Conyers Said He's On The Edge Of Starting Impeachment
By Nicole Belle Sunday Feb 10, 2008 11:45am
On Thursday, Chairman John Conyers' House Judiciary Committee held a hearing at which Attorney General Michael Mukasey said that he would not investigate torture (video) or warrantless spying (video), he would not enforce contempt citations (video), and he would treat Justice Department opinions as providing immunity for crimes (report).
None of this was new, but perhaps it touched something in Conyers that had not been touched before. Following the hearing, he and two staffers met for an hour and 15 minutes with two members of Code Pink to discuss impeachment.
Conyers expressed fear of what might happen following an impeachment, fear of installing a Bush replacement or losing an election. The "corporate power structure", he said, would not allow impeachment without unleashing "blowback." Conyers told Ellen Taylor and Manijeh Saba: "You need to be more than brave and courageous. You need to be smart."
Their response? They are asking people who care about justice to help them let Conyers know that the smart thing right now would be bravery and courage.
On Rosa Parks' birthday last week, Leslie Angeline began a fast for impeachment. Taylor and over 20 other activists have joined the fast. Conyers has agreed to meet with Angeline to discuss impeachment on Tuesday.
The Chairman told Taylor and Saba that he is listening to several advocates for impeachment, including Liz Holtzman and this author, and asked "So how would it look if I allowed two women to push me over the edge?" Conyers leaned out of his chair for dramatic effect.
A number of organizations will be sending their members this alert Monday morning:
Let's push Conyers over the edge by flooding his office with phone calls, faxes, and Emails on Monday and Tuesday. Let him know that only impeachment hearings
1-will make it on TV,
2-will force compliance with subpoenas by eliminating "executive privilege",
3-will hold brazen criminals accountable, and
4-will convince voters that Democrats care about the Constitution.
Call 202-225-5126
Fax 202-225-0072
Email john.conyers@mail.house.gov
Login or Register to post comments.
Ooooooo! He's on the edge of starting impeachment!!! Wake me next month when he says it again.
Please, please please let the trial begin. E
Yeah, whatever. All lip service.
What a coincidence. I'm on the edge of never supporting another establishment Democrat.
If impeachment hearings start, say goodbye to a November win.
I'm not saying don't do it, I think the whole administration are crooks and deserve life in prison. I really do. But we have to pick our battles. What more can we stop them from? And do you want President McCain?
Whatever. Gawd. Call me when he grows a set.
Funny how Conyers' is one of the big cogs in the wheel of letting the Sirius/ XM merger go thru, keep taking money from Fox and the NAB, shithead.
Yeah right...same old same old..its just so worthless...i resign...
5. A tiny babystep towards restoring any kind of good will for America in the rest of the world. ...
Letting these criminals leave office legally in '09 is tantamount to consent to every treasonous crime they have committed.
...or maybe hes on the edge of sending a strongly worded letter ...(think: Ned Flanders)
Three words: (i) Not, (ii)Gonna, and (iii) Happen
The story doesn't mention who Conyers is thinking about trying to impeach.
Well, lets go Conyers! Americans have been waiting for the Dems to show some spine! Impeach everyone! Bush, Chaney. Investigate Wolfiwitz, Bremmer all of them. It's like ripping a band-aid off your crotch. Do it quickly and immediately. This is too important. I just pray it's true. I don't want to hopeful. But at least do SOMETHING.
all we need to do now is wait for meester boosh to lie about a blow job.
Bush-4750
Dems-1
I have lost count of how many petitions, emails, calls etc. that I've done, hoping that this time it'll go somewhere. I just don't believe they'll do it anymore--we've proved over and over again that this is what America wants.
As was said before: "STOP! OR I'LL SAY STOP, AGAIN!"
Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z Z
I just called his office and let some young lady, very nice and polite, know that we MUST begin impeachment immediately, that the "Be Smart, not just brave" thinking was foolish beyond words and that it isn't JUST two Code Pink ladies who want impeachment, it's THE MAJORITY OF THE NATION!!! I urge you all to call Conyers' office and get every person you know to do likewise.
Conyers' Office Phone:
Call 202-225-5126
Now!?! The bull is halfway out the door of the china shop, and Cowboy Conyers is going to chase him with a lasso?
Lame.
Of course, the will be blowback from the corporate power structure, in fact, Democrats don't need to do anything to enrage them and there already trashing our candidates and Congress in the corporate controlled media. They've been doing it for years and they're not going to stop even if you cave to them on impeachment.
They want total control and won't settle for half measures that any wishy-washy Liberal offers up to them on a silver plate.
Remember, it wasn't enough for the Corporate Media giants that Bill Clinton signed the 1996 Telecommunications act as a givaway of control of our publically owned highly valuable broadcast spectrum. They went after him anyway. Now that they've got almost complete control over the FCC, they won't give it up easily.
I say go for it, the corporate power structure won't treat Democrats any better if you don't.
c_ray_86 @ 5:
i agree - Conyers makes some compelling points that essentially state the same thing...i think.
Impeachment?
Of whom? C&L doesn't say.
Bush? Cheney? Mukasey? Donald Duck? (That's Bush again.) Or do we get to choose who to bring charges against? It needs to be Bush, FWIW, since he is the titular head of the administration.
Kath @ 15:
No doubt.
I called this liar for almost 2 years now. Ever since he campaigned on how he ws going to start impeachment proceedings. Then we got majority and he exposed himself for the complicit tool of the Shrub Administration.
