather than of men; That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality; And that service to humanity is the best work of life. After Dennis Kucinich ended his Presidential race, I joined the Obama campaign, thinking that he might fulfill the dream of restoring our country to what it should be. I am now sorry to say his pandering to the Democratic leadership has demonstrated to me that he will not be the man that Dennis Kucinich would have been in the White House. I think it is important to stand for the basic principles of government that our Constitution sets forth, irrespective of whether one thinks it will be expedient to be elected. I think Obama will lose more votes than he thinks he will gain by joining the club of Washington insiders.

Thank God for Dennis

Thank God for Dennis Kucinich. That Mr. Hoyer who talks about the "waning" days of the current administration --Where are your brains and conscience? More harm, lies, destruction and infamy are going on now in these last few months before the election than ever before We must keep the IMPEACHMENT resolution before the Congress. We need to call a nation-wide STRIKE for IMPEACHMENT NOW before it's too late.

It has been said, that there

It has been said, that there has been no greater abuse of power than that which has been exhibited by president Bush and vice president Cheney during their tenure in office. As such, if the president and vice president should not be impeached, we should never impeach anyone. It is not so important that they be removed from office, as it is that we the people show our disdain for such abuses at the highest levels of our government. That future generations shall take note and heed the message that our country will not tolerate an arrogant and unlawful leader to move into the annals of our proud history, to receive all the glory and decoration as past presidents and vice presidents, without so much as a censure or condemnation. Instead, to say that Mr Bush and Mr Cheney have lived up to the great traditions and honor of our America is a mockery in and of itself, and dishonors our greatest and proudest presidents and vice presidents of the past. When I contacted my congressman, Senator Bill Nelson, he agreed with our concern. However, he stated that it would be impractical to impeach, and that we should just let them finish their term. That is exactly what we should not do. Please, Mr Conyers, do not let our voices go unheard, and do not let our country suffer the indignities of this egregious and outrageous behavior without any recourse.

Without Congressman

Without Congressman Kucinich's courage, candor, and persistence, Constitutional government in the US becomes a fiction. How shameful, shocking, and frightening it is that only this one elected official forthrightly explicates and defends Constitutional principles -- especially independence of the three branches, checks and balances, and the Bill of Rights.. He is the only one who has taken the trouble to detail the high crimes and misdemeanors committed throughout the Cheney-Bush administration, with the without opposition of an indifferent, fearful, and/or a supine Congress. This is possible only because most people (we,us) haven't noticed or don't know what grievous damage already has been done to our fundamental system of governance. Worse, most people don't know that they don't know. And worse than that, they don't seem to care, or haven't noticed, that they don't know that they don't know. "The fault... is not in our stars, but in ourselves..."

Keep shoving it down their

Keep shoving it down their throats Dennis. Washington politicians live in the "DC Bubble," which has a sign posted saying: "no conscience shall enter here." In this bubble there is no reaction to war crimes, violation of the Nuremburg guidelines and Geneva Conventions, genocide, illegal war, etc.... What has been amazing is that Bush has not denied a single crime of which he has been accused. So without the Democrats, Bush could never get away with such horrendous crimes peformed in the bright light of day. I can't wait to see the day this government topples and comes tumbling down.

