John Nichols and Bruce Fein on Bill Moyers' Journal discussed impeachment as a constitutionally prescribed response to President Bush's recent claims of exuctive privilege (for example). This was mind altering. Did the Speaker of the House -- and all members of the House and Senate watch this broadcast?
2007-07-15 04:56:51 · 10 answers · asked by murphy 5 in Politics & Government ➔ Politics
A constitutional crisis is when there is ambiguity or confusion in the meaning of the document. The civil war is a good example of a constitutional crisis. There was no provision for the secession of a state, so could the states really secede? And how could ratifying certain amendments be a condition to re admittance as a state if the state could not secede in the first place?
Impeachment is a very clear process for removal of an elected official. It is no more a constitutional crisis than any other criminal trial.
2007-07-15 05:54:50 · answer #1 · answered by Johan 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The impeachment clause in the Constitution is very vague as it does not give a specific list of crimes for which the President can be impeached. All it says is "high crimes and misdemeanors." Because of this vagueness, its up to the Congress to determine what meets this standard.
An impeachment could be used to solve a constitutional crisis, but it also could cause one in the sense that it could effectively neuter the Presidency. Congress would be receive a greater sense of empowerment and would lack the tools to effectively carry out this empowerment. Our legislative branch simply does not have the tools of most other legislative branches around the world. We would need a fundamental shift in the understanding of the legislative branch in the USA to deal with a far weaker Presidency. Congress must be careful not to weaken the executive branch too much unless it is willing to transform itself into a parliamentary style institution. So in essense, you can solve one constitutional crisis while causing another that might be worse in the long run.
2007-07-15 05:08:55 · answer #2 · answered by The Stylish One 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
All TV is Conservative propaganda, i do not watch it. Try NPR or PBS radio for news that is "Fair and balanced".
When Republicans impeached Clinton, they knew they did not have the votes in the Senate, they also did not have a crime to investigate before the Ken Star investigations. Republicans did this to make Clinton look bad for the next election. There was no other reason. Bush and Cheney will be impeached, the outing of a active CIA agent is treason. Treason is a crime that carries the death penalty. Cheney has a reason he does not want anyone looking at his records. Bush has a reason he is protecting Cheney at all cost's. The investigations by Congress will be greater than Nixon and Clinton added. The Democrats goal will be to have every American glued to the TV before Nov. 2008.
2007-07-15 05:13:17 · answer #3 · answered by jack09 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
I do not know nor do I care. I just want to know where those two are getting their DRUGS. They are not in close touch with reality when they claim that claims of executive privilege are against the law. The only way that the house may lodge charges of imprisonment is to have charges against the President that he has committed CRIMES. That means laws that actually exist have got to have been broken. Just like some one who has been accused of murder, fraud, robbing a bank, or of speeding, unless they plead guilty then they are innocent until proved guilty in a court of law (Senate in open session here). Just because some loudmouthed jackass gets up on its hind feet and claims someone has broken a law does not make it true........ What is so difficult to understand about this?
Can I claim that since that there is strong evidence that Global Warming is not based on valid science that Al Gore is committing fraud and must be jailed immediately and everyone who supports him tried for treason? RFK Jr. is saying that those who oppose him should be!
Damnit people wake up and figure out that all politicians and 95% of the people on news stories are out to make a buck and do not gife a rats rear about the truith!!
2007-07-15 05:19:55 · answer #4 · answered by Coasty 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Nothing impeachable is occurring.
This is an important moment in clarifying and defining separation of powers with regard to Executive Privilege.
The Legislative Branch can't unilaterally "give itself" this authority over the Executive branch
And the Executive Branch can't simply cede it's power to the Legislative Branch.
It is the responsibility of the Judicial Branch to make this determination of Authority, and the Other Branches must abide.
Everyone is behaving responsibly.
2007-07-15 05:06:14 · answer #5 · answered by responder 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
It's both. But don't expect impeachment proceedings. The Congressional leadership know that many Americans would see it as just politics. They are better off focusing on the business of government and letting the president finish out his time.
2007-07-15 05:02:22 · answer #6 · answered by TG 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Impeachment is the CURE not the disease.
If we do not stop Government abuses now the Next president will be worse.
Go Team Red Go
2007-07-15 05:12:56 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
We should impeach MAN BEAR PIG before it destroys the planet and all the Bananas!
2007-07-15 05:07:07 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
Name one crime / impeachable offense Bush has committed.
And don't give me your thoughts about what constitutes a crime or what should be a crime. Name one crime the man has committed that would call for his impeachment.
2007-07-15 05:05:25 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
Bush and Cheney should BOTH be impeached and convicted, on multiple viable and justifiable counts. Immediately!!
2007-07-15 05:01:04 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