That's Life: The Drama of Non-Impeachment
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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.