John Conyers is the living embodiement of why we should have term limits. No one benefits from entrenched power.
And hes is fuckin liar,enjoy watching the kabuke theatre.
BFD! Is this how Democrats avoid doing real meaningful work!
Indigowatcher @ 17:
Just keep in mind the people like the nice and polite young lady who answer the phones are trained to listen, agree, say thank you, hang up, then ignore.
“So how would it look if I allowed two women to push me over the edge?”
It would look like you finally found your spine, Congressman.
Joementum @ 18:
No silly, hes just gonna talk the talk.
No walking of the walk.
He is just going to tell you he is impeaching them, like he did while stumpin in 06'.
Perhaps Rep. Conyers could begin hearings by next January.
The Dems are almost worse than Bush. With W, there really aren't any surprises. He's acted as you would expect an extreme right wing politician to act. What still boggles the mind is how Democrats have been willing to just lie down and let him do it. They even appear willing to wear the "spineless" badge so as to avoid what is probably the most accurate assessment: complicity.
This is news. And do we hear it on MSM? No they are to busy talking about the election and 911 suspects who may get the death penality. Meanwhile Gates now tells us the the withdrawl may be stalled and don't forget the 50 plus deaths in Iraq this weekend. I'm afraid for the future of this counrty. To coin Darth Chaney, "Be very afraid."
Whatever happened to America.
i had a long call yesterday from a dem rep in washington asking me to again support monetarily the democratic party. my response: never another penny as long as pelosi's statement, "impeachment isn't even on the table." the woman from washington who was petitioning for funds then went on to give a litany of all the good things dem had done since they took over the congress. i again reiterated not another penny until impeachment proceedings had begun. she then gave the standard why impeachment won't fly at this time, we just don't have the numbers. i explained that it wasn't about the result, it was the effort and the willingness to put it forth. she wouldn't hear any of it. she had her point, i had mine. obama or hillary??? whom to vote for? i ended up voting for obama with mixed feelings. kucinich was my candidate, even edwards, or gore had he elected to run. as it was, i voted for obama. it would be a strong ticket with him at the top and hillary as his running mate. all that's left is for mcCain to select elmer fudd as his running mate. hope so. then they can both flame out together.
Don't blame the republicans- It's Pelosi who said, "...Impeachement is off the the table."
How can we expect a congress that cut its' teeth on knucking under to the republicans to ever syand up to them?
Just my opinion.
The “corporate power structure”, he said, would not allow impeachment without unleashing “blowback.”
This is such bullshit. The past 6 years have been nothing except fear. This is terrorism. People afraid to do the right thing for fear of reprisals.
Just ship Bush, Cheney & Conyers to Guantanamo & throw away the key, & then look the “corporate power structure” in the eye & say, "You're next, muthafuxxer!"
Thanks to both sides of the D.C. political spectrum I have a hunch our former allies and probably most everyone else outside our border will enjoy watching us suffer for a few decades.
the dems disappoint again and again...
can anyone think of a more deserved administration to be impeached? war, domestic spying, torture, etc. and this only brings conyers to "the edge".
the GOP, who was so panicked about a dem takeover of congress in 06, must be laughing and pinching themselves.
it would have been better had the dems not won over congress, at least there would be more of an excuse for their continual failures and embarrassments. pathetic.
and the subtle sexism of his statement, “So how would it look if I allowed two women to push me over the edge?”, has been noted and filed away for future use.
On the edge of impeachment?
I swear booshco are playing that game of drawing a line in the sand saying I dare you to step over this. They draw line after line, until the other side falls off a cliff.
L.A. Confidential @ 33:
No one hear seriously believes that the minute Bush leaves office say a Hill or Ob win the world is just going to forget everything that happened this past 7 years and say "Yippee we can be friends with USA again!"
I doubt it. I think in general the American populace is probably as despised as anyone ever has been at this point for letting the Neocons get away with this sh*t.
"I'm fixin' to start getting ready to become almost prepared to do something nearly similar to almost speaking about writing about making a movement toward the edge of a possibility to maybe start beginning to consider thinking about doing something that nearly resembles taking a stand toward sitting closer to the possibility of giving a great deal of thought toward drafting a letter that could state something to the tune of impeachment. I would then proceed to the next stage: narrowing down the list of names of the elected and hired officials who might have participated in the deeds that could possibly get these people impeached."
--- John Conyers
30 no longer a proud american
I want Hillary to be the front-runner and Obama her running mate.
It's simple age logistics. By the time she finishes two terms she'll be pushing seventy, whereas Obama will be in his mid-fifties. That's a good age for running for the Oval office, and after 8 years of veephood will be unquestionable a solid experience.
Then if he's in office for eight years, that'll be 16 years of Democrats in control of the office.
It'll probably take that long just to fix boosh's colossal f**kups.
And you remember when they reichwing were complaining that the departing Clintons took all the W's from all the White House keyboards with them?
Let the repugs win the election cycle anyway.... they already ruined the country into oblivion with their Nazi agenda... what its gonna take is the economy to go into full standstill to wake up the sheep... Then we can point at these cockroaches for what they really are...
Thanks for reminding me what Mukasey stands for, and thank you once again, Diane Feinstein and "Chuckie" Schumer. (I bet that's what Mukasey calls him.)
