I've been so troubled by the testimony of Attorney General Michael Mukasey yesterday, that once again it is time to start writing letters, making phone calls, sending emails and demanding that the House of Representatives begin impeachment hearings for George Bush and Dick Cheney. Below the fold is the draft of my letter, I'm hoping some of you might take the time to help me clean it up a bit before I send it to John Conyers and a few other representatives.
Congressman Conyers,
I'm writing you today begging you to start impeachment hearings against George Bush and Dick Cheney. I have long supported impeachment but what I witnessed yesterday with Attorney General Michael Mukaseys testimony in the Judiciary Committee, left me reeling and in a state of utter disbelief!
It is unimaginable to me how the chief law enforcement officer in this country could sit there and tell the members of the Judiciary Committee that torture is legal and boldly asserted that he will not launch a criminal investigation. As bad as that was, he went a step further and then declared that the illegal wiretapping of innocent Americans is legal and again bluntly stated that he won't launch a criminal investigation. Stunned from these two statements, he further expounded that if the Department of Justice determines something is legal, then it is in fact, legal! But, he was not quite finished. He went one step further and, once again, boldly stated that should citations for Contempt of Congress be issued against current or former officials of the Bush Administration, he will not enforce them.
I am certainly not a lawyer, but it is very clear to me that the Bush Administration now has a blank check to do anything they wish. All they need is a legal opinion from the Department of Justice and nothing is beyond the bounds of our legal system. Not kidnapping, not murder, and as he unequivocally stated, certainly not torture or illegal wiretaps. The Bush Administration, with the assistance and cooperation of Michael Mukasey have now taken us down a very slippery slope that could alter the rule of law in this country as it has previously been known.
Congress must stop these assaults against the Constitution, the rule of law and our international treaties such as the Geneva Conventions. Investigations were a good start, but they have failed at nearly every attempt due to the stonewalling, obfuscation and outright defiance to the legitimate requests of Congress. The Bush Administration cries Executive Privilege at every turn. If Executive Privilege is unwarranted in a situation, they scream National Security and when they produce documents requested by Congress, they are so heavily redacted that they serve no purpose other than to delay and obstruct the investigations.
It is my opinion, and that of many of my fellow citizens, that the only way to stop this rogue, criminal administration is through impeachment proceedings. The stakes are just to great to wait any longer to bring this administration back under the rule of law. George W. Bush still has nearly a year left in power and could very easily take us into another war with Iran, regardless of the desires of Congress.
Impeachment brings with it some uncertainties. Will the right wing radio hosts claim that this is simply retaliation from the impeachment of Bill Clinton? Yes they will! Will Republican Congressmen object and make every attempt to derail the hearings? Again, yes they will! Will Fox News misrepresent and downplay the charges against George Bush and Dick Cheney? You can guarantee it!! But there is a more important question that needs to be asked. Will the American people believe any of this? And that I think I can answer that question with confidence, no they won't! The American public is way ahead of Congress on this issue as has been shown in a number of polls on impeachment over the past two years. I believe the lack of movement on the part of Congress on impeachment is responsible for the dismal 22% approval rating of Congress.
Many have speculated on the reasons Congress refuses to hold this Administration accountable through impeachment hearings. The most common reason I hear, is that impeachment hearings might have an affect on the election. I agree! But I believe they will only strengthen the Democrats chances. It's unfortunate that the results of an election trump the rule of law and our Constitution when our country is essentially under siege. Impeachment hearings will show the country that the Democratic party is standing up to a rogue, criminal administration and supporting the rule of law and our precious Constitution. The people will rally behind the Democrats!
Once the hearings commence, the television coverage will essentially be nonstop. People who have suspected that the Bush Administration has not been operating within the confines of the rule, will see, in an open forum, whether their fears were justified. The facts will be laid out, unobstructed by claims of Executive Privilege. Subpoenas will be honored. The case will be made. And the people of this country will be able to make their own judgment if crimes have been committed. Many have said, "We don't have the votes!" I can only respond, that our rule of law does not require that we have the votes before an individual is placed on trial. In fact, that goes against the very premise of "Innocent until proven guilty". The actions of George Bush and Dick Cheney are too egregious not to warrant an investigation. An investigation where all of the evidence is placed on the table, all of the witnesses are called, all of the testimony given and a case for impeachment and removal from office is made. Regardless of the outcome, this is an investigation that must take place. One unencumbered by claims of Executive Privilege and others defying the legitimate demands of Congress.
Our country has suffered immensely under the Bush Administration, we have been lied to and misled into an unnecessary war against Iraq, a country that posed no threat to the United States. Our own government has spied on innocent Americans without warrants. Our reputation in the world has been severely damaged through the illegal practices of extraordinary rendition, torture, secret prisons, Guantanamo Bay and mercenary armies. Our civil liberties have been stripped from us at every turn. Our Constitution is in tatters. It is time to launch impeachment hearings to determine whether any or all of these rise to the level of "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" justifying the removal of George Bush and Dick Cheney from office.
Again, Congressman Conyers, I'm begging you to begin the healing process for our nation and initiate impeachment proceedings!
Sincerely,