Now the Hard Part Begins
We did it! We won at least 29 House seats and took the majority. We won 6 Senate seats and took back the Senate too, not to mention 28 Governors and several more statehouses. We had incredible turnout of Democratic voters across the country. Thanks to you, we had a vigorous election protection program in place to fight those who would restrict our right to vote. We ran a positive campaign on the issues that really matter to American voters.
The past two years we have worked very hard to bring a new majority to Congress and to restore accountability in Washington. We have fought together on issues such as the unanswered irregularities in the Ohio presidential election, the scandal of the Downing Street Minutes, the shame of outing a CIA agent, and much more. Together we proved that a number of dedicated online activists, working in conjunction with a single congressman, could become a force to be reckoned with.
Although we won back control of Congress, none of us should delude ourselves into thinking that running the legislative branch in a nation wracked by years of one party rule will be easy. We need to put aside any thought of anger or payback. Instead we need to focus on identifying and correcting abuses and pass legislation which serves the interests of the American people.
We also need to recapture the White House in 2008 and maintain and expand our majorities in the Congress. In order to achieve these goals we need to be totally united as a Party. It is fine to debate and argue behind closed doors and among ourselves, but at the end of the day, we owe it to the American people to unite and lead.
Thus, in my opinion it serve,s no one,s interests but the Republicans for anyone, including my friend James Carville, to suggest dumping DNC Chairman Dean less than three days after the most sweeping Democratic Congressional victory in more than thirty years. As many of you also know, I have agreed with Speaker-to-be Pelosi that impeachment is off the table. Instead, we agree that oversight, accountability and checks and balances - which have been sorely lacking for the last six years - must occur. I have nothing but respect for those who might disagree, but that is where I come out.
Having devoted a considerable amount of time and attention to detailing the many abuses of the Bush Administration, I firmly believe that we have brought these matters to the attention of the American people and the mainstream media, and that their verdict was reflected in the elections on November 7. I consider the now famous "basement hearings" and the issuance of my "Constitution in Crisis" Report to be among the watershed achievements of my more than forty years in Congress.
I also remain committed to the seminal issue of election reform. As one who held several hearings in the immediate aftermath of the Ohio debacle and went on to author "What Went Wrong in Ohio," I believe more than ever that we need a paper trail on voting machines. We also need to strengthen our laws to put an end to intimidation schemes, like the stealth robo-calls voters received before the election. I intend to introduce legislation next Congress concerning these matters.
Additionally, none of us should underestimate the continued anger and vitriol of our political opponents, even after the election they are engaged in a permanent campaign to discredit Democrats and thwart our agenda of change. You need to go no further than the November 9 editorial in the supposedly mainstream Investors Business Daily, which smeared not only me but my constituents, writing, "[Michigan congressman John] Conyers led the defense of Bill Clinton in last decade's impeachment hearings and is clearly out for blood. So are many of the constituents he serves." Pejorative and prejudiced statements like this should have no place in our political discourse.
I am hopeful that I will be selected as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee. The Judiciary Committee is one of the most important committees in the House, and has jurisdiction over the Justice Department, the civil rights laws, criminal laws, the civil justice system, the courts, immigration laws, antitrust laws, patent and copyright laws, bankruptcy laws, administrative law, and Constitutional amendments. If I am selected as Chair, I believe it will place us in a position to make real and meaningful changes for the good of the American people.
We remain in this together, and I continue to look forward to receiving your ideas, your support, and your advice in the coming months and years.
Your Friend, 
John Conyers, Jr.
Impeach
I have been quiet on impeachment until now when we have the power to get it underway.
Congressman Conyers - I offer nothing but respect and admiration for you but please hear me out.
For six long long LONG years the American people myself included, have watched the Bush administration commit crime after crime with impugnity. We didn't work our asses of to get you reelected and win back the house to see Bush slip by one more time. In an MSNBC poll 89% said they believed Bush should be impeached. This is now a MAINSTREAM POINT OF VIEW - not just foaming at the mouth from the left. There are many many things that this administration has done to warrent impeachment proceedings but it seems I must remind you:
1. A unilateral war manifested by faulty and fixed intelligence 2. plundering of the provisional authority money by Halliburton and who knows who all else. 3. Stealing two elections. 3. Spying on Americans. 4. Torturing and murder in Abu Gharib, Gitmo, and other secret prisons globally. 5. Renditioning and holding suspects without habeous corpus rights. 6. Killing at least 100,000 Iraqi civilians. 7. Exposing the name of a covert CIA agent working on important arms intelligence in Iran. 8. Using signing statements to circumvent laws passed by congress. 9. Lying to the American people on all of the above and more. 10. Abuse of power and and destruction of the constitution.
What else will this administration have to do to be reigned in? Nixon was impeached on far less than this, not to mention Clinton.
