Amazing job, digging this stuff up! Now anyone who wants to write to these members of the Judicial Committee to encourage them to impeach Bush, can quote their own extraordinarily appropriate words back at them. WAY TO GO!

by Meryl Ann Butler (70 articles, 82 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 721 comments [29 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 1:10:18 AM

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by Munich (1 articles, 86 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 1125 comments [86 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 1:44:56 AM

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though the part of me that wants to believe in something good felt a little disappointed by the punchline that they were referring to the Clinton Presidency.

Politically though these quotes (assuming they are accurate - I must confess I stopped reading when I worked out the angle) should be worth more than pure gold in the hands of members of the House Judiciary Committee trying to make the case for a principled stand to there fellows.

Another political fact I can't get past is that all 23 Democratic members of the House Judiciary Committee supported the motion to refer Kucinich's 35 articles of impeachment to THEIR OWN COMMITTEE.

I don't think that is a fact that can easily be discounted. The 23 have essentially claimed juridiction of the matters in Kucinich's 35 articles and have some personal responsibility now to do something about it.

The idea that matters as important as charges of torture and launching aggressive invasion can be referred to the House Judiciary Committee to die, rather than be considered, as though the House Judiciary Committee is some cave in Afghanistan, is an idea that has been floated by Ben Pershing of The Washington Post, and it seems to be an idea that is commonplace amongst those that have sufficient interest in politics to be following this.

But politics is about perception and denying deniability. The House Judiciary Committee cannot deny responsibility now for addressing or otherwise the matters that a majority of them have voted to send themselves.

Personally, I am still trying, after several phone calls, to get confirmation that my email sent over a week ago to the House Judiciary Committee via their public website has been received. I have been told by a staffer (Janis), last night Australian time (midday Thursday Washington time) that he will advised me by email when the backlog of emails are processed that mine has been received.

I'll wait a couple of days then call again if necessary because I don't think that it is too much to ask that a email sent internationally as instructed by a staffer at the contact point in variance with the websites processes be confirmed to have been received. I can respect workflow considerations (its fair that they don't acknowledge receipt of every email straight away) but after a week I expect the House Judiciary Committee staffers to respect basic courtesy as well. 

Another staffer, at one point, on asking me if I was an American living in Australia as opposed to being an Australia, and my telling him truthfully that I was not, seems to have decided to hang up on me after telling me he did not think it was appropriate to lobby US Congressional representatives. All I was asking of the staffer that appeared to hang up was for him to confirm receipt of an email, after he said that it had been received, by spelling the surname. Hanging up, if that was what he (Bill) did, didn't do any good. I simply called back.

Getting torture and aggressive invasion addressed, not letting things just die that are this important, is worth being persistent about in the face of rudeness.

Putting the same call through to ask the same question, has the email I sent been received, when the staffers only seem to reluctantly give even their first names, such is their apparent determination to either avoid accountability or perhaps to intimidate the caller into a deferential posture does get a little like an unpleasant duty though.

by Brett Paatsch (0 articles, 3 quicklinks, 23 diaries, 1308 comments) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 2:01:23 AM

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I almost had a heart attack.  ?Sensenbrenner? - my head was spinning.

Of course these slugs have a completely opposite line to cover up for their own.

You don't know how I wish for a miracle - that these repubLIEcons experience a healing of their brains.  A healing that would give them some morality and ethics.

I'll go back to being depressed now. 

by AllDems08 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 90 comments) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 5:34:18 AM

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don't be depressed alldems. their #'s are attached. simply in a respectful, yet firm way ask each to be a man of his word. remind them of their convictions, how the constitution meant so much to them and how they should allow the process to work - that all the evidence be made available within the confines of an impeachment hearing (that cannot be tampered with or ignored) and let the chips fall where they may.

and...in all seriousness, I was not trying to be funny. a little sneaky maybe, but not funny. there is no fiction here. this is a straight news piece. members of congress and the public needed to be reminded of their positions. chin up alldems! use it!

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (30 articles, 42 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 485 comments [8 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 6:00:44 AM

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Cheryl - you didn't get my dry wit?

