[US Patriot]

Posted: May 18, 2004
by: Pat McLaughlin

I was recently asked why I felt that Bush should be impeached.

My objections cover a wide range of things, starting with major Constitutional violations and working on downward. American citizens are being held in violation of basic rights that are enshrined in the Constitution, without benefit of having had access to the courts, without even being given access to a lawyer and any sort of review of their cases. It doesn't matter how bad, how malevolent, how truly criminal those individuals may be. Because unless we protect their rights, then none of us can be confident that any of our rights will be protected.

Yeah, yeah, you think--but these are bad guys....

That's not the point. The point is that we can always find individuals who are so vile, reprehensible and demonic (or at least demonized...) that most of us are willing to accept the idea that they are where they belong. But ONLY by affirming and insisting on them being tried in the exacting and proper manner--with review, oversight and public accountability--can we be sure that they are actually guilty... and that we too are treated in that manner.

But... no. NO buts.

First they came for the Communists,
  and I didn't speak up,
    because I wasn't a Communist.
Then they came for the Jews,
  and I didn't speak up,
    because I wasn't a Jew.
Then they came for the Catholics,
  and I didn't speak up,
    because I was a Protestant.
Then they came for me,
  and by that time there was no one
    left to speak up for me.

by Rev. Martin Niemoller, 1945

The founders of the American Republic affirmed that we should never, ever trust in men. Trust in laws, and seek good men and women to apply them--but don't trust in them. Corrupt people do get into power--or power corrupts them.

Allowing our leaders to adjust... modify, bend, fold, spindle and mutilate the law--and the Constitution--because they tell us that it will protect us if we allow it is a pact with the devil, a truly Faustian bargain.

Do not go there.

So, I'll stake my ground out here--there are plenty of other fine reasons for impeachment. But I'll set them aside. The illegal, extrajudicial incarceration of Jose Padilla alone is grounds for the impeachment of at least John Ashcroft *and* George W. Bush. Padilla may well deserve to be in prison--but only after he has full and normal access to lawyers for his defense, and only after he is given the normal access to the courts that any accused person is due and entitled to in the USA.

This administration has knowingly and willfully denied that--even in the face of media coverage and legal challenges. On that basis, I believe that allowing these people to remain in office represents a serious threat to the freedom of every American and American family.

Yeah, yeah, I'm just one of "them."

Are you aware that months after this administration became aware of the abuses going on at multiple prisons in Iraq, and Afghanistan (at least), they had the gall and the audacity to stand up in front of the Supreme Court and claim that they would absolutely support and protect -- and apply -- the rights and quality of treatment guaranteed under the Geneva Convention... and that since secrecy is needed at war, the Court would just have to trust the administration in this matter? A blunt, bald-faced lie, offered to the Supreme Court.

Trust us. We're on your side.

Shhhh.

And when they come for you?

Pat McLaughlin