Prominent Americans Ask John Conyers to Begin Impeachment

[slipslidingaway]

full text
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/29853



January 4, 2008

"The Honorable John Conyers, Jr.
Chair, Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives
2426 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington D.C. 20515

Dear Congressman Conyers:

We are writing out of deep concern for our nation. The President and members of his administration have violated, and continue to violate, our Constitution, significant and numerous treaty obligations, customary international law, and laws passed by Congress. However, the federal courts and Congress (even with a Democratic majority) have utterly failed to hold the President and his administration accountable and to put an end to the egregious violations of law and abuses of power.

When the President abuses and exceeds the powers vested in the executive branch, the people of our nation have reason to expect, and our Constitution contemplates, that the other co-equal branches of government – the courts and Congress – will rein in the President, not only holding him to account, but also making it clear that such abuses and excesses will not be tolerated, now or in the future, in our constitutional democracy. When the courts and Congress fail in their duties to challenge and repair abuses of executive power, they condone the abuses and are thereby complicit in undermining our Constitution, our international standing, and our nation’s commitment to the rule of law.

Our nation and our constitutional form of government are at a crucial crossroads. Either we condone and thereby encourage unlawful misconduct by our President and his administration, or we hold them to account and put an end to the illegalities. We can make it clear to the world, including all U.S. citizens, present and future, that we are a nation of laws, that we will support and uphold our Constitution, and that we will not tolerate the undermining of the carefully structured system of checks and balances among three co-equal branches of government. To challenge, disclose and censure the abuses of power by the Bush administration would also serve to uphold our nation’s proud history of support for fundamental human rights, which has distinguished our nation, until now, from those totalitarian, human-rights abusing nations that have kidnapped, disappeared, and tortured people, and deprived them of any semblance of due process.

In a constitutional form of government, which is committed to the rule of law, the courts are a safeguard against unlawful conduct by government officials, including the President. The courts are intended to be a safeguard against tyranny and dictatorship, both procedurally and substantively. Alarmingly, that is no longer the case in the United States..."

[proud2BlibKansan]

1. Proud to be the first recommend!

[slipslidingaway]

3. Thank you! n/t

[Kikosexy2]

56. but, but, but....

we don't have the votes for impeachment....we'll end up making Georgie & dickie victims..."I'm being blackmailed by Bushco gang...so it's off the table..." and on and on...

[Rex]

2. K&R!

My hero John! Do it!

[bdamomma]

4. kick and rec

[tom_paine]

5. K & R

[gateley]

6. K&R -- and snap to it! nt

[Raster]

7. Kick and Recommend!

Wake up America!:kick:

[femrap]

8. k and r....nt

[Emit]

9. Here's who signed it

From the link:

Respectfully,

George McGovern

Ralph Nader

Robert A. Feuer

Rocky Anderson

Blase Bonpane

Theresa Bonpane

Ramsey Clark

Mimi Kennedy

Andy Jacobs, Jr.

James Abourezk

Daniel Ellsberg

Noam Chomsky

Paul Findley

Kevin Zeese

John Nichols

Tim Carpenter

Marcus Raskin

Jonathan Kozol

Harry Belafonte

[existentialist]

32. and 182,930 others at wexlerwantshearings.com

and counting.

[pocoloco]

45. We all signed it, but don't get your hopes up.....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=389&topic_id=2382566

[orleans]

37. john dean would have signed it

jonathan turley would have signed it

bruce fein would have signed it

[SammyWinstonJack]

10. K&R!

[WritersBlock]

11. I'll kick that.

Helluva good letter!

[fascisthunter]

12. According to Some This Quote Isn't True

"When the courts and Congress fail in their duties to challenge and repair abuses of executive power, they condone the abuses and are thereby complicit in undermining our Constitution, our international standing, and our nation’s commitment to the rule of law."

thank goodness it's only a small sum or "some"

[slipslidingaway]

17. Exactly!!! "...Are thereby Complicit..." n/t

[spanone]

20. kick....&r

[99th_Monkey]

13. Wow ... YES .. Let's give Bush & The Dick something to do besides incite war with Iran

BTW - I was curious WHO all signed this and WOW, I'm impressed ... ring! ring! Hello Nancy!!!
George McGovern
Ralph Nader
Robert A. Feuer
Rocky Anderson
Blase Bonpane
Theresa Bonpane
Ramsey Clark
Mimi Kennedy
Andy Jacobs, Jr.
James Abourezk
Daniel Ellsberg
Noam Chomsky
Paul Findley
Kevin Zeese
John Nichols
Tim Carpenter
Marcus Raskin
Jonathan Kozol
Harry Belafonte

Now with each passing week, Pelosi's ridiculous "off the table" stance looks more and more like the outright complicity that it is. I pray Conyers finds the backbone to tell Nancy to go screw herself and start hearings over her objections. hmmm.. now I'm wondering what House rules govern this. Could Conyers do that or are their procedural prerequisites that require the House Speaker approval? anyone know? :shrug:

[SpiralHawk]

14. Impeach the republicon traitors to America

We don't need no steenkin lying treasonous republicon homelander chickenhawks in office VIOLATING our Constitution.