Maybe it was a bit too dry during these arid, non-productive cycles of Congress.

Seriously though, I am depressed and for a long spell of about 8 years now.  But it's not your fault!  :p

I have had no luck talking to the republicans in my extended family or the ones who possibly stole their way into positions of power in GA from 2002 onward with the help of the republican-owned blackbox voting machine companies.

We'll see what transpires over the next month.  I will not hold my breath for Congress to do the right thing [I've learned over time to keep my excitement at bay,] though I continue to hold on to hope since it's better than the emptiness of despair.

by AllDems08 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 90 comments) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 6:46:27 AM

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Keep up the good work!  I'd love to see these quoted in letters to the editor of papers in their districts.  It is not too late for impeachment and impeachment is necessary for any sort of justice to exist in this government. 

by R. A. Louis (12 articles, 13 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 87 comments [3 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 7:22:43 AM

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certainly was hoping people would use the info. (and numbers provided) to remind these guys of their prior statements.

but, definitely actions like using local papers is where it counts. they absolutely pay attention to local news about them. no politician wants to look bad in the daily local. when i have time i'll look up their districts and find some activists who live in them that can start a letter writing campaign. super idea - thanks!

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (30 articles, 42 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 485 comments [8 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 3:40:10 PM

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So clever - first Nancy, then these guys!

I guess the 9% approval rating is hitting them - they know that it is too close to the end of Bush's term and no one will be held accountable. So unfortunate that one of the darkest periods of American history will go by without vindication.

Let's boot out all incumbents for deriliction of duty - Nancy goes first. 

by wendynyc (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 56 comments [1 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 8:14:01 AM

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by Munich (1 articles, 86 quicklinks, 14 diaries, 1125 comments [86 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 11:41:24 AM

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I think these quote are useful to have. But presenting them as if they were new statements of support for the impeachment of Bush was a cruel joke. You sent people scrambling to confirm the statements and many people have started "action alerts" based on this hoax. You have wasted people's time and given them false hope. Please do not deliberately mislead people.

by Phil Burk (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 2 comments) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 1:18:53 PM

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i appreciate you feelings on this. but, people shouldn't scramble before they read an entire article. it clearly states where these excerpts were taken from.

it was not intended to be a "joke" or a "hoax." i haven't the time for such things. a hoax would be if the information provided was untrue. there were no false statements in the article. was the title used to grab attention? of course.

it's standard to go back to see where members of congress stand on certain issues. to remove the context of clinton  - or bush for that matter - allows their remarks to stand alone. they can now be reminded and held accountable for them. but, again i was clear to note that they were excerpts from HJC impeachment hearings Dec. 10-11 1998.

as you know, phil, there may be some movement in the hjc. the republican members mentioned should be reminded of how important the rule of law and the constitution were to them 10 years ago. that's why their phone and fax numbers were included.

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (30 articles, 42 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 485 comments [8 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 1:35:51 PM

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As Meryl Ann has said, these are brilliant, - including the way they're presented.   

"the republican members mentioned should be reminded of how important the rule of law and the constitution were to them 10 years ago. that's why their phone and fax numbers were included. "

by Aurora (0 articles, 95 quicklinks, 52 diaries, 648 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 4:43:18 PM

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6 more Representatives join the 28 or so that have already signed on to impeach Bush/Cheney.  Let's see, that makes approx. 34 out of 438 that actually understand what must be done to free this country from the tyranny of the Bush administration.   Not very impressive by a long shot.  How did We, the People, get stuck with a lame, gutless, and brain dead Congress?   There must be an awful lot of stuff going on under Pelosi's table to explain the treasonous inaction of our Congress.  Partisanship does not begin to explain the Republicans backing the dastardly actions of the administration.   Our Constitution is screaming for justice under it's laws and very few sworn defenders of it are answering her call.   Our entire government has become a massive lie that has no integrity or honor left.  This November we must vote out all of those who have abandoned their oaths of office to our Constitution and We, the People.

by Hayesml47 (6 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 540 comments [10 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 1:41:49 PM

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at the end of the remarks you'll see that these statements were made in the context of the clinton impeachment. i felt it important for their statements to stand alone and that they be held to them. i hope that people are reaching out to them and reminding them of their commitment to the Constitution.