I could go on - but I know you know all this. So why all of a sudden play nice? The GOP didn't have 6 years of unchallenged power by being nice or bipartisan.
In conclusion: get a grip. You know what you all were elected to do, now do it. Get us out of this war, and impeach the criminals who plunder and rape our constitution and this country. Hang tough and don't let that stupid turncoat Carvelle boss you on national TV. He's just a bully married to an even bigger bully. Dean and the netroots and moveon and activists won this house back. Not Rahm Emanuel and his money machine.
Sincerely,
A very concerned citizen
Impeachment off the table
I think it is shameful that you used your impeachment advocacy to stoke support for yourself and your confederates to only give up the fight after winning a small victory. Not only can you be ignominously satisfied, but your are satisfied with the smallest of prizes. You are a coward, I wish you to go to the devil!
Impeachment off the table
I think it is shameful that you used your impeachment advocacy to stoke support for yourself and your confederates to only give up the fight after winning a small victory. Not only can you be ignominously satisfied, but your are satisfied with the smallest of prizes. You are a coward. I wish you to go to the devil!
Listen you facist loving
Listen you [profanity deleted], why don't you go back and crawl back under the rock you slithered from, you loser, or, if you support Emperor Bush to go enlist in his Army and go to Iraq! Your party lost, you facist-loving dimbulb......now get over it!
Angry Democrat!
Once again, I am in awe of your articulate, well-considered style of debate! "Assmunch"! We need MORE of your eloquence here....PLEASE keep up the fine work!
PS. I know you know this, but just for the "other" people, the word is "fascist."
PPS. On further consideration, perhaps I should clear up one possible question that may occur to you, way back in the dim recesses of your neocortex: Yes, I am being sarcastic.
Tom Welsh
No Tom
You are being obtuse.
Listen you stupid neo-con troll.
I "AM" articulate, and unlike you, who uses redherrings and insults, we speak truth. And yes, from the position that you take on this forum, you are nothing but a neo-con facist-loving repuke troll, who supports the Repugnican Facist Party and is thereby both a treasonous traitor to this country and ius unamerican. So why don't you go play with your freepers on the Free Republic, and leave us alone to govern this country and put this country back on its feet!!!
Enough already...
Hmmm... it appears as though some have lost sight of the subject at hand - doesn't it?
"The legitimate powers of government extend to such acts only as are injurious to others. But it does me no injury for my neighbor to say there are twenty gods, or no God. It neither picks my pocket nor breaks my leg." --Thomas Jefferson
"We must combat individualism and sectarianism so as to enable our whole party to march in step and fight for one common goal." -Mao
So, I ask, what is your goal of blogging here? Is it to expess your support or disappointment with Mr. Conyers' most recent revelation or to engage in blog bashing each other?
Yeah, let's just ignore the troll.
We have much better things to post about, such as why all of a sudden, we are being betrayed by Conyers and the Democratic Party, who do not want to hold this criminal cabal responsible for its actions, which tantamount to impeachable offenses and war crime charges.
Admin, I ask that Tom Welsh be banned from this forum
Admin:
Tom Welsh has been spewwing his filthy mouth off on this forum, using insults, name calling and other rather nasty posts on this forum, and it is making us all feel quite uncomfortable. Please ban him from this forum, as we all had enough of him here. Thank you.
You are indeed angry...
With all due respect, AD, Tom Welsh is not the only person engaged in name calling or asking others to shut up - is he? Personally, I have found your mutual blog bashing threads rather juvenile.
"Real knowledge is to know the extent of one,s ignorance." ~ Confucius
Here,s an idea. Why not return to the subject at hand "Impeachment is off the table" and engage in meaningful dialogue, debate, and civilized discourse?
"As to the evil which results from a censorship, it is impossible to measure it, for it is impossible to tell where it ends." ~ Jeremy Bentham
Let's not waste our time with this troll, and focus on the task.
I am here to help figure out whay the heck is Conyers betraying us. I am just as shocked, as I feel that we have been duped, Jackster......duped beyond belief.
I AM pissed.......I have TWO impeachment books, which are now WORTHLESS.......WORTHLESS AS GARBAGE! Knowing this, I would not have bought them!
I agree with the sentiments here, as well as the outrage.......Mr. Conyers, we are your loyal supporters........you promised us impeachment, and now, you are turning back on your promise?
That makes you just as bad of a liar as Bush!!!
Therefore, if you want to keep yoru reputation, start investigations NOW, and if impeachment is warranted.......DO IT!!!
Enough being wussy and weak.......grow a stinking spine!!!
Impeachment
You are both right...it is time to stop the petty banter and return to the task at hand...to wit, why Conyers has backed off from the process of Impeachment of the Criminals in the White House.
In defense of my and other's reprehensible behavior, suffice to say we ARE ANGRY!! And anger has a way of diffusing all over the place! So, for someone to come onto an already angry board and stir things up...well, it is not all that difficult. But, we are better then this.
