In another diary, it was posted that Conyers is seeking rebuttals to his five arguments against impeachment. For the record, I have been for impeachment since 2003, and below, my rebuttals to his comments, with a little introductory fluff in the letter I faxed him above that so he and you know where I'm coming from:
My only two sons served in Iraq and one is heading back, called up out of the IRR, in the next few weeks. I love my country dearly.
From my understanding, Congressman, it is your Constitutionally mandated duty as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee to explore these charges and see if they are valid.
My overarching concern is that allowing these actions to move forward without impeachment will codify them and lower the bar of the Presidency so much further that another Nixon/Bush/Cheney will come around in say, eight or 16 or 24 years and use the Bush presidency as a model to set even worse precedents, as in: "Congress codified these actions by not impeaching last time so I can go even further."
• Reason one: While the majority of people in this country want Bush gone, they don't want impeachment.
It is my understanding this is immaterial since it is, as I said above, your Constitutionally mandated duty to explore these articles and, if deemed valid, move them forward. Furthermore, America’s people will respect and appreciate your regard for the rule of law if you find them impeachable and move forward.
• Reason two: The corporate media will slay us.
Dear God! Is that a reason for failing in your duties as a lawmaker? Maybe, it is time for Congress to challenge the main stream media to become again the Fourth Estate as it should be. If not, is it really worth worrying about?
• Reason three: Not enough time.
Sounds like Congressman Kucinich has gotten a good head start on this stuff. I challenge you to see it through, no matter where it ends come Inauguration Day. Cancel holidays if you have to but get it done!
• Reason four: Not enough votes.
That doesn’t sound like leadership to me, Congressman! Whether there are or not, leave it to each lawmaker to decide whether he/she can condone the offenses outlined and if so, let the American voters decide whether they are worthy to represent them next time around. What I mean is, get each Congressman and Senator on record. As Sen. Hagel said in 2007 about taking a stand on Iraq "If you want a safe job, go sell shoes," followed by "We owe it to those men and women that we continue to send in that grinder." Respectfully, Congressman, that same talking point applies here. You, personally, and all lawmakers, owe it to the American taxpayers and those who are fighting in Iraq.
• Reason five: It will most likely cost the Democrats the election.
Sir, respectfully, you do not give enough credit to American voters on this. Maybe I’m idealistic, but I believe if you show the leadership, act as the steward of America’s laws as you are, and America’s treasury, you will see that the voting public will send a signal of appreciation in your doing your job by voting you all back in office and electing a President whose dedication to the Constitution cannot be questioned.
I think what I am saying, Congressman, is, it is the right thing to do, the Constitutional thing to do and that Americans will recognize and validate your actions.