Get a clue, Commander AWOL Bush:
Despite what you say and think, the Constitution is more than a piece of paper to loyal Americans.

[slipslidingaway]

15. Thanks for the K&R's. Accountability should be a top issue. n/t

[Change has come]

16. K&R

:kick:

[RuleOfNah]

18. A safeguard against tyranny and dictatorship.

:think: :patriot:

[ClayZ]

19. YAY! K and R

[SlowDownFast]

21. K&R. n/t

[sicksicksick_N_tired]

22. I wish I could say, holding this administration accountable is more possible than,...

,...my RED dreams of flying.


At this point, I am even having trouble imaging the catalyst to justice for the BushCo regime.

[AzDar]

23. Where the law ends, tyranny begins.

[FlyingSquirrel]

24. Yopp!

[GreenPartyVoter]

25. K&R

[ejbr]

26. "...they condone the abuses and are thereby complicit..." n/t

[OmahaBlueDog]

27. Sorry, I'm not seeing it

So we get the same House Dems together who don't have the stones to withhold funding the war and have them manage impeachment. We start this process with 10 months to the election. By the time the House votes -- even assuming it approves articles -- you go to the more or less evenly divided Senate, for a trial presided over by John Roberts, with NO hope of conviction.

What we need is a President who will make our nation subject to the World Court, and extradite Bush, Cheney, Gonzo, et. al. to the Hauge for War Crimes Trials before an international tribunal with the power to imprison them.

[RuleOfNah]

29. extradite Bush, Cheney, Gonzo, et. al.

The USA military is spread thin right now. Do you think Blackwater would accept the job of apprehending the war criminals?

:popcorn:

[Senator]

34. Because You're Only Looking At/For "Result"

It's not about "winning the Impeachment Bowl."

For US Gov't Officials -- including all DC Dems -- it's about NOT earning a possible seat on the bus to the Hague themselves. As our treaty obligations require them to ACT to put a stop to war crimes and punish all perpetrators. The World Court/Hague option is merely a backstop against nations that fail in this responsibility. A condition that currently persists here.

But far more importantly, it's about sending the message to the world, our children, and to history that Real Americans did not stand idle in the face of war crimes committed in our names, without our proper consent. This is achieved by applying the US Constitution -- thereby protecting and defending it -- to whatever level of "success" can be achieved. Even if that's only a failed House vote with Blue Dogs as the regime's firewall.

Failure to impeach is by far the worst possible result. It is complicity -- approval -- exoneration for the regime.

Impeachment is about doing the right thing -- not a "get 'em, get 'em" exercise.

It is our ONLY moral, patriotic option.

-----

[RuleOfNah]

40. "the regime's firewall"

2008 and the height, width, and depth remain unknown...

:hide:

I wouldn't say impeachment is the only option. The most likely seems to be that old classic 'wait for it to go away'. As a parallel, consider Global Climate Change. Everyone seems to be waiting for Global Climate Change to go away. Strong storms might be coincidence, maybe science missed something, maybe it will be bad somewhere else and not so bad here, maybe it gets worse a century from now, which is after most living peoples lives, so it won't be such a personal experience, should Global Climate Change refuse to go away. Besides, what can a person do? The planet is huge, it's worldwide. Later, when the climate goes back to normal, it will be more fun to talk about how dire we knew things may have been.

So I'll bet 'wait for the regime to go away' is what the planet goes with as that requires nothing but patience. The world's courts will sigh in relief as will other countries and our own citizens. There may be some shared embarrassment, some shame, and some annoyance for anyone rude enough to remember too much detail in polite company. Luckily the future holds plenty of 'what kind of people were those fools back then' opportunities, even for us.

And some will sing of New Orleans.

[OmahaBlueDog]

58. Let's deal in Realpolitik -- not "just send messages"

While Impeachment of GWB might be a truly patriotic exercise, historically, Impeachment has always been a "get'em, get'em" exercise in our fair nation. I have neither the time nor the patience to see the government shut down while House members pontificate for 10 months and ultimately accomplish nothing.

[Senator]

59. Let's do both -- since we always are anyway

In realpolitik, whatever impeachment has been "historically" is entirely irrelevant to what its true purpose is and how appropriate its implementation is in our current circumstances. In fact the vague mumblings of impeachophobes regarding some scary lesson to be learned from the Clinton farce is positively oxymoronic.

