Talk of impeachment illegitimizes any investigations...

[kentuck]

It is more important that any investigations be viewed as credible and legitimate, rather than for the purpose of impeachment, otherwise, all investigations will be discredited. If the investigations produce evidence, the Democrats could pressure the Repubs to ask for impeachment themselves or admit that they think it is OK what has been done. Investigations cannot be for impeachment sake or they will not be seen as legitimate.

[William769]

1. Words of wisdom, thanks.

[Justyce]

2. This is true... thank you. I've been so

disappointed I haven't been hearing them screaming for impeachment from the rooftops, but you are right -- one step at a time...

[bullimiami]

3. investigate first. prosecute proof of crimes. WE believe in laws and justice.

[Raiden]

6. Exactly. Rule of Law + Justice > Hasty Revenge

We've got two years to investigate; That's an eternity in politics, especially considering that Congress in going to have plenty of time since there will be no legislation getting through.



"Revenge is a dish best served cold."

[On the Road]

4. If Bush is Going to be Impeached,

the story has to be laid out better for the general public or it will have no support or credibility. And the way to get that would be by investigation.

Personally, I can't see how removing Bush for a year or less is a good political option. The Dem should focus on passing new legislation, repealing bad legislation and investigations.

[texanshatingbush]

8. There are worse things than impeachment for this President.......

Given his personality (arrogant, smug, born on 3rd base and thinks he hit a triple), I think the worst thing that could happen to him would be for him, in his lifetime, to be roundly acknowledged by History as the WORST.PRESIDENT.EVER.

Impeachment takes a long time, and detracts the nation from dealing with the serious problems created by the Bush-neocon cabal. A hearing also gives him an opportunity to respond to his critics and investigators.

Much better to tackle the problems, reveal the heinous intent of the Bushies and the damage wrought to the Constitution and American democracy, pin Bush with the crime of allowing it to happen on his watch, and REPAIR the problems.

His presidency thus becomes a cautionary footnote in history and, to borrow from KO, Bush gains the label of "WORST PRESIDENT IN THE WORLD".

And he lives with that knowledge until the day he dies....and beyond.

[On the Road]

10. What Impeachment Supporters Don't Seem to Realize

is that from a punitive angle, removal from office is a slap on the wrist. It will cut maybe a year off Bush's term. Because it will put Cheney (or Cheney's replacement) in office, it will not improve how the government is run. And if the impeachment effort fails (which it will without a real smoking gun being discovered), history will tend to exonerate Bush.

Look at the circumstances surrounding Andrew Johnson's impeachment. (Don't remember them? Neither will our grandchildren remember the charges against Bush.) From what I have read about the situation, I think impeachment was probably justified. But all anyone remembers now is that it was politically motivated and it failed by one vote.

I want Bush to fail in a long, drawn-out way of his own making with his influence on the decline, his reputation in tatters, disowned by his own party -- a millstone around the neck of any Republican who runs in 08.

[ThoughtCriminal]

5. This should be blindlingly obvious

The need for investigations is essential. We're trying to solve problems and create accountibility. It is time for some questions to be answered - under oath.

[knight_of_the_star]

7. Exactly

We need to conduct investigations to find out what is wrong to clean up the mess, not to burn people at the stake.

[beaconess]

9. You're dead on!