Reply #11: With respect... [View All]

[puebloknot]

...because there are a lot of thoughtful people weighing in on the relative merits of impeachment, I wonder if you would "settle for that happily" if you had lost a son or daughter in Iraq.

The Catholic Church has "settled for that happily" by sending pedophile priest off to retreat houses, rather than seeing them held accountable for their crimes,and their victims are left holding the emotional baggage for the rest of their lives.

Crimes have been committed against this country, our laws have been broken, and how it would be spun if we begin impeachment proceedings should be of no concern to us. Staying in power by looking the other way will only prolong our long nightmare. Failure to convict because of a lack of Republican votes would be a matter of public record, and yet another indicator, for history, how far this country has fallen.

"Petty revenge?" I think not. The very foundation of law, historically, is by definition holding to account those who break that law. This country can make a noticeable difference in real people's real lives most notably by honoring the laws this country was founded on. Increasing the minimum wage is of utmost importance, but it will be of little value if we do not restore the right to a fair trial to every citizen, and if we do not show the world that we have not lost completely the virtues that once caused half the world to want to come to our shores.

I find it truly disturbing to see the number of my fellow Americans who want to take a pragmatic approach and move on, leaving all those who have lost loved ones in this illegal war to grieve endlessly, wondering what the sacrifice of their lives was for.

And to those who want to "take the high road and forgive," I turn again to Nelson Mandela's Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Before there can be forgiveness, there must be an acknowledgement of guilt, and amends must be made.

It will be to our eternal shame if we let Bushco just walk away from their documented crimes, with no penalty. I'll never settle for that happily!