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By Phyllis McGuire - August 04, 2008 iBerkshires Columnist
On July 25, I watched C-Span's telecast of the House Judiciary Committee's Hearing on "Executive Power and its Constitutional Limitations," which in some quarters is called "The Non-Hearing on Impeachment."
If the hearing were in the regular line up of television programs, it would be difficult to categorize it.
It could have been described as tag-team wrestling: Democratic congressmen, including Dennis Kucinich and Martin Wexler taking on Republican congressmen, including Dan Lundgren of California and Lamar Smith of Texas. Committee Chairman John Conyers, D-Michigan, refereed.
Sometimes the contestants seemed eager to execute a head lock or stranglehold, but the referee called time and they retired to their corners.
The hearing might be suitable for the History Channel, as past presidents' decisions while in office were examined.
This led to a discussion of moral issues, on which clergy appearing on the Inspiration Network pontificate.
Since a gamut of emotions — anger, indignation, exasperation disgust, acceptance, hope — were almost palpable during the hearing, it could have been classified as a soap opera.
Earlier, when legislators who are in favor of impeaching President Bush entered the Rayburn House Office Building, where the hearing was held, a large number of observers cheered.
At the proceedings, a Republican congressman was exasperated when spectators demonstrated disapproval of President Bush. Frowning and red-faced, the congressman pointed out to Chairman Conyers that such conduct was not acceptable and the offenders should be cleared from the room.
So, Chairman Conyors told spectators to remove signs bearing the messages "Arrest Bush" and "Veterans for Impeachment," and to be quiet. He also warned that if was necessary to eject such people, they would not be allowed to attend any future hearings.
When several people refused to comply with Conyers' instructions, uniformed guards were called in. As murmurs of disapproval turned into shouts, the hearing seemed in danger of becoming a show that would be preceded by the warning "Contains violence." But finally the spectators filed to the door, albeit begrudgingly. "This is not a democracy," one man yelled.
At one point, experts on the Constitution presented their interpretation of what the founders of our great nation had in mind when they wrote that blueprint for a government based on the principals of liberty and justice for all. That part of the proceedings might well have been televised on the Learning Channel.
At least two House Representatives were bored or sleepy, as they dozed during the hearing. They, no doubt, will regret failing to be attentive once they know their bobbing heads and shut eyes did not go unnoticed. Hmm, that would be grist for the entertainment mills of TV programs of the "Embarrassing Moments" and "Candid Camera" ilk.
Although the hearing was titled "Executive Power" and its constitutional limitations, a certain committee member stated that action (to impeach President Bush) must be taken soon.
According to media reports, some legislators not only consider it important that President Bush be impeached, but that it be done soon so that he does not have a chance to push America into another War - this time with Iran.
As far as Executive Powers, a member of the committee, for one, wants the next President, whoever that may be, to have a clear picture of what is expected of him in accordance with what is set out in the Constitution as the legislative and executive branches responsibilities.
Never before has a president rejected a subpoena from Congress. And that, in itself, is reason for impeachment, he noted, speaking of lawmakers' demand for documents pertinent to the firing of federal prosecutors.
Former Los Angeles District Attorney Vince Bugliosi, author of "The Prosecution of George W. Bush for Murder," in my opinion, was the most passionate participant at the recent hearing, which has been referred to as "The non-hearing on impeachment."
Bugliosi was well prepared for the scrutiny he underwent. For one thing, he had in his possession documents proving that the present administration had purposely mislead Congress, not disclosing full information about Iraq in the days before our troops were invaded Iraq.
As Bugliosi, held up his book, for emphasis, a Republican congressman, called out, "Put it up higher." "Your kidding, aren't you?" Bugliosi shot back.
And later when a congressman blatantly ignored Bugliaci's remarks, Bugliosi shamed him: "I guess he's not interested."
If it were not such a serious subject, that interaction might have been considered comic relief.
Since impeachment is a subject that, under any guise, has been brought up in several hearings, they could be part of a miniseries. I for one will stay tuned as I am anxiously awaiting the final chapter in the saga.
To PZ, Dem or Rep. those who want Bush impeached, are looking to save lives -- those he would send into another war.
I think what is holding our reps. from doing it is that the one who would take his place would be no better.
from: tess
on: 08-11-2008
Hey guys get a life - Impeachment - what a big waste of time. You Dems should forget about it - ALL YOU DO IS HATE.
from: PZ
on: 08-11-2008
ONLY A SERIOUS THREAT BY IMPEACHMENT ADVOCATES
TO UN-ELECT INCUMBENT HOUSE DEMOCRATS
WILL CAUSE FULL IMPEACHMENT HEARINGS.
ALL SHOULD BE AWARE that the House Democrats did not allow this preliminary Impeachment Hearing Friday
Out Of The Goodness Of Their Hearts
or Because of Any Particular Group's Lobbying.
THERE IS ONLY ONE DYNAMIC THAT RECENTLY CHANGED.
EVEN DEMOCRATIC VOTERS are now THREATENING TO UN-ELECT INCUMBENT HOUSE DEMOCRATS.
