Robert Wexler's Letter About Impeachment
Representative Robert Wexler (D-FL) replied to a South Florida Sun Sentinel editorial chiding him for supporting Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-OH) articles of impeachment. (h/t cursor.org) Here is his reply:
U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler takes issue with editorial on impeachment
June 16, 2008
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel ran an editorial on Thursday criticizing my support for the articles of impeachment against President Bush, opining that Congress should "get on with real issues" such as the Iraq war. In fact, it is this very war — entered into following an unprecedented campaign of lies and manipulated intelligence — that necessitates impeachment hearings.
This war has cost us the lives of 4,090 U.S. soldiers, injuries to over 30,000, and more than a trillion taxpayer dollars when it is all said and done.
It is a dark day when the Sun-Sentinel has the gall to tell the parents of the soldiers who have died in Iraq that pursuing consequences for those who prosecuted this war of choice based on outright deception is not a "real" issue that Congress should address.
Sadly, the war is only the beginning. We now know that this administration illegally ordered the torture of prisoners, obstructed justice by lying about the outing of a covert CIA agent and authorizing warrantless spying on U.S. citizens.
No one can deny that, if proven, these allegations amount to high crimes. Our failure to act sets an awful precedent and enables future presidents to break the law and violate our Constitution without sanctions from Congress.
The Sun-Sentinel says impeachment is the wrong "remedy" for this litany of crimes. What then is the proper remedy? A harsh lecture? A strongly worded editorial? Or how about doing nothing in the face of these outrageous abuses of power?
Impeachment hearings need not distract us from other important priorities such as the economy, gas prices and bringing the troops home from Iraq. Congress can and should address all important issues — including safeguarding our constitutional rights and obligations.
Robert Wexler U.S. Representative Delray Beach
We need more brave members of the House like Robert Wexler and Dennis Kucinich who uphold their oaths to the Constitution and stand up for that living document that is the foundation of our country and take seriously their responsibilities to the American people.
They are real Democrats, not Wussacrats.
U.S. Rep. Robert Wexler takes issue with editorial on impeachment
June 16, 2008
The South Florida Sun-Sentinel ran an editorial on Thursday criticizing my support for the articles of impeachment against President Bush, opining that Congress should "get on with real issues" such as the Iraq war. In fact, it is this very war — entered into following an unprecedented campaign of lies and manipulated intelligence — that necessitates impeachment hearings.
This war has cost us the lives of 4,090 U.S. soldiers, injuries to over 30,000, and more than a trillion taxpayer dollars when it is all said and done.
It is a dark day when the Sun-Sentinel has the gall to tell the parents of the soldiers who have died in Iraq that pursuing consequences for those who prosecuted this war of choice based on outright deception is not a "real" issue that Congress should address.
Sadly, the war is only the beginning. We now know that this administration illegally ordered the torture of prisoners, obstructed justice by lying about the outing of a covert CIA agent and authorizing warrantless spying on U.S. citizens.
No one can deny that, if proven, these allegations amount to high crimes. Our failure to act sets an awful precedent and enables future presidents to break the law and violate our Constitution without sanctions from Congress.
The Sun-Sentinel says impeachment is the wrong "remedy" for this litany of crimes. What then is the proper remedy? A harsh lecture? A strongly worded editorial? Or how about doing nothing in the face of these outrageous abuses of power?
Impeachment hearings need not distract us from other important priorities such as the economy, gas prices and bringing the troops home from Iraq. Congress can and should address all important issues — including safeguarding our constitutional rights and obligations.
Robert Wexler U.S. Representative Delray Beach
We need more brave members of the House like Robert Wexler and Dennis Kucinich who uphold their oaths to the Constitution and stand up for that living document that is the foundation of our country and take seriously their responsibilities to the American people.
They are real Democrats, not Wussacrats.
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