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dc_dux · 03-07-2007, 02:05 PM

Dont get me wrong, I think Bush deserves to be impeached and convicted, but impeachment is a legal process that requires evidence that a crime(s) has been committed.

Lying to the American people and Congress is not necesarrily a crime. Relying on a knowlingly forged document is not necessarily a crime. Interpreting the Constitutiion in a manner that takes executive power to levels far beyond any previous President is subject to interpretation and may or may not be a crime. The rendition program and prisoner treatment in Guantanimo appear to be treaty violations and very possible criminal acts under US law as well, but again subject to interpretation.

Clear and compelling evidence is needed, particularly with a Senate that is 51 Dem - 49 Repub and a 2/3 (67) vote is needed for conviction. Until or unless there is a real "smoking gun" with evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt", the only result of an impeachment trial will be to further divide the country. What is gained by that?

For the next two years, we just may just have to live with knowledge that Bush (and Cheney) are among the most unethical, disreputable, dishonorable, immoral and unscrupluous persons ever to hold the high office of President (and Vice President). At least there is a Dem congress now to keep them in check and hold them accountable until they slither away, however little satisfaction that provides.

03-07-2007, 02:05 PM	#12 (permalink)
dc_dux Location: Washington DC	Dont get me wrong, I think Bush deserves to be impeached and convicted, but impeachment is a legal process that requires evidence that a crime(s) has been committed. Lying to the American people and Congress is not necesarrily a crime. Relying on a knowlingly forged document is not necessarily a crime. Interpreting the Constitutiion in a manner that takes executive power to levels far beyond any previous President is subject to interpretation and may or may not be a crime. The rendition program and prisoner treatment in Guantanimo appear to be treaty violations and very possible criminal acts under US law as well, but again subject to interpretation. Clear and compelling evidence is needed, particularly with a Senate that is 51 Dem - 49 Repub and a 2/3 (67) vote is needed for conviction. Until or unless there is a real "smoking gun" with evidence "beyond a reasonable doubt", the only result of an impeachment trial will be to further divide the country. What is gained by that? For the next two years, we just may just have to live with knowledge that Bush (and Cheney) are among the most unethical, disreputable, dishonorable, immoral and unscrupluous persons ever to hold the high office of President (and Vice President). At least there is a Dem congress now to keep them in check and hold them accountable until they slither away, however little satisfaction that provides. __________________ "The perfect is the enemy of the good." ~ Voltaire Last edited by dc_dux; 03-07-2007 at 02:16 PM..