We just learned that the administration officially admitted to waterboarding. The illegally wiretap. They sent us into a war with lies. There is so much else, and it is all illegal. A district attorney would not be reelected if he/she did not prosecute an offender. Impeachment is a power of Congress, and they should not be afraid to use it. The fact that they might not win next time is no excuse. We have an administration that has broken the law, and the congress is skirting its own duties if it doesn't at least investigate.
c_ray_86 @ 5:
Unfortunately, I think you're right. One of the things about "being smart" is picking fights that you can win, and no Republican is going to vote for impeachment. It'll just be a wasted effort, and when we've got such poor leaders as Pelosi and Reid that will make things worse. The real bad thing about "blowback" is not so much attacks on Democrats - you have to expect that kind of thing in politics - as that Republicans are allowed to get away with doing stupid things, like impeaching Clinton, while Democrats aren't.
Noam Chomsky points out that our "two party system" is really just two factions of the same capitalist class. Let Rome burn. Nothing's gonna save it.
These Dems are treating us exaclty like the Repugs are treating us, like children. Until I see Conyers come out on the floor and reads the charges, I WILL NOT BELIEVE HIM! They are playing a game.
Gimme an "I," Gimme a "M" Gimme a "P" Gimme an "E" Gimme an "A" Gimme a "C" Gimme a "H" What's that spell? IMPEACH.
If the Dems win, what will they do about Bush or Chaney? We just can't let these guys just walk away and not do anything! I'm afraid if they don't impeach, they will do just that. We need closure, we need to shed light on everything this adminstration has done.
kulshan @ 26:
Well, I figured as much, but it doesn't even make sense to pretend he's going to do something at this point.
looking at the need for impeachement....
from a partisan vantage point seems dangerous, a way to possibly throw the election to the GOP
-YET-
from an american vantage point: necessary and vital.
i am an american before i am a partisan (well, to be honest, i am an indep). for the GOOD of the NATION, for fuck's sake, we MUST impeach. if your sole concern is getting another dem into office then we have nothing to talk about. BUT, if your concern is the future of the nation, the sanctity of the constitution, the reaffirment (coin) of our civil rights, etc. then we MUST impeach.
and those that are afraid to impeach b/c of the GOP backslash need to step aside~
c. atrox @ 43:
Funny you said that, becasue I was just listening to Thom Hartmann and he had Raloh Nader on to talk about his possible entry in the race for president this year. After that segment, you would not believe the hate calls towards Nader for, of course, helping Bush to win in 2000. I can't believe people, in a supposed democratic nation would blame a candidate for wanting to run. Actually I do believe it since it is a Democratic country. But it is still amazing to me that so called progressives think like that!!! Go figure.
The world watches the American system fail. That system says that impeachment is an avenue for removing liars and lawbreakers from public office. So not only do we get monumental lying and lawbreaking from the office of the president, we get failure to begin impeachment proceedings from the opposition. Get a clue, Conyers. Stop worrying about from what corporation will your next dollar arrive; start worrying about the needs of the majority and the future of this nation. And the world. Show them the system works. And by the way, we are tired of hearing about why we must not impeach. Make us proud to be called Americans again.
P.D. @ 46:
Good luck. It's only important to people that aren't politicians. None of these people in Washington care. It's been almost 8 years of this crap. You shouldn't have to call a representative now and remind them of anything. They aren't listening.
P.D. @ 46:
One of the first things Bill Clinton did was let the elected Bush off the hook by stopping the Iran-Contra and "October Surprise" investigations. I can't imagine Bill's wife doing any differently (it would totally mess up the family "get togethers" celebrating tsunami relief). Unfortunately, I can also see Obama letting these crooks/liars/murderers/torturers off the hook as well - all in the name of "national unity."
"blowback" - no more free lunches? no more open bar with those tasty little baked thingys?
Just this weekend I took the "Impeachment is Patriotic" bumper sticker off my car. Can't remember how many times I have emailed, called, faxed., even hand written letters to Reid & Pelosi. Now? WTF? Hearings right before the election? What's that going to do.
I replaced it with an Obama 08 sticker.
c. atrox @ 43:
Noam Chomsky is a idiot. What has Noam done besides bitch? As for, let rome burn, thats easy for you to say.I've got kids and grandkids. Fat Kat pigs won't burn, it will be my kids and grandkids. Sitting back and doing nothing like Chomsky is just bullshit.
Here's an interesting scenario.
1. Bush/Cheney are impeached and jailed.
2. You have BLOWBACK and McCain wins in November.
3. The GOP Fat Cats try and talk McCain into pardoning these crooks and liars (no offense)
4. McCain says .. "Let me ask my illegitimate black daughter what she thinks I should do."
5. Bush/Cheney rot in jail.
OK Conyers, GO FOR IT !
and i'm on the edge of wanting to believe it.
ok. i'll at least be honest. i'm lying. i'm far from believing it.
I still agree with the line of thinking that impeaching during turbulent waters could have serious consequences for the Democrats. With so little going for the party, a failed impeachment adventure could really help the GOP pulverize the Democratic party. 18 months ago, such an adventure could have had a long-simmering beneficial affect for the party, but now, it would be hasty, beside the point and foolishly risky. We don't need Dick Cheney and Bush walking away from what they've done, immune to further prosecution because of double jeopardy laws, or eternally vindicated for everything they did wrong with executive power. Right now I'd be more interested to hear what steps will be taken to revisit their crimes and simply punish them on the judicial level once these criminals are out of the White House.
