On 'Meet the Press' this morning, I announced that I will introduce two censure resolutions aimed at holding President Bush, Vice President Cheney, and other administration officials responsible for the destructive path down which they've taken our country. It's clear to me, and millions of Americans, that the time has come for accountability – on everything from the disastrous war in Iraq, to refusing, time and time again, to follow the rule of law. Members of Congress can no longer stand by and allow the White House to shred the Constitution, and thumb their noses at the American people.
Over recent months and years, we've learned that this President, and his administration, have used mistruths, spin, lofty-rhetoric, hyped-up intelligence reports, and scare tactics to drag this country into a war that can only be described as the worst foreign policy mistake in our nation's history. In addition, the administration, in an attempt to justify this mistake, has repeatedly distorted the situation on the ground in Iraq. As a result, the administration has dangerously weakened us in our efforts to fight those who attacked us on 9/11.
What's equally dangerous is the blatant disregard President Bush has shown for the rule of law on which our country was founded. Last year I introduced a resolution to censure President Bush for his failure to abide by the Constitution when he implemented his illegal domestic wiretapping program and for misleading the public about whether his administration was following the law. With your help, public scrutiny in this program was raised and the administration couldn't ignore it any longer. Earlier this year, the program was finally terminated and brought under the jurisdiction of the FISA statute.
Unfortunately, failing to abide by the law is a pattern for this President. From illegal domestic wiretapping, to the President's dubious signing statements, to redefining torture, to the current U.S. Attorney scandal, the list goes on and on. There are so many good reasons for the deep frustration so many of you and I feel about the direction of our country.
As I have said before, I believe the President and Vice President have likely committed what our Founding Fathers would have thought of as "high crimes and misdemeanors." However, at this time I do not believe it is in our nation's best interest to put important issues facing our country on the back burner to go through months and months of a divisive impeachment process. Some may disagree with that, but at a minimum we can agree that censure resolutions, holding the President and his administration accountable for the actions I've outlined above, are needed.
History must show that when confronted with an administration which does not recognize the separation of powers, which continually acts as if the executive branch is above the laws of our land, the American people and their elected officials stood up, in one voice, and demanded accountability.
I've heard from people in Wisconsin and across the country in recent months on what we can do to hold this administration accountable for its actions surrounding the Iraq war and its deliberate disregard for the law. Please click here to read more about my two censure proposals, tackling both issues, and give me feedback on both topics. I need your help to develop these resolutions so all of our voices are heard. I look forward to reading your thoughts and I'll be sure to keep everyone posted in the coming days. I'm going to be looking to each and every one of you for help in developing these resolutions and in pushing them forward.
Take action -- click here to contact your local newspaper or congress people: Censure Bush and Cheney
Profane language and canned response to a reasonable suggestion. Sen. Feingold has consistently stood up to the Bush/Cheney bully pulpit in spite being slimed by sleese-bag GOP operatives. Looks like an auto reply from the RNC.
Senator Feingold is willing to tell the truth to power. We sure could use more like him.
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Disillusionist (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 5 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 2:18:24 PM
The US Senate cannot start the impeachment process. That can only be done in the House of Representatives. Once impeached, the Senate votes to convict and remove from office.
However, the US Senate can censure on its own, even though that censure is not enough to remove from office.
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Bleeding Heart Liberal (0 articles, 1 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 48 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 5:53:21 PM
I had alot of respect for Feingold but this is not about accountability. Russ is a hypocrite. Russ opposes Impeachment and then sponsors a couple of resolutions and claims it will hold the Administration "accountable".
The founding fathers gave us the power of impeachment to hold Bush and othes accountable. Rather than waste time on meaningless resoultions Russ should be over at the House twisting Democrat leadership to get the Impeachment process going.
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tginmn (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 39 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 11:40:00 AM
An incredibly cowardly position. This is a textbook
illustration of what it means to lack the courage of one's convictions. Feingold is saying that Bush & Cheney are flagrantly violating the Constitution -- but that it's still somehow "not in the national interest" to remove them from office.
How is that even possible? Who cares if impeaching the gangsters would be "divisive?" By definition, it would have to be divisive. ANY time you have criminals in the White House,you can't expect that they would pleasantly agree to be removed from office, or that their supporters, on whose behalf they are looting the public till, would allow their figureheads to be removed without a struggle.
Feingold is just trying to have it both ways. It's pathetic.
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Richard Mynick (2 articles, 3 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 1013 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 11:43:12 AM
Censuring the Bush Administration is equivilant to slapping a criminal on the wrist for mass murder. Failure to impeach is complicity in the crimes being committed, and if we are unable to impeach, I fear for those of us who continue to live in a country where impeachment is too troublesome a response to the most egregious violations of the law. Why are we afraid of dissent? Impeachment would be an immensely educational and healing process for this country, and it would teach future presidents that they cannot get away with criminal acts without consequence.
