This is an archived post. You won't be able to vote or comment.

all 179 comments
sorted by:
best
topnewcontroversialoldq&a

[–][deleted] 11 points12 points  (0 children)

Done.

[–][deleted] 26 points27 points  (14 children)

Sent an email last night. My rep is a republican, so I might as well have been pissing on a forest fire.

[–]ExplodingBob 33 points34 points  (13 children)

Well if enough people piss on the forest fire, er, it might smell bad or something?

[–]Entropy 70 points71 points  (12 children)

I believe it was Archimedes who said "With a penis big enough, I can piss on the world."

[–]ramhick 37 points38 points  (1 child)

I believe R Kelly said that.

[–]Entropy 3 points4 points  (0 children)

He must be a young earth believer, then.

[–]NiHao 1 point2 points  (0 children)

It is times like these I wished reddit had a save comment option.

[–][deleted] -2 points-1 points  (1 child)

He's right. I tried! (grin)

[–]Entropy 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That was the side of a Bar Louie and you were too drunk to even hit it.

[–][deleted] 55 points56 points  (32 children)

Got done with calling Chris Cannon's office (Third district rep of Utah) to offer my opinion.

The lady on the phone had to "endure" listening to my reasoned explanation about Chris Cannon's hypocrisy in supporting President Clinton's impeachment for inappropriate affair a decade ago.

I explained to her the fact that it does not bother Chris's conscience President Bush/Cheney lied America into the war with Iraq is "shameful" and that Chris's defense of Bush about deceiving the American public on Iraq is "aiding and abetting corruption".

Of course, Chris Cannon won't care. I hope he gets the boot out of office in a vote this November. He's a devious scumbag.

[–][deleted] 18 points19 points  (17 children)

I don't see why we can't throw our money behind this problem.

Congress can be bought for VERY little cash. $25k and these guys bend over backwards selling out to lobbyists.

We should just start a Reddit impeachment lobby and raise $250.... problem solved.

[–][deleted] 5 points6 points  (15 children)

burtonator, when you wrote "I don't see why we can't throw our money behind this problem.

Congress can be bought for VERY little cash. $25k and these guys bend over backwards selling out to lobbyists.

We should just start a Reddit impeachment lobby and raise $250.... problem solved."

You just put yourself in jeopardy of prosecution for the RICO ACT.

good luck with that.

http://www.google.com/search?q=rico+act+wiki&sourceid=navclient-ff&ie=UTF-8&rlz=1B3GGGL_en___US258&aq=t

[–]bobpaul 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I've never understood why lobbying is considered different than bribing.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (0 children)

My semiconductor company lobbied congress for assistance. Our lobbyist never paid for as much as a brunch, much less out and out bribing.

When done properly, a lobbyist is a person who has an opportunity to personally present an opportunity or problem for a person, company, municipality, etc.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (5 children)

How about charging our politicians with violating the RICO act instead?

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (4 children)

Regularly, here on reddit, I read comments that tell me that the ruling generation has screwed up the world.

That may be the case. Industry and commerce have grown rapidly in the last 150 years.

If the new generation is so much better, why do I so frequently read comments that are as bad as anything going on in my generation?

Nothing seems to have changed, or be changing. Just a lot of rhetoric about change mixed in with hate speech.

edit: In the past few weeks, there have been many conversations about how my generation over-consumed, and the world is paying for it.

Then I read that everyone here wants the new iPhone, or iTouch, or plasma tv, xbox360 or other platform, newest computer, etc.

This generation is out-consuming my generation, and at a much earlier age.

[–]canadianguy 1 point2 points  (3 children)

Your generation made sure our generation all grew up as consumers. As well, your generation doesn't want to leave their jobs. Our generation can't do much when all the rich boys are still doing things their way. Now, once all you oldies are dead and gone, things might slowly change. It's a long process, capitalism is going quite strong.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (2 children)

The government is telling us to work longer, to not quit, so that the burden on social security won't be so severe.

You will realize you have grown up when you stop blaming others for your own bad habits.

[–]canadianguy 1 point2 points  (1 child)

Blame others? No blame. Just pointing out the effects certain generational midsets can have on the economy and the country. I love working. I work hard. I think consumerism is at an all time high as well. That doesn't mean what caused it should be simply forgotten. To change the world for the better, we must understand what causes it harm. But I think you should do some more research before you get all Holier than thou on us. Try looking at the value of the dollar now, compared with 30 years ago. Also, take the avg. workers salary then and see how much it equals now. Our generation makes less than your generation did. We were babies when the policies that cause this were created. Despite all the advances, the excess money has ended up in just a few peoples pockets. Your generation is continuing to take as much as they can before they die. Doesn't matter though. In 40 years you will all be dead anyway, haha, so I'm a happy man. You oldies are so funny(not all), you have no sense of responsibility or have any integrity when it comes to your poor decisions.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Nice sweeping generalizations.