In the never-ending pursuit

In the never-ending pursuit of greater, more unreasonable profits there has been a long and concerted effort by corporations to undermine the rights of working Americans. It significantly reared it's ugly head during the Reagan administration with it's handling of the air-traffic controllers' strike. This was carried forward during the first Bush White House with the attempted passage of NAFTA. Where Republican Bush failed, Democrat Clinton succeeded in pushing NAFTA through and thus helped to further the cause of global imperialism at the cost of workers' rights and standard of living. In 2000 the United States experienced a coup with the theft of the election by the second (actually third) and more virulent strain of Bush and corporate control of our government became all but complete. Now money talks more than ever. Greed is the creed and too many Congress members of both parties are personally and literally invested in the same corporations (and agenda) that drove Reagan and now George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. The engine that drives this corporate profit-making machine is war, fueled by expendable lives and American tax-dollars. Both Republicans and Democrats are feeding from the same trough. Far too many of them are profiting from war and guilty of helping to support and fund wars. Any war. Impeachment runs the risk of exposing all those who are culpable, thus it is "off the table". (Clinton's impeachment only threatened Clinton) This is not to say that it shouldn't be pursued, but how else can it be explained that the Democrats were so quick to deny impeachment when our system of checks and balances and our democracy were at stake. There is no more important obligation of Congress than to derail a runaway Executive Branch that arrogantly ignores the constitution, the rule of law and the will of the people. If the process of impeachment brings the other tasks of Congress to a halt we need a Congress more skilled at multitasking. If Congress thinks it can do business as usual while ignoring an Executive Branch that is busy committing high crimes then our government is seriouly broken and needs a remedial crash course in Roman history. My heartfelt thanks go to Congressman Dennis Kucinich for his courageous challenge to the worst, most corrupt administration and most negligent Congress in our history, but he cannot succeed without we, the people, getting involved and keeping the pressure on our elected or about to be elected representatives. Thank you Dennis. and don't give up.

It is the legal

It is the legal Constitutional obligation of anyone who has taken an oath to the US Constitution (as all Congressmen and Senators do) to impeach and convict Bush. Bush's violation of international treaties is a violation of the highest law of the land. Period!! Here are the quotes from the Constitution itself. "This Constitution, and the Laws of the United States which shall be made in Pursuance thereof; and all Treaties made, or which shall be made, under the Authority of the United States, shall be the supreme Law of the Land" "The judicial Power shall extend to all Cases, in Law and Equity, arising under this Constitution, the Laws of the United States, and Treaties made, or which shall be made, under their Authority;--to all Cases affecting Ambassadors, other public Ministers and Consuls;--to all Cases of admiralty and maritime Jurisdiction;--to Controversies to which the United States shall be a Party;……., and foreign States, Citizens or Subjects"

My open letter to congress

My open letter to congress members Hoyer, Pelosi, and Conyers On June 9th, Congressman Dennis Kucinich introduced articles of Impeachment against President George W Bush. I read today that Steny Hoyer said that Kucinich had "an absolute right" to raise the issue [OF IMPEACHMENT]. But he questioned whether it made sense to spend time on it during what he called "the waning monhs" of the Bush administration. If Osama Bin Laden said he was resigning as head of Al Qaeda, would you give up on punishing him for 9-11? I speak for every Democrat I know (and a good deal of non-Democrats) when I say we will support an Impeachment of this President and his cabinet. We support using time and resources for committee hearings even if it means the outcome is NO impeachment. You owe it to the American people to, at the very least, have hearings. Our nation is bleeding in the street. You not only stand by and do nothing, you block those who would do something from doing anything about it. I'm ashamed of you. I'm ashamed of the press for staying silent on such a huge issue. The American people deserve to hear from the President and his cabinet regarding the allegations brought up by congressman Kucinich. The world needs to hear it. Unlike the ridiculous Clinton Impeachment hearings, these issues have a global impact. The US reputation in the world is damaged and other countries need to see we are willing to change and acknowledge our wrongs. By doing nothing, you are sending a message to the world indicating you do not care. You would rather play politics than act on principle. You would, out of fear, not speak up for what you know is right and just. The framers of the constitution would surely be ashamed of you right now. Brave people who signed our Declaration of Independence with the echo of Benjamin Franklin's words, "We must all hang together, or assuredly we shall all hang separately" in their heads. An American soldier will die today because of a war this country was deceived into waging by a President who does not, and has no reason to, care. Let that soldier's blood (and the blood of the next, and the next) be on the hands of those who knew they could do something NOW, and decided to wait out this President's term because it was more politically convenient. If you continue to do nothing -- if you do not make a bold move on this issue, you do not deserve to hold place as a representative of the American people. If you will not back impeachment for the right reasons, consider that the public will stay home on election day rather than go out and vote for the next "do-nothing-Democrat". You can talk about change all you want, but actions speak louder than words. If voters are not encouraged to actually vote, you will lose the election and what is left of our country. Sincerely, American Citizen I sent this out to Pelosi, Hoyer, and Conyers on June 13th. A copy also went to Dennis, Howard Dean, Obama and his wife, and Hillary Clinton, and my local newspapers. Here are some addresses: info@hoyerforcongress.com info@nancypelosiforcongress.com sf.nancy@mail.house.gov AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov john.conyers@mail.house.gov

