Why NOT Impeach?

“We cannot impeach, even if we want to,” they claim. “It’s too late”, they say. “Then Cheney will become president,” they say. “It will divide the country,” they say.

We say different.

“It will make the Democrats look mean.”

If any administration has committed high crimes, it’s this one; it goes far beyond Bush’s lies about Iraq. But Impeachment is the single worst course of action that the Democrats could undertake — it would convert Bush from a figure of contempt into one of sympathy. And, therefore, harm the Democrats’ excellent chances for winning the White House.

–Michael Tomasky, The Washington Post

Is that more important than convicting some of the biggest criminals in the history of the American presidency? And is that really possible? This man is reviled across the board, by members of his own party, and former members of his administration. He’s one of the most hated people in the world. Did the impeachment of Nixon prevent Jimmy Carter from getting elected? Did the impeachment of Clinton prevent Bush from getting elected? Did either of them become sympathetic figures? No. With the damage Bush and Cheney have caused, and continue to cause, at home and worldwide, is it really plausible to think people will feel sorry for them under any circumstances? And is the Democrat party more important than justice? If the Dems cannot stand up for justice, who needs them?

“It’s too late to get him out of office before the end of his term.”

It’s about justice. It’s about serving up the heads of one of the most criminal administrations in US history. It’s about prosecuting a band of felons who’s contempt for the law has caused incredible damage to America, at home and abroad. Besides, the Bush clan will be in office for more than a year from the date of this post. That’s a lot of time for them to implement even more damaging policies; ongoing impeachment proceedings might just slow them down a bit.

“Just wait until next election, and hope for something better.”

That’s so short-sighted. If Americans let off the Bush administration, then the next president, and presidents afterward, will feel like they too can get away with murder. We think to think beyond the next election.

“Impeachment is too negative.”

Vets coming hope with arms and legs blown off is negative. Thousands dead in Iraq, all so that American corporations can protect their investments, is negative. Lies told to us by our leaders is negative. Impeachment is positive.

“Then Cheney would be president.”

Impeach Cheney first. What we really have to fear is Nancy Pelosi. But the most fearful thing would be sending a message to future presidents, and to the rest of the world, that an administration can steal an election, violate a vast array of laws, legislate it’s own Get Out Of Jail Free card, and the American people will do nothing about it.

“We cannot impeach former members of the administration.”

True. They should be prosecuted through appropriate procedures and channels, and we should demand that too. Where did they learn this trick, of getting off by resigning?

“It will divide the country.”

Hasn’t the Bush cadre already divided this country? If anything, prosecution would unite the country, finally. Criticism of the Bush cadre has been loud and growing, among not just Democrats, but also Republicans, Libertarians, Independents, Anarchists, Conservatives, Greens, soldiers, military families, veterans, on and on.

“Those who know better will take care of things.”

America is governed by ALL Americans, not just the rich and powerful. The Founding Fathers gave Americans a job: to protect our freedoms and our democracy. They gave us a tool for that job; it’s called Impeachment. We have to do our job.

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