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Political Crimes In A Venn Diagram
Ever wonder which members of the Bush administration could be spending time in the slammer? This nifty chart clears up your questions.
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Conyers plans Bush impeachment substitute
Rebuffing Dennis Kucinich’s calls for impeachment hearings on George W. Bush, the House Judiciary Committee instead will hear testimony about Bush’s “imperial presidency” and several of his administration’s scandals.
In a press release issued Thursday, Rep. John Conyers, House Judiciary Committee chairman, said his panel will explore a variety of Bush controversies, including manipulation of prewar Iraq intelligence, politicization of the Justice Department, and refusal to cooperate with congressional investigations.
But the Michigan Democrat also left little doubt that the committee’s review was meant to fend off demands from Rep. Kucinich that Conyers initiate impeachment proceedings against Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
With impeachment ruled out, it’s unclear how much the Judiciary Committee’s inquiry can accomplish, given Bush’s broad assertion of executive privilege when his subordinates are faced with congressional questions about criminal and other wrongdoing.
Conyers’s committee faced just that dilemma earlier Thursday when former Attorney General John Ashcroft refused to answer an array of questions about his role in decisions regarding warrantless wiretaps and harsh interrogations of detainees in the “war on terror.”
In effect, President Bush keeps broadening his claims of executive privilege - even citing it Wednesday to cover testimony that Cheney gave in 2004 to a federal prosecutor about his role in exposing a covert CIA officer.
Bush knows that Democratic leaders, including House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers, have long ago rejected impeachment proceedings, the one instrument included in the Constitution for Congress to wield against a President who has abused his powers.
With only six months left in his term, Bush can easily wait out any court challenges to his privilege claims, cases that might take years to litigate.
Nevertheless, in announcing the July 25 hearing, Conyers said his committee would address “possible legal responses” to Bush’s “imperial presidency.”
“As Chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I believe it is imperative that we pursue a comprehensive review commensurate to this constitutionally dangerous combination of circumstances. Next Friday’s hearings will be an important part of that ongoing effort,” Conyers said.
Abuses on display
Among the topics cited by Conyers for the hearing are:
* The forced resignation of nine U.S. attorneys allegedly because some balked at politically motivated prosecutions.
* The misuse of the “unitary executive” theory, which involved Bush’s presidential signing statements to negate laws passed by Congress.
* The abuse of the government’s powers to investigate and detain U.S. citizens and to harm administration critics, including disclosing the identity of CIA operative Valerie Plame after her husband, former Ambassador Joseph Wilson, challenged Bush’s use of bogus intelligence to justify invading Iraq.
* The assertion of executive privilege to prevent Congress and the public from overseeing the administration’s actions and decisions.
Kucinich, D-Ohio, cited those issues and others, such as sanctioning torture and invading Iraq under false pretenses, as part of his 35 articles of impeachment, which were introduced in June.
The House sidetracked Kucinich’s resolution by voting - 251-166 - to send it to the House Judiciary Committee. At the time, Kucinich said he expected Conyers to hold hearings within a 30-day deadline Kucinich had imposed, but Conyers chose not to act.
Kucinich rankled Democratic leaders last week when he stated that he would reintroduce impeachment articles if Conyers and other top Democrats tried to derail his efforts.
Last week, Conyers told Congressional Quarterly that his committee’s actions will be limited to a public hearing.
“We’re not doing impeachment, but [Kucinich] can talk about it,” Conyers told CQ.
Rebuffing Dennis Kucinich’s calls for impeachment hearings on George W. Bush, the House Judiciary Committee instead will hear testimon... more -
Impeach Bush over Iraq, argues congressman
Kucinich has been arguing forever that Bush deserves to be booted from office for dragging the U.S. into the Iraq war based on a deliberate pattern of lies. Even his own party has given him a rough ride on the impeachment thing, though, with some claiming the Democratic machine is stonewalling him because it will hurt the party's chances in the upcoming presidential election. Kucinich has been arguing forever that Bush deserves to be booted from office for dragging the U.S. into the Iraq war based on a delib... more
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Cindy Sheehan Goes to Washington
There is nothing unusual about the fact that I am heading to Washington, DC today. Indeed, since my son was killed in Iraq on April 04, 2004, I have been to our nation's capitol dozens of times.
