OpEdNews » Conyers Floats Inherent Contempt for Rove and Pelosi Shifts on Kucinich Impeachment Resolution

Tags for This Article:

Populum Tag Cloud Control Panel
	Fine tune your search to access content

Articles	Links
Diaries	Products
Events	All

All time
Last 6 mos
Last month
Last week
Last 24 hrs

From:
Month Day Year

To:
Month Day Year

Alphabet Popularity	Count ON Count OFF
This Level	Sub-levels

Tag(s): Congress; Impeachment; Kucinich-Dennis; Pelosi-Nancy; Rove Karl; Wexler-Robert
Add to My Group

July 10, 2008 at 20:52:20

Headlined on 7/10/08:
Conyers Floats Inherent Contempt for Rove and Pelosi Shifts on Kucinich Impeachment Resolution

by Robert Wexler Page 1 of 2 page(s)

www.opednews.com

SAVE FAVORITES

VIEW FAVORITES

View Ratings | Rate It

Capitol Hill is buzzing today with major developments regarding our campaign for impeachment hearings for President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. Just today, in what could be described as a perfect impeachment storm:

• Karl Rove once again thumbed his nose at Congress and the American people by brazenly ignoring a lawful congressional subpoena to testify before the House of Representatives;

• Judiciary Chairman John Conyers indicated his willingness to use the power of inherent contempt against Rove if necessary;

• Rep. Dennis Kucinich introduced another article of impeachment on Bush's lies regarding the Iraq war; and

• Speaker Nancy Pelosi was quoted today saying that the House Judiciary Committee should address the issues that Kucinich raises in the House Judiciary Committee.

After years of work by so many of you, the time appears ripe to finally hold Bush and Cheney accountable.

DONATE

Conyers Opens Door to Inherent Contempt for Rove

Karl Rove has simply refused to appear, as he is legally required to do. His actions, endorsed by the Bush/Cheney Administration, are a challenge to our system of checks and balances and Congress must respond to this type of outrageous behavior with appropriate severity.

Today, Judiciary Chairman John Conyers courageously stated today that inherent contempt will remain an option for the House of Representatives so long as Rove and this Administration refuses to abide by the law.

We must now bring Mr. Rove (and other renegade Bush officials) in compliance with the law.

This is a defining moment for Congress: Will we continue to allow legislative power to be eroded by an out of control executive branch that ignores the rule of law - or will we finally put an end to this congressional capitulation and properly force Administration officials to testify in full view of the American people?

It is time for Congress to hold Karl Rove in inherent contempt. I congratulate Chairman Conyers' positive move in this direction, and we must work to move other Members of Congress in support of the use of inherent contempt. Inherent contempt properly enables the House Sergeant of Arms to physically take custody of Mr. Rove and bring him to the House of Representatives to testify.

How do you think a state or federal judge would react to a witness refusing to comply with a legal subpoena? The wayward witness would be arrested.

Should the Congress of the United States be shown any less respect than any courtroom in the nation?
Should the Congress react any differently than how any American judge would react? Absolutely not.

We are long past the time for threats and negotiation. We must bring Mr. Rove in front of the full Judiciary Committee, under oath. No administration official - not even the President - is above the law. They cannot be allowed to redefine it at will. We must all appear when called or suffer the consequences.

1 | 2

http://wexler.house.gov/index.shtml

Robert Wexler is a Democratic congressman representing South Florida's 19th district, serving his sixth term in the House of Representatives. He has earned a reputation as a straight-forward and articulate legislator who energetically advocates for his constituents. Wexler has been named one of the "50 Most Effective Legislators in Congress," by the influential magazine Congressional Quarterly and was named to the Forward 50 list as one of the most influential leaders in the American Jewish community... Read Robert's full biography Congressman Wexler sits on three committees: the House Commitee on Foreign Affairs, where he serves as Chairman of the Subcommittee on Europe; the House Judiciary Commitee; and the House Committee on Financial Services

	Contact Author
	Contact Editor
	View Other Articles by Author

Bookmark this page: (what's this?)

(More...)

15 comments

B.Soc.Sci (Aus). Helped start an Organic Food Co-op and a Local Energy Transfer System (goods & services exchange, no cash). Lived near permaculture's Bill Mollison for a time, saw semi barren land transformed into gardens and orchards. Worked in a Community Support Center. Currently in NZ/ Aotearoa.
AuroraB.Soc.Sci (Aus). Helped start an Organic Food Co-op and a Local Energy Transfer System (goods & services exchange, no cash). Lived near permaculture's Bill Mollison for a time, saw semi barren land transformed into gardens and orchards. Worked in a Community Support Center. Currently in NZ/ Aotearoa.