Perhaps the Republicans

Perhaps the Republicans could be persuaded that impeachment is a good way to reduce presidential powers before a Democrat takes the office. Would they expect that a President Obama will not use these same powers? Maybe they should consider that. On the other hand, when the war with Iran starts, perhaps a declaration of martial law will be in order. We can just continue as is. No need for any election.

Why did the Democrats wait

Why did the Democrats wait until an election year? Is this more about election year politics? Bush and Cheney have been the worst administration in modern history. Yet, impeachment hearings - why now?

Impeachment is critical. If

Impeachment is critical. If we don't hold these criminals accountable, there is nothing at all to stop the next one from achieving the absolute power they have pretty much taken unto themselves and invalidate our entire system. This is about much more than Bush/Cheney at al. This is about our entire American system of government and upholding our values. Kucinich is a true American hero. Too bad more people don't recognize it.

Dennis, you are a HERO! I

Dennis, you are a HERO! I wish I could personally shake your hand. Thank you for voicing our convictions, this administration with Bush and Cheney in particular-- prepared even before their election in 2000---to lead this nation into an extended period of world turmoil so that the' even greater effects' of this chaos ---namely imperial control-- would rein. Believe it not? Start naming the hundreds of Constitutional violations, the Executive Orders, the Signing agreements, and regime built upon secrecy--these are all about---blatantly asserting Bush has no intention to obey any law---most especially the Constitution. He has declared himself the "decider', in Constitutional language it is "Unitary Executive" with the full power of a dictator whenever he choses to exercise full power. Don't be naive--if that is not their intent, then why all the effort to do all that has been done. The question that has been avoided by everyone is the WHY? Why all the secrecy and resistance to ANY investigation now since 9/11--and all things since, WHY all the pervasive claiming Executive Privilege even for any in the agencies that make up the Executive Office. Start Asking and Seeking the Why. It will bring to you to stand with the courageous --- Dennis, and Wexler, and Ron Paul, and a growing chorus. Pelosi should be removed from the office she so coveted-- for failure to represent not only members of the House---but the larger constituency---refusing to listen and respond to the PEOPLE and her honoring her Oath of office to support and defend the Constitution. This administration has had a sinister agenda since before day one----do the homework. PNAC is a start--look at this blueprint for action, it signatories---all the names you know. And do you know McCain is one of them---why do you think both are 'thinking' of our occupying/ position in Iraq for' generations to come," even " 100 years, and justifying that position by referring to our nearly 800 military bases all over the world--- pushing for 58 in Iraq. So little homework answers the WHY. Dennis Kucinich comprehends that bringing an investigation to the table is the beginning of cleansing the whole mess, asking the WHY, HOW, WHAT, WHERE AND WHEN questions-- there IS NO OTHER WAY. AND IT IS URGENT NOW! It will not happen under the next administration no matter who is elected and consequently---it will not happen at all, the political game doesn't allow for justice---only for 'pardons.' Corruption breeds corruption, collusion breeds collusion--the political system is terminally sick. Our Republic cannot survive this cancerous tumor spreading unchecked through the whole body. IF we do not bring these blatant and heinous crimes to accountability now--there is no stopping. Some how, some where all the murderous coverups of Truth WILL OUT. The world will bring accountability to our whole nation for the crimes of the few. We can and should be the prosecutors, the bringers of Justice and Accountability for our own system---our own Constitutional governance where the remedy in LAW rests-- or a future of chaos races over the horizon. Hypocrisy is its own boomerang. Thank you Dennis, a Paul Revere of our time. Our countrymen and women---wake up to the call! King George is riding again, killing Truth, Hope and Justice--and Democracy-- as he gallops through the world with the scepter of preemption pointing the way. "Preemption", a new double speak for agenda.

