Democratic presidential candidate Chris Dodd, a U.S. senator from Connecticut, said Monday it would be a mistake to launch impeachment proceedings against President Bush. Dodd said Democrats could lose control of Congress in the 2008 elections if they pursued that course, because many Americans would object to Congress spending 14 months on impeachment proceedings rather than focusing on other problems facing the nation. "Impeachment proceedings suck all of the oxygen out of the room," he told members of STAR PAC, a group dedicated to political action against war, at a Des Moines appearance that marked the end of an eight-day campaign swing through Iowa. Afterward, Dodd elaborated for reporters on why he feels an impeachment effort against the Republican incumbent would backfire. "If we become preoccupied with an impeachment process, I think we could turn off an awful lot of people who might otherwise be willing to support Democrats and be willing to change the direction of the country in the fall of 2008," he said. Source
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"I'd like to see a little more spine, frankly, on these issues. Candidates always tell us they want to lead, but a little leadership right now would certainly be welcomed on these questions." - Chris Dodd, October 2007
Dear Senator Dodd and other Democratic members of Congress,
I'd like to see ALOT more spine out of this congress. Frankly, you are all beating your heads against the wall if you are trying to put forth any decent legislation while the Bush Administration is in office. They will bully, practice extortion and blackmail, use signing statements and finally veto any bill not written to the letter as they want. The extreme right wing is holding our Congress ransom. Checks and balances between the three branches of government have been virtually nullified. I dare say that since the Judicial and Legislative branch no longer are able to operate independantly of the Executive branch, then those two branches do not currently exist. Government is broken. Congress IS at a virtual standstill. We are unable to have any effect on the Military Commissions Act, Warrantless wiretapping, Shredding of Habeas Corpus, Torture, Extraordinary Rendition, and Secret Prisons. Add now to that list the Thought Crime bill H.R. 1955 that just passed. We are no longer a government Of the People, By the People and For the People.
There is one way and only one way to release the logjam. Impeachment. I address this comment to you and all your colleagues in the House: It is your solemn duty to abide by your Oath of Office to Preserve, Protect and Defend the Constitution. This is not a partisan issue. This is the issue of patriotism. I have talked with Democrats and Republican voters. I find that they support impeaching those who have violated the Constitution, including and especially V.P. Richard Cheney and Pres. George W. Bush. Yes, Republican voters do feel this way. They tell me they feel betrayed by this Administration. And both Democrats and Republicans are feeling betrayed by Congress. What you are foolishly doing in a misguided effort to protect America is actually destroying this Country. For if you destroy the Bill of Rights, the Constitution and continue to condone working outside the rule of law, YOU have destroyed America, not the terrorists. It is not our President, it is not our wealth, not our might, our land or our flag that define the United States of America. Our identity, our sole being as a country, lies in our Constitution - an exquisite document that has stood the test of time. Working WITHIN the rule of law actually gives you far better tools to combat terrorism.
I implore Respresentatives to support H. Res. 333. John Conyers committee has already compiled the evidence. It is a slam-dunk. There is enough time. The time is NOW to stand up for your country and set aside party politics. History will judge harshly the actions you take and fail to take. You MUST act in defense of Constitution and impeach those who have violated her.
Thank you for your consideration,
Susan C. Serpa, Massachusetts
Northeast Impeachment Coalition
(former Democrat, eager to rejoin once the Democrats find their spine again)
Jack Cafferty on Dodd and Impeachment
Tel: (202) 224-2823 | Fax: (202) 224-1083