History is in the making!
On Wednesday February 14, newly elected Senator Eric Oemig will officially announce his intention to introduce a Resolution in the Washington state legislature.
If it passes, this will reach the floor of the U.S. House of Representatives--and may lead to the impeachment of Bush, Cheney, and other officials who've exhibited an unprecedented contempt for the U. S. Constitution.
New Mexico, Vermont and possibly New Jersey are planning the same action, based on the "Jefferson Rule" which allows state governments to initiate impeachment of Federal officials.
As the U.S. House members dutifully recite that "Impeachment is off the table"--We the People insist it is ON THE TABLE--and we are salivating for a serving of justice!
Please recommend - so others can be inspired.
Photos by dinazina and story below:
In a crowded room in Bellevue, just east of Seattle, state senator Eric Oemig (D-45th) and our organizer, Linda Boyd, told us exactly WHY and HOW, to cheers and several standing ovations.
The mood of the crowd was tense with excitement and determination. Well over one hundred signed in. We're mad as hell and we're not gonna take it anymore!!
The event was sponsored by Eastside Fellowship of Reconciliation, working with a coalition of peaceful patriots for impeachment. If you're in Washington State, please sign the petition!
Above: Myself (dinazina) with my handmade sign and suitably attired Barbara, antiwar activist.
Members of Vets for Peace and the Backbone Campaign.
Thirteen-year-old "Andrew" is more politically active than most adults.
More fed-up antiwar activists
Eric with Randy Gordon, who was ready to wrestle Rep. Dave Reichert (R-WA-8) out of his seat in 06, but decided to drop out of the primary to support Darcy Burner's campaign, which lost narrowly.
Eric Oemig was mobbed by grateful citizens.
Linda Boyd is a dynamite speaker and organizer for the cause of impeachment. She listed four charges that the resolution contains against the executive branch.
Linda gracefully lowers the mike for a trio of Raging Grannies, two tiny but feisty members and a larger one. A rousing singalong: "Let's Impeach the President" to the tune of "Michael Row the Boat Ashore"
Eric told us he hadn't run for the State Senate with the intention of leading a charge for impeachment. He had many priorities in mind, and commitment to many progressive causes, such as alternative energy development.
Soon after taking office, he decided that nothing was more important that righting the power abuses at the very top. He wants to be able to tell his one-year-old son, when he's old enough to ask questions, what he did to make things right.
Eric has told a longtime legislator of his decision, and that man is sympathetic. With wide public support, we can do this!
Eric carried his little boy around for some time, while speaking with supporters. The young Oemig was very mellow and bright-eyed, not at all bothered by being surrounded by strangers
Eric is the real thing. He spoke from the heart, without notes. The light of integrity radiates from his persona.
Eric's legislative page is here:
WA Senator Eric Oemig
By the way, Eric has also stuck his neck out to speak at Washington Public Campaigns Town Hall Forum in favor of Clean Elections.
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Afterwards we watched a video featuring John Nicholls, author of "The Genius of Impeachment".
Nicholls is a witty guy--the video was entertaining as well as enlightening and motivating. One of his many points was this: Impeachment isn't that risky. There've been nine attempts at impeachment in American history. After each, the party initiating the attempt held fast or gained seats--they weren't punished for it.
Another point: Every time they get away with wongdoing--Nixon was pardoned pre-emptively, Reagan got a slap on thewrist for Iran-Contra--a future administration takes it to a more malevolent level.
Above: Young Andrew is riveted to the screen, flanked by two grizzled Vets for Peace.
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I wrote a Jefferson rule impeachment resolution in Seattle last year, inspired by the encouragement of Kagro X here at Kos. It passed with cheers at the precinct, LD and county caucuses, along with similar ones written by others. I attended the State Convention in Yakima to follow its progress.
What happened? Nothing happened. The convention ran out of time to vote on more than a handful from the dozens of resolutions submitted. Many people were disappointed or angry.
Now we're excited again!
Eric Oemig will make an official announcement to the press on Wednesday in Olympia. Supporters want a crowd of a thousand present to cheer him.