Drama fills the airwaves. The tragic comedy comes to life, or is theatre of the absurd. The curtain rises. The cast murmurs. They say, it was first heard, or read in May 1897. At the time, Mark Twain and his demise were the topic. Today, The New York Times splashed the story on the front page of the paper. Bill Clinton Tried to Get Meek to Drop Out. The former President and friend of the Meek family, "last week tried to convince Kendrick Meek, the Democratic candidate for Senate in Florida, to drop out of the race."
Millions in America were focused on the future. Billions, worldwide, anxiously awaited change. On January 20, 2009, the Presidential Inauguration was broadcast hither and yon. Barely a television, radio, computer monitor, or big screen was turned off. Most all tuned in to see Barack Obama take the Oath of Office. Nary a one were as moved as they were on that occasion.
Even several Republicans said they were excited. For countless, it seemed a light was turned on. Finally, the American people, our allies, and those who are often characterized as adversaries, had hope. We, collectively, believe it was possible to walk through the din that had been our doom and envision an Earth united.
The world was wowed with thoughts of what would be, as were many Constitutional scholars, concerned citizens, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Yet, there remained a persistent thought; our potential would not be fully realized. Several understood, as Senator Whitehouse so solemnly expressed in a speech presented on the Senate floor, a day after the festivities, As We Look Forward We Must Also Look Back. Few had an opportunity to see or hear an oration that was perhaps as honest and historic as the Presidents.
She said it! I never thought this day would come. Change has truly arrived in America, even before the Presidential Inauguration. Today, on Fox News, Nancy Pelosi, Speaker of the House, the only person who could, the woman who for so long would not, stated, she is Open to the Prosecution of Bush Administration Officials. Oh joy! Oh, bliss. Never did I imagine this moment might become a reality. Even the idea that this could be a possibility eluded me. Today, on January 18, 2009, finally, I have hope. I believe in the future, as Michelle Obama expressed, "For the first time in my adult lifetime, I am really proud of my country, or I will be when I see an actionable censure.
There was a break in the news. On Cable News Network Wolf Blitzer was noticeably moved. He excitedly reported; Dick Cheney confessed. Broadcaster Blitzer's words were a bit more tempered. He said, "This just coming into The Situation Room. The Vice President, Dick Cheney, has given ABC News an interview and confirming now publicly that the Bush administration did engage in the very controversial interrogation tactic of waterboarding." The Commentator then asked America to listen to the clip. ABC News Correspondent Jonathan Karl inquired of the outgoing high-level government official, "Did you authorize the tactics that were used against Khalid Sheikh Mohammed?" Without hesitation, the Vice President responded. "I was aware of the program, certainly, and involved in helping get the -- the process cleared, as the agency, in effect, came in and wanted to know what they could and couldn't do. . . . (T)hey talked to me, as well as others, to explain what they wanted to do. And I supported it.
Viewers vented. Some shifted nervously in their seats. However, The Judicial Watch was not amused. Nor were they elated. The answer was not the one this Conservative organization, hoped for, groped for, and searched for though the courts, for all these many years. Vice President Cheney did not confess to sins conceived long before September 11, 2001. He told said nothing of the maps and charts of Iraqi oil fields. Foreign suitors for Iraqi oilfield contracts were not discussed as they had been in March 5, 2001, six months and six days before the infamous September 11 attacks.
The people of this country might wish to consider House Resolution 1531, introduced by New York Representative, Jerrold Nadler. This legislation is meant to prevent preemptive Presidential pardons, or at least try to restrain an a President whose power has gone unchecked.
To understand the vital need for such a measure, we might only ponder the proclamation offered by the current President when his cohort, I. [Scooter] Lewis Libby was convicted. The public was aware of the intent to commute the sentence; yet, they did as was customarily done. Americans ignored many highly suspect practices within the Oval Office. The word was it is not good to impeach a sitting President. While the people posited apathy, Conservative Constitutional Lawyer Bruce Fein argued. If investigations are delayed, and an objective to censure this Administration is obstructed, a terrible precedent would be set.
