Why censure & not impeachment?

[Jackpine Radical]

Impeachment is probably impossible right now. You probly couldn't even get a majority of Dems to go along in the current climate. Most Dems would go for censure, though. So the choice is between making a quixotic, futile gesture that gets you branded a lunatic, and making a clear statement that draws a line in the sand & results in a floor vote that distinguishes between the complicit Puggies and the mainstream of the Democratic Party.

[wtmusic]

1. Because Feingold is a senator

good first step though.

[MrPrax]

2. You sure?

"Most Dems would go for censure, though."

Doubtful they will go for that either...the echo chamber has bypassed them.

[TayTay]

3. Impeachment originates in the House

The Senate can introduce a resolution to censure someone. This is the proper course of action. I don't think Senators should come out for or against impeachment, given that the Senate's role after impeachment is to be a jury in a trial for the person for whom a bill of indictment has been written up. (Impeachment is the House's job, not the Senate's, according to the Constitution.)

[blm]

5. And as jurors in an impeachment, no Senator should judge impeachment

as too radical a move against Bush at this time.

[TayTay]

9. The Senate should do what they do

and let the House do what they do. I think some of these debates confuse the issues and make it seem like nothing can get done. Dem. Senators should concentrate on actions in the Senate, that seems like a more focused and organized plan.

[blm]

10. I agree. And they definitely shouldn't offer pre-judgements or

present their ideas as an alternative.

[Moody Bluz]

4. For the same reason...

Democrats voted against Alito but not in favor of a filibuster. No spine. If the vote for censure goes through, do think that those same guys would vote for removal of Bush if they had the means to do so.

[bpilgrim]

6. a good First Step - drip-drip-drip - considering who owns the hill.. today

and a great debate point to force the reTHUGs into in the run up to the 06 elections.

then we reap the rewards and impeach Jan 07 :bounce:

peace

[Warpy]

7. I think censure is doable

and can be seen as a step toward impeachment after the midterm elections.

Let's face it, Delay still holds too much influence over the House GOP, and he will never allow impeachment. However, censure can be seen as a toothless gesture, why not let them think they're doing something for the country, pat them on the heads and let them go, blah blah blah.

The GOP is a whole lot more divided than the iron fisted control of the House reflects. This bunch in the White House is too radical for even the Koolaid drinkers who like the stuff. Censure might be seen as an empty gesture that would play well with voters in November, and may be allowed for that very reason, "See? We may be Repugs, but we know what's right!"

[blm]

11. Censure is doable in the Senate more than impeachment in the House?

How do you figure?

[radio4progressives]

8. The House has to Introduce Articles of Impeachment but the Senate

Can (nothing in the Constitution that prohibits it - and there is a prescedent) Censure.

We'll have to wait until we can control of the House before we can move forward with Inquiry - which is the first step, and then everything else follows.. that's a long ways away - in the meantime this president is abusing his authority by wantonly breaking the laws of the land and defying the Constitution which he pledged his oath to uphold and defend.

He continues to engage in Domestic Spying programs, and a long long list of other horrible, terrible, and illegal activities.

Since we can take no other legal action to hold him accountable, and to force him to cease and desist, at least we can Censure him. When we take back the House (presuming we are victorious) we can then move in meaningful proceedures to impeach, prosecute and convict.