Tuesday, October 24th 2006
Measure H: Impeach Bush?
North Gate News Online, a publication of Berkeley’s J-School, reports on Measure H:
Berkeley voters will decide Nov. 7 whether to pass a measure calling for the U.S. House of Representatives to start impeachment proceedings against President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney…
Berkeley Mayor Tom Bates heard from so many residents unhappy with Bush that he said he decided to push for the measure.
“A lot of people felt… the president had really shredded the constitution and was trampling all over it. Arresting people without them knowing why, eavesdropping on people,” said Bates, who is up for re-election. “So we said … let’s put this on the ballot to actually give people a chance to vote, so they can have a say in what they think about the future of this country.”
Berkeley, renowned for its political protests, is the pioneer on this measure as the first of four cities to approve it for the ballot.
The article also focuses on how two different conservatives are viewing the measure:
“It’s ridiculous. I question the wording of the ballot measure,” said Derek Yee, 20, a junior at University of California at Berkeley and member of the Berkeley College Republicans. “I don’t know how constructive this ballot measure would be.” […]
“The people of California feel President Bush deserves to be removed from office for high crimes and misdemeanors,” said Jerry Denham, co-founder of the Conservative Caucus in Walnut Creek.
In the September issue of the Patriot, Alex Marlow attacks the measure. There is a cost involved, and the city wishes to fund a “task force” to investigate further. I don’t see why taxpayers should have to pay for information that bloggers will research for free. But, honestly, I’m on the fence. It would have been unthinkable just a few months ago, but I’m close to agreeing with Denham (and a growing number of conservatives and libertarians) on this issue. Someone push me over the edge, one way or another (though there’s actually 4 different sides to this).
The measure, like most of Berkeley’s politics, is utterly pointless.
Gus Newport lives.
Comment by Scott — 10/24/2006 @ 8:03 am
Pat,
What, in your opinion, are the “high crimes and misdemeanors” Bush and Cheney have committed?
Comment by Alex Marlow — 10/24/2006 @ 12:09 pm
Like I said, I’m on the edge. Up until now, I have ignored any argument in support of impeachment as leftist nonsense. It was a knee-jerk response and I’m sorry I was ever so closed-minded.
I oppose the administration’s interventionist economic policy, interventionist social policy, and interventionist foreign policy. I think many of their actions violate the spirt of the Constitution, if not the Constitution itself. In my opinion, if what is going on now is perfectly acceptable, then either the Constitution is not being enforced or the Constitution needs serious revision.
People, give me your arguments for and against impeachment. I’d like to be informed, and maybe even convinced.
Comment by patr — 10/24/2006 @ 1:21 pm
Internal spying, practice and endorsement of torture, using his office to enrich his associates through government contracts. On practical matters Pat has already stated a few things, but suspending/eliminating habeas corpus last week was latest severe blow to our democracy.
Comment by ghost of Clark Kerr — 10/24/2006 @ 1:29 pm
I agree with Pat and the Ghost. Impeachment of the president would be a clear sign to Bush and the Republican presidential hopefuls that the conservative cause isn’t subject to one man’s whims. Bush has taken the liberal approach to viewing the constitution as a living document and defining it as he pleases. Impeachment would actually help conservatives more than liberals. Sure liberals would think they have bragging rights and continue to be annoying, but conservatives will avoid the complete destruction of their party.
Comment by Joey Gladstone — 10/24/2006 @ 9:26 pm
According to this Newsweek story, 22% of Republicans support impeachment…
The next couple of months are going to be real interesting.
Comment by patr — 10/24/2006 @ 9:37 pm
That’s surprising, but not that surprising. Count me among that 22%. Though, I wouldn’t vote in favor of some unnecessary task force.
Comment by Joey Gladstone — 10/24/2006 @ 9:39 pm
You can hear arguments for and against Measure H at a local candidates’ forum on Nov. 1 from 8-10pm in 155 Dwinelle! (Shameless but not that shameless plug.)
Comment by Iggy — 10/24/2006 @ 10:10 pm
Hey Igor: Cut. It. Out!
Comment by Joey Gladstone — 10/24/2006 @ 10:14 pm
Dear “Joey,”
I don’t know who you are or why making a legitimate announcement about an informative venue brings out all sorts of an intense psychological response in you. For the other 99.9% of Republicans who check this blog, I aim to inform.
Best,
Igor
Comment by Iggy — 10/25/2006 @ 8:05 am
Igor, here’s some advice: watch tv.
Sincerely,
Joseph Gladstone
Comment by Joey Gladstone — 10/25/2006 @ 3:32 pm
Wish I could; don’t have the time this semester.
Comment by Iggy — 10/25/2006 @ 3:59 pm
Friends,
I have just emailed Igor to let him know that I will speak on behalf of Measure H this coming Wednesday, November 1st. I realize that there is a strong contingent of Cal Patriot readers who think that the measure is typical Berkeley posturing, and quite worthless. I hope to convince you that the impetus behind the Constitution Summer project was neither partisan nor Berkeley quackery, and perhaps even that it is a worthwhile cause for you to vote for and otherwise back.
I don’t have a whole lot of time to respond to emails or blog posts these days, unfortunately, as I am now in law school in enemy territory. However, I hope to see many of you on Wednesday.
Thank you for your interest.
Sincerely,
Geoff King, ‘04
Comment by Geoffrey King — 10/28/2006 @ 9:40 pm