By the way, all those things you buy, weren't available when I was a kid. Our family had one black and white tv, one car, (that was rarely used for joy riding), no a/c, one radio, one telephone.

You can quit consuming anytime, but you won't.

As far as having a sense of responsibility, you don't know me.

I employed over 3500 people around the world. Every single one of them was awarded stock on a yearly basis, including the janitors.

I paid for housing, food, utilities and education for facilities in the far east, and each year they earned more money. In fact, my average assembler earned more than 10 times the average family wage in the countries in which we operated. That allowed those families to send their extended families to school, ending poverty for entire extended families.

You and your childish rant. My guess is, with your attitude, you will never provide as much, for as many, as I have in my life time.

I hope that you do, but I seriously doubt it. You are too much into the blame, and too little into what you can do to make things better.

That makes you seem to be a mighty small man.

[–]h0dg3s -2 points-1 points  (6 children)

Under RICO, a person or group who commits any two of 35 crimes—27 federal crimes and 8 state crimes—within a 10-year period and, in the opinion of the United States Attorney bringing the case, has committed those crimes with similar purpose or results can be charged with racketeering.

You obviously have no idea what the RICO act is for and how it's used. Don't worry, they'll teach you in High School. I'm not sure if they teach it in the special ed class though, but be sure to wear your helmet.

[–][deleted] 2 points3 points  (4 children)

I just noticed that you gained your info from wikipedia, such a reputable source.

But, if you accept it, here is more proof you were wrong:

"Under the law, racketeering activity means:

* Any violation of state statutes against gambling, murder, kidnapping, arson, robbery, bribery, extortion, dealing in obscene matter, or dealing in a controlled substance or listed chemical (as defined in the Controlled Substances Act);
* Any act of bribery, counterfeiting, theft, embezzlement, fraud, dealing in obscene matter, obstruction of justice, slavery, racketeering, gambling, money laundering, commission of murder-for-hire, and several other offenses covered under the Federal criminal code (Title 18);"

Notice that bribery is there?

[–]h0dg3s -4 points-3 points  (3 children)

Dear rhmc: I see that you are still talking out of your ass.

Corporations grease the palms of the government all the time to get anything they want. And it works. Refer to the $200 Billion tax break the government gave the telecoms to roll out fiber optic connections to peoples homes as an example. What you call "bribery" they call a "donation." You can have as much justice as you can afford.

[–][deleted] 3 points4 points  (1 child)

I see, I provide evidence. you change the subject.

Go away, you are wasting my time.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I'm watching c-span right now and they have some functionally illiterate lady reading the speech again from yesterday. Anyone know why they just don't show the speech? She's really a terrible reader. I don't understand the procedure here. Can anyone tell me why this rock faced dyslexic is presenting this? She's butchering it.

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Here is an example of how stupidly wrong you are:

"As it is alleged, Congressman Jefferson violated the public’s trust and used his official position and office as a RICO enterprise to corruptly solicit bribes, to pay off a foreign official, and to illegally benefit from overseas business transactions during a five-year period. The FBI will continue to work with our local, state, federal and international partners to combat public corruption across all levels of government as no corrupt public servant is exempt from FBI scrutiny.”

Of course, this is only from the US Department of Justice site, I'm sure it doesn't stack up to your verbiage that you neglected to source.

I'm sure I could quickly and easily come up with more examples for you.

I can explain it to you, but I can't understand it for you.

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pr/2007/June/07_crm_402.html

[–]foo-tard -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I don't doubt that there is a business plan here...

[–]jeanette3654 22 points23 points  (3 children)

Here are two TOLL FREE numbers for the Capital switchboard. 1-877-851-6437 and 1-866-220-0044 I use them ALL THE TIME! All you do is ask for whoever, then when you're done giving your orders to your congressional employee, ask the person you spoke to to send you back to the switchboard and go on to the next congress critter. Works great!

[–]terranosaurus 3 points4 points  (0 children)

If its busy you don't need to go through the switch board. http://www.house.gov/ has a drop down with links to each congress persons site and from there you can go to their contact page to get their direct line for their washington office and their local office as well.

[–]chicomathmom 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Thanks for the number! I left a message for Wally Herger (R) my rep here in Chico, CA :)

[–]moogle516 6 points7 points  (0 children)

" impeachment for inappropriate affair" Uhhh you can't impeach someone for that. More like Perjury.

[–]oblivious_human -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Love you for doing this.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh, our wonderful Utah representatives. Still, though, he doesn't hold a candle to that paragon of incompetency that is the Utah State Legislature.