And while I don't see why impeachment should take more than a month or so, I'd just point out that the government is already shut down (impeachably) via Rule By Signing Statement. So House members are going to be impotently pontificating for 10 months anyway.

That's the realpolitik -- and the message -- impotent Dems, broken Washington.

Impeachment is the ONLY real hope to unify our once-great nation.

I apologize for trying your patience and wasting your time with it.

--

[OmahaBlueDog]

62. Let's not, and say we did

<<In realpolitik, whatever impeachment has been "historically" is entirely irrelevant to what its true purpose is and how appropriate its implementation is in our current circumstances. In fact the vague mumblings of impeachophobes regarding some scary lesson to be learned from the Clinton farce is positively oxymoronic.>>

Whatever Presidential impeachment has been historically is the only relevant fact. It's political "gotcha!" You know and I know, going into the process, that you'd have only a minimal chance of getting charges passed by the full house and no chance (zip, zilch, nada, zero) in front of the full Senate.

You speak of unity; impeachment promises a much better chance of unifying Bush supporters than unifying Americans as a whole or Democrats as a party. With respect to starting the Iraq War under false pretenses, he will assert that he acted to the best of his ability based on the bad intelligence given to him. With respect to torture, he will argue that he acted within the boundaries of the legal advice he was given, and he will point out that his actions are not (as many erroneously suggest) unprecedented. The National Archives has declassified documents detailing electric shock torture and beatings of German prisoners at a secret facility in California during WWII of which FDR was well aware; FDR's AG, with the blessing of FDR and the assistance of Edgar Hoover, routinely sent real and perceived threats to national security to mental health facilities because the mentally ill were not considered to be subject to Habeas Corpus protections. Bush's defenders will argue that no one objected when a Democrat resorted to these extreme measures in wartime -- why pick on him? The conservative media will criticize the effort for being ill advised in time of war.

All of this to get rid of a President who is leaving in a year anyway.

<<And while I don't see why impeachment should take more than a month or so>>

The Clinton impeachment, which was legally a much more straightforward proposition, took 3 months. In this case, we will get to spend weeks arguing over issues like "Are we really at war?" "If we are really at war, what additional leeway should that give a President" "Can national security concerns trump the congress' ability to subpoena witnesses in time of war" "What can we do when administration officials refuse to appear at hearings" Then there are regularly scheduled recesses and electioneering to consider. Maybe you don't see why it won't take more than a month; I do.

<<Imagine if -- instead of demanding that we bury our heads in the next horserace; that we accept the pretense that all is well enough; that we push our problems and responsibilities from our minds just a little longer -- they just asked us to join them in Redeeming Our National Soul.>>

<<That's the realpolitik -- and the message -- impotent Dems, broken Washington.>>

The Dems have been impotent (although their presence helped force out Rummy and Gonzo); better if they had simply refused to pass a war spending bill. That was the real club they had to wield. You seem intelligent and cause minded; your talents would be better used if you did "bury yourself in the horserace" (as you put it) and convince Americans to continue what was started in 2006 and get a solid Democratic majority elected.

.. and you're no sorrier for wasting my time than I am of wasting yours.

[Orwellian_Ghost]

28. K&R n/t

[rockybelt]

30. K&R

This must be seen by as many people as possible.

The people that have signed on to this letter are beyond reproach. Harry Belefante was drug through the coals for his support of Hugo Chavez. Turns out, he was right.

[NoodleyAppendage]

31. He won't do jack shit...not as long as Pelosi has her heel on his neck.

All the letters in the world will not help unless we target the real obstacle...Pelosi.

J

[ElboRuum]

46. I'm afraid I must agree.

While I had hoped it was not true, that somehow the newfound authority given the Democrats in the House of Representatives, and the installation of Nancy Pelosi as speaker would help our congressional leadership find some spine, I must now accept the truth of it.

Pelosi is nothing more than a business-as-usual Beltway apparatchik.

All the signs are there.

1. Contempt for people who do not like the job she's doing.
2. Fierce committal to the status quo.
3. Blithe ignorance and dismissal of demands for representation by the constituency.
4. Failure to make good on any promises proffered for the election.
5. The "pay no attention to the man behind the curtain" attitude toward external scrutiny.
6. The relentless outward impression of someone who is always campaigning for the next election.

And this last one is the real ticket. More concerned about her future career as a politician than the agenda of the people who, by virtue of the vote, continue it.

Damn. Now I'm depressed.

[NoodleyAppendage]

50. You just described about 90% of Washington.

Nothing will change unless there is another "velvet" revolution and a general divorce of politics and entrenched corporate interests.

