My district’s representative in Indiana is a moderate conservative who interestingly enough represents a moderate conservative district. To the district and him, the idea of impeachment is an unsound one and in fact, the response my representative has given me before is this:
As Americans, we rightfully hold our government officials to high standards, and we deserve nothing less than dedicated and honorable public servants who put the best interests of the American people first. That is why I-like millions of Americans-was deeply concerned to learn that key pre-war intelligence used to justify our invasion of Iraq was inaccurate and not properly substantiated. Some believe that such questionable actions and other mistakes by the Bush Administration warrant the impeachment of Vice President Cheney or other government officials.
In response, Congressman Dennis Kucinich of Ohio introduced H.Res. 333. If passed by the House of Representatives, this bill would begin impeachment proceedings against the vice president. H.Res. 333 is currently pending before the House Committee on the Judiciary.
While I share your concern that these mistakes have damaged the credibility of the current administration at home as well as the standing of the United States abroad, I believe impeaching the vice president would not be in the best interest of our country. Impeachment proceedings would divide Americans at a time when cooperation is crucial to solving our most pressing problems. However, as your representative, I will work to ensure that Congress performs its constitutional duty as a check on the executive branch, including investigating any alleged illegal activities by the federal government and its officials.
It simply is not enough to continue these so-called proceedings or investigations on alleged illegal activities. The activities are no longer alleged and have been proven time and time again to be criminal.
The reality, however unsettling it may be, is that we have representatives who believe in this idea that we will divide our nation in a time when cooperation is necessary. The reality is that we have people who submit to the Democratic Leadership and accept the leadership’s conventional wisdom without thinking rationally or logically or without questioning it. And therefore, we must deal with it.
Here is the template for how to do so and this is how I framed it for Representative Joe Donnelly when I called to leave him a message.
I framed it as an issue of the future of the Democratic Party and whether or not they will succeed in the upcoming elections. I looked at the idea that impeachment could cause them to lose if they ignore the issue and do not take action.
And so, the following is my suggestion of how to inform your representative in your district that he or she must vote “no” to table the resolution:
Hello, I am calling to leave [insert representative’s name] a message.This week a resolution to start a debate on impeachment will be brought to the floor. It is expected that immediately a member of the House will move to table the resolution so that a debate cannot take place on impeachment.
I would like [insert representative’s name] to vote “no” to tabling the resolution and make a statement on the floor during the discussion on impeachment which must take place if we are to move forward in this country and truly take on George W. Bush. Whether for or against impeachment, please lay out your reasoning for America so that it can be said that this movement for impeachment was not ignored or disrespected.
The possibility of losing elections in 2008 is very real if impeachment is ignored. This issue is greatly dividing the party and needs to be looked at and solved before we move to take on the Republicans in 2008 in an election season that must be won by Democrats or else.
Our leaders owe it to us to look at how this administration and in this case, Richard B. Cheney, has damaged our Constitution and damaged our system of checks and balances. It is imperative that you stand up for our nation and our nation’s rule of law and examine this issue.
Therefore, I expect you to vote “no” to table the resolution this week when that vote occurs.
Thank you.
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