The first time I went to DC was exactly six months after Casey was killed. We went for an anti-war march from Arlington Cemetery to the White House, in October. I remember on that trip sitting on the path in front of the Vietnam wall, with my friend Bill Mitchell, whose son Michael was killed on the same day as Casey in Sadr City, Baghdad. We were sobbing as we placed pictures of our sons at the base of the wall to join thousands of other troops who have been sacrificed by the Military Industrial Complex in idiotic wars for profit and corporate empire building.
Since that day in October 2004, I have traveled to DC for lobbying, protests, hearings, meetings, State of the Union addresses, and I have been arrested about 10 times there and have spent hours handcuffed to walls in its jails and am on a first name basis with many officers.
A year ago today, The Camp Casey Peace Institute's Journey for Humanity was in Washington, DC. We led an unpermitted march from Arlington Cemetery to John Conyers' office on Capitol Hill (quite a long march in the DC heat and humidity). Our focus was on impeachment. John Conyers was then and still is the Chair of the House Judiciary Committee that would oversee any kind of accountability for any member of the administrative branch.
Now that our campaign is really picking up momentum and excitement in San Francisco, the hearings that should have been, will be. Along with the thousands of activists who have been working diligently for impeachment for years, we can claim a victory for the people!
http://www.cindyforcongress.org/ There is nothing unusual about the fact that I am heading to Washington, DC today. Indeed, since my son was killed in Iraq on April 0... more -
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep John Conyers plans George W Bush impeachme...
House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. John Conyers said his panel will explore a variety of George W. Bush controversies, including manipulation of prewar Iraq intelligence.
Rebuffing Dennis Kucinich’s calls for impeachment hearings on George W. Bush, the House Judiciary Committee instead will hear testimony about Bush’s “imperial presidency” and several of his administration’s scandals.
In a press release issued Thursday, Rep. John Conyers, House Judiciary Committee chairman, said his panel will explore a variety of Bush controversies, including manipulation of prewar Iraq intelligence, politicization of the Justice Department, and refusal to cooperate with congressional investigations.
But the Michigan Democrat also left little doubt that the committee’s review was meant to fend off demands from Rep. Kucinich that Conyers initiate impeachment proceedings against Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
With impeachment ruled out, it’s unclear how much the Judiciary Committee’s inquiry can accomplish, given Bush’s broad assertion of executive privilege when his subordinates are faced with congressional questions about criminal and other wrongdoing.
Conyers’s committee faced just that dilemma earlier Thursday when former Attorney General John Ashcroft refused to answer an array of questions about his role in decisions regarding warrantless wiretaps and harsh interrogations of detainees in the “war on terror.” House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. John Conyers said his panel will explore a variety of George W. Bush controversies, including ... more -
We should hold Bush accountable for his actions
Some news doesn’t receive the media attention it deserves. You might call it “stealth news” because it flies under the radar. Why this happens is another discussion, but here is a stealth news item that might develop into a detectable object.
On July 10, Dennis Kucinich introduced a single article of impeachment against George W. Bush. Yes, the same “lunatic” Kucinich who was a “fringe” candidate for president and was considered “nonviable” ostensibly for his “extreme,” “radical” platform (which included universal single-payer health care, a serious response to global climate change, withdrawal of troops from Iraq and other measures that most Americans want) — but actually was marginalized because he wasn’t beholding to corporations for campaign contributions. That, too, is another discussion. Some news doesn’t receive the media attention it deserves. You might call it “stealth news” because it flies under the radar. Why this... more -
Countdown to Crawford: The Last Days of the Bush Administration
Bush impeachment article to get hearing
The House Judiciary Committee is gearing up for hearings July 25 that could be the closest Congress ever gets to impeaching President Bush.
After insisting that a full-scale impeachment of the president would distract from the work of Congress, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi bowed to political reality this week and the House voted 238-180 to send one of Rep. Dennis Kucinich's articles of impeachment -- this one charging Bush with lying to the American public about the causes for the war in Iraq -- to the committee.
The catch: The committee can talk about anything deemed to be abuse of power by the president or the White House but not vote to impeach him, the first step toward removing him from office. Committee chairman John Conyers of Michigan put it this way.
Over the last seven plus years, there have been numerous credible allegations of serious misconduct by officials in the Bush administration. At the same time, the administration has adopted what many would describe as a radical view of its own powers and authorities. As chairman of the Judiciary Committee, I believe it is imperative that we pursue a comprehensive review commensurate to this constitutionally dangerous combination of circumstances. Next Friday's hearings will be an important part of that ongoing effort. Bush impeachment article to get hearing ... more -
Hearing set on "imperial Bush presidency"
WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Impeachment is out for President George W. Bush, but a top U.S. lawmaker said on Thursday he wants to take a look at his "imperial presidency."