In an region filled with inert sand, in the Southern most State of Florida, there is an oasis. This breath of fresh air moves through the trees in Palm Beach County and in the halls of Congress in Washington, District of Columbia. A man who envisions "a more perfect Union" emanates enthusiasm for the ethical principles that define the democracy he loves. He stands solid in his belief; a nation founded in freedom for all its people cannot let a corrupt authority take these liberties away. This spirited being has a name and a title, Congressman Robert Wexler.
On July 26, 2008, Representative Wexler once again expressed his worry for what has remained "off the table." When asked is impeachment too little, too late, he said, "The crimes of this Administration must be revealed and Bush and Cheney must be held accountable." The Congressman fears a commitment to the Constitution has waned amongst his fellow legislators, and perhaps within the citizenry. Hence, Robert Wexler submitted a call to action. He requests Americans consider the history of censure and what occurs when Executive power is abused.
House Speaker Nancy Pelosi may say impeachment is off the table; nonetheless, on June 9, 2008, Congressman Dennis Kucinich placed it on the floor. For five hours, the Ohio Representative stood before his colleagues and an expectant national audience. Kucinich spoke of what has remained unmentionable for far too long. The President of the United States of America has committed high crimes and misdemeanors.
In March 2008, as Americans pay homage to the thousands of soldiers and civilians lost in five years of battle we discover that the Administration and the elite allied with earlier Executive Branches are more contemptuous of the citizenry than we ever thought possible.
The Bush - Cheney Presidency has provided this country with many strange and strained moments. George W. Bush, as a candidate for President, promised he would unite the nation, and indeed, he has. The majority of Americans on the "right" and the "left" do not approve of George W. Bush or his Administration. Singer, songwriter Neil Young hums of the disdain and contempt the country feels for the President. His lyrics speak of impeachment, and no one is bothered. Many hate the current Commander-In-Chief.
Today, in hearings on Capitol Hill, I confronted Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice on her role in the lies, exaggerations, and misdirection that led us into the Iraq war.
During my questioning, Secretary Rice falsely stated that she never saw intelligence casting doubt on the Bush Administration claims that Saddam possessed weapons of mass destruction. This unbelievable statement is flatly contradicted by numerous government reports and CIA testimonials.
Sources such as the 2006 Senate Intelligence Report, a January 2004 Carnegie Endowment for International Peace report as well as former CIA agents (including Tyler Drumheller) have disclosed that there was contrary intelligence to the information provided to the Bush Administration in the lead up to the Iraq war.
The facts, the fabrications, it is all a matter of perspective. The Center For Pubic Integrity in conjunction with the Fund for Independence in Journalism released a database, False Pretenses which allows users to search terms and locate statements made by the Bush Administration, post-September 11, 2001. The Progressive portion of the public is elated. Finally, there is an archive of information. Those in support of impeachment are satisfied. High crimes and misdemeanors have been documented. Nearly one thousand of these pronouncements are stored in a single place.
President George W. Bush and seven of his administration's top officials, including Vice President Dick Cheney, National Security Adviser Condoleezza Rice, and Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld, made at least 935 false statements in the two years following September 11, 2001, about the national security threat posed by Saddam Hussein's Iraq. Nearly five years after the U.S. invasion of Iraq, an exhaustive examination of the record shows that the statements were part of an orchestrated campaign that effectively galvanized public opinion and, in the process, led the nation to war under decidedly false pretenses.
We heard his message. The die was cast and many would perish. The safety and security of citizens within the United States was threatened. A defiant Saddam Hussein and arms in Iraq were the issues of import. Iraqi despot Hussein would not comply with demands to disarm. The Commander-In-Chief proclaimed Americans were patient; however, we could wait no longer.
John Conyers put impeachment on the table. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi said to place such a 'distraction' on the table is tantamount to treason. Newly appointed, anointed Pelosi let it be known, there was business to be done and Democrats would do the deeds she deemed necessary. These did not include prosecution of the President or his Vice. Hence, Conyers removed censure from the agenda He had other concerns. His own appointment as Chair to the Judiciary Committee hinged on whether he honored the wishes of the recently selected Speaker.
Once again, all but one of our Democratic Congresspersons demonstrates that they do not fully understand what it means to represent Americans. Dennis Kucinich marches to the beat of a different politico drummer. This Presidential hopeful is a man of the people. Today as he presented a privileged resolution Kucinich echoed the concerns of America. This Administration has lied and caused many to die needlessly. They, the president George W. Bush and the most powerful Vice President ever, Richard Cheney, must be impeached. Nonetheless, fellow Democrats worked to avert the action and debate.