Yes this administration is

Yes this administration is truly the evil empire that destroys the world a little more evy day they remain in office. Whythis congress sees fit to allow them to continue is beyond me. This is their Armageddon, and they are doing all they can to escalate it it as much as possible until the day they leave, if they leave. This is the most greedy, self-serving, murderous, treasonous and destructive administration in the history of this country. Johnson, Nixon, and Clinton were all impeached for far lesser offenses. Why should we observe any laws if Congress has thrown out the constitution anyway? I wish we could get about 1 million Americas to go on strike from their jobs, stand in front of the House of Reps., and refuse to return to work until Bush & Cheney are impeached. I'm ready to go now, but then, I don't have children to feed.

I am very thankful that at

I am very thankful that at least a few of our elected representatives have the integrity to speak truth to the crimes of the Bush Administration. These criminals must be impeached in order to preserve our constitution and rule of law. The Speaker must eventually get behind these articles of impeachment even if it must start the day after the November elections.

Bravo...Kucinich gets it.

Bravo...Kucinich gets it. The role of elected officials is to uphold the Constitution, and the job of Congress is to check the misuse of power by the Executive branch. He is absolutely right that Bush's crimes need to be officially entered in the record through the impeachment process regardless of the outcome. He also deserves a lot of credit for pursuing what's right even though this may hurt his political career. A major failing of our current system is our politicians are constantly in a re-election mode rather than a governing mode. PS. To the entry that said Clinton was impeached for sexual misconduct...actually he was impeached for perjury for lying to Congress about sexual misconduct. Perjury is a serious crime and certainly impeachable. However, it pales in comparison to Bush's offenses.

I, too, thank Congressman

I, too, thank Congressman Kucinich for his effort to defend the Constitution. Can someone tell me how the Bush Administration can be held responsible for breaking our laws after January 20, 2009 [at 12 noon!]?

I too am outraged that the

I too am outraged that the Constitution and rule of Law is not being upheld by the Congress because they deem it inconvenient. Those refusing to do their job should also be held accountable for neglect of duty.

if the United States

if the United States Congress does not pursue impeachment against Bush, it will be totally transparent that our system of 'democratic' government is completely compromised. the icon of "America" will be toppled. it is ridiculous that a president was pursued for sexual misconduct while this president usurps the rule of law in his own country and commits atrocities against nations and the people of the world, I am extremely proud of Dennis Kucinich. stay the course Dennis!

Nazi war criminals were

Nazi war criminals were tried decades after the end of WWII because there isn't a statue of limitations on crimes against humanity, I believe that Bush should be held accountable if it takes the next 50 years to finish the process.

The nation is deeply

The nation is deeply indebted to you, Dennis, for continuing the fight to bring to light the criminal nature of Mr. Bush, personally, and a large portion of his administration's hirelings. It is a travesty that Ms. Pelosi has chosen to go along with the cover-up. What, in her mind, could possibly be more important than restoring the integrity of the executive branch, re-establishing the authority of Congress, upholding the rule of law, and preserving the Constitution? That IS the U.S. Please tell us, Congressman, what is the most helpful thing(s) we, as a people, can do, to insure that the Congress has your undivided attention. My Texas Congressman and Senators turn a deaf ear to all demands for accountability and integrity in the Bush administration. Where else can we turn? Thanks again, and never give up.

Dennis Kucinich is one of

Dennis Kucinich is one of few patriots in Congress that uphold the Constitution foremost above the sick politics in Washington !! It is for sure and for certain those in Congress now will not get my vote from Tennessee. Keep on keepin on Mr. Kucinich !!