So, Congressman Conyers, why no Impeachemt? Why is it "off the table?" IT, was the whole focal point of your campaign at one point, or a large part of it. This is why we voted the way we did...to see a return of accountability and decency in Washington.
I will now discontinue my participation in any blog-bashing or other such behaviors. But I am still mad as hell! And, quite frankly getting tired OF it! I want peace in my life and in my home, also. But as I mentioned before, I, like most of us, have children and grandchildren and I don't want to leave them a legacy of graft, corruption and lies!
"Nuff said for now.
Jewels
Congressman, I Trust Your Judgment
I hope that your colleagues soon will call you "Mr. Chairman" of the Judiciary Committee.
I trust sir that you will know how to maintain the balance between what might be perceived as vengence and what is rightfully the duty of all in Congress, and that is to provide proper oversight, restore the system of checks and balances, and restore the integrity of the Constitution.
Congressman Conyers, you are very wise to remind Democrats like Mr. Carville that now is the time for public unity. The timing of his remarks regarding Dr. Dean was offensive and his premises were false. If I were in a position to advise Democrats,I would caution them that Mr. Carville's agenda may not be the same as the Democratic Party Agenda. As Markos (kos of Daily kos) put things so well:
"Dear Everyone Who Thinks They Singled-Handedly Won the Last Election,
The DNC and Howard Dean couldn't have won this by themselves. They are not the source of all good in the world. Or all evil.
The DCCC and Rahm Emanuel couldn't have won this by themselves. They are not the source of all good in the world. Or all evil.
The DSCC and Chuck Schumer couldn't have won this by themselves. They are not the source of all good in the world. Or all evil.
The netroots and grassroots couldn't have won this by themselves. They are not the source of all good in the world. Or all evil.
The 527s and unions and allied organizations couldn't have won this by themselves. They are not the source of all good in the world. Or all evil.
The big dollar donors couldn't have won this by themselves. They are not the source of all good in the world. Or all evil.
They were all part of a glorious puzzle. And working together, even if not always harmoniously, led to great, great things."
Memo to Every Democrat
Your comment
I should have read your post before I wrote mine ... t'would have saved me the time I spent in composition .. Bravo.
Rahm Emmanuel is evil.
Perhaps if Rahm Emmanuel can swing things toward the arms dealers, he can get on board with the Carlyle Group. BTW, Bill Clinton is a senoir advisor to the consortium. Please look at http://democrats-who-hate-hillary.blogspot.com.
Please refer to the link below in regard to Rahmy:
http://www.counterpunch.org/andrew12092005.html
Only Millionaire-Fence Straddlers Need Apply
Meet Rahm Emmanuel, the Democrats' New Gatekeeper
By Alexander Cockburn
"...In the last election progressive candidate Christine Cegalis actually got 44.2 per cent of the vote against the sixteen-term Hyde, despite being outspent $700,000 to $160,000 in a conservative district with no elected Democrats at all.
Following this commendable showing, Cegalis figured that with Hyde retiring and the Republicans melting down, she stood a better than even chance of garnering the seat in 2006.
However it seems that in Emmanuel's opinion, Cegalis stinks. Never mind that excellent record against the giant Hyde, forget her well-crafted support network in the Chicago district, Cegalis has not yet raised a million dollars and, even more damningly, she is calling for troop withdrawal from Iraq. So Emmanuel set out to recruit a more suitable candidate. Initially, he approached two millionaires and urged them, serially, to run against Cegalis in the primary."
**********************
There is a hot place in hell for old Rahmee. The Democratic Party needs a purge. The impeachment of Bush will washout the traitors to the progressive cause
The only traitors that exist are people like you!
Such ignorance! Only a neo-con kool-aid drinking nut job can post garbage like this!
Impeachment is Justice
Ok, I don't know what kind of games the Democrats are playing right now speaking against impeachment, maybe its some kind of political game before they are sworn in. I don't know. What kind of message does this send if Bush/Cheney are not impeached for their crimes? This is exactly the situation impeachment was written into the constitution for. Just cut this "impeachment off the table" crap out and Impeach him!
If impeachment of Bush and
If impeachment of Bush and his criminal facist cabal is not done, this country will be forever be shamed that the people did not take action to stop and punish this madman from screwing up thier country. Everyone who is American will forever be disdained in teh wider world, as a result of this!
Sir, you go too far!
Angry Democrat,
Upon viewing several of your most erudite postings here, I must say you are over the top on this one.
"Disdain"? Now, where did you learn that word?
Tom Welsh
I learned that with a college education, and what about you?