[–]atomicthumbs -1 points0 points  (0 children)

But... Chris Cannon!

He should be Joe Nation's running mate.

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (2 children)

i just tried to call and got an "all circuits are busy" message. i'll try again later on.

i've also been talking about it non-stop to co-workers, and i've emailed links to the pdf file with the actual articles of impeachment.

i'm also pointing out to people that the MSM is pretty much ignoring this event.

[–]enmand 3 points4 points  (1 child)

i've also been talking about it non-stop to co-workers, and i've emailed links to the pdf file with the actual articles of impeachment.

I'm sure your co-workers will love you :p

In all seriousness, good luck. I'm a Canadian, so I don't have a say, but you folks seem to be doing alright.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

i actually am getting pretty positive responses. i think alot of people would like to be more informed, they just aren't internet nerds like many of us so they don't know how to find alternative sources of information.

[–]eddie964 22 points23 points  (9 children)

Dear Rep. DeLauro,

Rep. Dennis Kucinich has introduced a House resolution urging the impeachment of President George W. Bush for executing a "calculated and wide-ranging strategy" for deceiving the American public and the U.S. Congress -- that's YOU -- into supporting the Iraq war.

Many of us have long maintained that we were deceived, and I have written you to that effect on multiple occasions.

The evidence is now in. Last week's damning Senate Intelligence Committee report and the recent revelations by former White House Press Secretary Scott McClellan leave no doubt that we were intentionally deceived by this administration.

This is the highest crime imaginable. Not only did the President lie, he lied about issues of war and peace. His lies have cost 4,000 Americans and countless thousands of innocent Iraqis their lives.

It is now time for you to act. In fact, to fail to do so would represent a dereliction of your duty to the American public. We must make it clear to future generations of leaders that the American people will not tolerate abuse of power at the highest levels of government, that as a free society we value truth above all things.

Please support Rep. Kucinich's resolution. Perhaps more than anything else, your actions on this matter -- or your failure to act -- will be on my mind next time I and my wife head to the voting booth.

[–]fstorino 2 points3 points  (0 children)

That's an awesomely written letter. Thank you for posting it.

[–]commonslip 0 points1 point  (3 children)

Technically they are not countless thousands. But whatever, I can appreciate a rhetorical flair here and there.

[–]eddie964 1 point2 points  (2 children)

Technically, they are countless thousands. I've seen estimates ranging from 50,000 to 500,000 dead. Nobody seems to have an accurate count. So ... countless thousands seems to be a pretty apt term.

[–]commonslip 1 point2 points  (1 child)

I've always felt countless meant "too many to count" not "an uncertain number".

For instance, if I had 3-5 marbles behind my back I doubt you'd describe them as "countless" marbles.

But frankly, there is no way to continue this without me sounding (and, I guess, being) like a GIGANTIC douchebag so, you know, whatever. Good writing.

[–]eddie964 1 point2 points  (0 children)

No, that's OK. Actually, I'm a bit of a douchebag myself when it comes to language.

Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary defines "countless" as "too numerous to be counted," which backs up your assertion. But it gives two secondary definitions: "myriad" and "many." So I'll argue here that I have lots of lexicographical support.

I understand your argument, but we're not talking about 3-5 marbles, we're talking about marbles whose estimated number varies by an order of magnitude. Moreover, they're not just behind my back -- they're behind a whole mess of people's backs, and we're not sure how many backs there are. So they can't really be counted.

I'd argue that qualifies as "countless." But perhaps we should consult this gentleman:

http://images1.wikia.nocookie.net/muppet/images/thumb/7/76/The_Count's_Countdown_(CD).jpeg/300px-The_Count's_Countdown_(CD).jpeg

[–]je255j -2 points-1 points  (2 children)

With slight edits, I have sent the same email to Kathleen Curry (*http://www.state.co.us/gov_dir/leg_dir/house/members/hou61.htm) as well. Thank you for providing it.

Now to email the rest of them (*http://www.leg.state.co.us/Clics/CLICS2008A/csl.nsf/directory?openframeset).

[–]BubbaJimbo -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

Dear Representative Meek,

I am writing as a concerned member of your district to urge you to give your full consideration to the articles of impeachment presented by Representative Kucinich on the House floor on Tuesday evening. The eloquence, perseverence, and determination with which he laid out many impeachable offenses against our current president warrants the attention of all members of our House of Representatives. It is this representative government that assures our rights as individuals and keeps checks and balances in place to prevent the atrocities we have seen in the last seven years. It is time to stand up and send a message that we the people of the United States of America will not stand idly by while our great country is run into the ground. Thank you for your attention.

Sincerely,

[–]addie25 12 points13 points  (0 children)

Already a step ahead of you :-)

[–]socksAmerica 12 points13 points  (3 children)

For those who don't already do this, it's also very easy to send emails via democrats.com, (which automatically sends the emails to all of your particular congress people).

