Rocky addressed a noontime crowd in outside his office today. He called for the impeachment of president Bush laying out the case clearly and forcefully.
A few excerpts:
We see it as our moral and patriotic duty to stand up and fight for our long held American values. Kidnapping and disappearing people is not an American value. Torture is not an American value. Holding people in prisons without charges is not an American value. The destruction of the right of habeas corpus is not an American value. Attacking and occupying other nations other than in self defense, completely in violation of our treaty obligations and international law, is not an American value. Allowing our President and his administration to mislead our Congress and the American people into a disastrous war is not an American value. Allowing government to listen in on people’s conversations without a warrant is not an American value. The assertion by a president of dictatorial power, beyond our Constitution, beyond the Congress, and beyond the courts, is not an American value.
President Bush is a war criminal. He has blatantly violated relevant treaties and constitutional provisions in leading the US to a so-called “pre-emptive†war against Iraq, without any justification in law or in fact. He must be held accountable, through impeachment and removal from office, or the many violated treaties and constitutional provisions are nothing more than paper and pretense.
(more pictures below the fold)
Following the events of September 11, 2001, President Bush illegally authorized the warrantless wiretapping of American citizens, in clear violation of the 4th Amendment to the US Constitution and in direct violation of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, or FISA. He claimed, in complete disregard of the US Constitution and relevant domestic law, that what he was doing was legal. Last August, a U.S. District Court judge declared that Bush has violated the First and
Fourth Amendments to the US Constitution. Impeachment and removal from office is the only appropriate remedy for a President who asserts such abusive, authoritarian power, in contravention of the US Constitution.President Bush has also tremendously undermined the moral standing of the United States by directing the CIA to kidnap people in other countries, incarcerate them without charges, and torture them. His shameful dereliction of duty in this regard is a blight on our nation’s honor that can be remedied only by impeachment.
#1 by Republog on March 19, 2007 - 6:21 pm
The President is not the only one who took us to war you bafoon. I believe congress voted for the war without question. The information the President was provided was completed by thousands of civil intelligence officers worldwide all of different political backgrounds and are sworn loyal Americans. Which is more than what some illegal alien ID makers could testify to. Read on jackass
The War Powers Act of 1973 (Public Law 93-148) limits the power of the President of the United States to wage war without the approval of Congress. The War Powers Act of 1973 is also referred to as the War Powers Resolution (Sec. 1).
Provisions
The purpose of the War Powers Resolution is to ensure that Congress and the President share in making decisions that may get the U.S. involved in hostilities. Portions of the War Powers Resolution require the President to consult with Congress prior to the start of any hostilities as well as regularly until U.S. armed forces are no longer engaged in hostilities (Sec. 3); and to remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities if Congress has not declared war or passed a resolution authorizing the use of force within 60 days (Sec. 5(b)). Following an official request by the President to Congress, the time limit can be extended by an additional 30 days (presumably when “unavoidable military necessity” requires additional action for a safe withdrawal).
#2 by Republog on March 19, 2007 - 6:23 pm
If this war is so damn treasonous how come the Democratic congress doesnt impeach the president right now. I think your interpretation of the constitution is flawed and you are a splinter minority who is not happy with the out come.
#3 by Republog on March 19, 2007 - 6:29 pm
All the politicians that are piling on are coming out from cover of election year politics to see where the fallout is. Its good tactics, I dont blame them but some of you bafoons actually believe it. All war crimes should be punished. All illegal activities should be punished. Those rights granted to American citizens such as habeas corpus should be followed for American citizens. In the time of war on the battle zone, the code of conduct applies as well as the international laws of war which I am sure you are well aware of but fail to quote. No service member is allowed to torture, or kill unjustly. All service members are granted a fair trial as American citizens.
Good job Cliff you hit it right on the head bozo.
#4 by Cliff Lyon on March 19, 2007 - 6:50 pm
Repbublog,
Lets just start here; you said
“The President is not the only one who took us to war you bafoon.”
Do you believe the president lied to congress and the American people?