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D. L. Corvin (1 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 4 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 11:56:14 AM
Mr. Feingold, get used to the name. Your days as a Senator are numbered. You had the audacious temerity to declare that impeachment should remain off the table and now you suggest that "censure" is what is necessary! What constitution are you reading from. You are in violation of your oath of office to the Constitution of the United States of America. Your oath, above all considerations--party, personal, ideological--requires you to protect and defend the Constitution, but, no, you are smarter than two centuries worth of statesman. Be gone, Feingold! You are wasting our time and imperiling our constitional government. Be gone for all the good you have done us! Be gone for your rank hypocrisy and mealy-mouthed centrist, triangulating, cowardice! Just get the hell out of here, sir; your days in office are done!
James R. Brett, Ph.D.
The American Liberalism Project
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James Brett (78 articles, 95 quicklinks, 2 diaries, 73 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 11:59:57 AM
In the Senate, Feingold was our only hope. Now he's shown himself the true cautious, careful, cowardly politician we had once thought he might not be. Can you believe he was once talked about as a presidential candidate for '08? We had thought he might be the one to lead the charge, to carry the flag of democracy, but he is no different than any of the other schmucks in the "world's greatest deliberative body". There is no other Senator, with the possible though very unlikely exception of Chuck Hagel, to pick up the standard. To whom do we look now? The answer: in the House, John Conyers. We must barrage the good congressman and his fellow judicial committee members with faxes and phone calls in order to persuade three more of them to join the fight for impeachment:
FAX Numbers for House Judiciary Committee Members
(**Denotes co-sponsor of HR 333)
Tammy Baldwin 202-225-6942
Howard L. Berman 202-225-3196
Rick Boucher 202-225-0442
John Conyers, Jr. 202-225-0072
Artur Davis 202-226-9567
William D. Delahunt 202-225-5658
Keith Ellison** 202-225-4886
Luis V. Gutierrez 202-225-7810
Sheila Jackson-Lee 202-225-3317
Hank Johnson** 202-226-0691
Zoe Lofgren 202-225-3336
Martin “Marty” T. Meehan 202-226-0771
Jerrold Nadler 202-225-6923
Linda T. Sanchez 202-226-1012
Adam Schiff 202-225-5828
Robert “Bobby” C. Scott 202-225-8354
Brad Sherman 202-225-5879
Debbie Wasserman Schultz 202-225-8456
Maxine Waters** 202-225-7854
Melvin L. Watt 202-225-1512
Anthony Weiner 202-226-7253
Robert Wexler 202-225-5974
by
Todd Huffman, M.D. (80 articles, 0 quicklinks, 1 diaries, 109 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 12:16:42 PM
Remind everyone that impeachment starts in the House and you're just one of 100 Senators, and a lonely one at that. I'm working with blogdom, online newspapers and everyone I can think of to say the I-word. But I also commend you for sticking your neck out. This is what I wrote CultureKitchen, and so far I am getting worse than you. Silence is so deadly, wouldn't you agree?
We’ve got ourselves a problem. To use Bruce Fein’s word, let’s don’t be “invertebrate” about it. What’s our problem? It’s a misbegotten war which is doing harm in this world. And the world is watching. So straighten up and stand straight. Take a deep breath. And remember that only action will be enough to show we are up to our own high standards. If you want impeachment, say it. No weasel words about finding the right time. Whoever sits in the White House after the election can’t help but care about that issue, so be so advised when “hopefuls” ask for your support. However proceedings unfold, we must agree that Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney have let us down, and we want them to understand they aren’t doing the job of a president and vice-president. It’s going to take some starch. It’s easy enough to sit looking at a monitor and letting your itchy fingers scratch out frustration. But telling a soldier’s kin how you feel may cause some flak. Not the kind of flak the poor soldier is taking. Think of him and try to be as brave as he is. The scribes with their four-syllable words are going to be the hardest to wean from their elocution. Just say it. IMPEACH! The old bumper sticker might help them. WHEN CLINTON LIED, NO ONE DIED! I personally advise against irrational exuberance. By that I mean, let’s don’t get sidetracked into instant philosophy. Wars may always be among us. Well, maybe. Let’s don’t make it this ill-conceived war, however. And stay clear of wallowing in worry. Bad guys may want to hurt us. Saddam won’t. Osama might, but he isn’t in Iraq. Terrorism is first of all a state of mind. Standing tall, breathing deep, and patting yourself on the back for being a good American just may keep you clear-headed enough to advocate for the folks who live in the United States of America. And don’t get fuzzy about your belief in the basic tenets of our society. We are the can do, knowhow folks. If you haven’t seen Bill Moyers journal on PBS (July 14), go to the internet and listen to Bruce Fein explain how the administration crossed the line and how they need to be held accountable. And John Nichols chimed right in with how important it is to get the ship of state back on keel before someone inherits the storm. Now that I’ve got that off my chest, I wonder just who you are. Young. Old. Man. Woman. Rich. Poor. From dark to light, you look the same to me as I sit at my monitor. If you followed me this far, I’ve got something else to say. Asking for impeachment and getting it is just the start. I do hope you will realize getting all that materiel and those many servicewomen and servicemen home safely will be no small task. But it will happen if we want it to. Good night and good luck!