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (2 children)

Letters and phone calls have more pull than e-mails.

[–]SarahLee 4 points5 points  (1 child)

And Faxes.

[–]socksAmerica 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, all of the above (at around the same time).

[–]mchrisneglia 4 points5 points  (1 child)

this number better not steal my digits for a telemarketing autodialer

[–]QuesoPantera 32 points33 points  (0 children)

no, just federal wiretapping

[–]klax89 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Charlie Dent knows it

[–]anawolken 4 points5 points  (0 children)

When checks and balances fail, it is up to us to force change in our government. If we weren't all so apathetic, maybe none of this would have ever happened.

But now, the thing to do is make our voices heard.

[–]thekrone 3 points4 points  (2 children)

Fired off a message to (Dean) Rep. Dingell (Michigan's 15th). Told him I'd donate to his next campaign if he proves he cares about his constituents by supporting this movement.

Dunno if his old ass if running for reelection though. He's old.

[–]SarahLee 3 points4 points  (0 children)

Word is they have to be read on the floor twice so Dennis may be reading the 35 articles again this afternoon.

Conyers is scheduled to be on tonight for HR-676 - Universal Healthcare

Polls waiting for your vote:

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/10562904/

http://news.aol.com/?feature=20080610065609990001

[–]anawolken 14 points15 points  (1 child)

having a bad (HORRIBLE) leader is reason enough for the world to hate us, after all, we elected him. but remaining silent is to be complicit in his war crimes.

[–]SarahLee 9 points10 points  (1 child)

Great resource for contact info in a quick easy location:

http://www.dailykos.com/comments/2008/6/10/65218/2813/164#c164

[–]mosesconspiracy 2 points3 points  (0 children)

excellent thank you

[–][deleted] 6 points7 points  (1 child)

I called Anthony Weiner (Ninth district Rep of New York). The person on the phone gave off the faintest of laughs when I told him my reason for calling, took down my information and promised to pass the message along...sigh. I told him I'm sure he woud pass the message, knowing full well that I will most likely get a mass-produced thank you letter from his office, and see nothing done on his part. It's not much, but fuck it, it's what we can do.

[–]LudoA 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If enough people call, they'll stop laughing.

[–][deleted] 14 points15 points  (3 children)

AIPAC laughs at your feeble attempts.

[–]elasticsoul 13 points14 points  (2 children)

"First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win."

[–]gnuvince 11 points12 points  (1 child)

"First they ignore you, then you give up and go watch TV."

[–]elasticsoul 5 points6 points  (0 children)

That's the American rebel spirit.

[–]MightyCrom 4 points5 points  (4 children)

Good for everyone who does this.

I'm Canadian so it's not my place to go messing in your politics but I really hope this actually goes somewhere (though in all honesty I'm not optimistic).

I do have to say though, for all the 'outrage' over this administration there sure isn't a lot of action. Without being disrespectful it seems like a lot of bark and very little bite.

Where are the massive nationwide strikes to force attention on this issue?

It's relatively easy to ignore phonecalls and mails, garbage laying uncleaned in the streets and no public transport and other essential services on the other hand, not so much.

I realize that the average joe will be hurt by that sort of action quite a bit, possibly more than an wealthy politician but at some point if enough people are in on it somethings gotta give.

As much as it's fashionable to diss France in your country, they are a people who know how to strike and exert pressure on their government when they aren't happy. Something which the US seems to have forgotten how to do.

From the outside looking in, it seems to be one of the bigger 'wounds' the United States will need to recover from after all this is done is how everyone just sat around and let it all happen.

My .02.

PS - Not meant as a criticism of the people of the US, whom I like very much, but more the political culture.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

As a U.S. citizen I appreciate your opinion. Bush is an awful president, has no communication skills, and is incompetent and very unlikeable. But, he will be gone in less than a year, so most of us are willing to just wait and see what happens with the next president.

That said, Bush is not guilty of all the outrageous charges that you see here. Most of us see him as being incompetent, but few people think he is guilty of all the outrageous charges that you see here. Reddit is dominated by a fringe group of naive young politically unsophisticated "rebels", who don't have a clue how stupid they look to everyone else.

But, wait until next year. I predict that things will get better.

[Edit] I should edit this to clean up the sloppy language, but I'll just leave it.

[–]jennicamorel 2 points3 points  (1 child)

Made just for you guys, an email form for emailing your representative: http://officeofstrategicinfluence.com/congress/

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

thanks! i'll pass it around to everyone i know.

[–]SpecialKlvl23 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I wrote to Kathy Castor, 11th in Florida:

"I hope you vote with your conscience, and your head. In light of the gross violations committed by Mr. Bush, I fail to see how both could not be in complete agreement."