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (30 articles, 42 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 485 comments [8 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 2:36:37 PM

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Maybe we can get Dick to wear Monica's blue dress and give George a "hummer".  If we made it sound positively "right"eous and very patriotic they might do it!  Anything to get to get the clown prince and mini=mean out of office, eh!

by Hayesml47 (6 articles, 0 quicklinks, 4 diaries, 540 comments [10 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 4:40:15 PM

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. . . dick cheney in monica's dress. i feel nauseous! guess i deserve it!

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (30 articles, 42 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 485 comments [8 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 5:10:27 PM

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I am sorry to say that I was one of those who jumped the gun before reading the whole article. I hit the Digg button on the second page...and then came back to finish the article...Was my face RED! So then of course I had to go back and put in an edit reply! (I did not give away the "punchline"...just recommended that people read the entire article.)

 I hear-by swear I will from now on not make a jackass of myself this way again! Thanks.

by szn46 (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 44 comments [4 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 4:28:09 PM

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For just a moment you had me cruelly fooled!

Brains, beauty and a cruel sense of humor! Perfect! Let us send her to visit said Congress-folk and see if she can convince/intimidate them into upholding their Constitutional responsibility.

Even though, I for a single half unbelieving moment, thought and hoped against reason, that it were true, was a mite ticked when I saw the context and confirmed my doubts with the date, I do think it is a brilliant piece of con.

Such a thing would be a miracle, indeed, but not in the congress of 76-63- years ago, when both parties voted almost always unanimously for FDR's saving plans.

by Professor Emeritus Peter Bagnolo (144 articles, 1 quicklinks, 95 diaries, 1317 comments [5 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 5:11:38 PM

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Bu$h administration be impeached, but trials of Treason and then march the fascist's "Goon's and Thug's" off to the Hague for War Crimes trials, for 2 illegal occupations based off of lies, the War Of Terror has wrought.

Have them serve their life sentences at Gitmo enduring what "Enemy Combatant's" have.  Confiscate their illegal amassed fortunes and give it to UN humanitarian projects both domestic and abroad. 

Then the world will see that the US is serious about prosecuting "Terrorist's", no matter who they are or where they come from. 

by Stanimal (2 articles, 226 quicklinks, 38 diaries, 1254 comments [234 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 8:23:42 PM

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If you mentioned at the beginning that this was said in reference to Clinton, it would have made the power of the piece far less potent. Great work.

by Rob Kall (952 articles, 4177 quicklinks, 374 diaries, 2087 comments [45 recommended, 3 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 9:19:51 PM

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I believed putting it into context immediately would take the oomph out of their words. And, if the title had been about Republicans during Clinton's impeachment, I doubt the important quotes would have garnered much attention. I think their own words give way to much action on our part and I really wanted it to reach a broad audience, not just people who are already committed activists for impeachment.

One of the great things about posting on OpEdNews is that because it is a news source, when Congressional staffers set news alerts for their bosses, articles like this will top the list. They also come up in places like U.S. Politics Today (an EIN news service). It's a subscribed service for political professionals giving those inside the beltway a direct connection to us.

So, this is the scenario I like to envision. Rep. Lamar Smith's staff sees a link to an article that he supports impeachment. A link to this currently sits under his name on U.S. Politics Today.  Staffer reads it and let's Smith know people are bringing up his statements during the Clinton impeachment and maybe to save face he will at least be willing to listen to some arguments for impeachment where he otherwise might have totally dismissed it. Call me a dreamer.

My inbox has been filling up with ideas that people have with how to deal with this info. Many are calling and faxing and reminding the reps of their words. It was mentioned above that it would work well in letters to the editor of their local papers. A reader sent me a message showing me her sample letter. Very clean and simple. Presents them with their own words and asks politely if they "still apply" - a c.c. to pelosi, conyers and a big city newspaper.

