General Discussion
In reply to the discussion: Regarding Impeachment [View all]Martin Eden
(12,864 posts)Given that the process of impeachment is defined in our nation's primary legal document (the US Constitution) and that conviction in the Senate results in removal from office by the proper authority, it is without a doubt a legal process.
However, I must note that unlike laws in the criminal code (such as arresting and indicting a robber or murderer) the decision to impeach requires the political will to do so. Acknowledging that politics can impact justice in the criminal code (examples: whites could get away with murdering blacks in the Jim Crow south, and corporate fat cats can rip off the public with impunity today) fundamental differences remain between trial and punishment in a court of law and a trial in the Senate for "high crimes and misdemeanors" (which are not as specifically defined as criminal statutes and rules of evidence which have undergone centuries of appeals, precedents, and decisions by the judiciary). The evidence can be overwhelming that a president has committed "high crimes" but nothing compels the House to indict or the Senate to convict beyond their own personal conscience and political calculations. There is no appeal to another authority regarding indictment or to a higher court when the verdict or process is in violation of established law and precedent.
Having said all that, I think the most compelling reason for impeachment is the duty of our elected representatives to remove from office a president (or other official) whose actions and behavior clearly meet the impeachable offenses intended by the authors of our Constitution.
My primary argument against fellow Democrats who advise against impeaching this POtuS is that their arguments are based purely on political calculation.
Needless to say, current Republican efforts are entirely political.
And, as always, I very much appreciate the quality of discussion you bring to this online community, H2O Man.