Several MSM commentators have joked about the audible whirring of paper shredders that has shrouded Washington in recent weeks, as administration officials and Republicans in Congress realized they likely would soon be subject to a subpoena power wielded by Democrats with long memories. If Dems have the guts to demand true accountability, the investigations that begin shortly will lead inexorably to articles of impeachment being lodged against this illegitimate executive.
It's only a question of time. So I ask RK: how long should we wait?
Fainthearted Dems (especially those in CMA mode) will argue that pursuing impeachment will only serve to strengthen a weakened Republican party. I strongly disagree. It's a matter of how we go about it. If investigations are conducted fairly and openly, and Dems take care to see that they are publicized truthfully, the American people en masse will learn of the intolerable crimes and abuses of power that heretofore have been observed mostly only by us political/policy wonks, to our collective horror.
Make it about the oil companies and war profiteers and HMOs and multinational corporations who, with the administration's active enabling, have preyed on our country's people and resources like monstrous locusts for the last 6 years, and Dems will be rewarded with even larger majorities in Congress come 2008. Make it about restoring America's moral standing before the peoples of the world. Make it about honoring our founding documents: the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution, and the Bill of Rights. Make it about being true to who we are as a nation, and who we aspire to be.
There is a world of difference between the Republican game of political retribution, to which we should never stoop, and Democrats demanding that public servants -- OUR employees -- be held to account for endangering our nation's security, trashing our democratic principles, and undermining the public good.
And besides, Dems are smart and capable enough to do more than one thing at a time: while laying the foundation for impeaching B/C we can simultaneously effect solid ethics and electoral reform, find a way to solve Iraq, and improve the plight of working families with regard to wages, health care, and education.
My bet is that as soon as a serious impeachment effort is mounted against BOTH Bush and Cheney, they will slink away in abject defeat, as bullies are wont to do when challenged.
Welcome to the White House, President Pelosi.
Given a choice, I would rather focus on getting out of Iraq. If Waxman turns up a smoking gun of some sort then we can look at it.