House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers announced his panel would examine possible administration wrongdoing, which has included complaints that Bush misled the United States into the Iraq war in 2003.
"Over the last seven plus years, there have been numerous credible allegations of serious misconduct by officials in the Bush administration," said Conyers, a Michigan Democrat.
He scheduled a July 25 hearing on "the Imperial Presidency of George W. Bush and possible legal responses." WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Impeachment is out for President George W. Bush, but a top U.S. lawmaker said on Thursday he wants to take a lo... more -
As close to impeachment hearings as we've seen so far!
This Friday, July 25th, the House Judiciary Committee will convene a hearing called "Executive Power and Its Constitutional Limitations." While not defined explicitly as a hearing on the articles of impeachment that Rep. Dennis Kucinich has put forth, this is the closest we've seen to a formal discussion on Capitol Hill related to the issue of impeachment. Click here for the AP article explaining what's happening: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iE21FOVAfMfEbAE5LDwi...
There are several things you and your group can do between now and Friday:
• By clicking here http://www.democrats.com/topelosiandjudiciary you can send a message to members of the House Judiciary Committee. Be sure to tell them how important it is for them to be at the hearing on Friday, and for them to speak up for impeachment.
• Get in touch with your local media outlets before Friday and urge them to fully cover the hearing. And it would be great if you can also get in touch with national media outlets to demand that they cover the hearing. For media contact information click here: http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media/
• Sign - and get others to sign - the petition organized by Dennis Kucinich: http://impeachment.kucinich.us/petition/ (We had some trouble logging on to this site, so please be patient and keep trying!)
This Friday, July 25th, the House Judiciary Committee will convene a hearing called "Executive Power and Its Constitutional Limitation... more -
The Impeachment Resolution Makes Danish TV
On Friday, Dennis Kucinich will take his impeachment resolution against Bush to the House Judiciary Committee. Kucinich argues that Bush has violated his oath of office, violated U.S. and international law, has trashed the Constitution, and poses a serious threat to the nation. “I want to thank you for the support which you have given to my efforts to hold this administration accountable for taking us into a war based on lies, and for the destruction of the rule of law and the destruction of cherished Constitutional principles,” Kucinich says in the YouTube video posted here. On Friday, Dennis Kucinich will take his impeachment resolution against Bush to the House Judiciary Committee. Kucinich argues that Bu... more
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Support impeachment of George 'the tyrant'
At 10 a.m. on July 25, Rep. John Conyers, chair of the House Judiciary Committee, will begin what could be one of the most critical hearings in the history of our country. Impeachment of President George W. Bush is back on the table!
I have heard others give the following reasons for not holding impeachment hearings: It's too late in the presidency, it is too much of a distraction and it would take up too much valuable time in Congress.
What more important business could Congress possibly have than to restore our Constitution, which the current president has shredded?
As a proud member of Veterans for Peace and the National Impeachment Network, I call on all Americans who wish to uphold our Constitution to do their duty as citizens. We must not only hold the current administration accountable, but we must prevent future administrations from abusing power.
Call your representative in Washington and call all of the representatives serving on the House Judiciary Committee, urging them to sign on to articles of impeachment against King George the tyrant!
Louise Legun
Allentown
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Nine Reasons to Investigate War Crimes Now
Retired General Antonio Taguba, the officer who led the Army's investigation into Abu Ghraib, recently wrote in the preface to the new report, Broken laws, Broken Lives:
"There is no longer any doubt as to whether the current administration has committed war crimes. The only question that remains to be answered is whether those who ordered the use of torture will be held to account."
Impeachment: Despite Majority Leader Nancy Pelosi's instruction to keep impeachment "off the table," Rep. Dennis Kucinich for the first time brought an impeachment resolution to the House floor that incorporated a devastating, thirty-five article indictment spelling out Bush Administration war crimes and crimes against the Constitution. Now Rep. Conyers has announced that the Judiciary Committee will hold hearings on the charges July 25. Even after the Bush Administration leaves office, the judges it appointed who appear complicit in war crimes -- notably torture policy architect Judge Jay S. Bybee -- could still be impeached. Retired General Antonio Taguba, the officer who led the Army's investigation into Abu Ghraib, recently wrote in the preface to the new... more -
Hold impeachment hearings quickly
The refusal to hold impeachment hearings suggests the members of Congress that go along with that agree with the criminal actions of this war mongering president and his minions.
