Tuesday, April 24, 2007

The End of the Occupation of Iraq Begins with Regime Change in Washington

And that begins with the Introduction of the Articles of Impeachment.

Too extreme for the Main Street Media, too radical for the Democratic Congress, but right and just in time for America.

Democratic presidential candidate Dennis J. Kucinich files articles of impeachment against Vice President Dick Cheney, saying his action was driven by a desire to defend Americans' right "to have a government that is honest and peaceful."











Here is your synopsis:

Resolved, That Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States, is impeached for high crimes and misdemeanors, and that the following articles of impeachment be exhibited to the United States Senate:

Articles of impeachment exhibited by the House of Representatives of the United States of America in the name of itself and of the people of the United States of America, against Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States of America, in maintenance and support of its impeachment against him for high crimes and misdemeanors.

Article I

In his conduct while Vice President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of Vice President of the United States and, to the best of his ability, preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States, and in violation of his constitutional duty to take care that the laws be faithfully executed, has purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States by fabricating a threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction to justify the use of the United States Armed Forces against the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to our national security interests, to wit:

  1. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the Vice President actively and systematically sought to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States about an alleged threat of Iraqi weapons of mass destruction...
  2. Preceding the March 2003 invasion of Iraq the Vice President was fully informed that no legitimate evidence existed of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The Vice President pressured the intelligence community to change their findings to enable the deception of the citizens and Congress of the United States.
  3. The Vice President’s actions corrupted or attempted to corrupt the 2002 National Intelligence Estimate, an intelligence document issued on October 1, 2002 and carefully considered by Congress prior to the October 10, 2002 vote to authorize the use of force. The Vice President’s actions prevented the necessary reconciliation of facts for the National Intelligence Estimate which resulted in a high number of dissenting opinions from technical experts in two Federal agencies.
The Vice President subverted the national security interests of the United States by setting the stage for:
  • the loss of more than 3300 United States service members;
  • the loss of 650,000 Iraqi citizens since the United States invasion;
  • the loss of approximately $500 billion in war costs which has increased our Federal debt;
  • the loss of military readiness within the United States Armed Services due to overextension, lack of training and lack of equipment;
  • the loss of United States credibility in world affairs;
  • and the decades of likely blowback created by the invasion of Iraq.
In all of this, Vice President Richard B. Cheney has acted in a manner contrary to his trust as Vice President, and subversive of constitutional government, to the prejudice of the cause of law and justice and the manifest injury of the people of the United States.Wherefore, Vice President Richard B. Cheney, by such conduct, is guilty of an impeachable offense warranting removal from office.

Article II

In his conduct while Vice President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of Vice President. . . [etc., etc. ] purposely manipulated the intelligence process to deceive the citizens and Congress of the United States about an alleged relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda in order to justify the use of the United States Armed Forces against the nation of Iraq in a manner damaging to our national security interests, to wit:
  1. Despite all evidence to the contrary, the Vice President actively and systematically sought to deceive the citizens and the Congress of the United States about an alleged relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda...
  2. Preceding the March 2003 invasion of Iraq the Vice President was fully informed that no credible evidence existed of a working relationship between Iraq and al Qaeda, a fact articulated in several official documents, including...
Article III

In his conduct while Vice President of the United States, Richard B. Cheney, in violation of his constitutional oath to faithfully execute the office of Vice President [etc., etc.] . . . has openly threatened aggression against the Republic of Iran absent any real threat to the United States, and done so with the United States proven capability to carry out such threats, thus undermining the national security of the United States, to wit:

Despite no evidence that Iran has the intention or the capability of attacking the United States and despite the turmoil created by United States invasion of Iraq, the Vice President has openly threatened aggression against Iran as evidenced by the following:
  1. The Vice President, who repeatedly and falsely claimed to have had specific, detailed knowledge of Iraq’s alleged weapons of mass destruction capabilities, is no doubt fully aware of evidence that demonstrates Iran poses no real threat to the United States as evidenced by the following:
  2. The Vice President is fully aware of the actions taken by the United States towards Iran that are further destabilizing the world as evidenced by the following...
  3. In the last three years the Vice President has repeatedly threatened Iran. However, the Vice President is legally bound by the U.S Constitution’s adherence to international law that prohibits threats of use of force...
Wherefore Richard B. Cheney, by such conduct, warrants impeachment and trial, and removal from office.

Here is the Text of Resolution as Introduced in the House of Representatives.

Here are the Supporting Documents for the Articles of Impeachment.

I say Shooter is guilty on all charges.

30 Moderated Comments:

Blogger Yellow Dog said...

Confucius:
A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step.

4/25/2007 07:22:00 AM  
Blogger FunkyTown Fighter said...

*Applause* Great post! 1st remove Prick then remove Shrub! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!

4/25/2007 08:09:00 AM  
Blogger LittleBill said...

Dennis Kucinich is a gutsy guy and deserves better attention than he will get. I have watched him over time and on panels, and he has always displayed more than average courage. Right on, Congressman Kucinich!!

