Impeachment

The Wall Street Journal has an article about Democrats being scared of the impeachment issue:
Impeachment Proves Risky Political Issue-
Some Democratic Activists Push Removing Bush From Office, But Mainstream Steers Clear

Why, they even used charts!



Of course, this little chart fails to point out the obvious. Yes indeed, there was a backlash against Republicans for frivilously impeaching Bill Clinton. But why is that surprising? The poll clearly showed 64% opposed it (with only 27% actually supporting)! Contrast this with their chart showing that the majority - 51% - supports beginning impeaching hearings against President Bush simply on the issue of the war. Add this to other polls showing a majority support (52%) for impeachment on the issue of warrantless wiretapping and there is a clear public support to begin the impeachment process.

Congress' hesitation is understandable (after the abuse of the power last time), but to claim the two cases are similar is a lie. This time, there is clear public support for action. And the issues at hand this time are matters of grave constitutional concern.

What are they afraid of? Impeachment isn't an immediate action, it's a process. It simply gives Congress greater powers to hold hearings and investigate the issues at hand and delve deeper than they are allowed now. Most Americans agree that these issues (the war, wiretapping, etc.) are worthy of such a serious investigation. If congressional Republicans and Bush supporters are so certain of the President's innocence, then they have nothing to fear from hearings. After everything this President has put the country through, we deserve the chance to get to the truth.

I expect the Republicans to be scared of this, but the Democrats too? Shameful.

[PS- For the scared Democrats, see Ward Sutton's cartoon on 'The Case Against Impeachment'.]