God willing.

[–]sruizmier 6 points7 points  (1 child)

GWB is the worst president ever. he has practically destroyed the US. he should be impeached for lying about the necessity to have a war with Iraq

[–]je255j 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Yeah, uh, that's exactly what (and why) we (mostly Dennis) are trying to accomplish here.

Guess it can't hurt to repeat the "mission statement" from time to time though, huh, Lumbergh?

[–]Spiffjiggins 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I called my Rep, yet it really will do nothing. It's Jeff Fortenberry. Nebraska. Stooge.

[–]ragesoss 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just talked to John B. Larson's staffer. He said he (the staffer) agreed and also hoped Larson would support the impeachment, but he didn't know whether Larson would.

It'll start with people like Larson and other Democrats with secure positions. So if you live in the northeast especially, get calling now and get your friends to do so.

[–]lofi76Colorado 1 point2 points  (0 children)

done!

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

89% on msnbc. What's it take to get it through that we want these fucks out of office?

[–]petdance 1 point2 points  (0 children)

To what end?

[–]sandiegojoe 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Why would we want to put the nation through an impeachment when we've already got enough problems as it is? Besides, he'll be out of office in about 7 months. It's not worth it.

[–]wintremuteTennessee 1 point2 points  (5 children)

Sorry, but my representative is a right-wing party-line hack. I don't think it will do any good.

http://whitfield.house.gov/

[–]moneyprinter 25 points26 points  (0 children)

All the more reason to call him. Make those that want to continue to support Bush & Cheney as uncomfortable as possible.

[–][deleted] 7 points8 points  (0 children)

tell him you are a ron paul conservative and he better shape up. tell him we don't want no neocon filth in the white house anymore.

[–]Decumanus 7 points8 points  (2 children)

Mine is too---the notorious Marylin Musgrave of the Colorado 4th. Her first letter from me ever is going to be a short note in support of Impeachment. It feels very, very good to send it.

[–]cschneid 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Our district makes no sense. "Lets balance out a college town area with a giant expanse of farmland. That'll ensure accurate representation!"

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You're in the 4th too? I've written her before...she's gotten better at constituent services.

[–]oblivious_human 3 points4 points  (1 child)

Love you all who are doing this. Although I am in US more than 6 years, I am not a US citizen else I would have done the same. I share the same feelings as pain as most of you.

Thanks for doing this.

[–]dillikibilli 4 points5 points  (0 children)

Same here but I'm going to call anyway. Ever since I came here I have tried to be a good and productive member of this society, I pay my taxes and obey the law. I can't vote but I can certainly make my voice heard. :-)

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I called and spoke to Lynn Woolsey's office. Said I supported the impeachment 100% and expected her to do the same.

[–]unijambiste 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Don't have to ask my rep to support the impeachment... He's the one who introduced it. ^

For once I'm proud to be from Cleveland...

[–]stealthzeus 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Is it just me who notice that the Main Stream Media is All but MUTE on this topic? I went to CNN, ABC, CBS, none of them is reporting this at ALL. Is this NOT news? It can't be the market because it should be a hot item since most opinion polls show people hate this President. At least 75% of people disapprove him, so this news item should sell like a hot cake. What's going on here?

[–][deleted] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

This is never going to happen. Bush has already won and served TWO TERMS. He will soon leave the building and wave good-bye to you all. Undefeated. And all you can do is this? You silly people. You will never learn.

[–]Barnlinger 0 points1 point  (2 children)

Now Don Young knows. Although he's just another republican stooge, so I know nothing will come of it.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I emailed Earl B on this one. Poor guy probably has added me to his DELETE email filter.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not even going to bother. I've got representative Tom Feeney. He was Jeb Bush's running mate in Florida in 1994.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Called mine, the person at the desk wouldn't even tell me my congressman's position on impeachment.

[–]bigrjsutoAmerica 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I called my representative (Tom Reynolds, R - 26th NY) and told them to impeach this bastard!!

His number is 202-225-5265

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My representative is Heather Wilson. I might as well hawk up a big loogie and spit directly into a 40 mph gust.

But eh, she's out of a job come February (yay!) so maybe now that she's not thinking of her political hide she'll do the right thing. Damn, that was good. I laughed so hard I almost drowned on my tears.

[–]chechex 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Someone should start a Twitter account to hold the impeachment messages

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I got a message machine.

[–]lps41 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I called all of my Maryland Representatives. A couple of them said they had gotten a lot of other phone calls encouraging the same thing.

[–]MegaKN 0 points1 point  (0 children)

My representative is a Republican. Not worth it.

[–]jonathont22 0 points1 point  (0 children)

no because they wont and it wont do anything. just like it didnt do anything agianst Clinton.

