Veto Proof

The Democratic controlled Congress has been working up a sweat, grinding out a mountain of legislation that is toothless, complicit or headed straight for a presidential veto. Yesterday it was limiting the genocide in Iraq; today it was stem cell research. In short, nothing has changed nor is likely to change.

The one thing Congress can do that would place restraints on the “Unitary Presidency” and “non-Executive” office of the Vice President is impeachment. There is irrefutable evidence that both have violated the law, grossly abused the power of office and put the security of the nation at risk.

The president cannot veto impeachment.

Impeachment investigations have automatic subpoena power and are immune to executive privilege and state secrets. The threat of impeachment is immensely powerful.

Representative Dennis Kucinich has taken the first step by filing HR333, calling for the impeachment of Cheney. Though eight other House members have signed on, the heavy hitters are notably silent.
Here in Washington State, Jim McDermott is telling his constituents it “ain’t gonna happen”. Rep. Inslee stands in defiance of nearly all of his Legislative Districts who have passed impeachment resolutions.

According to Elizbeth Holtzman, who served on the Judiciary Committee during the Nixon impeachment investigation, Congress was as reluctant, then as now, to act. Congress was forced to respond by overwhelming public pressure.

What is needed to produce change now, is for large numbers of us to pressure Congress to act. To that end, Washington For Impeachment, a small group of determined individuals, headed by the dynamic Clyde Hill housewife, Linda Boyd, have begun as they intend to continue.

In Seattle this Sunday, Washington for Impeachment will present “Our Constitution in Crisis: an interactive forum and a call to action. Speakers are well know journalist, David Lindorff, prosecuting attorney and author, Elizabeth de la Vega and Phil Burke of impeachbush.tv. State Legislators Senator Eric Oemig and Rep. Marilyn Chase will appear.
They will help the audience understand why impeachment is not only important but necessary. A self-replicating workshop will be follow. Participants will be taught how to not only how to advocate for impeachment and but how to train others, etc. etc. Ongoing efforts will be coordinated through a website.

It is the intent of Washington For Impeachment to model a system that will inform, empower and activate citizens to uphold and defend their Constitution and that has the potential to spread nationwide.

What is at risk is much more than legislation. The foundation of this nation has been damaged. Our Constitution and the rule of law are at stake. President Bush has pushed aside the Constitution that grants us our liberties and rights while simultaneously placing himself and those who serve him above the law. It is a dangerous precedent and must be stopped. If you think that that it only applies to alleged terrorists, you’re wrong. It applies to you.

Carol DW