First, let me say that I sent Ms. Pelosi an e.mail that was not very flattering. I sent it to her at
http://speaker.house.gov/contact/.Since this is Sunday, I could not reach her at 202-225-0100.
So this may be my last post.
On July 31, 2002, Nancy Pelosi had breakfast with progressive journalists at Ms. Pelosi's office. At that meeting Ms. Pelosi said if she were not in the House and not Speaker she "would probably advocate" impeaching Bush. She then gave her standard reasoning that "The question of impeachment is something that would divide this country." and that her top priorities were ending the war, expanding health care, creating jobs and preserving the environment." Noble ambitions all.
When asked if she would support a proposal by Rep. Jay Inslee, she looked down, rubbed her temples and said "I would like to stay focused on our agenda this week."
"I took an Oath to defend and protect the Constitution so it is a top priority for me and my colleagues to uphold that." Assuming she means the Constitution, especially that part of defending it against all enemies both foreign and domestic. (Source Art Berman 7-31-02
I think it is relevant to these statements to realize that she probably knew at that time the U.S. was using torture on prisoners that were being held with no recourse to them regarding the rule of law. She knew about the torture yet did nothing to enforce her oath of office.
Article 2 of the United States Constitution (section 4) states that "The President, Vice President, and ALL OTHER CIVIL OFFICERS of the United States SHALL be removed from office in Impeachment for, and conviction of, Treason, bribery and other High Crimes and Misdemeanors.
Impeachment proceedings may be commenced by a member of the House of Representatives on his or her own initiative by either presenting a listing of the charges under oath, as Dennis Kucinich did, or by placing a resolution in the hopper for referral to the appropriate committee. (The hopper is the box which sits on the House Clerk's desk, into which a bill or resolution is dropped for introduction.
The Constitution allows either House to expel one of its members by a two thirds vote. The Speaker of The House of Representatives serves as the presiding officer at the will of the House and can therefore be removed by the will of the House - (American Everyman-source)
As for having Nancy as President of Bush and Cheney were impeached and convicted.
The provisions of the Constitution leave no doubt on this subject. The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House are simply officers of their respective Houses. (The House of Representatives shall choose their Speaker and other officers-Constitution, article 1, section 2
The Senate shall choose their other officers, and also a President pro tempere IN THE ABSENCE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT.
The Speaker of the House is just as much an officer of the House as its Clerk, door Keeper or Sergeant at Arms, and Congress has just as much power to declare that the Door Keeper of the House shall act as President as it has to declare that the Speaker of the House may act as such.
(Source http;??query.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=9A02E3DD1730EE34BC4852DFB2668383677F
That tells me that Pelosi does not necessarily become President upon impeachment of Pres and VP.
It is obvious that Pelosi has ulterior motives for not putting impeachment back on the table. I believe that she is motivated by self preservation.
Complicity with crimes makes you just as guilty as the main perpetrator. The knowledge that torture was, and still is, being conducted by the United States, and doing nothing about it, is in itself an impeachable offense. Since she won't put impeachment back on the table in light of the mountain of evidence against Bush and Cheney, it is time for her impeachment and removal from office.
I hope to place further posts.
jihad