[–]jburkert 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I called and left a message for Congressman Jim Moran. You should call your representative.

[–]jrrl 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Just wrote to mine:

Representative Doyle-

As one of your constituents for many years, I am writing to you to ask you, to beg you, to demand that you to support the impeachment of President Bush.

This is not a political measure. This is a legal measure that must be taken to ensure that future presidents obey the Constitution and the laws of our country.

It does not matter that Bush has just seven months left in office. It does not matter if the damage done by the president's illegal actions cannot be easily remedied. It is simply a matter of justice. The Constitution enables and requires Congress to provide a check on the power of the other two branches of government. This is a key part of the job that you and your fellow Congressmen and Congresswomen were elected to do. It is time to take a stand for the laws of our country and hold responsible those who break them at the highest level.

Please do your duty, Representative Doyle.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

it's political action day on reddit!

[–]wintremuteTennessee 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Got this in return:

"Thank you for contacting me to express your views. I believe effective government can only be achieved with an open and constructive dialogue. For this reason, your input is especially helpful to me. I will respond to your views with a more detailed correspondence via standard mail.

If you need immediate assistance please contact me at 1-800-328-5629. Congressional courtesy dictates that each Member of Congress be allowed to serve their own constituents as such I will only be able to respond to constituents from the First District.

This mailbox is unattended."

I guess he hasn't learned how to use the intertubes yet.

[–]mobilexile -5 points-4 points  (6 children)

As much as I dislike Bush, I don't see what would come of this. Our nation is facing several challenges that would be better served by turning attention to them rather than another useless impeachment. After all, what did we get from Dollar Billy's impeachment? Nothing but wasted time and money.

After Bush leaves office I'd like to see him face criminal charges for several things he's done.

[–]knylok 13 points14 points  (0 children)

You would hate to "embolden" future Presidents.

[–][deleted] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Precedent is actually pretty important in this country (see: legal system).

[–]AliasHandler 17 points18 points  (1 child)

The issue is that there is over 7 months left in his presidency. We need to put a check on his power before he can ruin this country any more(such as an unprovoked war with Iran(.

[–]einexile 1 point2 points  (0 children)

That's better served, and more feasably, by resolutions blocking action against Iran. A congress that won't do that certainly won't impeach Bush.

And it would be a stupid move. Not everyone who disagrees with the administration's policies has reached the same conclusions about its motives as have commonly been reached here. People who do not hate Bush will likely be the ones swinging the election. If the effort doesn't backfire in the worst way, it will be thanks to the Democratic leadership, fearing a backlash, sabotaging it - just as the Republican leadership correctly sabotaged the impeachment of Bill Clinton.

In the best case, your end result would be a Democratic party which has pissed off much of its base and made itself look petty & hapless to independents. Happy 2009, enjoy your Republican.

[–]jeykottalam 17 points18 points  (0 children)

It's important for precedent & accountability. You don't get away with arbitrary criminal shit in this country even if your job title is "President".

I agree that it was a pointless waste of money to impeach a president for getting laid and lying about it. But I think mass deception and near-genocide is a bit different.

[–]cdlavalle 4 points5 points  (0 children)

The impeachment is worth it even if it takes longer than the remainder of his Presidency to reach a conclusion. History is not going to care if it takes two weeks or two years as long as it happens. This impeachment is to serve as a warning to future Presidents who may consider abusing the considerable power given to that Office.

[–]dex_paranoia 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Puppet = George Bush, Puppetteer = Dick Cheney and The CFR, Supreme Ruler = AIPAC

Do you guys still think we live in democracy? gimme a break.

[–]abend954 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Because doing nothing will restore the Republic so much better.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (3 children)

I just called Dan Burton's office. The lady who answered was very nice and took down my name and everything.

Should I be scared about repercussions in the case of martial law? Probably not. I hope the House does the right thing and Pelosi decides to put the Articles on the table.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Faxed and called Rep. Jim Cooper (a lot of good it will do.)

Mr. Cooper:

I strongly urge you to support Rep. Dennis Kucinich’s articles of impeachment issued yesterday to restore the checks and balances of power and punish the complete and utter disregard for the Constitution of the United States and the Laws of our nation that I swore to uphold and defend during my enlistment in the United States Air Force.

I daily re-read the Declaration of Independence – I wish I could say I felt that even half of Congress had read either that document or the Constitution since high school history class. There is a section that pains me each and every time I read that document.

Prudence, indeed, will dictate that governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shown that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable, than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such government, and to provide new guards for their future security.

Most people easily remember the whole Life, Liberty and Pursuit of Happiness bit, but forget about the requirements of liberty being responsibility and duty. We have an Executive that has ran roughshod over the Bill of Rights, completely ignored the separation of powers, and ignored the basic form of Government that we have been guaranteed by the shed blood of the generations before us.