Rove has fled (to Sweden?)

Rove has flown overseas, - to Sweden, according to a comment at the discussion below the link (at ThinkProgess). He has been given five days to reappear.

http://www.opednews.com/maxwrite/linkframe.php?linkid=63644
includes video

by Aurora (0 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 345 comments) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 9:30:04 PM

Meryl Ann Butler is an artist, author and educator who counts First Lady Dolley Payne Todd Madison as well as two signers of the Articles of Confederation among her ancestors. Mary Ball, mother of George Washington is in the ancestral lineage of Butler's great grandmother, Blanche Ball. Grateful to know that the blood of America's founding mothers and fathers runs in her veins, Butler has been newly filled with matriotism as a direct result of the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. Lest she a...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Meryl Ann ButlerMeryl Ann Butler is an artist, author and educator who counts First Lady Dolley Payne Todd Madison as well as two signers of the Articles of Confederation among her ancestors. Mary Ball, mother of George Washington is in the ancestral lineage of Butler's great grandmother, Blanche Ball. Grateful to know that the blood of America's founding mothers and fathers runs in her veins, Butler has been newly filled with matriotism as a direct result of the 2000 and 2004 presidential elections. Lest she a...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Halle-friggin-lujah

Pelosi finally makes a step forward! OK, we "caught" her doing something right, this is the moment to impress upon her that this is the direction in which we want to go. I am very grateful for this turn in the tide, slight as it may appear, so I emailed her to thank her. I just thanked her, I didn't complain. Just positive reinforcement. It works for training kids, dogs, husbands, and hopefully, politicians. Emails of appreciation can be sent from any American to Pelosi here: http://www.speaker.gov/contact

Of course, if you are a resident of CA's 8th District, you can email her thru her Congressional website.

by Meryl Ann Butler (43 articles, 42 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 349 comments) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 10:18:54 PM

David is now retired, having worked for about 30 years as a high school science teacher, buyer, facilities planning co-ordinator, tester of low-power radio transmitters, and personnel clerk. He is married, has one grown child, and holds a technican's class radio amateur license.
David HoagDavid is now retired, having worked for about 30 years as a high school science teacher, buyer, facilities planning co-ordinator, tester of low-power radio transmitters, and personnel clerk. He is married, has one grown child, and holds a technican's class radio amateur license.

Thanks for the link

I used it. And I tried my very best to be nice. I hope many more people will do the same, and, as you say, we know it works with dogs and horses.

by David Hoag (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 9:39:33 AM

August Adams is a CPA and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is an activist striving to create a fair and just world for all.
August AdamsAugust Adams is a CPA and holds a Masters Degree in Psychology. He is an activist striving to create a fair and just world for all.

Inherent Contempt and arrested by the Sergeant-at-arms

Long over due, what the h--- is Congress waiting for?

by August Adams (10 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 442 comments) on Thursday, July 10, 2008 at 11:53:42 PM

Ray Louis is an aging, burnt-out, radical activist. He is of the opinion that most people have no idea how harsh and brutal the government is because they have never really done anything to resist or oppose it. While he doesn't at all engage in the level of activism he once did, he still has strong and unconventional opinions. His fear is the Orwellian nightmare coming true (with a mixture of environmental degradation and peak oil as the backdrop).
http://nihilo0.blogspot.com/
R. A. LouisRay Louis is an aging, burnt-out, radical activist. He is of the opinion that most people have no idea how harsh and brutal the government is because they have never really done anything to resist or oppose it. While he doesn't at all engage in the level of activism he once did, he still has strong and unconventional opinions. His fear is the Orwellian nightmare coming true (with a mixture of environmental degradation and peak oil as the backdrop).
http://nihilo0.blogspot.com/

This is easily the best news I've heard all day!

I'm trying to restrain my enthusiasm, but impeachment is really starting to look possible. This is so necessary for so many reasons. We need to keep the pressure up though. Keep writing letters to your local newspaper editors, call talk radio, forward articles to your firends, and keep the focus on impeachment! Let's make this happen!!!

by R. A. Louis (9 articles, 2 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 59 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 12:47:42 AM

Currently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolvee.com
Mr MCurrently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolvee.com

Happy Birthday

No kidding ... today was my birthday (61 - nearing old-fart) - and let me tell you how it started - as I shuffled my way to shower I hear a water fountain coming from my water-heater - I just got done trying to install a new one, and haven't had a chance to gleam news today.

And what do you know?

First thing I see is all these birthday presents, "Pelosi" and "impeachment" mentioned in the same sentence. ( I didn't hear, "on the table ", though) "Rove" and "arrest" ... what more can an old-fart ask for?