Where did you learn that word from.......kindergarden Democracy rules here, not a facist dictatorship like your leader, the Chimperor is leading! The American people have spoken, and decided that a facist one-party dictatorship is not the way to go, but rather, a democracy. They want accountability, and to hold Bush's criminal cabal accountable for its actions.......and when he gets impeached (hopefully), what are you going to say then, huh, Mr Welsh? Inquiring minds would like to know.
Mr Welsh
AD,
While Mr Welsh DOES share our common views, he does seem to be a bit of a pompous ass. Unfortunately, there seems to be an arbitor of grammar on every message board/forum I have ever participated in. If it isn't grammar, it is spelling~or them dratted CURSE WORDS!!
Take no nevermind to Mr. Welsh. Us here Redneck Dems/Progressives will carry on with our rants!! and I, as I am sure all have seen, am in a ranting-good mood! Well, actually a BAD mood...but you get my point.
Hey, this is better then the AO-Hell message boards! I got called every name you can think of on those! 'Specially when I began talking of things like HAARP; SCALAR; DARPA; ELF...you get the picture. I was banned slicker-n-snot!!!
Even though it is all proven science...
Nope, no censure in the good ol' USofA!!!!
(Let's see how long THIS one remains...)
Thanks, Jewels, but let's just ignore the troll named Tom Welsh.
We have better and more important to worry about, like why are we being betrayed by Congressman Conyers with regards to investigations and impeachment of the Bush criminal cabal. That, is the question that we need to figure out, or even demand from Mr. Conyers himself.
The Beltway White Boys
John: Howard Dean was clearly right when he proposed a plan that would build a Progressive organization across all 50 states. Rahm Emanuel was clearly right to focus his efforts on what he deemed key Congressional races. My point here would be that there are no simplistic, sound bite solutions to recreating a healthy political climate, a clean electoral system, and a federal government that is responsive to those it actually purports to serve. Most often the best answer emerges in the dialogue between two points of view that appear to disagree.
In 2004 John Kerry listened almost exclusively to his "Beltway White Boy" consultants - a top down strategy and one that lost him the election. This year a more balanced top down/bottom up strategy, coupled with a huge gift from the current administration, resulted in major wins for the Democratic Party. Just perhaps it was the productive tension between two opposing political world views, neither of which is exclusively correct, that gave the Party these wins? Just perhaps equal thanks are due to both Howard Dean and Rahm Emanuel?
So can we please get over the kinds of political advice proferred by the James Carvilles of the world and agree that the answer to a complex problem is difficult to see from the mindset that created it in the first place (citation, A.Einstein) We have serious work to do, and Howard Dean ... and those who agree with him ... are an important asset going forward. And could we please devote serious effort to Public Financing for Campaigns ... because the money we spent on this round of campaigning was truly obscene.
We the people WANT impeachment, why won't you acknowledge that?
Looks like I'm not alone in my profound disappointment and anger towards the Democratic leadership for their steadfast refusal to discuss impeachment.
While I respect your work very much and am excited about the Democrats' agenda, I truly believe accountability, checks-and-balances, and oversight is exactly what Impeachment is. No other President and Vice President in the history of our country are more deserving of impeachment. It's not an act of "payback", it's showing future Presidents that there are consequences to their actions and is giving justice to the American people for all the ways they've been wronged by this Administration. If George W. Bush and Dick Cheney are not impeached, than Congress may as well white out that part of the Constitution and for that they should be ashamed.
More and more every day both the mainstream media and the government is seeing that a significant portion of our country believes there is a case for the impeachment of both Bush and Cheney. This issue is not going to go away, no matter how many times the new Democratic leaders declare that impeachment is not on their agenda.
I eagerly await the day when the Democrats will step up and defend this country against the domestic threats called Bush and Cheney. Despite what some people's apathy and complacency may lead them to think, Bush and Cheney are not guaranteed two more years.
Laura
Columbus, OH
More political fraud?
Unbelievable! Yes, I have heard Ms. Pelosi and Mr. Dean exclaim that impeachment is off the table and have now read Congressman Conyers, newsletter in which he stated "As many of you also know, I have agreed with Speaker-to-be Pelosi that impeachment is off the table. Instead, we agree that oversight, accountability and checks and balances - which have been sorely lacking for the last six years - must occur. I have nothing but respect for those who might disagree, but that is where I come out."
Obviously, Congressman Conyers talks big until it,s time to deliver and then he, like so many of his political colleagues, show their true allegiance and openly engage in yet another cover up for the corrupt and criminal behavior that has existed in Washington for way too long.
While I have never advocated a witch-hunt or payback approach to "draining the swamp," it is now obvious that the new Democratic Congress believes that "… oversight, accountability and checks and balances…" should be void of appropriate consequences. What is this - a new deal of "I'll cover your back if you cover mine?"
I am now left to believe that even if evidence supports impeachment proceedings that Pelosi, Conyers, and other democrats will merely turn a blind eye and deaf ear to the atrocities perpetrated by our government on foreign countries and our own civil liberties.