Look, if these Dems want to ogo by the "change" slogan, they have a great opportunity to change things before they get into office. If they don't do anything, they are basically saying "we don't want to get hurt by this, so do whatever you want, and as long as we think we will still win the next election, we'll leave you alone". It is not their job to win elections, its to do what's right for the country. And hopefully doing what is right will get them votes. If they aren't going to impeach, they need to be aggressively working to reverse what Bush has done. They need to not accept the fact that there will now be delays in bringing the troops home. I'm sick of just waiting until Jan. 20, 2009. Things should start getting done now! There are plenty of problems that can't wait for another year
EthioLib @ 49:
Where has Nader been these last four years? I haven't seen him out there trying to form a viable third party. We haven't heard shit from him untill now. Nader is about Nader, and nothing else.
Andre Lombard @ 58:
Impeachment has nothing to do with double jeopardy (which applies solely to criminal punishment).
In fact, given the strong potential for blanket pardons right before Bush leaves office, impeachment, even if only attempted, might be the only way to maintain any accountability by making pardons either impossible or extremely unpalatable.
It is patently offensive to me for this man to continue to dangle this carrot in front of the nation, while the countdown to November continues full-steam ahead, after which, Bush will be neutered.
I don't believe any of these people and their motives.
Has the USA always been as internally corrupt as it is today? If so, I guess I have not been paying attention.
diamondmc @ 55:
Hum, Noam Chomsky is probably the most prominent linguist of the 20th century, his work on grammars led to the foundation of most modern compilers. You know, the things that generate code that makes them programs, which basically means that w/o his work a big chunk --if not most of-- of modern computer science would have never happened.
He also holds a fairly important academic chair at MIT. He happens to be an unapologetic lefty, just like me, who has no qualms about pointing out the obvious: the Dems are moderate conservatives, and the GOP are full blown conservatives. There is no viable party on the left in this country, period.
Now, I assume that your achievements must be legion, in order to label Chomsky an "idiot." That is a rhetorical assumption, BTW.
diamondmc @ 60:
So then don't vote for him, but no one should say that he should not run. The Dems haven't done anything, and they need to be told that that is not acceptable.
All he is doing is to string the public along. Doesn't he need to get a leg up because he needs to be re-elected soon. After all....the only thing he has done since the Dems took the majority in the house is blah blah blah blah...
If georgieboy and his playmates broke the law and acted outside the constitution they should be impeached. If you break the law you are charged, tried, and if guilty, sentenced. PERIOD. This of course only works when everyone agrees the laws need to be upheld. I'm sure the republicans would have no intension of upholding any laws...
anney @ 21:
Here's my vote in advance ... AYE!!!
fiver @ 52:
Hillary's hubbie loves to play a mean round of golf with Bush's daddy, so I assume that Hillary would not like to sour Bill's golf partnership by doing something as silly as upholding the law of the land.
Obama has made no qualms about waving a big honking white flag even before the fight started.
We are in no quaint terms screwed....
If conyers were to impeach bush/chaney they would be unable to give amnesty to the corporations (telephone companies).
Marge @ 65:
Oh, and don't forget them "strong worded" letters. Those were my favourites, although I hope they were sent in electronic form, I would hate to think that trees were wasted in such an idiotic endeavor.
Never happen - Conyers sat down years ago.
diamondmc @ 55:
your vitriol against chomsky is completely misplaced and sad.
chomsky is almost 80 years old, what do you want him to do? he is a professor and has spent his life trying to wake people the fuck up.
obviously it didn't work on some people.
btw, chomsky is completely correct.
I emailed John Conyers as suggested. Here's what I wrote:
Mr. Conyers,
Please, finally, just stop talking about impeachment already. You're not going to do it. You know you're not. More importanly, We the People know you're not. We know Republicans in Congress will not restore our democracy and our Constitution, and frankly and embarrassingly, Mr. Conyers, we can't trust Democrats to do so. You and your fellow Democrats in Congress have demonstrated your lack of courage and unwillingness to do so. Your hypocrisy about impeachment is insulting. Just stop.
A true and fearless patriot and registered Democrat,
It is not going to do one damn bit of good. Bush and Cheney should have been impeached years ago...By this time, no matter how good the case is, they will be able to stall around and obscure things until they have finished their mission of destroying America, starting a war with Iran, and will be able to run off to the ranch in Paraguay with impunity. Nothing has happened to Gonzales, or Rumsfeld, or any of their other henchmen, and nothing will happen to these bums either. The Democrats have no balls.
diamondmc @ 60:
Actually he has been touring the country for the better part of this decade on behalf of the green party, alas... as they say there are not deafer ears than those who don't want to listen.
BTW, what have *you* done?
Tyler Durden @ 63:
I know alot of very smart people who are idiots when it comes to politics. All I'm saying is, besides bitching about the way things are, what has Chomsky done except give his opion on politics. Like Nader I haven't seen him working to form a real progressive left party in this country. Talk is cheap.
They House has allowed their subpoenas of Harriett Meiers and Josh Bolten to go unanswered and with no repercussions. The word of Conyers or any Democratic leader in Congress including Reid and Pelosi carry no weight with me anymore.
If he's going to do it, just do it. I don't want to hear about him being on the proverbial edge.
sign here:
http://www.democrats.com/conyers-start-impeachment-hearings
JoGiCo @ 74:
Bravo
vetagnstwar @ 70:
Why would impeaching either or both of Bush and Cheney prevent Congress from granting immunity?