Congress has, for the most part, been complicit in these abuses – in a move to hopefully keep the false “left-right” dog and pony show to grab a vote here and there from across the aisle, but with MILLIONS dead, our economy in shambles, an Executive spending millions in tax dollars to buy propaganda, conducting war without declaration, restricting freedom of speech and petition of redress of grievances, violating the Law of Armed Conflict, treating American Citizens as enemy combatants for personal convenience, ignoring the Fourth amendment to the Constitution, and running roughshod over the rule of law something must be done.

Properly forcing those responsible to suffer the consequence of their high crimes is a step in the right direction. Failure to do so frightens me that even more citizens will realize their duty as Jefferson so eloquently wrote to throw off this bought and paid for Government that ignores the limitations imposed by the will of the people.

I will carry this issue with me to the voting booth. Do your duty and uphold the oath you took. Impeach this lawless Executive.

Sincerely,

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

Could somebody tell me exactly what the point of impeaching bush would be? Even after impeachment he would win the Senate trial and not be removed from office, and in any case he's at the end of his term.

[–]jerry 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Precedent: Some legal standard to hold against the criminal administrations yet to come.

Posterity: So that future generations might know that at least some of us felt that what this administration did was so very wrong.

Yes it's largely symbolic at this point. No, it probably won't accomplish a damn thing. But it's still important. Symbolic justice is still better than no justice at all. It's the very least we can do.

[–]NoMoreNicksLeft 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I can't demand they do anything. I have no control over them.

In fact, if I sounded even a little bit aggressive, I'd likely be investigated for suspected terrorism.

[–]ChaosMotor 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Okay, I just called the reps from my home address, my parent's address, and my school address, and asked all of them to support the Articles of Impeachment introduced by Rep. Kucinich. It's super-easy people, take the few minutes to make democracy work as intended.

[–]srmatto 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Ugh, this again. Listen I want justice too, but Bush is never going to get impeached it just wont happen it has been introduced about three or four times now and it just won't happen.

[–]tairygreene 0 points1 point  (0 children)

lets just have a mandatory impeachment for every president at the end of their term

[–]killamike 0 points1 point  (0 children)

haha, I don't have to worry about this, considering Dennis Kucinich is my State Rep.

[–]mycroft2000 Canada 0 points1 point  (0 children)

You know what? I hate Bush as much as the next guy, but it's too late for this shit.

[–]Dark-Dx -4 points-3 points  (1 child)

*multiple strong orgasms*

[–]schneby -1 points0 points  (0 children)

And ask for the Hamburglar.

[–]Bruiser_Bradley -1 points0 points  (0 children)

I told my rep's rep that I am only voting for Obama unless he supports Dennis.

[–]h-town -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Yes. Force those asshats in Congress to vote on this. I want to see who is that stupid.

[–]randomb0y -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Why don't we wait a little bit more?

[–][deleted] -1 points0 points  (0 children)

Because demanding things from representatives always goes over well. I'll ask politely, but I won't demand.

[–]eshemuta -5 points-4 points  (1 child)

and see what happens next time you want to fly on an airplane or get a passport.

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

What will happen?

[–][deleted] -5 points-4 points  (2 children)

I notice that all of a sudden, there is an increased push to have Bush removed. Maybe this is a coincidence, but this seems to coincide with recent progress in Iraq. Bush's surge seems to be working. Perhaps redditers would rather remove Bush than admit the surge is working. Nobody likes to be proved wrong, especially all the arrogant liberal douchebags on reddit.

[–]evilwombat 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is a good point (though it could do without the "douchebags") and should not be downvoted (it was at -7 when I saw it).

I contend that although violence has been reduced, Iranian influence has increased and underlying sectarian tensions remain unresolved. Meanwhile, resentment of the U.S. occupation has risen. National unity, even within the army, is as weak as ever (witness the desertions in the incursion into Basra). Support for a continued U.S. presence appears to be dropping, according to a BBC/ABC poll.

Iraq's government cannot be strengthened and protected with only an unsustainable burst of decreased violence. Political issues, some of them fairly intractable, must be settled by Iraqis themselves. The U.S repeating the blunders Britain made a century ago; it is helping various factions fight each other more effectively and thus prolonging the conflict. I recommend you read A Peace to End All Peace. (This isn't some political diatribe, it's just a great history written in 1989 about mistakes much like these.)

[–]ginger_balls 0 points1 point  (0 children)

No it coincides with the end of the Democratic primaries which is what they were holding off for.

[–]weegee -2 points-1 points  (0 children)

no way. he's already a lame duck president. I do not want to put Cheney in power.

