The Republican leadership in the House has voted to allow for Cheney's impeachment to reach the House floor. They think that the Democrats would be losers in the impeachment process. It is my position that the Democrats would be BIG WINNERS if they understood the constitution and what the public wants. Below are the positive points that would bolster their position with the media and the voters:
-The MSM and the Republicans are calling Democrats gutless.
-Courage of conviction is admirable and what the voters want.
-It would allow Democrats to argue that patriotism is more important than party loyalty.
-Bush would not be sidetracked because he would not be the target
-Cheney's popular polls are very low.
-Cheney is the perfect villain for the Democrats as the ultimate neocon.
-Impeachment is purely a legislative process that cannot be challenged by the other branches.
-Legislative subpoenas could not be challenged by executive privilege.
-Failure to cooperate by Cheney could cause a charge of contempt of Congress.
-The Capitol Police would have full powers to arrest and seize documents.
-Technically the Capitol Police could seize Cheney's walk in safe and arrest him.
-The impeachment trial would expose all of the criminal activity of this Administration.
-It would be leverage to negotiate an end of the war in Iraq in that Congress could drop the proceedings if Bush/Cheney agree to withdraw the troops.
-The House and Senate could finish their legislative agenda before the Senate trial
.
-Other Congressional business can be done while the trial is proceeding.
If I missed something, please let me know. My belief is that the Democrats will lose credibility with their base and independents unless they do what is best for our country. This is a fight that they should welcome instead of rationalizing that we are better off waiting until January 2009. That is a strategy that will not work with these guys. The waiting game puts us all at risk of global annihilation.