Yes or no. (anything else is a yes)
#5 by Republog on March 19, 2007 - 7:20 pm
The answer is no, I do not believe we were lied to. I believe our foreign service professionals provided him all the information, and they are loyal americans. I also do not believe the President staged 9/11 either. I believe this President like all have shortcomings and you cant be all things to all people. Its a position of leadership and decisions make some happy and others pissed. There are to many Americans involved in the government and to many checks and balaces along the way. If it works for you and yours to believe that it was a lie because it falls in line with other agendas then thats your perogative.
America has a system for impeachment in the Constitution. I dont hear a loud cry to use it in this instance from the Senate.
American soldiers follow the Geneva Convention. This is an insurgency, the enemy does not wear uniforms and does not follow international laws of warfare. Often times the enemy attacts civillians to cause unacceptable political casualties. This was all predicatable in the onset of the war. I believe that the bright men and women in congress of both parties knew that when they agreed we are going to war. The nature of this violence is not just sectarian, or east against west. These are a people that are hardened by violence and war. Ordinary folks do not understand the principles of warfare and politicians such as yourself jump on low approval ratings and submit to the American people that its because of the war. All leaders knew that when we took down Iraq we were going to have to re-empower it before we could leave. Its unfortunate that they were only committed to it until the election year or by words only. I think you use alot of words and quote yourself and hyperlink yourself but you are using the war for your own agenda. Its your website and your perogative , its a free America. You stereotype and generalize and prescribe yourself to be an expert but fail to deliver. I am just an average American and never pretended to be more. All of your lies rest on who is in a political party. I believe in a greater America one that sees through your deciet. Good luck Cliff, march on its a free country. out.
#6 by A GENTILE IN THE CHOSEN LAND on March 19, 2007 - 7:34 pm
Republog, Why always the name calling?
On the tight rope ready to fall? First, If you go to war on a lie, and everybody voted for it, does it make it justifiable 4 years later? It is unbelievable, the manipulation that went on pre-war. So, if we went to war on a lie, I don’t give a #$%$ on who voted for it, I do care who is trying to get us out of it.
At least now 4 years later, over 3000 dead Americans and 25,000 wounded and countless Iraqi’s deaths, a majority of Americans are saying “Kings X” we were wrong lets get out.
You know the impeachable offense is the LACK of Planning After the War. My God the arrogance of this adminstration has cost lives and billions of dollars.
Now how many more lives have to be lost before you become the bafoon, jackass and head bozo?
#7 by Cliff Lyon on March 19, 2007 - 7:35 pm
We really can’t have this discussion if you are not aware of the fact of the “16 words” in the SOTU or the now proven lies Powell made before the UN.
You also misspoke when you suggested only a “small splinter group” believe the president should be impeached. Surveys show about half the nation believe the president should be impeached and more than half believe lied about WMD. (and oh yeah, he did, didn’t he?)
Listen whomever you are. You’re not going to get anywhere testing your best arguments out on me. I know them well. You are either poorly informed, or simply don’t care about basic facts.
Go find someone less informed to buy your bullshit.
#8 by A GENTILE IN THE CHOSEN LAND on March 19, 2007 - 7:46 pm
Republog:
No lies. I have always wondered who the 28% of Americans were who still believe Bush. Try reading the book “Fiasco” who quotes Civilian and Military Officials about WMD’s, Manipulation and Intimidation.
I know you will say you won’t read a Liberal lies, but the author Thomas Rick, is anything but a liberal. Also, Amazon stated this book as on the Top 50 of 2006. I will make a deal, Read it, and I will read one of your Neo-Con Books. That is how confident to state, This War was based on LIES.
#9 by Trish on March 19, 2007 - 8:03 pm
Repugblog, It’s obvious you haven’t been around this blog a lot ‘cuz otherwise you would know Cliff is going to chew you up and spit you out. You’re just a snack for him.
#10 by Ken Bingham on March 19, 2007 - 8:59 pm
All the Democrats that voted for the war, including Mrs. Bill Clinton(wife of the former President), his haughtiness John Kerry, as well as the pretty boy John Edwards along with a host of others, would have to impeach themselves. They were working with the same intelligence information that the President had. Now they are running for the hills trying to erase their vote.