Faster than a speeding bullet is old man Conyers brain, as big as the big wide open is his heart.
His statement puts me in mind of a Simpson's episode, where Homer says his brain is racing and the bubble above his head shows a swayback horse munching grass as it lazily shoo's flies with its tail.
on the EDGE of STARTING?
get bent dems. You blew it.
I'm on the edge of starting to believe that quite possibly we have a one party system masquerading as two.
diamondmc @ 77:
Read a book for god's sake - in fact read on of Chomsky's many books. You seem to think that academic/literate activity is doing nothing. Says a lot about you I think.
diamondmc @ 77:
It doesn't matter what we point out, Chomsky has earned his right to "talk"
Maybe that is cheap to you, but since your attitude is quite petulant, there is no point proving you that both Nader and Chomsky have done far more for this country than you. Public figures speaking out against the establishment is actually quite a feat. I am sure that 40 yrs ago, you will be the 1st ones to say: "Besides talk, what has MLK done?"
Pzzzzt. Chomsky has been quite vocal, and has put forth multiple books on the subject. Alas, you already have your preconceived notion and nothing is going to move you away from it.
Tyler Durden @ 76:
I'm not running for president, so what I do doesn't matter. But to answer your question, I've been working in local politics, and veterns issues for years. How about you?
He's been saying this for 2 years now. Someone let me know when it happens.
A.J.Joe @ 79:
Is there a version with no grammatical errors that people could sign, instead?
Just askin'.
Did anyone get answer as to who Conyers might start impeachment proceedings on? Cheney? Bush? Mukasey? The whole crooked lot of them?
Edwards was brave. Edwards is smart. Look where he is. Kerry was a jello. Look where he is. Bottom line: it doesn't matter because the narrative is what matters. Americans are not into looking after their own interest. They're into predigested news because they have bird brains. The election of 2004 should have been a slam dunk for the Democrats, yet they lost not only the presidency, but the senate and tons of house seats.
Letter I just sent:
Please allow me to be one more woman that would love to push you over the edge to begin impeachment proceedings.
I care about the rule of law. I care about the constitution and my rights as a citizen of the United States of America. I want the rest of the world to see that at least SOMEBODY wants to stand up for justice. You know full well that Cheney and Bush are criminals and should NOT be allowed to dance through the rest of this presidency with a free pass, and yet you do nothing.
Why?
I truly don't understand it. It's troubling to see how far our nation has fallen into lawlessness and apathy. I am begging you to begin the impeachment proceedings. Let the nation SEE the facts on the televised hearings. Make these criminals answer for their crimes. Stand up for what you know is right.
If you don't, how will you be able to look at yourself in the mirror and respect the man you see staring back at you?
It won't make a bit of difference, but at least I can know I spoke up.
"Blowback" is such a blow-off. The SMART thing to do would be to say "well, what kind of blowback could we reasonably expect, and why," and think of ways to respond or pre-empt them while working toward impeachment. OR to acknowledge that the bull is out the door of that china shop and ask ourselves what a more effective way to start putting that china back together would be.
"I've already stated loudly and clearly that impeachment is off the table. If Conyers keeps grandstanding on this issue, I will smack him on top of his bald head with one of my high heeled shoes." _nancy pelosi
My email to Conyers...
Dear sir,
I realize that it may well be a daunting task, but according to the constitution there is a duty that befalls all of us to not withhold such matters as this because of what might happen. It is that which is happening that should compel us.
Sincerely and with great admiration,
Mark -----
Tyler Durden @ 76:
diamondmc @ 86:
Wow, with such an amazing political resume, you sure are enabled to ask other people for credentials. I bow down to your amazing political involvement...
I have canvased, fund raised, and basically worked on political campaigns of all levels. Alas, that is the case for a shitload of people...
Jeese, what do we gotta do to get these guys to just do their jobs? Light a fire under their ass, or what?
We thought they were "on the edge" two years ago, I'm sorry guys, it's time to sh*t or get off the pot.
oakling @ 92:
Curious isnt it. The chair of the judiciary committee talking about 'blowback'. You do understand that 'blowback' in this context is criminal - and Conyers just didnt seem to notice that.
Conyers is a fraud.
Sure.....and I'm the queen of England.
Great. Now he needs to act.
JoGiCo @ 95:
Conyers is all talk and no action.
The White House is laughing at him.
Why would anyone spend time replying to posts by someone who questions the value of Noam Chomsky? Seriously. I'm having a hard time justifying the twenty seconds this took to write.
Sneer @ 87:
Hear, hear. Just a little late Mr. Conyers. You and others have been "talking" about
impeachment proceedings for at least 2 years, so why should anyone of us get the
least bit excited about your latest BS. Do like all of us; just hold your nose and wait
til Nov 08 when we'll finally be rid of bush-lite,cheney, et.al. Your threats of moving
forward are a farce and a waste of time.
I founded the abolitionist movement, The Suffragettes, and designed the Saturn V rocket. Top that!
Conyers needs to get off the edge and start the damn proceedings. 'Nuff said.
anon @ 98:
He has been an even bigger disappointment than Pelosi. I lost all my faith in this republic, when he decided to call the cops on the demonstrators around his office a few months back. He is playing the Dem base like the proverbial fiddle, and that is mighty insulting to me.
