Democratic Dilemna

Main Entry: 1im·peach
Pronunciation: \im-ˈpēch\
Function: transitive verb
Etymology: Middle English empechen, from Anglo-French empecher, enpechier to ensnare, impede, prosecute, from Late Latin impedicare to fetter, from Latin in- + pedica fetter, from ped-, pes foot — more at foot
Date: 14th century
1 a: to bring an accusation against b: to charge with a crime or misdemeanor; specifically : to charge (a public official) before a competent tribunal with misconduct in office c: to remove from office especially for misconduct


This morning I heard Nancy Pelosi interviewed on the Leonard Lopate show. I gained a new respect for her but I don't agree with her on impeachment. She said that she has a big plan for the democrats... a long term plan which they will be able to start implementing once they win the Presidential election. She feels that impeachment might jeopardize their chance of winning. Here is a good example of partisanship. Isn't it the duty of Congress to make sure that our laws are not violated. There is wide suspicion that the Bush administration has violated our laws by overstepping their power in a number of areas. Torture, wiretapping, dismissal of officials for partisan reasons, failure to respond to subpoenas etc. To impeach someone is to first accuse them, and then to see if there is enough evidence to try them. We should look upon this process as a protection against tyrannical power not as a means of defamation and character assassination. So even though I understand her political argument, I think she is wrong. Winning is not always victory. Even if they lost the election, they would have first of all lived up to their responsibilities. If they really believe laws have been violated, their responsibility is to investigate. I think the public can tell the difference between an investigation against serious charges and a mere political stunt. Furthermore, whether Republican or Democrat, any member of Congress who does not take seriously their responsibility of bringing such charges against a President, if they are warranted, is not representing the people and their best interests.