Dry powder
Over the past four years, it has been excruciatingly painful to watch the machinations of our Congress inaction. With Republicans in charge in 2004 and 2005, there was nothing the Democrats could do in the House, and what little they could do in the Senate, they didn't. Instead of filibustering to stop the fascist takeover of the Supreme Court, the Senate Democrats chose to keep their "powder dry" for some unspecified battle in the future.
With the 2006 elections, the dynamics shifted completely. Now the Senate can accomplish almost nothing because of obstructionist Republicans like Liddy Dole and Dick Burr. Whereas the House has a workable majority that, in theory, could act decisively on the most important issues of the day.
To be sure, some of that action is happening. Representatives Price and Miller, in particular, are pushing forward to bring some modicum of accountability through their committee work. I appreciate those good efforts.
Unfortunately, those efforts have been met with an increasingly belligerent White House which has no intention of being held accountable for anything. From the outrageous claims of executive privilege around the politicization of the Justice Department to continuing White House involvement in covering for war-profiteers to the new executive order making torture of detainees legal, we have reached a tipping point. Indeed, we have reached the point where all our dry powder must be put to good use.
It is time for the reasonable and reasoned voices of the North Carolina Democratic Congressional delegation to unite in clear and serious action for impeachment of both the President and the Vice President. The integrity of our democracy is at grave risk.
I know our Congressional delegation tilts mostly in a conservative direction, which makes their silence on this issue even more puzzling. A true conservative would not stand idly by while the President chips away Congressional power nearly every day. A true conservative would not stand idly by while the rule of law is subverted by an imperial commander-in-chief who has shown nothing but disdain for a co-equal legislative branch.
I'm sure Congressmen Price and Miller have thought through this and come to reasoned conclusions that impeachment would not be productive. I will respectfully ask both men to revisit their thinking and change their minds.
Please contact your own Democratic representative and encourage him to recognize the dangerous situation our country is in. If you are unfortunate enough to be "represented" by a Republican, don't bother. They are part of the problem.
James
PS All the heavy lifting on impeachment has been done. It is now simply a question of our representatives standing up for what it right and speaking three simple words: I support impeachment.
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I wrote this letter to all my representatives...on July 11th
For all the detestable yet understood reasons politicians and political parties engage in activities that are counterproductive to the welfare of our nation, the recently past and present Congress has miserably failed in its duties to the American people. This has to stop. Now.
The events of the past few days involving the pardon (and it will be a pardon) of Scooter Libby and the refusal of various White House figures to testify before Congress have proven beyond reasonable doubt that this Administration has engaged in criminal activity undermining our Constitution and the rule of law. This nation may not survive another year with these criminals in charge of our government.
George Bush has taken the concept of Executive Privilege and turned it into a tool designed to prevent himself, and anyone working in his behalf, from answering to Congress, the American people, and our laws. You must not allow this to continue.
I’m asking you in the politest manner possible to look around you and see what has happened as a result of the political wrangling and partisan politics in Washington.
If the vast spillage of blood and money caused by the lies of this administration aren’t enough to move you, then look at the corruption in the Justice Department, the failure to secure our borders, the poisoning of our food supplies, the devastation of our middle classes, the widening gap between the rich and the poor, and our health care problems.
I ask that you put aside partisan politics and act together for the future of our nation.
Suspend Bush, Cheney, and Gonzales. Start Impeachment hearings and investigations into the criminal activities of these hoodlums. Put them in prison. Prove this is a nation of law and do your duty.
SE NC Dems
My Representative is Republican, but no matter....
I wrote to the staffs of several others two days ago.
I feel the reluctance of the House Democrats to persue the illegal and, most certainaly improper, use of Executive power may be due to Political pressure from their Republican friends who are certain they can capitlize on the conservative leanings of our Democratic representatives. Evidently, if that is the case, it is working. Political pressure can be nearveraking, pressuring and fearful.
It is difficult to stand alone, particularly if one does not know his, or her own self and what he, or she stands for and believes.
I have stood alone in certain circumstances and found it to be lonely and even a bit frightening, but in the end fruitful and lifting of one's self respect.
we need leaders and people of conscience to represent us. Fear would then be nothing more than the fly on the screen door. Let encourage our Democratic Representatives to challage fear and see the testing of their own grit. They will grow.
Marshall. I couldn't agree more....
with your statement:
.
and it's why I so support John Edwards. I believe this presidential election is pivotal for the future of our nation. Although the fabric of our nation is being shredded before our eyes, I don't believe our current elected representatives, some of them fine people, have the will and the courage to demand impeachment.
Why they cannot find that courage and commitment, I don't know. The people would support it.
So, while I'll keep askiig for them to step up, my real focus is on 2008. We've GOT to get rid of Dole, we've got to elect Kissell, we've got to help other Democratic candidates who appear to have backbone---like yourself---get elected. And we need someone with backbone to LEAD and in my mind there is no one running but Edwards who can do that.
SE NC Dems
Wirtten, but
Unfortunately my rep is that little Bushlette wiener McHenry. Doubt that it will make much difference to the likes of him.
I agree with Feingold...
...and John Edwards that the priority needs to be ending the war:
I don't disagree with the impeachment folks, I just think that our political capital is limited.
Ain't going to happen
More to the point, what's the matter with chewing gum and walking at the same time?
After nearly 7 years of Dubya,
Most of the folks in Washington have forgotten how.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
I agree that the priority should be ending the war
but I'm concerned that if something proactive is not done about the incredible erosion of respect that elected officials have shown for the Constitution of the US, that no matter who the next president is, we will not get back the rights we've lost.
Be the change you wish to see in the world. --Gandhi
Just in, Conyers needs 3 more Congress Members
impeachfor peace
Price. Miller. And . . .
Watt!
n/t