The Democrats are afraid of massive voter retribution in the November Election. They are afraid of losing their jobs, their power, and the perks that go with it.
The Voters have recently and loudly told the House Democrats that we are sick and tired of their stonewalling on holding Bush and Cheney accountable. After My Democrats took over, the polls show that Congress's positive rating dropped to the single digits, the lowest in history.
The refusal of the House Democrats to stop the Iraq War and Impeach is unforgiveable. We put you in office and if you do not hold Full Impeachment Hearings prior to the Election we will un-elect you.
In Colorado We Democrats, Independents, Republicans and others are currently doing negative campaigning against all incumbent House/Senate Candidates who have refused to support and even discuss impeachment. If the House Democrats do not immediately announce the date of the first full impeachment hearing scheduled prior to the election, we will greatly increase our negative campaigning.
THE RACE FOR the PROMOTION OF INCUMBENT Colorado Rep. UDALL TO THE US SENATE is a statistical DEAD HEAT.
UDALL REFUSES TO DISCUSS OR SUPPORT IMPEACHMENT. WE can affect the outcome of this race and PUSH UDALL TO BACK IMPEACHMENT. Or STOP HIM FROM WINNING ELECTION TO THE SENATE. We don't need another Bush Lite Dem in the Senate.
Democratic Congressmen have our support only if you hold serious full impeachment hearings before the election. Fail to do that and we will campaign against you, It is time for a change in The Behaviour Of Congress.
Voters who want accountability via impeachment should follow our example.
John H Kennedy Denver CO
43 yr Democratic voter,
Obama delegate to Denver County Conv, Colorado Coordinator-National Impeachment Network, organizer of the
IMPEACH COLORADO COALITION
http://ImpeachCO.com
PS: Did the Media note that this 2 hour hearing ran over 6 hours
and that 2 overflow room were packed, and that hundreds were left outside in the halls, and that the testimony was mostly
For impeachment? This is getting serious.
YOU ALL NEED TO CALL CONGRESS EVERY DAY (800-828-0498) AND DEMAND THAT IMPEACHMENT HEARINGS START BEFORE THE ELECTION
..
..
from: Un-Elect Incumbent House Democrats If They Fail To Impeach
on: 08-06-2008
ALL SHOULD BE AWARE that the House Democrats did not allow this preliminary Impeachment Hearing Friday
Out Of The Goodness Of Their Hearts
or Because of Any Particular Group's Lobbying.
THERE IS ONLY ONE DYNAMIC THAT RECENTLY CHANGED.
EVEN DEMOCRATIC VOTERS are now THREATENING TO UN-ELECT INCUMBENT HOUSE DEMOCRATS.
The Democrats are afraid of massive voter retribution in the November Election. They are afraid of losing their jobs, their power, and the perks that go with it.
The Voters have recently and loudly told the House Democrats that we are sick and tired of their stonewalling on holding Bush and Cheney accountable. After My Democrats took over, the polls show that Congress's positive rating dropped to the single digits, the lowest in history.
The refusal of the House Democrats to stop the Iraq War and Impeach is unforgiveable. We put you in office and if you do not hold Full Impeachment Hearings prior to the Election we will un-elect you.
In Colorado We Democrats, Independents, Republicans and others are currently doing negative campaigning against all incumbent House/Senate Candidates who have refused to support and even discuss impeachment. If the House Democrats do not immediately announce the date of the first full impeachment hearing scheduled prior to the election, we will greatly increase our negative campaigning.
THE RACE FOR the PROMOTION OF INCUMBENT Colorado Rep. UDALL TO THE US SENATE is a statistical DEAD HEAT.
UDALL REFUSES TO DISCUSS OR SUPPORT IMPEACHMENT. WE can affect the outcome of this race and PUSH UDALL TO BACK IMPEACHMENT. Or STOP HIM FROM WINNING ELECTION TO THE SENATE. We don't need another Bush Lite Dem in the Senate.
Democratic Congressmen have our support only if you hold serious full impeachment hearings before the election. Fail to do that and we will campaign against you, It is time for a change in The Behaviour Of Congress.
Californians who want accountability via impeachment should follow our example.
John H Kennedy Denver CO
43 yr Democratic voter,
Obama delegate to Denver County Conv, Colorado Coordinator-National Impeachment Network, organizer of the
IMPEACH COLORADO COALITION
http://ImpeachCO.com
PS: Did the Media note that this 2 hour hearing ran over 6 hours
and that 2 overflow room were packed, and that hundreds were left outside in the halls, and that the testimony was mostly
For impeachment? This is getting serious.
YOU ALL NEED TO CALL CONGRESS EVERY DAY (800-828-0498) AND DEMAND THAT IMPEACHMENT HEARINGS START BEFORE THE ELECTION
..
..
from: VOTERS ARE THREATENING TO UN-ELECT INCUMBENT HOUSE DEMOCRATS
The last day for Massachusetts residents to register to vote in the Nov. 4 presidential election is Wednesday, Oct. 15. Out of town that day? Apply for an absentee ballot at your town or city clerk's office.
