Millions in America were focused on the future. Billions, worldwide, anxiously awaited change. On January 20, 2009, the Presidential Inauguration was broadcast hither and yon. Barely a television, radio, computer monitor, or big screen was turned off. Most all tuned in to see Barack Obama take the Oath of Office. Nary a one were as moved as they were on that occasion.
Even several Republicans said they were excited. For countless, it seemed a light was turned on. Finally, the American people, our allies, and those who are often characterized as adversaries, had hope. We, collectively, believe it was possible to walk through the din that had been our doom and envision an Earth united.
The world was wowed with thoughts of what would be, as were many Constitutional scholars, concerned citizens, and Senator Sheldon Whitehouse. Yet, there remained a persistent thought; our potential would not be fully realized. Several understood, as Senator Whitehouse so solemnly expressed in a speech presented on the Senate floor, a day after the festivities, As We Look Forward We Must Also Look Back. Few had an opportunity to see or hear an oration that was perhaps as honest and historic as the Presidents.
The Courts and Congress have come to believe there is reason for fear. Enemies are everywhere. Those who wish to do us harm are in our homes. They talk to us on our telephones. Some sashay in through our computers. "Evil doers" are ubiquitous in the United States. Our open society places the public at risk. We, the people, must defend ourselves. Thus, the Supreme Court and Congress have given the government and us the means. The highest judicial body in the nation has made it possible for the common man to protect himself with a pistol; Legislators provided the President ethereal firearms. Indeed, individuals and the Commander-In-Chief were bequeathed more than either had asked for. In 2008, we have entered the Summer of Separation. In the United States we say, "Farewell to privacy. Hello to arms."
These are troubled times in this United States and around the globe. Our citizens face economic distress. The administration admits to the use of torture in questioning detainees. News of hidden prisons and unidentified prisoners (detainees or enemy combatants our government calls them) continue to surface on a near daily basis. The Congress is twisted in knots over an intelligence bill that may allow further erosion of privacy in our nation. The writ of habeus corpus is for all intents and purposes lost to the so-called Patriot Act. What ever is a person to do to survive?
If that be the case then I count myself a true patriot. I love our nation or at least the nation we once were and the nation we may be once again. I am devoted to the cause of restoring our nation to the benefit of all the people once and for all.
"I just want you to know that, when we talk about war, we're really talking about peace."
~ George W. Bush, June 18, 2002 "War is Peace"
~ Big Brother in George Orwell's 1984
Many believe impeachment is not likely. Speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi will not consider it. Presidential candidate John Edwards thinks the process is a distraction. Many Americans forget that until impeachment was proposed and investigations began, there was no evidence to convict Richard M. Nixon. When asked to assess the past people only recall the spectacular. Sex scandals are dicey!
Talk of intimate physical intercourse could stimulate a climatic end to the George W. Bush, Dick Cheney supremacy. However, we do not see love scenes in the making of this President. Under this Bush, it is dark, damp, and dank. This Bush is all about war! George W. Bush has raped the land and ripped the cloth known as the Constitution. Many acknowledge his crimes and the corruption he and his mate Cheney propagate. Yet, since these are not sexual in nature they evoke no censure.
The question is often posed. Each day a few Progressives ponder the possibility and offer their plea. Conservatives on the "Right" and "Left' languish when they discuss what may be apt. They state there is no time. Some posit, impeachment will distract a nation at war. Ah, how the White House welcomes that theory. Many dismiss the notion. They question the feasibility. Others are ready, willing, and waiting to start the impeachment proceedings. Rants, rage, reasons fill the air; they flood the airwaves. Cyberspace is clogged with conversations. Congress declares the topic is "off the table." Yet, here it is. Few have stated the rational so concisely. I present the position for impeachment as detailed by the Voice of the Environment. I invite a discussion.
Voice of the Environment's August 9, 2007 advertisement appeared in the San Francisco Bay Guardian, Santa Monica Mirror and New York Times.
The Democratic Debates held early in June 2007 reminds me of manyrecentrants. Again, I recall the depth of my disdain for the lackluster lunacy that passes for Presidential material. Senator Hillary Clinton hails she made the correct decision when she chose to 'support the President' and send our soldiers off to slaughter. Senator Joseph Biden declares "We have worked hard to try and end this war." Barack Obama states it is not easy to do what needs to be done. Yet, experts state these claims are reason for concern.
This issue confuses me, entertains me, scares me, and fascinates me. I am thankful that the "letter of the law" was followed, a warrant was granted and that is good, particularly in light of recent revelations. I do think the principles that guide society are important. I prefer to believe that politicians are altruistic; when bribes are buying influence, I shutter. Nevertheless, I am conflicted. Having experienced an administration that routinely violates the law [thus far, 750 of them in fact], alters the Constitution, and hides behind privilege, I fear for what might be.
Representative William Jefferson, a Louisiana Congressman is under investigation. The charge is bribery. Apparently, serious allegations have been made. It is said that this prominent political leader was videotaped accepting $100,000 from an informant.
The case against Mr. Jefferson has been building for months. This week the court awarded a search-and-seizure warrant. Federal Bureau of Investigation examiners were sent out. Ninety thousand dollars in cold, hard, and ice-covered cash was found in the Congressman's home freezer. The suspect's computer was taken from his office. The money, while fascinating, has caused little clamor. The legality and constitutionality of a Congressional office search has brought much comment.
This morning, during the Bush Bend-The-Truth radio address, our Commander in Chief sang the praises of General Michael V. Hayden. Mr. Hayden is the Emperor's choice for Director of Central Intelligence. Michael Hayden is known to have constructed and implemented the nation's now infamous surveillance program.
This plan or is it this man, is responsible for gathering information on tens of millions of us. Thanks to General Hayden, trillions of telephone numbers have been collected. These digit combinations belong to innocent Americans. They are ours; yet, they are being held as potential weapons against us. While we are told, this library is only a compilation of digits and nothing more, intellectually we know, that in this techno-savvy society, listening to these calls is possible.
Initially, claims were made that this sweep would only affect those suspected of terrorism, people with links to al Queda. Progressively we learned, Bush and his bandwagon think we are all associated with insurgents. None of us can be trusted. However, we are commanded to have blind-faith in those that have none in us.
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