Wexler: Election Can't Distract From Holding Cheney to Account (John Nichols - The Nation)

[Hissyspit]

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/30262

Wexler: Election Can't Distract From Holding Cheney to Account

By John Nichols, The Nation

This work of electing a new president is important, indeed.

And it is exciting, especially as the contests for both the Democratic and Republican nominations remain unsettled.

But is vital to remember that the current president and vice president hold a lease on something akin to absolute power that does not expire for a year. And if George Bush and Dick Cheney have proven anything over the past year, it is that they do not require a great deal of time to do a great deal of damage.

So while the work of electing a new president is important, the work of restoring a system of checks and balances on the executive branch is equally important.

Florida Congressman Robert Wexler recognizes this fact, and he refuses to allow congressional Democrats to neglect their most important duty.

- snip -

Wexler is airing the right questions when he asks: "Did the Vice President unmask a covert CIA agent for political purposes? Did the Vice President order the illegal surveillance of Americans and the illegal use of torture? "

Wexler is reaching the right conclusions when he declares, "Evidence mounts almost daily on these charges. Just recently former White House press secretary Scott McClellan revealed that the Vice President and his staff purposefully gave him false information to report to the American people - a clear obstruction of justice. This Administration has undermined the checks and balances of our government by brazenly ignoring Congressional subpoenas, and through reckless claims of executive privilege. Impeachment hearings are the only means available to this House to force the Bush Administration to answer questions and tell the truth."

- snip -

Wexler and those who have sided with him -- including Madison Democrat Tammy Baldwin, a fellow member of the Judiciary Committee -- are challenging their fellow members of Congress to be more than mere spectators. And they are not accepting the excuses that are made by members who appear to believe as House Speaker Nancy Pelosi does, that some parts of the Constitution are "off the table." "I have heard the arguments – that it is too late – that we have run out of time -- and that we don't have the votes. While today there may not be enough votes in to impeach, it's premature to think that such support would not exist -- after hearings," says Wexler. "Let us remember that it wasn't until after hearings began that the Watergate tapes emerged. Arguing that it is too late to hold hearings sets a dangerous precedent, as it signals to future administrations that in their waning months in office they're immune from constitutional accountability."

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[dmosh42]

1. He has the popular support, but I don't think Pelosi & co wants...

This to happen. In the process of impeachment, all files get opened, and I think there is plenty of complicity by top Dem leaders that may lead to a big scandal. So they will let Bush & co get on with their criminal activity, and let the clock run out. Looking at the logic of their answer, that time would be wasted, and it would divide the country, complete bull! What major legislation are they passing, unless the criminals want it!(Bush & Cheney) In the eyes of history, it will be remembered that the Dem leadership were the 'enablers'.

[EFerrari]

2. Rove and his operatives are setting up election rigging programs

all over the place.

If the Dem leadership believe they are protecting their election, they couldn't be more wrong.

[Blarch]

3. If Wexler doesn't...

start trashing the dem leaders who oppose holding these criminals accountable, then he is no better.

Conyers said he would hold them accountable, now he heads the committee, and refuses.

Waxmen said he would hold hearings for Sibel , now he heads the committee and refuses to do so.



All is lost.

[babylonsister]

4. Rec'd! IS Anybody Out There, Listening? nt