At least Pelosi seems genuinely clueless about the level of criminal involvement that this administration has been engaged since day 1. Conyers has carried multiple investigations, so at least he is aware. Both chose to buy time for this criminal cabal, I am sure the impeachment proceedings will be put forth as soon as the Dems and GOP agree that there is not enough time left in this administration to be viable. And thus, Conyers will keep on playing us, he will make it look as if he did put forth impeachment, there was just not enough time... but he really really tried. Talk about wanting your cake and eat it too.
fiver @ 105:
What does V-8 juice have to do with this? Opps, sorry, I misread your accomplishments.
fiver @ 105:
Bullshit, then why do I have the blue prints that my grandpa Von Braun left me as his favourite grandkid :-)
Conyers Said He’s On The Edge Of Starting Impeachment
Don't make me laugh. You're putting us on, right? Conyers is a scared widdle bunny wabbit...
Tyler Durden @ 109:
You arrogant mortals, I designed the Saturn V.
We should all send Chairman Conyers the Transcript of Bill Moyer's Program on Impeachment. The two guests, Bruce Fein and John Nichols, make great arguments for impeaching Bush & Cheney.
http://kevindukelowsongs.blogspot.com/2008/02/tell-conyers-to-impeach-bu...
Whaaa!!??? Am I to understand this correctly??? Conyers, who is being described here as 'being on the edge of impeachment'.. On the edge only, not over the ledge initiating articles to be read into the congressional record, despite the countless times the executive branch has pissed on his leg and thumbed their noses at him and all the rest of the legislative branch over any number of serious issues during this Bush/Cheney reign of error/terror!!??? ... And he is reluctant because of what!!!??? He's concerned the 'corporate power structure' in this country won't allow it without 'unleashing' some kind of 'blowback'!!!????
"BLOWBACK"???!!!! Like what the hell will they do, take our jobs and send them overseas? Or maybe they'll rape a pension plan or two and take that money to give themselves raises... something like that maybe!!??? Or is it that you simple fucks will just let this nation crash and burn internationally at these criminals hands as long as the corporate money spigot into your campaign coffers stay open.... Could that be IT!!!! So this is what it's come down too in America, finally? After all the stories about altruistic Americans just wanting whats good for ourselves and our international friends... The propaganda about good guys and white hats and patriotism for something bigger and better than just the individual, yet a something that will nevertheless help the individual achieve the best that person can achieve??? After all the stories about an America that just wants to help itself and the world find that brighter future... After all that, it's nothing more than greed and corporate business interests forcing its' view down American citizens throats thru financial strangulation and down the worlds throat at the end of a bayonet... In the end, its just an imposed inbred and corrupt corporatocrisy punking out what passes for a democratically elected government who won't do its job for fear this business community won't be happy??? Would take some kind of revenge???
And we still want to pretend 'we the people' actually have any say in any of this shit!!!! Jesus H. Christ on a pogo stick, that godammned sonofbitch Bush just basically admitted that 'well, yea, we do torture, but its OK.... wer'e makin laws to allow it.. So, no harm done really, and besides it saved lives... We can't show ya how, when or where... but it saved lives... trust me'...
Yea... right... Fuck me to tears, we're selling out our national soul leaving these motherfuckers to just waltz away from all this shit THEY created dammit!!! At the very least this lameass excuse offered by Conyers amounts to a form of self-imposed censorship while holding high office which also indicates to me a widespread abandonment of ones official duties out of fear or undefined reasons possibly having to do with the greed inherent in being bought off... At the worst it indicates some form of just under the surface backroom blackmail at work here.. Just what the fuck kind of blowback are we talkin here buddy??? On the other hand, maybe we should all thank John Conyers for this slap of reality up side the electorates head... This, slight pulling back of the curtin to show a bit, just who and what forces are actually behind the continuance of this abortion of a presidency and vice-presidency.
So the so-called American business community which is in the process of selling the nation down the drain via it current preferred policies which include out-sourcing good jobs, moving whole business entities out of the country, and wrecking good American pension plans doesn't want to see Bush and Cheney held accountable for their criminal and mendicious actions these last seven plus years.. So that's the deal ehh... Conyers fears blowback... I got two words to discribe just what this looks like to me... It 'blows chunks'!!!!! BIGTIME!!!!! Talk about being embarasshed by my nations spinless leadership... I am so fucking there....JD
Apollo @ 111:
Well, isn't that nice? Can you lay claim to the tinker toys, Lego, Apollo VI, Mars
Land Rover 2, and the barbie doll?
Samson- @ 73:
A very interesting discussion. I have great respect for Chomsky. He is right about the two party system. All changes are forced by people like MLK and S.B.Anthony. But there are small differences between the parties, and sometimes that's better than nothing. It might be the difference between a Hoover and FDR. Hoover, like Bush was a sit on hands do nothing kind of president. FDR was willing to shake the establishment and even threatened to increase the number of judges in the Supreme Court. But to be in power, and create changes, FDR allowed the powerful people of the South to continue their lynching and abuse of the black people. Another example of a bad FDR decision was his decision not to give refuge to the Jews in the 30s. (The Jew leadership in Germany also miscalculated believing that if they waited, FDR would open the door) There was lots of anti-Jewish sentiment in the US at the time, and he was not willing to spend political capital on that issue. FDR was a great president by my standards, but there were many decisions that were political and bad for the country. Both parties look to stay in power, hence rocking the boat is not in their best interest.