I will be writing a letter

I will be writing a letter to House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer who has "questioned the effectiveness of challenging President Bush in the "waning months of this administration's tenure." I encourage you all to do the same. This not about effectiveness! Impeaching Bush and Cheney is about HOLDING CRIMINALS ACCOUNTABLE for BREAKING THE LAW. It's about taking back the country from criminals who are being allowed to "spit in the eye" of the all who hold sacred the Constitution and the system of checks and balances. This lawlessness must stop and if our senators won't step up to the plate, we must demand they do so, hold THEM accountable or vote them out of office. As a former Californian and a current Nevadan I am deeply disappointed and embarrassed by Reid and Pelosi's lack of action. They will also be receiving letters from me. BUT they are not the only one's to blame. As a person who protested the Vietnam War and later demanded Nixon's resignation for crimes against the nation, not just by writing letters, but by being a physical presence at rally's and protests I joined millions of others to help change a nation. Where are those millions now? I am equally disappointed at the lack of engagement and participation by my fellow citizens. It is not enough to sit at a computer and blog a comment. We all must call and write our representatives, write editorials, get up and attend rally's and protests and force OUR government to do the right thing. We must also demand that the MEDIA to start doing their job as well. They are as guilty as Bush and Cheney by their lack of courage to tell the truth. Where is the journalist(s) who will follow in the footsteps of Bob Woodward and Carl Bernstein? It takes a concerted effort from all citizens to hold this criminal administration accountable. DO SOMETHING!

I won't feel like an

I won't feel like an American again until Bush and Cheney pay for their crimes. They have committed treason, and the violence in the world today has been exacerbated by their incompetence and negligence. The locomotive World Power has been off the track. Ms. Pelosi - your "off the table" strategy is alienating everyone who loves the US Constitution. Relent and show the world our democratic process is worthwhile and does control its government. It critical to how Americans see themselves, and is the single most important step on the path of world peace - that crimes by our leadership will be punished. If YOU continue to turn away from your duty to the American people, who have been depressed since 2000, YOUR INACTION proves the claim that Democrats don't know how to handle power, fails our presidential candidate, leaves the world bereft of a standard bearer, and you will join Kathryn Harris as a pathetic female doing the wrong thing.

Brave is as brave does Not

Brave is as brave does Not doubt the Bush should go to jail for violation of the Constitution and the American people. And I wonder if this just not another case of the democrats going the high-road and then having their hat handed to them by the Karl Roves of the world. However it is totally not practical. Sorry it is. Too much like Clinton's last years. Unlike Clinton the republicans will rally behind Bush in an election year. And the business of the Congress can be spent of getting victories through and positive Change, for lack of better word. This smells of in fighting beyond the beltway. After the election, though, let the dogs off the lease.

Forget all the flag-waving

Forget all the flag-waving and lapel pin nonsense, Dennis Kucinich embodies true patriotism. He fully comprehends that the precedents set by the Bush Administration are a greater threat to America than all of the terrorists that that our bogus "war on terror" has created. Republican sycophants and fainthearted Democrats who cling to their little political careers rather than honoring their oath to defend the Constitution are, in fact, complicit in Bush's crimes against America and humanity. Of course, their collective head-in-the-sand mentality ultimately demonstrates their political irrelevance. Outrageous Bush policies and Congressional apathy have diminished America's promise and cast us as the most dangerous rogue nation on earth. Our only hope for redemption is to impeach the thieves who stole our country and hold them accountable before the world. Keep up the good fight, Rep. Kucinich. We need you to help us restore America.

What must the rest of the

What must the rest of the world think of us? I grew up in the aftermath of World War II and frequently heard very negative comments about the German people: why did they let such terrible things happen right under their noses?; why didn't they do something to stop Hitler?; etc. I think people elsewhere in the world must have a similar unfavourable opinion of Americans now because we're allowing the criminals in the Bush administration to continue breaking the law and to go unpunished for their misdeeds. We owe Mr Kucinich ENORMOUS gratitute for having the courage to fight for this extremely important issue.

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