The Sad Truth About Impeachment...

[ihavenobias]

(or should I say, the sad state of our uninformed/misinformed country and questionable media)

Let me start out by saying that I fully support and *want* impeachment.

With that said, the right wing spin machine would be in full force if the dems tried to impeach, (and the MSM would fall asleep at the wheel as usual).

They'd label them vengeful children, partisan and any other number of things, even though (I'd *hope*) most people would be for it and even though it would make 1,000 times more sense than the attempt on Clinton.

I remember a Hardball episode some months ago where Matthews asked his four guest panel if the democrats trying to get Rove to testify was just partisan payback because they hate Rove because he helps the republicans so much (paraphrase).

I immediately questioned the dubious framing of the issue, and of course, three of his four guests dismissed the idea that there might be any logical, non-partisan reason to have Rove testify (damn liberal media).

The fourth guest weakly suggested there might be a legitimate reason, but again only weakly and right before they quickly moved on to the next topic.

How do we expect the mainstream media to handle talk of impeachment? Honestly, it seems that lot of republicans are simply unaware of a lot of what's been going on with this administration (an acquaintance of mine the other day was shocked when I mentioned torture...he honestly had NO idea what I was talking about).

A lot of politically disconnected "moderates" (or apathetic cynics, who really bother me by the way) are in the same boat.

They have a vague dislike for the president and generally understand that he's unpopular, but talk of impeachment might get a response like "Well, I know he's not the most popular guy, but isn't impeachment a bit much? He's made some bad choices, but being president is a hard job and who are we to judge him? And if he actually had committed a crime, we'd have heard about it."

Worst yet, the apathetic cynics (who think a lack of information and nuance regarding politics somehow makes them smarter) would say "Ah, who cares. Republicans, democrats, corruption, mistakes, it's the oldest story in the book."

PS---I've noticed a lot of republicans defaulting to the apathetic cynic position to avoid having to admit (to the world and themselves) that their party seriously screwed up in many ways and or that this administration's failures truly are unprecedented. It's an especially interesting position considering most of these same people STRONGLY defended the administration and war for years.

[quiet.american]

1. You're absolutely correct on the "paint 'em with the same brush" stance of GOP'ers.

I've noticed that too, especially with one of my brother-in-laws, who for years staunchly supported all things Republican, and now is using the ole, "oh, they're all corrupt" meme, as he moves into being an "Independent" (who still has yet to vote for a Democrat, even though he's been an Independent through several elections).

You make many good points in your post -- especially in regard to the corporate prostitutes known as the mainstream media.

[ihavenobias]

5. Thanks

I appreciate it. Although ultimately I wish I was wrong...

[Rene]

6. If we don't IMPEACH and PROSECUTE....we will be complicit in their

very high crimes and misdemeanors. Everything done in 7 years has been treasonous to the Republic of America.
For the sake of future generations....they (the bush admin) must be prosecuted for their crimes against the people of this country and Iraq etc. So many innocent lives lost or damaged...it's appalling.

[ihavenobias]

7. I can't argue with that

[groovedaddy]

2. One would think that if impeachable offenses have been committed (and they have)

That impeachment is the right course to follow.
It may not be politically the right course to follow. It might not help certain politicians get re-elected. It might not succeed.
But pursuit of justice should be paramount. When it is not, people lose respect for the law.
IMPEACH THE BASTARDS!!!

[Dhalgren]

3. The "sad truth" is that the US Imperial government is above the law.

There is no power on earth that can in any way check the power of the Emperor and his regime. We need to adjust to the new state of affairs. The Democratic "leadership" has already adjusted...

[whosinpower]

4. Impeachment remains the only way to re align power

And if America cannot stomach the impeachment medicine it must take - then it ceases to be America. From my understanding, you have 3 branches of governance - and impeachment is the failsafe to ensure that one of the powers of governance do not overstep their boundaries.

One of your "branches" has way way way overreached itself - leading to nothing too bad......(sarcasm)....an aggressive war of choice over necessity, illegal spying on americans, capturing and holding people indefinately without charges, and now TORTURE.

You cannot afford to not impeach.