I invented dark matter, black holes and the platypus just to mess with your heads.
Impeachment would help the elections for Democrats because, as usual, the public is way ahead of the politicians.
According to data collected by the non-partisan Center for Responsive Politics, 54 percent of the House Democrats now receive more of their campaign funding from corporate PACs than from labor union PACs or from ideological PACs, such as abortion rights or environmental groups.
And there is your answer as to why they haven't brought forth impeachment. Who is profiting from EVERYTHING the Bush Regime does or has done? Corporations. Who is financing both the Dems and the Reps? Say it with me now...Corporations.
This may be a dumb idea.
Maybe y’all want to try it.
I called Pelosi’s office, saying that I would like to contribute money to her next campaign when she will be running against Cindy Sheehan. Then I add in order for me to send Nancy the money she first must put impeachment “on the table” if not the money goes to Sheehan.
Hopefully if Pelosi gets enough of these calls, she will overcome whatever stick and carrot is being used to keep her silent. I am not holding my breath.
Establishment Dems are in for a world of trouble if they do not investigate and prosecute Team Nixon Bush. They will lose their jobs and be subject o potential investigation for allowing the Bush crisis to remain unchecked.
On the edge?! WTF?! Bush/Cheney should have been impeached
years ago...where the hell have you been Conyers?
Dark White @ 116:
Well, maybe so, but can you say that you designed/invented the "O" in Cherrios?
Fear of blowback?
How about fear of what those lawbreakers are doing to our country?
The lawbreakers and their cheerleaders will get made if action is taken?
Of course they will! Because they are being called to account for breaking the law.
If we never punish lawbreakers because we think they will go ballistic and try to punish the upholders of the rule law, we have arrived at a very bad place.
Shame on you, John Conyers.
ConcernedCanuck @ 118:
According to www.opensecrets.org both Obama and Hillary have received more than
90 percent of their respective campaign contributions from "individuals".
motherfuck a john conyers.
CalGeorge @ 122:
Oh we'll punish plenty of law-breakers - just not the rich or powerful ones.
Given the mode of communication that you guys are using for your who-invented-what pissing match and what we all know that I invented, now that I'm here, you can stop. Now.
Al Gore @ 126:
Capitulation?
The recent signing statements of the president (for the recent bill about whether permanent bases can be created on Iraq using US tax dollars) is a clear abuse of the Constitution.
I think the debate over whether or not we need impeachment against cheney and bush has passed, now it's just a matter of implementation.
Chairman Conyers:
The Bush administration has been brazenly making a mockery of our Constitution for the past seven years. They routinely break our laws, then thumb their noses at everyone who demands accountability. President Bush has become famous for his signing statements that basically say, “I reserve the right to ignore this legislation whenever I feel like it.” And now, AG Mukasey has admitted that he will do nothing to rectify this rampant lawlessness.
We need to do something about this immediately. If we allow the Bush administration to flush our Constitution down the toilet with no repercussions whatsoever, we are establishing a dangerous precedent that will forever shift the balance of power between Congress and the office of the President. Congress cannot roll over and play dead for one President, then expect to regain that power under a future President, especially a Republican one in the same mold as Nixon and Bush.
It is time to forget about any possible short-term “blowback” from angry Republicans who have grown accustomed to having Democrats bend over backwards for them. We must secure the system of government that our founding fathers put in place; a system of checks and balances that upholds our Constitution as the law of the land--with no exceptions.
It is time to consider the long-term effects regarding the stability of our system. We cannot afford to continue to turn a blind eye to this administration’s blatant disregard for the rule of law.
Al Gore @ 126:
O.K. you win Al...but,but,but do remember that bush-lite did invent lying, dishonesty,
deceit, dishonor, misinformation while he was in the W/H...in addition to his inability
to speak the English language.
Yeah I'll believe it when I see it.
As I recall Kucinich was for impeachment too. Up until he figured out he wasn't gonna be able to be President using that as his platform.
Way too little. Way too late.
Why all the right wing trolls pretending to be democratic naysayers today? This thread is full of them. Go play somewhere else, like freeperville you losers.
John T @ 134:
Why? Because we have seen/heard this BS for much, much too long. And, speaking
for myself, I am not a right wing troll; just tired of this garbbly goop as to impeachment
which is NEVER gona happen.
Heck, I'm just waiting for someone to say who Conyers is thinking of trying to impeach. The sarky sides are extra.
Well, I don't mean to be ungrateful or anything...
For Christ sakes!!! What the hell would cause ANY politician not to DEMAND impeachment? I just don't get it. Are they that much afraid of Fox News?
John Conyers, torture-, spy-, war-, lie-enabler.
He is now nothing more than the Republican's dupe in Congress.
"Oh, yeah, that Conyers. He can be relied on to do absolutely nothing. Thanks, John. You're the man. You're the man."
John T @ 134:
Yeah, because right wing trolls are in favor of impeachment and disappointed the Democrats haven't acted...
Hasn't this phonied-up "right wing troll" accusation been specifically reserved for use against Hillary criticism? Or is it now just a catch-all for any Democratic sell out.
diamondmc @ 60:
Just because you have not seen him does not mean he wasn't there. It is up to YOU to follow on what he does. If you wait on the MSM to tell you what he is up to, you will be waiting for a long time. Don't blame him, blame your political system.
