Why I feel that impeaching Bush/Cheney is so important

[Poiuyt]

The time has come to impeach George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. That they have committed impeachable offenses is not in question. Those specific crimes have been stated many times, and more eloquently than I could at numerous web sites and even in several published books. Unfortunately, some of our Democratic leaders feel that it is more politically expedient to work on the Democratic agenda and get a Democratic president in office in 2008. I think there is also a considerable amount of fear for their own political futures if they were to pursue impeachment. I feel that that is a mistake and that impeaching Bush and Cheney would be in the best long term interest of America.

The most immediate benefit, of course, is that Bush would not be able to do any more harm to our country. We would be able to repair the damage that he has done to the image of America across the world and rebuild the bridges to our allies. We would be able to reverse the spiraling deficit that our country is in so that our children and grandchildren won’t be burdened by debt. And, hopefully, we would be able to stop the war and get out of Iraq.

I don’t think, however, that enough people are looking at the importance of impeaching Bush and Cheney from a future perspective. If they are allowed to finish their terms without any punishment, then future leaders will not be afraid to try any evil deeds of their own. They will know that Congress is too afraid to do anything that might hurt their own personal political future rather than doing what is right for America. What’s to stop a president in 50 or 100 years from now from attempting to assume the dictatorship of America? Maybe he will get further than Bush since he won’t need to start as slowly and carefully as Bush/Cheney did. Future presidents must know that the American people will not accept crimes against our country. It is imperative that an example be made of Bush so that all future leaders know that we are a government of the people, by the people, and for the people, and not of one man with his hubris and Napoleonic desires. An example must be made of Bush so that future presidents know that Congress and the American people are not afraid to prosecute and that there will be consequences to their crimes.

One additional reason that I believe that impeachment is so important is also from a future perspective. I don’t want history students in the future to look back and see that Bill Clinton was impeached, but Bush was not. The natural thought of a high school student 50 years from now would be, “Hmmm, Clinton was impeached, he must have been a bad president. Bush was re-elected, he must have been a good president.” If they were to investigate a little more, they would find the crimes that Bush has committed and say, “What was the matter with those people in 2004? Bush started a war and turned America into a fascist state, but they re-elected him?” I think that it is important that history shows that we as a nation have corrected our mistakes. Okay, so this last reason is a little more self-serving. I don’t want high school students 50 years from now to think that I am stupid.

I suppose the most important reason to impeach Bush and Cheney is to stop the bleeding now. But I think the long term implications and benefits of impeachment are too important to ignore.

[illinoisprogressive]

1. They are going to wonder what was the matter with us anyhow

Because Bush got elected twice!
Seriously, I do agree that bush and Cheney need to be contained and impeaching them will keep them from doing more harm not just to the country but, to the world at large.

[Swamp Rat]

3. Bush was not elected. He was selected by corporate oligarchs. n/t

[mmonk]

2. You're correct.

People aren't looking too much at the future implications of inaction to this country. Remember, the constitutional precepts and the rights of all Americans are being abused. Thinking they'll just go away as we move forward with some dem legislators is a fool's risk.

[Poiuyt]

7. That "moving forward" phrase has always annoyed me

If I get caught robbing a bank, I can't say to the arresting officer that we need to move forward. We move forward after I have paid my debt to society.

[Rabrrrrrr]

4. You hit the most important reason earlier in your post - to make an example.

He committed impeachable offenses - he should, therefore, ipso facto, be impeached.

Otherwise, as you said, others will think they can do whatever they want as well.

Ford should never have pardoned Nixon - it didn't bring healing to the country at all. It swept our pain under the rug, like a dysfunctional family pretending dad isn't an alcoholic.

The second important reason to impeach the fucking criminal is to show the rest of the world that, yes, our system does work here, and no, we don't think ourselves above the law we expect others to follow.

And then, after impeachment, it's imperative that we also show the rest of the world that we are serious by submitting him to The Hague for trial there.

[kimmerspixelated]

5. It must happen and soon!

And one of the best side effects would be a big message to the world, that we reject King George the imperial terrorist!

[DearAbby]

6. What is more important?

Our country, our constitution, or their future careers? Sounds pretty selfish to be concerned about future political posts over the constitution and saving the country, doesn't it?

What is more important?

[in_cog_ni_to]

8. That's why Nixon's pardon was so devastating. It opened the door for Reagan and Iran/Contra

and this psycho cabal we now have gripping the throat of America. Nixon was never punished for what he did. Reagan was never punished for what he did and now we have these maniacs who know they will never be punished because Congress doesn't have the balls to Impeach. They know it. Why should they think differently?

Democrats are too damn nice. The repukes would have Impeached a Democratic prez YEARS ago for having done what this psycho has done. Right now, the Dems are more concerned about '08 and their reelections and getting a Dem in the WH...instead of preserving our Democracy and our Constitution. That's sad.:(

[porphyrian]

9. I'll kick that. - n/t

[WFF]

10. I think this is a critical point in our history

Bush is creating a fascist state and he must be stopped. It's too bad that we still don't use pillories so that Bush can be punished in the town square for all the world to see.