4/25/2007 02:28:00 PM  
Blogger Beach Bum said...

While Congressman Kucinich is considered even now an also ran in the presidential race, and with these impeachment articles a loose cannon in congress, if the situation continues to fall apart he could end up looking like a visionary pioneer.

4/25/2007 05:14:00 PM  
Blogger Stella by Starlight said...

Kucinich: the little pebble that starts a landslide. I always believed in getting rid of Cheney first. That guy's got a lot of guts going against a guy who shoots his friends in the face.

4/25/2007 06:23:00 PM  
Blogger J.C. said...

Kucinich, is a kiss ass weenie, offered up as a joke to make people that are alienated, and rightly so, think there is 'choice'
The system can not, and will not be reformed. Go ahead, impeach Cheney.
There are 100`s more Cheneys lurking in the background.

4/25/2007 07:10:00 PM  
Blogger Emily said...

According to Tom Delay the definition of treason is "the betrayal of trust". That's certainly what we have in Dickie's case.

4/25/2007 08:16:00 PM  
Blogger Unknown said...

I am absolutely impressed...

Impeachment filed against Dick Cheney?

Congressman Dennis Kucinich, that's absolutely gobsmackingly great of you to do that.

I say bring Dickie down.

4/26/2007 04:06:00 AM  
Blogger Non-Partisàn said...

The head of a dead fish stinks the most. If Cheney can be stripped off this writhing carcass, look what we would have left: Bush

4/26/2007 06:19:00 AM  
Blogger Sapo said...

The new reality: the people who don't support impeachment are the loose canons.

Impeach the Sullen Dick.

4/26/2007 06:57:00 PM  
Blogger Sapo said...

First.

4/26/2007 06:57:00 PM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

I missed the debate! (Trophy wife forgot to Tivo it!) Spinmeisters say Hillary won, hands down. They also said Obama muffed a question on retaliation against al Qaeda but that he handed Kucinich his head? And what of Gravel? He was supposed to have been there, wasn't he? Damn fooking meetings! I wanted to see this so badly.

4/26/2007 07:30:00 PM  
Blogger Pink Liberty said...

Vigilante, we watched the whole debate, including the ads featuring housewives baking cupcakes (I'm not kidding) on MSNBC. One ad played right after a strong speech by Hilary--and you know I'm not her supporter, but I think she won, hands down, with Edwards as a close and much more warm second. Gravel is unhinged, as I would be, but wierder.

4/26/2007 09:40:00 PM  
Blogger Pink Liberty said...

Oh, I must say, I'm very eager to see if the Republican's debate "questions" are as nasty and "biggest weakness" targeted as they were tonight for each Democratic candidate. I think Obama might have disappointed folks, except when he countered Kucinich by looking more realist. He really flubbed the didn't you think this war was "dumb," "question." "I was proud of my position not to support this war," sounded like an egotistical response to me, and seriously off target...I wanted a more "Our President has acted deaf and dumb about this war, not our troops," answer. He seemed inexperienced compared to the heavy hitters, so he can say that about it!

4/26/2007 09:45:00 PM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

Profound and convincing, Pinks! Thanks! You have saved me considerable time. Sorry Gravel failed to impress.

4/26/2007 10:57:00 PM  
Blogger Bob Keller said...

RE: Last Night's Debate

I felt Bill Richardson came off really well. A statesman with gravitas... knowledge of the issues and a reasoned approach.

He probably doesn't have a chance.

the Wizard.......

4/27/2007 08:00:00 AM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

Michel Griffin visited my Kool-Aide Kafeteria to sample my Dick Cheney flavor in the composition of his excellent creation, Russian Dolls - The Rape of Iraq. Please check it out and give him some feedback!

4/27/2007 08:32:00 AM  
Blogger Messenger said...

Bill Richardson? I think we agree on that much, Wizard. He doesn't have much of a chance. But not that you care that much anyway. My take on you is that you're supporting Romney or Rudy at the moment.

4/27/2007 08:40:00 AM  
Blogger Bob Keller said...

messenger Hmmmm..... You have an interesting take on my opinions.

Currently I tend to favor Hillary Clinton (and have for some time), but it is way too soon to support any one. Let's see how they weather the campaign. I've also written very favorably about Obama.

Not Your Mama got me interested in Richardson. I've been following him a little more closely since corresponding with her. I like his intelligence and experience.

But, yes, I'll admit to admiring John McCain, too. At this point I see no circumstances where I would support either Edwards or Romney. Both lack any real principles. They are pure political opportunists, in my opinion.

But, time will tell..........

4/28/2007 11:19:00 AM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

Messenger, I sometimes think Wizard is a DINO, so I can understand your take on him. But Wizard is still fun to talk to. For me, anyway, because I'm basically party-neutral. Or have promised to become so if and when Bush is repudiated, impeached or incarcerated. Until then, I am anti-Republican, although there are some I still respect.

