I acknowledge even as I write this that it may be too late to save the soul of America. Our cause may in fact already be lost. It is in the spirit of ‘never say die’ that I undertake this diary.
I’ve heard all the excuses, all the reasons why we can’t or it wouldn’t be wise or politic to impeach the criminal traitors who have seized control of our country. I reject them every one, and suspect active rightwing participation in planting them within the Democratic Party and within our community. They’ve never made sense and only serve to perpetuate the despotic regime of the neocon corporatists who have brought such joy to our nation and our world.
All of my counters to the arguments against impeachment boil down to the following few points:
The Clinton ‘impeachment’ was a bad joke on the American people and a flagrant abuse of the Constitution which bears no comparison to the present circumstances.
One does not count the likely votes prior to impeachment proceedings and make a go/no go decision based on that. That would be like having jurors vote for guilt or innocence in a criminal trial without ever presenting evidence or arguments – without ever actually conducting a trial. When the evidence properly presented begins to form a monstrous pile of reeking guilt, the steely resolve of the Republican hyenas will weaken. They will falter and fail as the entire country comes to an awareness of the virtually endless list of Bushco’s grave offenses such as:
purposely lying the country into launching an aggressive war of choice
the sanctioned and hideous torture of helpless prisoners
the rampant theft and misappropriation of billions of taxpayer dollars
the willful dismantling and crippling of government agencies and services
unbridled and shameless vote fraud and election theft
repeated nefarious blows to American freedoms delivered in utter secrecy
the naked seizure of unauthorized Executive power
and all the other high crimes and misdemeanors too numerous to list that anyone paying half-assed attention already knows about
Even the staunchest Republican Bush supporters will begin to peel away as the glare of public inquiry reveals the awful and unbearable truth – just as they did when the full extent of Nixon’s crimes finally came to light. And Bush’s insults to the constitution, the world and the American people make Nixon pale in comparison.
Many people seem to believe that if we don’t impeach Bushco that it’s no big deal, they’ll be gone come 2009 anyway goes that line of thought. This is monumentally wrong and seriously misguided. Anything Bush gets away will become precedent for all who follow in the office of President. Not to impeach Bushco will sanction tyranny in America and guarantee its ascendancy for as long as the world lasts (which won’t be long).
Impeaching Bush, Cheney, Gonzales, et al is the only way we will ever get our freedoms and civil rights back. It is the only way we will ever salvage our self-respect and our international reputation. It is the only way we will ever make things right with our allies and the rest of the world. We absolutely owe them this much. It would be unconscionable not to deliver. Justice, after all, still matters.
Of all the pressing issues that we face, from ending the abomination in Iraq to ameliorating the oncoming disaster of global warming, none are more important than removing Bush and company from power ASAP and restoring democracy to America – for if we fail at that we’ll fail at everything that follows.
This is America’s last gasp. Let’s take a chance and do the right thing.
Impeach the criminal rat bastards and do it NOW!
Amen and mahalo!
Crossposted at Daily Kos
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Saving America - A Plan of Action!
I was reading The Impeachment Imperative on Diatribune , and it moved me beyond belief. I suggest each and every one of you read this article, as it brutally and effectively covers the complaints of the majority of the American people. The article lit a fire in my imagination, and if my idea won’t work, then I invite you to submit your’s. Maybe a discussion of solutions on “how” to achieve impeachment of the Bush administration will be more effective than the volumes of commentary we read every day.
It's hard to write anything when faced with a great commentary, one we wish every household in America could read, hear - or even know about! It's a call to the people, all of us, because our elected representatives aren't doing their jobs and are playing politics with our lives. They're too busy worrying about their jobs and the 2008 elections to address anything controversial or meaningful before a major presidential election.
Don't forget, if they impeach Bush - Nancy Pelosi ascends to the Presidency, and all of a sudden, the entire mess in the Middle-east will be squarely in the hands of the Democrats - and I haven't heard one plan yet that really makes sense. No matter how we do it, there's going to be an increase of Iraqi bloodshed - and somehow we need to get out causing the least amount of further damage; it isn't going to be pretty, or even politically correct no matter how they do it, so they risk doing nothing at all instead of serving the people who elected them to office. How many more American lives will be lost due to their inaction? How many more Iraqi lives? And at what cost to the people of America?
