Reply #110: All the more Reason to Impeach ... Right Effing Now

[Senator]

... and not give them even the 2 months they think they bought (and likely have) with what may well be a fist-shaking on the (perhaps merely tactical) retreat from Baghdad.

And I don't disagree with your recitation of the anti-bushcheney shift among the DC/Euphemedia Analstocray. And also I share your assessment that this is, ostensibly, a good thing and will redound to all sorts of benefits for the good guys.

But I don't share your optimism for the effect you imagine this will have on the regime. Because I see no evidence of that effect. I think you are conflating domestic political activity (posturing) with the tragic record of global realpolitik these neofascists have consistently displayed. This is understandable, as domestic politics has been central -- but not controlling -- to much of what they've been able to do -- until now.

November 7th changed everything. And not because the Dems fell into a near-toothless majority in Congress, but because in the regime's "faith-based" minds the "political" gloves are now optional. Now, I'm not predicting "the worst will happen" (whatever that might mean) and I hope my higher level of concern is unfounded. But what you see as collapse, I see as possible retrenchment: a restocking of credibility at SecDef, an expert stonewaller at WHCounsel, and a stronger puppeteer hand up Condi's skirt. And now a "sit down" at Camp David to make it clear that arm-twising will be abandoned for the forseeable future, in favor of guns to the temples of quibbling troublemakers. (Watch for real results. A stoppage of the "distancing parade" or even reversals from some guppies.)

The "tentative, hesitant, spasmodic tone" of the speech -- given in the basement (bunker?) without access to media photos -- is just as easily explained by the Coward in Chief's realization of the magnitude of just what Uncle Dick, Uncle Bibi, and Uncle Bandar (the real bullies) have talked him into now. You seem to forget that cheney has never NOT been the CEO of Halliburton. And that he and his cronies at Carlisle and the rest see themselves as overlords, with the US Federal Gov't as merely a tool to be used -- a more convenient means to an end. Again, an understandable lapse when spending any amount of attention on the reality-detached, cable/beltway blatherfest. But there are hundreds of billions of dollars of "their money/oil" involved.

Yes, there are real bullies to deal with, but the I think you have a serious misunderstanding of bullies and how they operate. They do not "need" insulation. You cannot "inform" or "teach" your way around them. The don't fear "revelation" or crave approval, or even tolerance. They only comprehend (not understand) "violence." They will keep hitting unless and until they are hit back. Only then will they, inevitably, turn tail to "surge and run."

Because you're also right to say they're not "crazy." They do what they do for "self-preservation" and greed. Very "rational" in their worldview. And they do fear "losing." But only of losing "their money" and of real prosecution, prison time, and (the worst) having the money taken away in the process. They think money creates reputation and history. Hence the "40 years" window for "rightness." Kenny Boy Lay died a winner to them. (Yes, really.)

The movie to quote here is not "Dead Zone" but rather "Miracle on 34th Street" where even Santa had to bop that bully psychobabbler with his cane. Their "solution" to everything is to force it, push harder. And if it breaks? It needed replacing anyway.

Polls have no effect, resolutions have no effect, words of fellow Repubs have no effect, electoral "messages" have no effect, even cutting funding (arguably substantive, if naive) is merely "hitting them with a purse." It's not really a strike. Bullies Don't Play Chess. Their notion of a winning checkers move is turning over the table.

Only Impeachment exists as a tangible, substantive strike.

And even if you're completely right and I'm completely paranoid, it's still time to Impeach Right Effing Now.

The change in circumstances you recount above will make ultimate removal far more possible. Though not necessary to derive the benefits of Constitutional defense, non-complicity with war crimes, projection of party moral strength, recommitment to reality-based politics, etc.. etc.. It's still very, very good.

There might possibly be a fair public hearing for the case that impeaching IS our postitive agenda.

We could just unify the nation around this moral, patriotic endeavor.

And begin the Redemption of Our National Soul.

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(Oh, and ... cough!, cough! ... roar. )

(C'mon Will, it'll be fun. You get a new nickname. ImPeach Pitt. Get it?)

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