How sad for those of us who supported this apparently spineless democratic congress by casting our vote on November 7th for them - all in hopes that their words were not just campaign rhetoric.
As a political independent, I am insulted by Conyers, hypocrisy but remain optimistic that party loyalty amongst our electorate will eventually be abandoned in favor of electing representatives that will be truly accountable to their constituents.
Enough with the political fraud! I anxiously await Election 2008.
I Think
John Conyers , has been replaced with a spineless Rethuglikin robot!
I M P E A C H !!!! N O W !!!!
9 1 1 Was an inside job!
I R A Q W A R is still killing people !!!!
T H E C O N S T I T U T I O N is in tatters !!!!
How long are you going to put these things off?
Impeachement
Mr. Conyers, you have been and will be seeing a lot of posts like these. There are hundereds of thousands of DEAD PEOPLE as a direct result of GWs' high crimes and misdemenors. This, as it has already been said, is NOT about "payback"- it's about JUSTICE, and you can count on the American people to vote accordingly. The Democratic victory was only the beginning of our message to this government: we're mad as hell, and we're not going to take it anymore! You at one point seemed to be prepared to hold Bush accountable for his actions, which made you a hero in a time when corruption seemed to reign supreme. I sincerely hope you reconsider your position concerning impeachment, and in so doing fulfill your oath to defend our constitution and properly represent the will of the American people. Thank you for your hard work so far.
This weekend-"School of America" demonstration
Ellie B Kierson
Rep Conyers,
Firstly- I sincerely hope you are nominated for the leadership position
of the Judiciary Committee!
Secondly- on a more immediate and pressing note......I am writing and
appealing to your sense of justice and request that you help us get the
needed media attention as well as Congressional backing to once and for
all do the right thing in regards to the School of America.
I am certain that you are aware of the fact that for 17 years people
of conscience, faith and the Catholic community have been gathering at
Fort Benning to educate people on the activities and consequencies of
those activities of the "School of America". My 17 year old daughter,
some classmates, teachers and Brothers and Fathers from her high school
will be attending. We stand in the Presence of God as witnesses to the
dispicable training of "terrorists, murderers, oppressors, and dictators"
that bring untold human suffering back to their countries as a result of
and direct outcome of this training facility." As an American citizen who
loves my country- but more importantly as a human being who loves her God
and humanity above all else- we can no longer allow this to go on. This
is not the American leadership or moral values any of us want to give to
the world.
I am appealing and pleading that Congress finally show the courage and
wisdom that our CHILDREN who dare to go there to be heard are
demonstrating. Please finally hear our combined voices and prayers and do
the right thing. Close this dispicable program forever and begin to
"train" the world in peaceful means and diplomacy- not brutality and force
and the bullying of power hungry dogs!
We must honor those peace bringers that came before us throughout all
of history. The time is now! Heaven and Earth are waiting for
us........
With the deepest of respect.
Leach for U.N. post
I'm a liberal Democrat so this is a rare occurance, but recently defeated Republican representative from Iowa Jim Leach would make an excellent U.N. ambassador. He is an unlikely nominee because he voted against war powers for Bush, but he has quietly attended human rights conferences all over the world and is recognized as one of the most expert legislators in the fields of finance and banking.
He's honest (example: accepting no PAC money for his campaigns), soft spoken but knowledgable and firm.
Unlike Bolton, he is not strictly a protectionist. He is a bridge builder and he "gets" the mission of the United Nations in terms of the world's most stressed peoples and countries.
He was given a major award from the U.N. in honor of his work ten or 15 years ago. Here's an article about his financial expertise.
http://www.marketwatch.com/news/story/story.aspx?guid=%7B24DA8375-64F5-4B57-A020-8DC5B9B36A35%7D
Call the White House comment line and tell the President to nominate Leach for the U.N. post.
Thanks,
Julie Zimmer
Vinton Iowa
The Hard Part
As articulated in many posts here, apparently the hard part is understanding just what happened on election day. As an example, I did not vote to have GWBs' Dad take over the failed War of "the boy". This was not my intention as I'm sure not others here as well.
Pure BS all this play nice stuff is Mr. Conyers. The voters sent a message that apparently nobody wants to hear, if the message is still ignored, there will be a louder one sent.
You have a lot of fixing to do, we'll be watching for you to do it. You need to challenge this "unitary executive" BS that is at the source of all the Constitutional shredding that has taken place, restore this all important "piece of paper" ASAP!
It's time for hardball and those who do not get the message will be tossed next. Remember this, if one is testifying in Congress, the American people expect those such as the actual AG to be under oath!
We know there are many fine lines to walk at this point and I personally have great respect for you, this is no time to get out of the basement and into a backroom!
Thank you very much for your attention to these matters as they have come.