The real problem at hand, besides an ineffective Congress, is a complicit mainstream news media! We all know if the media got off its butt and actually informed the public of the real facts, emphasized the need for action - and covered the loss of our democracy as much as they did the so-called fall of communism, this nation might have a chance. But that won't happen. Too many people still believe that Faux News is the gospel as far as news goes - and the other networks choose to run sensational stories about Paris Hilton or anything else to keep the people from learning the truth.
Lou Dobbs tells it like it is on some subjects - but Lou, give illegal immigration a rest for now... Who will care about illegal immigration if Bush attacks Iran and subsequently declares martial law here in America? Yeah, the middle-class is disappearing faster than Bush's support, but again, who cares if the country is engaging in another illegal and immoral war? How about dedicating your show, as Keith Olberman does - to exposing the worst crimes of the Bush administration, commenting on them with the sincerity of a true American Patriot, and pleading with the people to listen and act upon what they hear; no, it's not a direct plea for demonstrations or protests - but when a real American is faced with straight-forward facts, raw and without spin - there's a natural reaction to seek any way possible to pitch-in and help save this country.
This country can still be saved! The politicians won't do it, the military can't or won't, so there's nothing left but the people themselves. It's going to take everyone realizing that the end really could be near - not end of times, but our way of life as we know it and a heritage our forefathers fought and died for. How many of you have relatives that died for this country in the World Wars or other conflicts? The sacrifice our soldiers make on the battlefield is much less worthwhile if we don't sacrifice at home, our time and energy to call and re-call each and every one of our Congressmen/Representatives, local TV and radio stations, and a constant barrage of indignation to the Editors of our local newspapers...
The squeaky wheel has always gotten the grease, and folks, we need to figure out an effective way to unite and bring together all of the resources that remain splintered throughout the Internet. We all have our favorite forums, Media Matters, ThinkProgress.org, The Smirking Chimp, Daily KOS, The Brad Blog, RAW Story, The Huffington Post, BuzzFlash, just to name a few on the Internet - and my apology to the many Progressive sites I didn't mention. Thousands upon thousands, if not millions, read some of these sites every day. They're exposed to the situation as it really is, but in a manner that still leaves us all wondering how in the hell we're going to save this country! We're learning the true facts of what ails this declining democracy through the courage and persistence of these Bloggers - but the answers to fix our country elude us all! We still don’t have enough grassroots support. These are some of our best and brightest right now, and they’ve done a hell of a job of keeping us informed. Let’s call on them again, this time to unite, and help to repair this failing Democracy in unison, rather than death by a thousand cuts; after all, our enemy is heartless and doesn’t appear to bleed – and there isn’t time for all of the small wounds to take the beast down. United we stand, divided we lose our way of life and the democracy we cherish.
Look at all of the emails you receive, sign this petition, that petition, and a hundred others, until finally it seems to overwhelm your inbox! Think about a scenario where all of the major Blogging sites come together, hold meetings, and begin to send out a unified message on certain planned protests – and a united front can and would make a difference! Illegal immigrants, with the help of radio stations and press generated by support from the Catholic Church brought out people in the hundreds of thousands; surely, we as Americans can do better than that – and with a cause that could include people from all walks of life. There’s no sense in protesting for legal status when the very fabric of the nation is unraveling; in fact, it’s actually a distraction the GOP is benefiting from; to them it’s just another diversion while the Neo-conservatives and right-wing religious fundamentals finish the hijacking of America. They care about immigration all right - especially as it helps to grow the corporate bottom-line with an endless supply of low-cost labor.
Maybe if there was a meeting of the progressive Blogging minds, one among them would arise with the charisma and depth to bring them all together in a cohesive manner that would still allow them to keep their identities and base – while still publishing a “United Column” that would serve as the focal point for uniting our voices into one – and protesting in a manner that would be more effective and would generate the kind of publicity it will take to awaken the rest of America.
Write your favorite site administrator – or send them this message, with your personal note attached. I’ve read their articles, followed some of their brilliant investigative reporting – and it shows you some of the brightest and energetic minds are right here, on the Internet – still unorganized, but bursting with talent and the means to really make a difference. Make it a private meeting, with all of the best-known and respected Bloggers, which will guarantee there won’t be any GOP operatives’ present. Put all of that talent in one place, make it a long discussion, keeping in mind that legal protests and strikes are an American tradition – one that allows us to exercise our free speech, and tell the administration the only way we can we’re tired of their inaction and we want change – AND NOW!