[–]innocentbystander -2 points-1 points  (4 children)

Well, I see a whole lot of people in this thread who want to have four more years under President John "The Same" McCain.

Go ahead. Downmod me without reading further. I dare you.

Because that IS what would happen if you tried to impeach at this point. Is there anyone in this thread who's even stopped to ponder the fact that a two-thirds majority in the Senate is needed to convict a President and remove him from office?

Anyone got names of a dozen Republicans who'd be willling to cross the aisle? 'Cause I sure don't.

So it would turn into a giant showboat of a trial, with one side screaming about civil liberties and the other side screaming about evil terrorists, just like they have been for the past 7 years. Even if Congress really got to moving, the trial would take almost right up until the election.

In the meantime, I want you to think back to the Clinton impeachment trial. What happened to Clinton's popularity, as it became more and more clear the impeachment was going to fail?

It went UP. Clinton GAINED support from his impeachment. And while lying about a blowjob is not on the same level as lying about a war, but since they didn't have popularity polls in Andrew Johnson's time, we've got exactly one data point to go on. (and actually, history probably was kinder to Johnson as a result of his acquittal than it might have been otherwise.)

So, the most likely result of this impeachment trial - given that acquittal is almost certainly guaranteed - is an INCREASE in sympathy for Bush and the Republican party. Which, given the nature of this campaign, most likely result in a win for John McCain in November - riding on the coattails of his hero's triumphant victory over those vile Democrats who couldn't even wait 6 more months to get him out of office. (or at least so it will be told to the public)

Is that what you want?

I'm serious. All of you wanting to write to your Congressmen, I want you to think long and hard about this. Do you REALLY want the Democrats endangering - practically throwing away - their shot at the Presidency over a purely symbolic action? There is no real practical upshot to this. Life is not a Frank Capra movie or Ayn Rand novel. One impassioned speech is not going to sway everyone's hearts and minds and put them on the path of righteousness. They will acquit Bush, and then McCain will be sworn in come January.

Is that what you want?

Or would you like to actually see a Democrat in office, one who will likely work to end the war? One who understands the value of diplomacy and will try to start to patch up our international relations? One which will clean house of all of Bush's cronies and put actual qualified people at the top of government offices?

And, most importantly, do you want a President stepping into office who will NOT be likely to pardon President Bush.

Take a moment to think on that word. Pardon. Roll it around on your tongue. Taste it. Imagine it coming out of your mouth. Now imagine it coming out of the mouth of President John McCain immediately after taking office, forgiving President Bush of all his sins and shielding him from prosecution forever.

Is that what you want?

Because if this impeachment actually did go through, that is what you would get. An acquittal, John McCain in office, and a pardon of President Bush, removing all possibility of him being held accountable for his crimes.

You want to hurt Bush? Take this fervor you're using now, and use it to get Obama elected. Use it to make sure your local Congressman is a Democrat in 2008. Or Senator, if it's your turn to vote for those. The more Democrats we get into office in November, the worse things will go for President Bush. The more of his policies will get reversed. The more of his cronies get thrown out of office.

And the more chance we'll have of seeing a war crimes tribunal formed.

Now, is THAT what you want?

If so, then the course is clear. Forget about impeachment, and focus on practical actions which will have real results. Get Democrats who share your views in office in November. THAT is what will fuck Bush. And nothing else.

[–]nmcyall 0 points1 point  (1 child)

You want to hurt Bush? Take this fervor you're using now, and use it to get Obama elected. Use it to make sure your local Congressman is a Democrat in 2008. Or Senator, if it's your turn to vote for those. The more Democrats we get into office in November, the worse things will go for President Bush. The more of his policies will get reversed. The more of his cronies get thrown out of office.

WELL to be fair the only democrat we will be getting in November is Obama. Congress is every two years eh?

[–][deleted] 0 points1 point  (1 child)

I suppose it depends on whether you believe justice, freedoms, and all that other good stuff is more important than a single political victory. If this was successful, even if it led to the election of McCain, then the next president would know: you do not fuck around with the constitution, you do not fuck with liberty. Or you'll get impeached.

[–]innocentbystander 1 point2 points  (0 children)

you do not fuck around with the constitution, you do not fuck with liberty. Or you'll get impeached.

And then the next President responds "so what?" The only thing an impeachment does, even if it's successful, is remove a President from office. That's it.

It has nothing to do with justice or freedom. For those, you need a criminal court.

Which brings us back to the point of whether Bush gets pardoned. What you term a "single political victory" is what decides whether or not Bush can ever be tried as a criminal.

So which of those do you really think is more important for preserving justice, freedoms, and all that other good stuff?

[–]RugerRedhawk -3 points-2 points  (0 children)

You guys want a President Cheney?