Let me go back to reading to some more ...greatest thing so far, today ... before I go back can I say just one small - yippee!?

Okay, I'm back ... was a good day after all ...

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 12 diaries, 1436 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 1:02:46 AM

A retired sales ad marketing trainer, escapee from the automobile business, who reads vorciously and writes whenever possible. The rest of the available time is spent doing woodworking or cooking. Lives in central TX, where the weather is great and politics are dubious. Usually logical and sensible but can be very cranky when assaulted by anybody leaning too far to the right and doesn't know it.
Ivan HentschelA retired sales ad marketing trainer, escapee from the automobile business, who reads vorciously and writes whenever possible. The rest of the available time is spent doing woodworking or cooking. Lives in central TX, where the weather is great and politics are dubious. Usually logical and sensible but can be very cranky when assaulted by anybody leaning too far to the right and doesn't know it.

Be careful about that "old" stuff

Mr. M, I've read your comments often and mostly agree. But you have to watch the "old fart" stuff: I'll be there myself in two weeks and have decided, based on national demographics that I'm only about 2/3 done...you too! And I also just replaced a water heater.

I share both your optimism about the news clips and also the somewhat justifiable pessimism of others who have posted here. Maybe I'm schizoid?

Yes, so far a good day. Let's hope it stays that way.

Happy birthday!

by Ivan Hentschel (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 252 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 9:17:28 AM

I invented an earth-friendly tool, the bucket SLOGG. Its a five gallon bucket cleaning/recycling tool made from stainless steel. It has hundreds of uses.

I am very, very pro Dennis Kucinich and very anti mainstream media and corporation. Corporations are killing democracy and the media is complicit.

I am female, 51 years old, pleasantly married and quite independent... except that I am a registered democrat, but will change that to independent if Kucinich doesn't get...

to see more of bio, click on member name
bucketsloggI invented an earth-friendly tool, the bucket SLOGG. Its a five gallon bucket cleaning/recycling tool made from stainless steel. It has hundreds of uses.

I am very, very pro Dennis Kucinich and very anti mainstream media and corporation. Corporations are killing democracy and the media is complicit.

I am female, 51 years old, pleasantly married and quite independent... except that I am a registered democrat, but will change that to independent if Kucinich doesn't get...

to see more of bio, click on member name

so Pelosi threw us a bone...

I hate to say this but... SNAP OUT OF IT. It will be business as usual on Monday. How many times did they sell us down the river just this week alone?

by bucketslogg (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 73 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 1:52:04 AM

Richard Mynick is a US citizen who, despite the best efforts of the corporate media, noticed something disturbing about how the 2000 election was decided, & felt it augured poorly for democracy.
Richard MynickRichard Mynick is a US citizen who, despite the best efforts of the corporate media, noticed something disturbing about how the 2000 election was decided, & felt it augured poorly for democracy.

I'd bet heavily that this will go nowhere. Here's why --

There's no constituency whatever in Congress that's really "outraged" by violations of the law. Both parties have collaborated on every single crime of the last 8 years. Sure, there's a few decent Democrats like Kucinich, Feingold & Wexler (who came to this rather late in the game, but better late than never). But that won't be nearly enough. It was only 2 days ago that they happily scrapped the 4th amendment. They've done nothing about torture or the immoral, indefensible wars, etc etc. So they'll certainly do nothing about impeachment.

At a deeper level, the crimes of the Bush administration are all crimes committed by the country's ruling classes against the rest of us. Right this minute, for example, the stock market is wobbling under the notion that Fannie Mae & Freddie Mac will have to be "bailed out". By who? By US, the taxpayers. Yet no one in the Wall St establishment is even being blamed, let alone being under indictment. On the contrary, their trusted agents like Paulson will be directing the bailout, making sure that the rest of us pay for their crimes & ill-gotten gains.

The US ruling establishment is not capable of applying standards of justice against its own. Just as the Supreme Court always finds in favor of the corporate rich, just as the military always finds that its murderous scandals were the fault of a few low-level "bad apples" rather than of the Secretary of Defense & White House, this matter of impeachment will also go no where. They will circle wagons to protect their own -- it won't even be close.

by Richard Mynick (2 articles, 3 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 1168 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 9:13:29 AM

The author lives in a small village in central Europe and has been active in the local workers movement for nearly 3 decades.

Globalism knows no borders, why should we ?
Tony ForestThe author lives in a small village in central Europe and has been active in the local workers movement for nearly 3 decades.