Think about it, or someone at least offer a better idea. I’ve looked deep into my own conscience and writing, but like everyone else, I offer commentary and a gathering of the facts – not suggestions that could help halt the destruction of our country. Nothing else has worked. We are the people, and together, we are strong. We owe it to our children, our parents, grandparents, and those who died before us to take back our country and let the criminals who seek to hijack our government know that we won’t take it lying down! We fight for what be believe in, and when our elected officials refuse to carry out their duty, it is the responsibility of “we the people” to do whatever is necessary to save our Democratic Republic and the American way of life.
If this idea stinks, then please, all of you offer your own – and maybe, with all of the suggestions coming together in one place, maybe one will stand out that will help to bring us back to the rule of law and our constitutional values. You have everything to gain, and nothing but your freedom and way of life to lose. I believe it’s an easy decision…
JAC
__________________________"The whisper becomes louder, then a voice is heard, and then crowds of voices, and eventually the whisper becomes the roar of change!" wjc
http://justanothercoverup.com
Lescoeurs
Every point is spot on, but reason remains impotent when the bad guys control flow of information. Ex: Lieberman's Party Chief resigns in protest over the Senator's comments on Meet The Press supporting Bush's bellicose posture on Iran and no one on any major network reports this story; Russert appears on H&C echoing the Ailes talking points on Dems who won't appear on FOX; the faux debate in the WH between Cheney and Rice about pre-emption against Iran is reported by the NYT as if it is a true debate(it is, in fact, prepping the Great Unwashed for the inevitible attack). As long as their corporate pals manage the message through MSM outlets at the highest level, eloquent arguments like yours will be like pissing into a Cat. 5 Hurricane.
Which is why we need to force the MSM to React!
Thank you! Your post presents the crux of the matter at hand:
The Mainstream News Media, complicit and ineffective - are the true enablers of the Bush administration. Cowed by White House pressure, even those reporters who do want to write the truth are muzzled by their corporate owners - such as ABC/Disney and Faux News, both who blatantly distort and spin current issues and events to support the Neo-conservative/right-wing Christian fundamentalist agenda.
CNN has a couple of segments that scratch at the truth, but off-set their credibility by airing pundits like Glenn Beck in a so-called effort to provide "fair and balanced reporting." With public opinion soaring against the Bush administration, offering a Presidency that operates like an organized crime family equal time is far from "fair and balanced!" We have too much documentation and evidence that points to the culpability of the White House, crimes have been alleged that border on sedition and treason - and to give them a platform to further their crooked agenda is simply wrong! Did we allow Richard Nixon equal time to dispute his role in Watergate - or was he forced out of office in disgrace?
The online community is huge, larger than most could even imagine - but is splintered into so many different groups and organizations that instead of a united message, what is communicated to the public is a garbled message that leaves everyone with no particular plan of action, and most are all going-off in separate if not similar directions that have little real effect- but in unison, would force change whether they wanted it or not!
What I propose is that all of the Blogs and sites remain the same, each doing what they do best - but in unison, also publishing one or two columns per week that disseminates the various schedules for meaningful protests and legal work-stoppages that will force the MSM to report the news - because with that many people participating, even the most corrupt of news organizations would have to report matters that the average American would witness by simply watching their local news. Let them try to "spin" the success of a protest that is organized nationwide, gains the attention of the people by the sheer numbers and solidarity of the people, and soon the stark reality of truth will begin to emerge.
What would the government do if the major Bloggers banded together in an effort to organize the people? What could they do? In order to start a true grassroots movement that has any chance of success, we must find a way to bring together the millions of Americans who seek to return our country to the rule of law - and with real organization, it wouldn't take long to accomplish. Imagine a week-end when millions of Americans protest outside TV stations and major broadcasting companies all over America - demanding that they report the news, minus all of the fluff and sensationalism that takes away from the real issues that face our nation!
How many well-organized work-stoppages would it take before our Congressmen were spurred into action, because while corporate America is behind much of the evil that faces the United States in present day politics - as soon as they feel the impact to their bottom-line, they too will be screaming for change!
It's all a matter of organization - something that is almost non-existent in our present-day two-party political system, but could be remedied by a cohesive effort of those who do help to influence our perceptions and attitudes by simply printing the stark realities of the sad state of our Democracy. I didn't say it would be easy; some of the better known Bloggers ring-up some pretty good fees for speaking and public appearances - but if we believe their messages, which are all in the same vein of taking back our country, then we should expect they would be glad to gather and help to draw the online community into a cohesive, powerful voice of the people, one that if organized properly - will be impossible to ignore, both by Congress and the public at large.