4/29/2007 08:58:00 AM  
Blogger Bob Keller said...

I'd love to think I'm party nuetral, too. But I'm just not. I must remain a Democrat and relatively active within the party because of Women's Rights, Gay Rights, Free Speech, Gun Control, Social Issues here and abroad, Poverty, AIDs, Darfur, genocide...... well, you get the idea.

The litmus test you and messenger seem to want to apply is that a person must be a DINO if they don't agree with this group on the very specific issue of the invasion and opccupation of Iraq.

And your litmus test is even more sepcific than that, since you and I generally agree on those broad issues.... agreement must hold on specific withdrawal and terms, dates and conditions, down to rather minute details.

So, while we agree completely that the INVASION was a.) completely unwarranted, b.) virtually all Bush's fault and folly and c.) the occupation has been a disaster and, finally d.) there are real and serious grounds for Impeachment, I still am generally held to be outside this group and some sort of a "poser," a Democrat in Name Only.

But that's OK with me.... I don't mind being the resident renegade.

But I maintain it is your world and political views that are far too narrow. By examining all things through the tunnel vision of Bush's mismanagment, you risk being blind to the larger issues.

You are at grave risk of throwing out the baby with Bush's dirty bathwater.

4/29/2007 09:34:00 AM  
Blogger DB Cooper said...

Vigilante, are you saying you won't vote for a Republican until the GOP undergoes de-Bathification?

4/29/2007 08:48:00 PM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

Cooper, I think you get it.

4/30/2007 07:04:00 AM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

Wizard: I think I know where you're coming from: my recent lecturing to you on your own site. And now you are paying me back, accusing me of my own myopia. This issue is the key to the division between us. (Other than your fascination for Michelle Malkin.)

It is revealed best in your use of the word, "mismanagement":

By examining all things through the tunnel vision of Bush's mismanagement, you risk being blind to the larger issues.

This language is pure McCainian: Look at the video clip of Jon Stewart's 'interview' with John McCain posted by Non-Partisan and take a shot of scotch every time McCain says,

The early part of the Iraq war was mismanaged.

and you will be doing a face plant on your keyboard before you ever get around to answering this.

Wizard, I consider you a pal. But you just don't get it. In foreign policy as well as domestic, Bush & Cheney don't add up merely to mismanagement. The extra-constitutional and extra- Geneva Convention effects of Bush & Cheney on our politics and policies are not merely errors in strategy and tactics. Bush & Cheney represent a fundamental perversion of our American conventions and experience - in their concept and intent. Their malfeasance in both spheres rises to the level of high crimes. We could 'win, lose or draw' in Iraq. But if we do not exorcise this malignant tumor attached to the presidency now, in 2012 or 2016 we will find it will have metastasized into a much more virulent form of political cancer. If this happens, the world and political views of all of us will be narrowed, and permanently.

4/30/2007 07:09:00 AM  
Blogger Bob Keller said...

vigilante I appreciate the dialog.

But here is my bottom line: Two wrongs do not ever make a right.

Bush may well be the devil incarnate, deserving of immediate exorcism through the hell fires of Impeachment and criminal trials and punishment at the hands of a world court.

But this must not prevent us from doing what is right and honorable and just in all other areas affecting the world today.

You know I stand ready to support your efforts for IMPEACHMENT and will support a new President when one is elected or appointed.

There is no doubt that the next President will be a Democrat! Let's keep that in mind.

You know we really only disagree in that I believe we have an obligation to help the people of Iraq and we must not take our eye off the al Qaeda threat.

We wrecked their country, we have a moral obligation to HELP THEM fix it, not to abandon them to the wolves after removing all their potential for self defense.

Walking away from our moral obligation to the people of Iraq doesn't even hurt Bush or remove the malignancy from the Presidency. We just make matters worse.

4/30/2007 07:58:00 AM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

This strongly felt and expressed comment merits a response, perhaps one from a future thread. In the near future, I will try to address it, if no one else gets to it first.

5/03/2007 07:03:00 AM  
Blogger Blogging4Food said...

Wizard, two wrongs don't make a right, but three lefts will.

5/03/2007 08:07:00 AM  
Blogger LTE said...

I am a firm believer in the old saying, "Our colors never run," but I sincerely believe that the colors on Vice President Dick Cheney's back have been running since the day he decided to obtain a deferment rather than fight for his country.

It is time for him to step aside, just like Richard Nixon's vice president, Spiro T. Agnew, did, and let saner heads take over the job of guiding this great country and starting to repair the damage done by this arrogant administration.

5/03/2007 08:10:00 AM  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Just wanted to thank you for mentioning the "Russian Dolls" video, and to let you know that it rocketed to number 8 on Neil Young's 'Living With War' site in its first week of being listed.

5/08/2007 08:21:00 AM  
Blogger Vigilante said...

You're totally welcome, Michael. We're very pleased to have helped in our small way! And Congratulations!

5/08/2007 10:31:00 AM  

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