J

[ElboRuum]

60. Actually, another thing will need to happen...

The divestiture of "politics" from "career". Term limits would accomplish this, I believe. It would separate the apparatchiks looking to get a payday at the taxpayers expense from the actual public servants, being more attractive to the latter.

[spag68]

33. Impeachment

My way of dealing with it is to return all pleas for donations with a short note, This note, handwritten, that says: I will not donate as long as there are no impeachment hearings. Remember to stamp the envelope and write impeach in large caps on the front and back of the envelope so others notice.

[ElboRuum]

47. Why waste the stamp?

It's become clear to me that she's quite stubborn about not listening. I am certain that you could bury her office in piles of these letters and not a thing would be done.

[Golden Raisin]

35. George Washington, Thomas Jefferson,

Jesus, Moses, Buddha, Beethoven, Shakespeare and Michelangelo could sign the letter and impeachment ain't gonna' happen. Pelosi will see to that. Nothing this regime has done is deemed meritorious of anything stronger than a Congressional investigation which goes nowhere and does nothing. Bush could kill and sacrifice babies with his bare hands on a blood-stained altar to Satan on live TV and Pelosi will not impeach.

[Senator]

36. K&R&ImpeachToUniteUsAgain

[Swamp Rat]

38. k&r

[rambler_american]

39. Prominent Americans

When Paris, Brittany, Jennifer and Nicole call for impeachment, maybe then the MSM will take notice, Otherwise it ain't gonna happen cause the people who signed that letter aren't important enough. :sarcasm:

[Perry Logan]

41. In contrast, when Congress impeached Clinton, more than 400 legal scholars protested.

"400 Scholars Dismiss Impeachment Case"

As a congressional subcommittee prepares to consider what constitutes grounds for impeachment, more than 400 legal scholars are issuing a report saying the case against President Clinton falls short.

Even the charge that Clinton lied under oath does not constitute an impeachable offense because he did not misuse his office, three of the law professors told reporters today.

"There's nothing official about his misconduct," University of Texas law professor Douglas Laycock said.

Moreover, the academicians said, Republicans in Congress are damaging the presidency by even opening an inquiry.

"Dangerous precedents are being set," said Georgetown University law professor Susan Low Bloch, who will testify for the Democrats at a hearing on defining impeachment Monday before the House subcommittee on the Constitution.
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-srv/politics/special/clinton/stories/impeach110798.htm

[ThomWV]

42. Look at the names on the bottom. That group of people will not sway anything at all.

Conyers will toss it in the trash.

[indepat]

43. May a pox fall upon the houses of all those who have been complicit in undermining our Constitution

[focusfan]

44. i wish they would impeach them and shut up

thats all you hear i wish they would just do it and be done
with it.i bet they didn't pussy foot around when they were
impeaching Clintion

[radhika]

48. Duh!

I can't believe we are still in the position of pathetically and powerlessly urging 'elected representatives' to do something so obviously and moral. But we are....that's the pity. They won't budge of course, and Bush will slink back to Crawford in 2009 to spend his retirement in a confused and inarticulate stupor.

[Wizard777]

49. Time to light the torches and march. n/t

[Echo In Light]

51. Mass non violent civil disobedience NOW

[Broadslidin]

52. What sort of Frightened Gibberish would pour from an "All Alone" Sociopath ?

Obviously,
the one political party U.S. interrogation biz
would use a locked back room.

[alllyingwhores]

53. Hey...slow down...what's the rush?

[dpbrown]

54. Post doesn't seem to match subject heading

Who were the prominent people?

[Kip Humphrey]

61. Prominent signers here:

Respectfully,

George McGovern

Ralph Nader

Robert A. Feuer

Rocky Anderson

Blase Bonpane

Theresa Bonpane

Ramsey Clark

Mimi Kennedy

Andy Jacobs, Jr.

James Abourezk

Daniel Ellsberg

Noam Chomsky

Paul Findley

Kevin Zeese

John Nichols

Tim Carpenter

Marcus Raskin

Jonathan Kozol

Harry Belafonte

[dpbrown]

63. Thanks!

That's better! :-)

[From The Left]

55. SPEAKER BOTOX WON'T ALLOW IT

"Impeachment is off the table."

"Bush isn't worth impeaching."

"I don't see the connection between torture and impeachment."

This is the mindset Conyers is up against with Pelosi. She's Bush's chief enabler and there are rumors in some San Francisco circles that Nancy and Paul Pelosi are benefiting from the same war profiteering that DINO Dem Dianne Feinstein is engaged in.

My great hope is the good people of San Francisco vote Pelosi out of office in November. Why they haven't recalled her by ballot measure by now is a mystery. Her liberal bonna fides is greatly overrated.

[emmadoggy]

57. Freakin' awesome.

K & R.