Move to Impeach Not Another Distraction

[babylonsister]

http://www.commondreams.org/archive/2007/11/08/5108/

Move to Impeach Not Another Distraction
Editorial

Tuesday’s attempt by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, D-Ohio, to introduce a motion calling for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney was a perfect illustration of why Congress has a lower approval rating than President Bush.

Under House rules, Kucinich offered a privileged resolution calling for impeachment. That meant the full House had two days to consider Kucinich’s motion.

House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, D-Md., didn’t want to wait that long. He moved to table (i.e., kill) Kucinich’s motion. That was not a surprise. Hoyer, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., and the rest of the Democratic leadership remain steadfastly opposed to impeachment.

snip//

A Democratic majority was elected to Congress last year to end the war in Iraq and rein in the Bush administration. Neither thing has happened. On issue after issue, the Democrats have caved in to Bush. And impeachment remains off the table.

Under House rules, Kucinich or any other member could introduce a motion for impeachment every day that Congress is in session. We think that sounds like a good idea. The administration has committed many crimes that rise to the level of impeachment — chief among them lying about the need to invade Iraq and sending this country into war based upon those lies. But Congress will not carry out its constitutional duties.

Bush and Cheney must not be allowed to leave office without being held accountable for their behavior. History will not look at the current members of Congress kindly if they fail to do what is right and necessary to preserve our democracy.

[Vincardog]

1. Note to the corporate enablers "Lead Follow or GET OUT OF THE WAY" Do the peoples' will or resign

may be we can get someone who takes their oath of office seriously.

[LakeSamish706]

2. I for one certainly hopes that you are right on this sentence...

"Bush and Cheney must not be allowed to leave office without being held accountable for their behavior. History will not look at the current members of Congress kindly if they fail to do what is right and necessary to preserve our democracy."

[99th_Monkey]

3. I couldn't agree more. Do you know if there's a concerted effort underway

to bombard Conyers and others on House Judiciary to put this to the top of their agenda?

Shouldn't we be brainstorming every possible means for holding their feet to the fire on this NOW...
while it's fresh and still has a heartbeat?

[babylonsister]

7. Welcome to DU! and yes, there's threads all over the place

on DU that provide info for you to take action. Thanks for asking!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2233460

[99th_Monkey]

11. thanks for the link & for the welcome

from this long time DU lurker.

[calimary]

8. Yes. At least here there is. And Welcome to DU!

And these are for YOU!

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2224816

Good thread with contact info.

HERE is a link to show you who cosponsored HR333, to know who to thank and to whom to offer more calcium supplements to their backbones:

http://thomas.loc.gov/cgi-bin/bdquery/D?d110:89:./temp/...

HERE is a link to the latest updated TOLL FREE Capitol Hill switchboard numbers:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2231927

They all work, they all are in effect (I know 'cause I used 'em all earlier this morning for more than half-an-hour - calling all sorts of people on the Hill). BTW - I tend to make a nuisance of myself around here quite often, since I post fairly frequently, and all the updated numbers are always in my sig line below, for your convenience!

Here are two VERY useful links: (Please help: IMPEACHMENT Activity, and IMPEACH cheney: Activity #2 & 3):

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2227148
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2234811

AND this: (IMPEACHMENT Hearings Are Looking Like a Strong Possibility)
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x2238966

Specifically because there's ANOTHER Congresscritter named, New Hampshire's Carol Shea-Porter, who is not a cosponsor of HR333 but has voiced strong support for it.

Those who support or cosponsor it should be called, thanked, and encouraged to stay STRONG!!! Those who don't should be called and read the riot act for being absolute spineless quislings. The enemy camp should be called, too, just so they know how big the avalanche is that's about to fall on their heads. Always good to give them a painfully clear lesson on how rapidly the walls are closing in on them. Make 'em SWEAT and strangle their sphincters!!!

And, incidentally, YOU can always build YOUR OWN PERSONAL concerted effort. No man is an island... and certainly should NOT be at a time like this!!!

But take a look around - there are LOTS of IMPEACHMENT-related threads all over this place - especially General Discussion and General Discussion - Politics. It's like an old-style cafeteria - you can find everything and anything you need including background info, talking points suggestions (some of them VERY well-researched and thought out), ideas for other kinds of activism, plus comfort, solidarity, consolation, and motivation galore!

Glad you're here! Now get to work.

[Mme. Defarge]

4. K&R

[MrCoffee]

5. not entirely correct, but i mostly agree

"Under House rules, Kucinich offered a privileged resolution calling for impeachment. That meant the full House had two days to consider Kucinich’s motion."

That statement is misleading. House Rule IX gives a question of the privileges of the House two legislative days before it is to be voted on. There's nothing in the rule that requires the House to "consider" it (in the sense of floor debate) at all.

"Under House rules, Kucinich or any other member could introduce a motion for impeachment every day that Congress is in session. We think that sounds like a good idea."

Personally, I think that's a lousy idea. DK pulled off a masterstroke on Tuesday, and the House repugs, for all their bizarre behavior, gave us an opening by making this a story (albeit a weird one). Now is the time to focus on House Judiciary. Personally, i think that throwing up Articles of Impeachment once a day cheapens DK's masterful move. But that's just me.

[calimary]

6. FIVE! Get thee to the Greatest Page!

Immediately if not sooner!

[RiverStone]

9. What a fantastic idea!

Under House rules, Kucinich or any other member could introduce a motion for impeachment every day that Congress is in session. We think that sounds like a good idea.

Imagine a different Dem (or surprise rethug) introduce a motion every day until we have a true and legitimate debate on the House Floor before the American people!

Keep the drum beat going until the will of the American people is acknowledged and acted upon. This debate must move forth!

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

10. Damnit!!! I want sunshine on Pelosi and Hoyer's meetings with BushCO!!!

Were threats waged? Were compromises made?

:wtf:

Either are unacceptable because we are dealing with a barbaric "unitary" willing to lie and act with complete impunity of our Constitution and the rule of law.

I'll bet my shirt,...threats, serious threats were waged. This administration has declared all out war on our nation. They have walked all over civil liberties and constitutional protections to SET UP their own fucking "unitary" power over ALL OF US.