On this auspicious occasion, the nominee for America's Attorney General is announced, I cannot help but notice the lack of enthusiasm in the voice of the President of the United States. As the George W. Bush introduced Michael B. Mukasey, it was obvious, he felt no connection to the man he met for the first time only weeks ago.
George W. Bush solemnly noted with little passion the "remarkable" record of the man that stood before him and the nation. Expressionless, the President apathetically proclaimed the Judge brings impressive credentials to the office of Attorney General. Mister Bush selected a candidate that was able to assure allies and appease foes.
The question is often posed. Each day a few Progressives ponder the possibility and offer their plea. Conservatives on the "Right" and "Left' languish when they discuss what may be apt. They state there is no time. Some posit, impeachment will distract a nation at war. Ah, how the White House welcomes that theory. Many dismiss the notion. They question the feasibility. Others are ready, willing, and waiting to start the impeachment proceedings. Rants, rage, reasons fill the air; they flood the airwaves. Cyberspace is clogged with conversations. Congress declares the topic is "off the table." Yet, here it is. Few have stated the rational so concisely. I present the position for impeachment as detailed by the Voice of the Environment. I invite a discussion.
Voice of the Environment's August 9, 2007 advertisement appeared in the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Santa Monica Mirror and New York Times.
May I introduce Gore Vidal. You may be familiar with the work of this "novelist, essayist, playwright, and provocateur whose career has spanned six decades," or you may only recognize the name. I invite you sit down for a moment, make yourself comfortable and absorb the words of this master. Perhaps his words will inspire you, inflame your sensibility, or spur an interest. It is unlikely the statement Gore Vidal shares will merely wash over you. Mister Vidal speaks of the life we live as citizens of the United States of America. He addresses our freedoms or lack of these and he question what we the people accept as our truth.
In recent years, he [Gore Vidal] has waged a continual war on those who would attempt to diminish freedom. In "Shredding the Bill of Rights," for example, he says: "It has always been a mark of American freedom that unlike countries under constant Napoleonic surveillance, we are not obliged to carry identification to show to curious officials and pushy police. But now, due to Terrorism, every one of us is stopped at airports and obliged to show an ID which must include a mug shot (something, as Allah knows, no terrorist would ever dare fake)." As usual, his ability to say what everyone secretly knows and to make it unsettling without worrying about the implications, for himself or his reputation, is a particular gift. This habit has won him many admirers and numerous enemies over the years.
When the politically Right, the Left, and the Middle come together in agreement, that is amazing; indeed, it is a milestone event to say the least. When those far divergent perspectives say in unison, the Bush Administration, as a whole is worrisome, more worthy of impeachment than another White House might have been. We must stand or sit and take notice. You may have missed the discussion. Admittedly, I only saw a portion of the program. Nonetheless, I offer this snippet and a bit of background for those of you still contemplating the viability of the process.
For me, John Nichols said it best when he stated [and I paraphrase] impeachment does not place the country in a state of crisis; it is the cure. The act reminds the President the people are indeed in charge. This is our country.
When Conservative pundit Bruce Fein expressed the crimes George W. Bush committed crimes are very worrisome, I was stunned.
I invite you to investigate the idea of impeaching the Bush - Cheney Administration.
He is bold. He is brilliant. He is our President, George W. Bush. This chap interprets the law and framed the Courts. There is even talk of his attempting to change the Constitution. Perhaps the term "Executive Branch" no longer includes the Vice President or the Commander-In-Chief. At least, guidelines and laws do not apply to those currently occupying the offices.
The quiet little man from Ohio is making gains. His mission is not yet accomplished; nor is his objective vengeful. Honesty and integrity are his vision. Congressman Dennis Kucinich does not think the President of the United States governs the people, or presides over the public as a ruler might. Presidential Candidate Kucinich believes in a higher moral standard. He has faith the person that holds the office of President has the power to bring peace to this planet. The former Mayor also holds that the Vice President must act with honor. He asserts neither in our current Administration does. The Congressman claims as do others that are joining him in expressing their concerns, we must work to impeach this George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.
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