Al Gore @ 136:
HELL YES!!! It's a target rich environment out there in DeeCee!!!
Muck-ass-ie the new AG.
Che-knee the old and angry dungeon keeper.
Bush the man that makes shrubbery look intelligent.
Rice for being so incredibly cheesy.
Most of the Bush appointed federal judges.
All of the newly swapped out US Attorneys.
All of the Bush appointed SCOTUS judges.
Come on John, if you need someone to point someone out who really deserves it LET ME KNOW!!!
John T @ 134:
does calling out the failures, inconsistencies, weaknesses, corporate-dependency, etc. of the democratic party make one a right wing troll?
partisans = the problem
well, here's what I wrote to Mr Conyers, It's from the heart, so it probably achieve little:
"Dear Mr Conyers,
It has been brought to my attention (through Crooksandliars.com) that you are considering initiating Impeachment Procedures.
As far as I am concerned, Impeachment is well past one year overdue. Impeachment, at this present moment in time(as the current White House Administration is desperately trying to engage in full-scale war with Iran), is MANDATORY!
I along with many millions of Americans, as well as millions of other citizens of this planet, felt betrayed when Nancy Pelosi told the world that impeachment was "off the table".For too long, our best and brightest in the US Armed Forces have been exploited,brutalized and then abandoned, cast off like so much litter by the President and his supporters in a war based on lies then, and with continued deception at this very moment.
If he is not impeached,removed from office and brought before a war crimes tribunal, the fate of America and her standing in the world court will be sealed.
Bravery and courage are not the words you are looking for in this matter, Mr Conyers, but rather Moral Obligation. The penalties of not standing up for what is right are far worse than not standing. Moral Obligation will later transform into Bravery and Courage. More importantly, it will restore faith in the Democratic Party.
Bravery and Courage are two words that, at present, are not synonymous with the Democratic Party. Broken promises, collusion and outright cowardice are the words I encounter regarding the actions, or lack thereof, among Democrats.
Martin Luther King Jr. did what he felt had to be done. I doubt he did what he did out of bravery or courage.
Rosa Parks is quoted as saying in her autobiography "My Story",(which I will truncate)"People always say that I didn't give up my seat because I was tired, but that isn't true... the only tired I was, was tired of giving in."
It does not take bravery or courage to say "ENOUGH!", Mr Conyers.
Before the above-mentioned amazing people, thousands of men landed on Normandy, literally catching bullets simply because they pledged to do so,if it meant that it would help in the effort to stop Nazi Germany from destroying the world. Were they brave and courageous?
In hindsight, absolutely. I don't remember my Grand-Uncle saying he felt courageous when he hit that beach. All he said was "...when I hit the beach, I was a Private - when I got 50 yards in, I was a Sergeant."
Many Veterans of armed conflicts in the last 60+ years will probably not say that they were brave, but are more likely to say "We did what had to be done", "We did our best", "I didn't expect to come out of it alive" and more candidly, "I sure as Hell was scared! But I didn't have the luxury of time to be."
Many brave men and women in the military are catching bullets and shrapnel right now in Iraq and Afghanistan on good faith that by doing so their sacrifices will make a difference in the world. Is that Bravery and Courage? Yes.
the above is also worthy of another word Mr Conyers, "ATROCIOUS!"
It is ATROCIOUS that they were sent over there to die, because we didn't want to appear unpatriotic by saying "are you sure Iraq is involved?"
It is ATROCIOUS that over 3,900 service personnel are dead because we were afraid to examine completely and in many cases chose to ignore the intelligence reports before committing to such a war, simply to appear strong politically.
It is ATROCIOUS that too many of the veterans returning from Iraq, broken in body and mind, are given substandard care and are without homes or jobs.
It is ATROCIOUS that we are still waiting for Bravery and Courage to motivate us to stand up and say "ENOUGH!"
We are now and have been for many years obligated to end the madness that is this present White House Administration! We owe it to everyone who has ever pledged to catch a bullet in the name of preserving the values and protecting the rights we all enjoy in the US Constitution. The same Constitution this President and Vice President have, every waking moment, attempted to dismantle and disregard in pursuit of their own private and personal agendas!
We the People are looking to you and others not to be brave and courageous, but to do the right thing and stand up for what is right.
Until then, in the eyes of many, the Democrats will remain attached to these less flattering words: "Cowards, Crooks and Liars".
Impeach.
Thank You"
There's no real interest in this. American's are complicit in allowing torture to have occurred knowing full well it had and most simply did not care. While I support impeachment, I also support numerous things this Democratically controlled Congress could and should have done prior to arriving at the harder question of impeachment. And they can't even do that.
So, Democratic Party, you fail.
Samson- @ 34:
Most unprofessional, yes.
chrismurphy @ 144:
Couldn't agree more ChrisMurphey. The real criminals are the Dems that did nothing. However, I think they should get off the edge goddammit and start it! If there is any chance at saving this nation's soul it's to go after these war criminals . . . even this late in the game.
I called and told them to impeach BEFORE the gangsters are out of office. It's the only way to start to rebuild the honor of the country.
Brendan @ 133:
Amen...
In a related story, the New England Patriots offensive line is doing some extra bench presses to see if they can hold off the NY Giants D-line a little better.
JTM @ 88:
wow, a genuine grammar concern troll
Verdillac @ 143:
Very well stated! Many thanks for your eloquence.
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