A message from John Nichols, author of “The
Genius of Impeachment: The Founders’ Cure for Royalism”, to the Emergency Summit to Impeach Bush for War Crimes held Feb. 17-18 in NYC.
To All: I am truly sorry
that I cannot be with you this weekend. The work you are doing is exciting,
important and rich with potential. Here
are my thoughts:
1. Time is of the essence. The presidential race is gearing up quickly and as
it takes centerstage, it will be harder to focus Americans on the task of [impeaching]
the current president and vice president. They will move to the discussion of
replacing them.
2. If this interval, we need to be focused on convincing people that
impeachment is necessary and practical.
3. The necessary argument relates to the war. The long debate over non-binding
resolutions tells us that Congress will not stop this president. Impeachment
forces his hand. Even if the push to sanction him is not entirely successful,
it creates a pressure that makes it easier to slow his surging, to prevent new
wars and to make withdrawal a more viable option. The “Impeach for
Peace” message is central here.
4. The moves toward war with Iran
are significant. We need to hold Kucinich and others to their word. There needs
to be an official impeachment move if and when this president moves on Iran. We need
to be prepared for that eventuality — with local resolutions, plans for demonstrations,
rallies, actions, etc.
5. The Libby trial will end soon and it creates an opening for congressional
action on Cheney. He is the most vulnerable member of the administration and
the least popular. Impeaching Cheney first answers the silly question:
“How can we impeach Bush if Cheney’s there?” It also highlights the
highest crimes and misdemeanors of the administration. We have to make noise
about the need for a congressional action to follow up on the Libby trial.
All of the good state, local and campus work around the country — especially
when we are seeing in NM and Vermont
— must be highlighted. But it is best to do so in the context of a message
about the sense of urgency. This president and vice president have close to a
quarter of their overall tenures ahead of them. They can do immense damage in
that time. The only way to stop them — or, at the least slow them — is with
an impeachment push. Additionally, the only way to assure that the next
president does not carry on as they have is with impeachment.
Impeachment is 1. a legitimate response from a constitutional standpoint 2. a
necessary response if we want to end the war and prevent new wars 3. a popular
response if we look at polls and anecdotal evidence from around the country
[highlighting Vermont,
etc.] and 4. an urgent response. That final point is essential: Unless we want
to give the administration a two-year free pass, this is the only step that can
be taken to control an out-of-control White House. Do not get bogged down in
legalities or footnotes: The point here is to use the tool of impeachment to
stop a war and preserve a republic.
Best, John Nichols