Thursday, November 08, 2007

Cheney Impeachment Debacle

A privileged resolution to impeach VP Dick Cheney was offered on the floor of the House of Representatives by Rep. Dennis Kucinich a couple of days ago. It had 22 co-sponsors. The Democrats were out strategized by Republicans when the Republican House members all started voting to debate the resolution immediately. It would have been the shortest impeachment debate in the history of Congress.

Originally I thought that not debating the resolution immediately was a mistake. After reading more and thinking about it, I've changed my mind. Actually it would have been unfair to discuss such a resolution immediately. It would have looked like a "kangaroo court". The accused has rights (as Tom Cruise said of Jack Nicholson).

Things may be looking up a bit. The resolution was sent to the Judiciary Committee and now, according to committee member Rep. Stephen Cohen, it seems hearings might even be scheduled.

With this Congress, it is very unlikely that Cheney will ever be impeached because the leadership doesn't want it to happen. Although if anyone ever deserved to be impeached it is Richard Cheney.

You can read more about HR 333 here.

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