We're in the best place we've been in a long time, maybe ever, with impeachment. Kucinich having an opportunity to address the members of the HJC. If these Republicans are reminded of their strong convictions ten years ago - i am not saying they will vote to impeach, but they will be harder pressed not to allow the information to at least be presented.

I know there are many who have no faith left at all in our Congress. I have little myself, but I will forever do what I can to keep their feet to the fire.

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (30 articles, 42 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 485 comments [8 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 11:42:21 PM

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TIme he make a decision and have a conscience or he'll go down in history as the person most responsible for destruction of the Constitution.

Okay, maybe second behind Pelosi.  She should not be in office. 

by August Adams (11 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 585 comments [11 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Friday, Jul 11, 2008 at 11:55:54 PM

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Only Gallegly voted against immunity. Cannon did not vote.  The rest did vote to grant immunity for the very crimes they now want to hold Bush accountable.

Did I hear them say "oops!"

Yes...the decision to impeach is the only right decision. But let's also get a bill to reverse immunity introduced and see who signs that.

by Paul Kruger (39 articles, 1 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 304 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Saturday, Jul 12, 2008 at 3:26:58 PM

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...into trying to eat their own over this.  Not realizing they were had, they tried to tar and feather their fellow Republicans for supporting impeachment.  Such epic troll baiting on your part clearly highlighted in plain relief their total cognitive dissonance on the arguments for Bush's impeachment relative to their past support for Clinton's impeachment.  Bravo!

See: 

click here

by Jeremiah P (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments) on Sunday, Jul 13, 2008 at 1:47:30 AM

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for the link jeremiah. i suppose if it were 1998 and he had read that they would have been the Seven GOP Heroes.

by Cheryl Biren-Wright (30 articles, 42 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 485 comments [8 recommended, 2 rejected]) on Sunday, Jul 13, 2008 at 6:20:10 AM

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Mark Crispin Miller sent this out under the mistaken assumption that it was about Bu$h......... When the error was caught my first thought was, I'm going to have some fun with this one!

I'm looking for the comments from my former, 'aid murdered in his office', congress person, Joe Scarborough to add to the mix.   I recall that little hypocritical scumbag making a grand "patriotic" speech on the floor of the Congress while his most recent mistress and his wife watched from the gallery.

The two-faced, back-stabbing hypocrisy of this rotten political party and it's leadership is enough to gag a maggot. 

by magginkat (2 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 21 comments [2 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Sunday, Jul 13, 2008 at 1:50:22 PM

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I think you guys are being a little hard on the President! You think he's a terrorist? Why are you terrorizing him? Think of all the GOOD things he's done for this country! I think probably every one of you would have done the same thing as him if you'd cheated on your wife.

by Ron R. (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 7 diaries, 152 comments [11 recommended, 0 rejected]) on Tuesday, Jul 15, 2008 at 4:40:40 AM

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He will not be impeached. They cannot impeach him without implicating themselves. It's the old "if I'm going down, you're going down" game. They ALL are under the thumb of AIPAC and Israel. They are just stalling until the next puppet is installed.

by Roger Thomas (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 131 comments [10 recommended, 1 rejected]) on Thursday, Jul 17, 2008 at 5:10:39 PM

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Comment from Ratings:   Incredibly well-researched and written! I applaud the author and would ask all who read this to make phone calls to the representatives quoted. Remind them what they are on record as stating 10 years ago, and that they absolutely must uphold their own oaths of office, especially when the President of the United States does not. The article was a "grabber" because of the hope those quotes gave the reader, and then seeing at the end of the article that they were made 10 years ago in Impeachment hearings for sexual indiscretion. The lying that "covered" that by Bill Clinton did not put our country at risk, put our nation into generations of debt, or cause innumerable deaths, but this President has done all of that as well as place our nation's honor in the dump. I am ashamed of these actions, and I want to be part of a nation which joins the world in efforts for peace.

by treehugger (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 38 comments) on Thursday, Aug 7, 2008 at 3:56:00 PM

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