Hawk
You Sir, Are Duty Bound
The oath of office required by the sixth article of the Constitution of the United States, and as provided by section 2 of the act of May 13, 1884 (23 Stat. 22), to be administered to Members, Resident Commissioner, and Delegates of the House of Representatives, the text of which is carried in 5 U.S.C. 3331:
Congressman,
This is not(!) an arbitrary Oath of Office that one may dismiss at times of inconvenience. You Sir, have spent time and effort to document and take action concerning the WRONGS perpetrated by George W. Bush upon America and the world acting in his role of President of the United States of America.
Acting in your role as the Minority Leader of the House Judiciary Committee, your performance allowed you to obtain evidence and testimony that otherwise, fell upon the acting Chairman's deaf ears. You have presented your case to the people both on air and in print. And now demonstrate to America, great hubris with a feigned affront to Justice; The case for Impeachment is off the table.
Congressman,
You know as well as half of America, that THERE IS A CASE for Impeachment. America is not blind to this FACT. America has been paying attention. And America wills a new direction. But, let me remind you, Sir, that no matter the direction the Democrats change the course to, a sinking ship can not(!) sail.
YOU ARE DUTY BOUND to uphold your Oath of Office. Not for sentimental purposes and not for Patriotic Pride does this rest with you but YOU(!) accepted this Role and this torch OF Liberty and Justice rests now in your control. Fail it, and you fail America(!)
My prayers are for you, that you may find the strength required to accept this burden; To right the wrongs done to America, Her Democracy, and our Constitution. To simply stand in the light of judgment and proclaim of yourself free of culpability because you did your duty as Minority Leader, to track the High Crimes of the sitting President, falls short of responsible citizenry. As an elected Official, your Oath requires a higher distinction than that of citizen, but of Patriot.
Where is the defense of this Constitution when those charged to defend it back away from that responsibility accepted by them, entrusted by us, the people?
Max 1
HEAR!!! HEAR!!!
I was very impressed by your post! You very eloquently and factally expressed the concerns of millions of Americans.
How came it to be that the Constitution~which has been good enough for over 200 years~has suddenly become moot? I don't get it? Color me stupid, but didn't the American People vote you in, Mr. Conyers, along with your fellow Democrats, to see a return of Justice and Rights in Comgress? We, the People, are very angry.
I am a non-violent person, but when I read bullshit rhetoric like "Impeachment is off the table" I become a "foaming-at-the-mouth" Revolutionary!!! Is THAT what it will take to return America to the Country of our Forefathers? To the Original Battle which was won and created America~Land of the free, and home of the brave?
Land of the oppressed, and home of the cowards, is more like the reality of today. This is a sad day in America. When the People voted in a Party to "drain the swamp" who talked tough and now are cowering in the corner, then we are defeated. On the Political front. The Constitution~that "G_D Piece of Paper" provides for this situation, also...it is called Revolt. It may well come to this, as we are mad as hell, as has been stated numerous times just in this comment section alone.
Anyone for a Revolution?
Now come and Rendition ME, you creeps!
Gads, I hate this Regime!!!!!
HEAR!! HEAR!! and kudos to you!
Couldn't agree more!...and I imagine the line for the redenditons is exceeding the holding tanks. But fear not, Haliburton has many hammers and can build more.
Halliburton
Yeah, but they gotta CATCH me first!!! LOL
I'll be the one with a gun...
Trying to close that HTML italic.
I have to admit, my first thought once I saw that "impeachment was off the table" was that it was a politically savvy move for a couple of reasons.
For one, it may clear the way for the Democrats in the new Congress to focus on repealing or fixing specific legislation as soon as they take their seats in January. Part of the process of doing so will no doubt involve hearings about and investigation into a lot of politically sensitive topics (perhaps incidentally producing a lot of the things that would be helpful in seeking impeachment.)
For another, as things stand now, it looks very much like things could break one of two ways in this environment: either the cap stays on the veto pen, or Democrats start thumbing through the impeachment folder.
As desirable as impeachment may look from a "justice" standpoint, I think the Democrats have weighed the possible scenarios and are choosing the path they think will allow them to make the most of the next two years. I don't know if it's the right thing to do or not -- I guess that depends on if you're an "ends justify the means" type of person -- but I think we could come out ahead if they can undo the legislative damage that has been done and find a way to stop the country from wasting people and money.
That's not to say that I don't understand the vitriol I'm seeing in this thread perfectly. I've been lurking on here for a while and I've seen the energy and intensity and raw hope that's gone into wishing for a Democratic win specifically for investigations and impeachment, and these emotions have absolutely been played on by candidates and progressive blogs to secure both majorities. But I think we need to see where they're going with this next year to see whether they actually are trying to accomplish something more than "throw the bums out" or whether we can start to condemn this Congress as more of the same. Until then, it's just rhetoric right?