Just like the trials in Nuremberg after World War II made it clear that those who just went along with the game were equally guilty, everyone who goes along with this administration and its efforts to wage war, weaken the Constitution and our rights, should be tried as treasonous felons.
Our laws are clear. They must be enforced! Impeach Bush and Cheney and bring criminal charges against those who have done other acts that are contrary to our country's interests.
Stephen Smith
Chicago
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Legal scholar: Evidence suggests Bush committed crimes
Law professor rebukes Democrats for letting Bush off hook
Nancy Pelosi needs to hold meaningful impeachment hearings that will focus on evidence that President Bush has committed crimes in office, constitutional law professor Jonathan Turley said Wednesday.
Turley was speaking with MSNBC's Keith Olbermann about the House Speaker's indication that she would let the Judiciary Committee hold an hearing to consider an impeachment article introduced by Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH). Law professor rebukes Democrats for letting Bush off hook ... more -
Hey America! Pelosi Handed You a Booby Prize! What Are You Going To Do With It?
This Friday, July 25th 2008, could be a day where a small portion of the Bush regime’s long list of dirty laundry might get an airing, but if Americans hit the snooze button on this tiny window of opportunity it could be a huge set-back for the impeachment movement.
What’s the big July 25th Nancy Pelosi Booby Prize event? The Judiciary Committee is holding a hearing at 10am in the Rayburn Bldg in DC tentatively named, “The Imperial Presidency of George W. Bush”. While this hearing is a disappointing second, (hence a “Booby Prize”), to an official impeachment hearing it is nonetheless one more tiny step in the impeachment direction. During his portion of the hearing, (he’s rumored to be only allowed 7.5 minutes to speak), Congressman Dennis Kucinich will present a petition bearing the names of thousands of people who have signed onto his impeachment petition. (And if you are taking the time to read this article take the 15 extra seconds to sign the petition yourself here.) There is a 9am rally outside the Rayburn Bldg to get things off to a good start. This Friday, July 25th 2008, could be a day where a small portion of the Bush regime’s long list of dirty laundry might get an airing,... more -
Defend The Constitution - Hold Impeachment Hearings
Monday, 07/21/2008 @ 08:56 PM
To whom it may concern:
I implore you to defend the Constitution and the rule of law--please commence immediate impeachment hearings on the 39 "privileged" Articles of Impeachment pending in your House Judiciary Committee, H.Res.333-3, H.Res.799-3, H.Res. 1258-35, and H.Res. 1345-1, presented to Congress by your colleague and friend Rep Dennis Kucinich.
You signed an oath to defend and protect the Constitution--it's not too late to fulfill your obligation--please commence immediate impeachment hearings without delay.
Sincerely,
FastLane8
Monday, 07/21/2008 @ 08:56 PM To whom it may concern: ... more -
Impeachment Hearing This Friday, July 25
Although Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers is tying himself in knots to keep from saying the word impeachment, the fact is that this hearing is the result of H.R. 1345 being referred to the Judiciary Committee in a full House vote last week, and H.R. 1345 is specifically about impeachment. It focuses narrowly on administration claims that Saddam possessed WMD in the run-up to the Iraq war, and that there was a connection between Hussein and 9/11. Kucinich's article relies heavily on the Downing Street Memo, the transcript of a gathering of the British Prime Minister's senior ministers on July 23, 2002. The DSM includes such passages as:
C reported on his recent talks in Washington. There was a perceptible shift in attitude. Military action was now seen as inevitable. Bush wanted to remove Saddam, through military action, justified by the conjunction of terrorism and WMD. But the intelligence and facts were being fixed around the policy. Although Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers is tying himself in knots to keep from saying the word impeachment, the fact is that thi... more -
Judiciary Committee to hold hearings on Bush conduct, impeachment not on agenda
WASHINGTON (AP) _ Rep. Dennis Kucinich's single impeachment article will get a committee hearing — but not on removing President Bush from office.The House on Tuesday voted 238-180 to send his article of impeachment — for Bush's reasoning for taking the country to war in Iraq — to the Judiciary Committee, which buried Kucinich's previous effort. WASHINGTON (AP) _ Rep. Dennis Kucinich's single impeachment article will get a committee hearing — but not on removing President Bush ... more
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Thanks to you, impeachment will be heard Friday
A message from Congressman Dennis Kucinich. July 22 2008 log on to: http://kucinich.us to sign the petition.
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Impeachment