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Margaret Bassett (19 articles, 1010 quicklinks, 23 diaries, 554 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 12:41:03 PM
It is waaaayyyy past time for censure. What the hell is that? Another symbolic gesture, another opportunity for grandstanding on both sides of the aisle?
IT'S TIME TO GET REAL: IMPEACH CHENEY, IMPEACH BUSH, DO IT NOW!
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bruce jones (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 1 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 12:51:33 PM
Ummm, I hate to be the one to bring this up, but it's not about impeachment, it's certainly not about the civilized gesture of 'censure'.. Do you really think criminals worry about 'censure'?
These people were behind or the stooges in front of 9-11, the anthrax attacks, lying about the reasons for war, too many violations of the Constitution to mention, and the murder of Paul Wellstone and JFK, Jr. They'll get rid of anyone who will stand up and oppose them and make it look like an 'accident' or terrorism.
They need to be put in leg irons and marched out of the West Wing. Now. It's time for the military to do it's duty and protect this country from domestic enemies..
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Dawn Owens (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 6 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 1:19:29 PM
What good would censure do?Just another meaningless chest pounding that Bush and Cheney will ignore like they do the Constitution, Rule of Law and the will of the people. Impeachment is the only thing that will stop these two criminals.
Under Section Four of U.S.18 US Congress now stands guilty of misprision of a felony by doing nothing to file charges against Bush and Chaney for their illegal acts
“Whomever, having knowledge of the actual commission of a felony cognizable by a court of the United States, conceals and does not as soon as possible make known the same to some judge or other person in civil or military authority under the United States, shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than three years, or both.”
It is beyond question that laws have been broken and felonies committed. By not acting Congress is, in itself, breaking the law. One would that starting impeachment proceedings would be considered reporting Bush and Cheney’ criminal acts to the proper authority.
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walley (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 109 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 1:46:39 PM
Thank you and Please can you point us toward a more complete citation RE this: (?)
"Under Section Four of U.S.18....."
US Congress now stands guilty of misprision of a felony by doing nothing to file charges against Bush and Chaney for their illegal acts“
I want to forward that reference to the congress creeps from my state - one of whom is a county former sheriff whose big claim to fame is one high profile bust (the Green River Killer) - yet now that he is rubbing elbows with the perps who committed 9/11 and all their subsequent crimes - he is providing cover for them. "Rule of Law" my ass!
We the People HAVE to begin holding some feet to the fire. The law IS on our side. We have to DEMAND it be recognized AND enforced exactly as written. It is all written down in black and white, codified and unequivocal.
I continue to contend that if a government, whose very duty is IS to make and enforce the laws of the land, not only ignores but breaks the law, then that government de facto forfeits all claim to legitimacy. The government that does not observe and enforce the law by which it derives its legitimacy is no government at all.
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mrk * (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 294 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 2:50:43 PM
That is the complete citation.You can easily find it using any search engine. It is written in very plain language that even the mental defectives on Capitol Hill should understand. I also found reference to misprision of treason and as time allows I will do my best to research it.
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walley (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 109 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 3:20:35 PM
Whoever, owing allegiance to the United States and having knowledge of the commission of any treason against them, conceals and does not, as soon as may be, disclose and make known the same to the President or to some judge of the United States, or to the governor or to some judge or justice of a particular State, is guilty of misprision of treason and shall be fined under this title or imprisoned not more than seven years, or both.
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walley (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 109 comments)
on Sunday, July 22, 2007 at 3:51:32 PM
There seems to be no limit to the Bush power grabs.
What he can’t get legislatively he’s seizing by Executive Order.
Goggle the White House website for particulars, but be aware that what George W. Bush says, and what he does is the difference between democracy and tyranny. Most of these Executive Orders are so disingenuous, complicated and convoluted, it takes a Chinese Lawyer to decypher what they mean.