On the other hand, I think there is something to be said (particularly after the last several years) for returning the Constitution to a place of prominence, especially in Congress. It causes a lot of suffering and costs a lot of money for the unfortunate entities who have to prove a law unconstitutional through the courts, and I wish more weight was given towards crafting/passing watertight legislation that isn't subject to wide legal interpretation or questions about the intent of Congress years and decades down the line. It's a wierd system.
Anyway in conclusion, congratulations Rep. Conyers, the weblog looks really nice now, hi to all the regulars, I'm going back to lurking until something comes up on copyright or technology. I know it's off to a strange start but I hope these next two years go smoothly.
I agree!
It seems Mr Conyers is making a POLITICAL decision here hoping that in the end he can achieve more of what he wants. It may be less egregious than what the administration did but still it is the same process in the end. By refusing to consider impeachment he will be avoiding the responsibility of upholding our constitution.
I too am disturbed and saddened by this decision.
j conaway
Impeachment should NOT be off the table
So let me get this right...Bush/Cheney lie about getting us into a war that gets almost 3000 Americans killed (to date), they are completely negligent in their handling of Katrina, and they are responsible for torture, virtually bankrupting the treasury, and for selling our government to the highest bidder--and they get a free pass??? I don't think so.
Impeachment isn't about revenge or pay-back. It's about justice, and it's about sending a clear message that we will NOT tolerate these heinous behaviors.
We didn't vote for Dems because we thought they would be able to work with the other side of the aisle. We voted for them because we thought that Democrats would hold those who committed criminal behavior accountable, we voted for them so they would get us out of Iraq and save the rest of our military, and we voted for them so that we as a people would have a government not run by corporate interests.
But...
Impeachment may not be the "objective", but open and ongoing investigation by a full time Special Prosecutor, like Kenneth Starr,
needs to be performed and everything needs to be documented including illegal acts, actions overreaching the power of the Executive.
I am a Moderate
Thanks for Nothing Mr. Conyers
I've been an Republican for many years but voted a straight Democratic ticket this time not only as a protest against the war, but mainly to support Rep. Conyers and his impeachment efforts. I was absolutely sure the American People would regain control of the House and Senate come November. At last the long awaited day when we could finally "take out the trash!"
Well it turns out I was right about regaining control of Congress, but wrong about the man who promised to begin impeachment proceedings against Bushitlerburton. Exactly why is impeachment now "off the table"? Why is Mr. Conyers rolling over and playing dead after all the time and hard work we put into this campaign?
I feel I have been used and betrayed. This is not right letting these war criminals get off scott-free! Sorry to say I've been CONned like so many other hard working people who trusted you. Thanks for nothing, Mr Conyers...
Liar, liar - at least Jim Carrey is funny
Abdication of congressional responsibility is not a laughing matter and Conyers' hypocrisy will never make a good comedy. It seems as though Rep Conyers has positioned himself right down there with the likes of Rev. Ted Haggard… both of whom deserve neither allegiance nor support from those who voted for him or other turncoat democrats like Nancy Pelosi.
On second thought, Haggard eventually confessed that he is a deceiver and a liar.
May I suggest, Rep CONyers, that you either DO YOUR JOB or likewise confess to your constituents so that we may redirect our collective energy towards more constructive endeavors - like formation of a viable third party - and rid our country of both Dems and Reps alike?
Blue or Red… I hope that both parties will eventually be dead!
Third Party
When Blue and Red ARE dead, then it will be due to a new Third Party...the Armed Patriot's Party is looking mighty good!!
Jewels
YES!
By all means, any alternative involving firearms, particularly in the hands of "patriots"! More guns, more bullets, more death....these have served us so well down through the ages. I commend you on your sagacious reading of history, Jewels.....you are represent a superb example of our US educational system.
Fire a gun....it's easier than reasoning.
Tom Welsh
If so support the Repugnican Party, who don't you enlist
The Bush Criminal Cabal is ALWAYS looking for more people to use as its cannon fodder, Tom, so if you support the Bush Administration, then why don't you enlist and go to Iraq?
You, sir, is what happens when you don't get an education, and join the family of apes, led by Chimperor Bush, who are uneducated peons called the Republican Party!
you are represent a superb example of our US educational system
Right... Bringing a book to a gun fight makes a lot of sense.
Restore the Constitution. Join the Armed Patriots Party.
Does your stupidity and baiting know no bounds?
Guns are better then reasoning/ergo: sarcasm. Or, wait, is it reasoning is better then guns?
Tell that to General Washington...oh, wait, he is dead. But NOT before he helped to lead a Revolution that spawned the birth of this once great Nation. And, being our very FIRST United States' President. Tell that to Paul Revere, and John Hancock~and all the other original Founders of our Country. And signers of the Declaration of Independence, as well as those who helped birth the Constitution...which has become almost a moot Document, thanks to the Bush Regime.