We need to combine our efforts, become one in our purpose - and only then will we be able to influence and force Congress to do their jobs, not as they "think" they should be done, but in compliance with the will of the people. The MSM is the enemy right now - but don't underestimate the power of the people, especially if we figure out how to combine our efforts into one cohesive voice.
__________________________"The whisper becomes louder, then a voice is heard, and then crowds of voices, and eventually the whisper becomes the roar of change!" wjc
http://justanothercoverup.com
The Soul of America
Your clarity of thought and action are admirable. I am not really a pessimist, but the question posed at the top of Pissed Off's piece is key....Has the Soul of America been lost? Is it gone or can it be saved ? And I'm not speaking "Born Again" lingo when I pose that question. To use another spiritual term, however, might be appropriate....Awakening. I thought we had one last November, but the corporate information gatekeepers have redoubled their efforts and introduced a kind of quasi-virtual progressive newspeak into the dialogue. It kind of looks and acts kind of like a progressive, but dumbed down just enough to continue to lull the masses who are working their asses of to pay for gas/heating oil and healthcare. And there is appearing on the scene a kind of virtual progressive politician who will now be the water carrier for the corporate elite. These guys are smart and don't think for a minute that they are not two moves ahead of our idealism. This War began at the dawning of the Industrial Revolution and still the battle rages.
I'm still a bit of an Idealist - and Optomistic.
Is the "Soul of America Lost?" I agree, that is one of the keys to the article - and based on the millions that take their time to peruse the Internet in search of the truth, my answer to that questions is a resounding NO! Complacent, uninformed, and lulled into a feeling that no matter what they do - their efforts will be ineffective and thus why waste the time - Yes, that's an apt description of America as I see it today.
I'm 56 years old/young, used to be a professional sales manager/trainer, among other things - and I have dealt with the public most of my adult life. I'm a student of history, and fiercely patriotic, place my faith in the American people and the spirit that still exists in this country, admittedly badly beaten-down and somewhat subdued. I had an awakening, one of information and awareness, and I understand that all of America is not as lucky as most of us - who evidently have the means and luxury of finding the truth ourselves through a relentless search - constantly looking for pieces and parts of the smaller truths that ultimately add-up to the whole. We know where our country is headed, and exactly why, but there are still so many millions of Americans who are buried in the bliss of a made-up reality.
For them to feel our outrage and understand the need for speed and results - somehow we have to find a way to alert them to the problem.
We have the numbers but we don't have the organization. Each and every organization out there is important in their own right - but for the task at hand, they're firing BB's at an elephant - and the effects are obvious. I have a belief in the human spirit, and the insight, revelations, and spirit of fighting for America is well stated by so many of our courageous Bloggers, some who are on the terrorist watch list for their efforts.
I have a belief that if you place the majority of these "Progressive Thinkers" in one room, someone could really rise to the top of the heap with what it takes to come-up with a viable plan of action, suitable with all of the Bloggers and have the charisma to convince them so, to publish in unison a working plan-of-attack in a separate column that would be published on all progressive Blogs in unison to regain our country and our civil liberties. (Something like that could be published every few days.)
We don't seem to have a leader emerging that can energize the people, something we desperately need - so maybe the melding of some of the best of the Progressive minds will bring forth a way to utilize the full potential of the millions who want to take America back from the Neo-conservatives. What better place to look for suggestions than those who are leading the fight for Democracy?
No, the Spirit of America still exists - we just have to find a way to bring them out of their slumber, and without some sort of spectacular melding of the Internet community, I see no other viable way to energize the American people.
Everyone has abandoned us, Bush's aides and cronies are abandoning ship like the rats they are - those we elected are playing politics with our lives, and it's time for those of us who truly know the danger to somehow sound the alarm! Talking to each other in these forums will not save our country; but discussing ways of energizing the people of America is productive, especially when everything else is failing so miserably...
Call me an idealist, but I'll always believe in the American Spirit to persevere -and if we can let them know what has been done to their country, economically, from a security stand-point, and just how hated we are throughout the world - I believe the people will rise-up and do what's necessary to bring about the changes to return us to our principles and beliefs - an America that speaks of Democracy - and also practices it at home, not just in the rhetoric of George W. Bush..
__________________________"The whisper becomes louder, then a voice is heard, and then crowds of voices, and eventually the whisper becomes the roar of change!" wjc
http://justanothercoverup.com