In what is arguably one of the most underreported stories in recent memory, the ACLU has
sued Donald Rumsfeld on behalf of eight former Iraqi and Afghan detainees for abusive methods used in Afghanistan and Iraq.
The suit asks a judge to place legal responsibility on Rumsfeld for these actions. You can view the ACLU's complaint against him here.
I haven't been able to find out the progress of this case, but this might open the door for Congress to impeach Rumsfeld (come on, you really think Shrub will force Rumsfeld out?). In case you don't know, Cabinet members CAN be impeached. I published some articles of impeachment here a few months ago, and this new information led me to update them. They're provided after the jump--let me know if I missed anything.
Resolved, that Donald Henry Rumsfeld, United States Secretary of Defense, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and the following articles be exhibited to the Senate:
Articles of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Donald Henry Rumsfeld, United States Secretary of Defense, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors.
Article 1.
In his conduct while United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, in violation of his oath under 5 USC 3331 to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of United States Secretary of Defense, has willfully corrupted and manipulated the judicial process of the United States for his personal gain and exoneration, impeding the administration of justice, in that:
On May 7, 2004; Donald Henry Rumsfeld swore to tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth before the Senate Committee on the Armed Services. Contrary to that oath, Donald Henry Rumsfeld willfully provided perjurous, false and misleading testimony to the Committee regarding his knowledge about abuse, torture, humiliation and mistreatment of Iraqi prisoners of war.
In doing this, Donald Henry Rumsfeld has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute upon the Nation, has betrayed his trust as Secretary of Defense and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.
Article 2.
Using the powers of the office of United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, in violation of his oath under 5 USC 3331 to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of United States Secretary of Defense; and in disregard of his duty under 10 USC 5113 to exercise authority, control and direction over the United States Department of Defense; directed the expenditure of funds from the Treasury contrary to appropriations by using funds appropriated for action in Afghanistan to develop plans for action in Iraq.
In doing this, Donald Henry Rumsfeld has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute upon the Nation, has betrayed his trust as Secretary of Defense and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.
Article 3.
Using the powers of the office of United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, in violation of his oath under 5 USC 3331 to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of United States Secretary of Defense; and in disregard of his duty under 10 USC 5113 to exercise authority, control and direction over the United States Department of Defense; willfully, knowingly and without lawful cause or excuse directed the concealment of an Iraqi prisoner from the International Committee of the Red Cross even though such practices are contrary to international law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
In doing this, Donald Henry Rumsfeld has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute upon the Nation, has betrayed his trust as Secretary of Defense and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.
Article 4.
Using the powers of the office of United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, in violation of his oath under 5 USC 3331 to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of United States Secretary of Defense; personally authorized interrogation techniques at Camp X-Ray, Cuba; Camp Delta, Cuba; and Camp Echo, Cuba that were and are contrary to international law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
In doing this, Donald Henry Rumsfeld has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute upon the Nation, has betrayed his trust as Secretary of Defense and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.
Article 5.
Using the powers of the office of United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, in violation of his oath under 5 USC 3331 to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of United States Secretary of Defense; personally authorized interrogation techniques previously used at Camp X-Ray, Cuba; Camp Delta, Cuba; and Camp Echo, Cuba to be used at detention centers in Iraq even though such techniques were and are contrary to international law and the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
In doing this, Donald Henry Rumsfeld has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute upon the Nation, has betrayed his trust as Secretary of Defense and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.
Article 6.
In his conduct while United States Secretary of Defense, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, in violation of his oath under 5 USC 3331 to well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office of United States Secretary of Defense; and in disregard of his duty under 10 USC 5113 to exercise authority, control and direction over the United States Department of Defense; knew or had reason to know about illegal interrogation methods being employed at detention centers in Afghanistan and failed to stop their implementation and use.
In doing this, Donald Henry Rumsfeld has undermined the integrity of his office, has brought disrepute upon the Nation, has betrayed his trust as Secretary of Defense and has acted in a manner subversive of the rule of law and justice, to the manifest injury of the people of the United States.
Wherefore, Donald Henry Rumsfeld, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office and disqualification to hold and enjoy any office of honor, trust or profit under the United States.