Globalism knows no borders, why should we ?

you would win

Good of you to mention the Wall St. criminal scene. Of course, Wall St. is at the heart of the matter. It actually does all revolve around that district. I'm wondering, just how many good people here on OEN are aware of the massive efforts being made by foreign entities to keep Wall St. and the US $ afloat ? It's as if they are all epitimizing young Hans with his thumb in the hole in the dam.

by Tony Forest (6 articles, 15 quicklinks, 153 diaries, 1354 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 1:23:41 PM

I am who I am.
D WI am who I am.

They're Going To Wait Until its Too Late

Pelosi, Reid and Conyers are going to wait until this N@zi President does something as bad or worse than starting the Iraq conflict in his last few months in office, and then when the s**t really hits the fan they'll all be stupidly sitting around, shaking their heads and wondering if they should have been more aggressive at protecting the interests of the American people, instead of their own asses.

by D W (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 59 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 1:48:03 PM

Marine Corps vet. Mother of 2 children serving. Like to read and watch educational tv, not the shows that make you brain dead.
kim hillstromMarine Corps vet. Mother of 2 children serving. Like to read and watch educational tv, not the shows that make you brain dead.

Impeachment

I won't be holding my breath. Pelosi is a coward and as far as I'm concerned, she still holds with her original comment that impeachment is off the table. She won't do anything and neither will Conyers. They can bloviate all they want but until we actually see them take some action, this is just more of the same. None of them have a spine. Evidently Bush is holding the fact that they knew more than they have admitted to against them. Why else would they not uphold their own oaths? They don't want the truth to come out that they were complicit in covering up the crimes of Bush and Cheney. They are all crooks and liars and Conyers is the biggest liar of them all.

by kim hillstrom (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 5:45:43 PM

You are right

I hate to always be on the negative side of this stuff, but I think you have it sorted out. If the pot manages to prove the kettle is black, then you have to clean the whole kitchen. Back in my office days, whenever promotions seemed to come out of the blue, for the undeserving, we used to joke that "He must have a picture of so-and-so doing a donkey". I think there are a lot of pictures on Capitol Hill. And of course there is no shortage of donkeys.

by Ivan Hentschel (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 252 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 6:21:37 PM

A well traveled and slightly worse for wear 72 year old Englishman; widower, several children and grandchildren and a penchant for wondering 'what is the hidden agenda' in almost everything I read. A keen interest in American culture (an oxymoron?) (JOKE!) and politics and an international world view, except where I haven't got first hand experience of the parts of the world I have not visited. Editor of some books about the Qur'an and Islam. Teacher of English in little known countries like Mau...

to see more of bio, click on member name
ibrahim turnerA well traveled and slightly worse for wear 72 year old Englishman; widower, several children and grandchildren and a penchant for wondering 'what is the hidden agenda' in almost everything I read. A keen interest in American culture (an oxymoron?) (JOKE!) and politics and an international world view, except where I haven't got first hand experience of the parts of the world I have not visited. Editor of some books about the Qur'an and Islam. Teacher of English in little known countries like Mau...

to see more of bio, click on member name

Good news but...

didn't they just pass or about to pass a resolution to blockade Iran, which is tantamoutn to a declaration of war?

If they had voted this resolution down, written apparently by AIPAC, then I would believe the good news, but this smacks of going after Rove is a smoke screen for the coming war on Iran.

by ibrahim turner (25 articles, 31 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 177 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 6:55:44 PM

I have achieved nothing of consequence apart from raising children in a way that they would excel where I failed. And they are on good tracks.
ramsheyiI have achieved nothing of consequence apart from raising children in a way that they would excel where I failed. And they are on good tracks.

There Never Will Be An Impeachment

The government of the Elite, by the Elite and for the Elite does not give a damn about what the prols think and demand. A president who has carried out orders according to instructions given to him from the start will never be punished or banished. Recent history has proven that a president is removed or impeached if and only if he disobeys and ignors Elite's instructions. JFK was assassinated because he refused to invade Vietnam and also because he was about to shut down the Federal Reserve. Nixon was impeaches because he stopped Vietnam war. Watergate was a distraction for fools. Clinton was impeached because he refused to invade Iraq. Monika was a distraction for fools.

Bush has been the best ever for the Elite. Why should he be punished ? The hell with what people may think. Since when has the Elite taken people's wishes into account in decision making ?

The Elite has picked up candidates for you to vote for. Be happy. You have the blessing of the Elite.

Please wake up from your slumber. This is a government of the gangsters, by the gangsters and for the gangsters. Gangsters never punish one of their own good guys.

by ramsheyi (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 461 comments) on Friday, July 11, 2008 at 7:33:16 PM