They not only used guns, but every single one of them lost all-or most of- that which they owned. And most died in poverty and sickness and squalor.
I had vowed to ignore you, but your ignorance knows no bounds. It is now my contention that you are a government shill.(SEE: "Recent scientific polls that show around 84% don't believe the government's explanation behind 9/11 and others confirming the fact that support for the war in Iraq is at an all time low have led the Bush administration to sharpen their knives against the new breed of perceived "enemy propagandists," bloggers, journalists and online activists who dissent against the "war on terror."
As Raw Story reports, CENTCOM announced earlier this year that a team of employees would be "[engaging] bloggers who are posting inaccurate or untrue information, as well as bloggers who are posting incomplete information."
So when you're wasting your time arguing the finer points of the collapse of Building 7 or the quagmire in Iraq with someone who seems unable to grasp basic principles, your foe could well be sat behind a plush U.S. government desk in a uniform.
CENTCOM is infiltrating blogs and message boards to ensure people, "have the opportunity to read positive stories,"presumably about how Iraq is a wonderful liberated democracy and the war on terror really is about protecting Americans."")
This would be the only thing which might explain your continued ignorance and stupidity.
Most college educated people (I am a nurse, and a damn good one at that) are able to manipulate the English language. It is not a sign of brilliance. It is a sign of a very immature and insecure individual who must come upon an open forum and harrass those who are truly fighting for a better America! What have YOU done lately, Mr. Welsh, to make this a better Country? I have been very active in signing petitions, writing Op-Ed pieces for various web-sites and posting pertinent and pressing information on my weblog, as well as e-mailing articles and warnings to all that I know. I have also participated in grassroots Orgs by demonstrating and supporting them with what little money I have due to my now being disabled with crippling illnesses. But we, sadly, have accomplished nothing! We have been lied to AKA duped. Betrayed by those we put our trust in to serve the best interests of We, the People. And have had our freedoms eroded to the point of America being on the verge of a dictatorship! Where does that leave us, pray tell? Reason? I think not. One cannot reason with unreasonable people. So reason away, Mr. Welsh. While the brave and true Patriots of this Country do whatever we may have to do to preserve our way of life and wrest this Country from the clutches of Despots! That, to me, would be a cause worth dying for. NOT to procure the rights of Middle Eastern Oil! And therefore, the World. Which is nothing less then what these tyrants want. You might wish to educate yourself on these points; and not from the Faux News, Coulter and all their ilk.
So take your best shot, hot-stuff. You are pathetic. Truly pathetic. Do you get a thrill from this behavior? You are the one, sir, who has shown your ignorance and stupidity. We, the People, are angry. With very good reason!
The Constitution states that we are to protect ourselves from ALL enemies-both Foreign and Domestic. Read the Patriot Acts I and II. Read the Military Commission Act. This 'Government' has already declared War on the American People! Stop bandying big words around and DO SOMETHING!! Or...as I stated and admonished you earlier: shut the hell up! You contribute nothing to the cause of Democracy and of bettering this Country for our progeny.
Walk the walk or cease the talk!
Jewels
eeeeeeeeeeuh!
Powerful… direct… accurate… and she,s fed up with your insults and meaningless attacks on others.
Tom... Tom... where are you?
Thank you, both of you...
I was beginning to wonder, Jackster, which side of this "war" you were on?
We are all culpable, to a degree, for the mess we are in. But that does not excuse the blatant curruption and EVIL of the current Cabal in Power! They have made the poor choices that are leading this country to the brink of disaster! Especially in light of the voter Fraud that has-and still-been committed in this Country! How can our vote count if they don't count our vote?
Jewels
BTW, where IS Tom? Yoohooo?? :0
if it were not
for Armed Patriots then this country would not exist, might be time for you to WTF up Tom.
IMPEACH NOW
Impeachment off the table.....ARE YOU OUT OF YOUR FLIPPIN MIND??
Dear TRAITOR,
What do you mean....Impeachment is "Off The Table?" Just who do you think the government is anyway??? It is WE THE PEOPLE and you had better learn that real quick.
The Democrats just took back power because YOU were calling for the impeachment of Bush. Now you say it's OFF THE TABLE??????
Mr. Conyers....I will join any committee, sign any petition, and do ANYTHING to see that people like you and Pelosi are IMMEDIATELY removed from office! I have had it with you bunch of LIARS!!!!
And the next time you decide to vote yourself another raise, don't bother trying to tell me how hard you are working for us, or how much you deserve it. YOU and BUSH....you both eat out of the same dog dish!!!
Not only will you IMPEACH Bush and his gang of thugs, but you will also see to it that they all get tried and locked up for all their crimes! Don't forget....you work for us....not the other way around!!!
NOW GET TO IT!!!
Terry Klein