Obama just took a pre-meditated shot at the Congressional Democrats. The House's display of spine, however, has bought them only a respite, until January 21, 2011. Then, the same Obama will have the same gun; and the Republicans will control the House. If this House vote is anything but Kabuki, they need to follow the logical implications of Obama's betrayal.
Ten years ago, some ranking GOPer said "An impeachable offense is whatever a majority of the house says it is." The House Dems have a lot stronger case than that. They should start using some of that powder they've been keeping dry all these years.
The House Dems should impeach Obama on charges of dereliction of duty. They should list all the GOP programs that OBAMA has endorsed which have harmed the country. Then let the GOP decide if they want to vote that their standard tactics are impeachable. Put them on the horns of a dilemma for once.
Before the Great Betrayal, the GOP were gearing up to impeach Obama. They said how it was their main mission to get him out of office. (Now, Fox News sings his praises. Are the dittoheads confused or have they reached Stalin-esque levels of loyalty to the party line?) Well, lets see what happens if the Dems offer Obama to them on a platter; except that the GOP will have to vote that their own policies are the cause of impeachment and removal.
It seems appropriate to be up front about this, since as Donald Rumsfeld said, "In Washington they don't stab you in the back; they stab you in the front." That's what Obama did; and that's what he deserves.
How would you phrase a bill of particulars for such an impeachment?
When Andrew Johnson was impeached by the Republicans, he was impeached for not following the will of the party (and, thereby, the majority who voted for it) regarding the South. To the Republicans of the Civil War era, Johnson was way too soft on the still truculent instigators of the war. He barely fought the re-institution of the hateful practice of slavery under the guise of what would grow into KKK terrorism and Jim Crow segregation.
Today, we are facing the same crew of unrepentant, phony, states-rights advocates, racists, and plantation owners. Obama has been way too soft on them from day one. Contrary to what he promised, he has not stopped the hateful practices of the Bush administration regarding torture, indefinite imprisonment, secret, unchallengable no-fly lists, massive use of mercenaries, expanded domestic surveillance - among many others. That is not to mention the complete acceptance of the GOP economic model. But what else could we expect from a Chicago Boy? Its as if Lincoln decided that slavery was a better economic system than industrialism.
During the Bush years, the GOP put party ahead of country; and no one stopped them. Now Obama is putting his person ahead of his party (and by joining the GOP, ahead of his country).
His secret deal and "up or down vote" bum's rush is yet another afront to the legislative branch by an Imperial Presidency that Obama has expanded, rather than reduced. His deal attempts to destroy Social Security and bankrupt the states by the backdoor.
These ARE high crimes.
The Democrats should impeach Obama. They have the votes to do it. Impeach him and let the Senate sort it out.
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Of course, my bet is that this is just more Kabuki. I mean, what made Nancy "impeachment is off the table" Pelosi grow a spine? So, take this diary in the spirit offered. We are screwed, but we will go to the gallows sneering.
Hey, they didn't shoot Johathan Swift. Just sayin'.