#11 by Deanna Taylor on March 20, 2007 - 6:04 am
There were other events also over the weekend – including a Liars Convention and Memorial Candlelight Walk and Vigil. Each event drew about 100 people.
See account and photos
#12 by The Blessed Rope. on March 20, 2007 - 6:56 am
What happened to global warming as the main theme? Did you finally realize that the beggar npr, has hoodwinked you all? Suckers!! It is about to get interesting. We can combat human induced CO2 global warming…by removing from the blatherers the Oxygen they breath.
algore will be proven easily as dumb as bush before it is over. From whatever angle the world looks, we sure are the laughing stock.
http://www.prisonplanet.com/articles/march2007/190307theropes.htm
#13 by Jenni on March 20, 2007 - 8:08 am
“From whatever angle the world looks, we sure are the laughing stock.”
Yes, we are the laughing stock ‘cuz a sizable percentage of our population is so easily hoodwinked by the right-wing spin machine. The rest of the world is way ahead of us in Climate Crisis thinking.
Psychologically, that’s kind of understandable. We as a nation have the most to lose since we produce the most CO2 and use the most resources. It’s easier to be in denial so that we can justify our wastefulness. If global warming doesn’t exist or is not caused by humans, than we can greedly consume the world’s resources and produce our smog and we aren’t doing any harm.
If we were to make changes and take responsibility, it would mean we couldn’t go off roading with our Hummers anymore; we’d have to plan our cities better and couldn’t sprawl miles and miles from work and necessities like groceries. We’d have to take public transportation and say goodbye to our love affair with the car and all that would entail. We’d have to buy more expensive locally manufactured goods rather than the cheap crap from China that we prefer. We’d have to cut our meat consumption (especially beef) waaaaaay down. We’d have to get off our lazy bums and turn off the TV and recreate the old fashioned way, by becoming involved in our communities. We’d have to become stewards of nature rather than exploiters of it. We’d have to give up our emerald carpet lawns.
There are just way to many sacrifices that Americans would have to make if they took responsibility. Much easier to deny and hope all the bad stuff happens after we die.
#14 by Ken Schreiner on March 20, 2007 - 8:40 am
Great coverage, Cliff! Like the pix. One Utah is emerging as the most engaging and wide open forum about current events in the West! It’s good to have so many viewpoints represented.
#15 by Richard Warnick on March 20, 2007 - 11:11 am
I’m sorry I couldn’t be there, not because I think Rocky is very eloquent but to show support for the one politician in the entire country who has the courage to say President Bush ought to be impeached.
#16 by The Blessed Rope on March 20, 2007 - 3:19 pm
Jenni, must we go through the thermodynamic science? What about the “other data” that serves warming up as a product of the Sun?
Why was it again that the 2 miles of ice over VAST CONTINENTAL REGIONS OF THE GLOBE MELTED 12000 years ago? My ancestors Escalades were responsible perhaps?
The warming that occurred then, was so catastrophic, it likely accounts for the legends of flooding and Noah. Sea level was 300 ft. where it currently is TODAY. 12,000 years is not a lonfg time in Earth life terms. So, let us begin from there. Settlements are seen under the water of the Bahamas, and a man made bridge from India to Ceylon, seemingly 10,000 years old. The time line fits anyway.
What if there is NOTHING we can do about it, like 12,000 years ago? WHAT THEN?, OMG, WE’RE DOOMED!! LIKE, like 12,000 years ago.
Those of you in low lying elevations, invest in a good pump, and sandbags.
#17 by Anonymous on March 21, 2007 - 12:25 am
Is the chick in the first photo Rocky’s new conquest?
#18 by Ken Schreiner on March 21, 2007 - 6:49 am
The whole O’Reilly thing was a waste of time. It accomplished exactly what he wanted: embarass his opponents, amuse his audience and generate “controversy” to get ratings. It’s not about issues- it’s about him.
#19 by The Blessed Rope on March 21, 2007 - 6:53 am
Perhaps not, however, if this is the guy that is going to stand up against bush, we’re fucked.
#20 by The Blessed Rope on March 21, 2007 - 6:55 am
That is oreillys’ job after all, Ken.
Talking to nobodies that may make you look bad, is not in the Hollywood handbook as a suggestion.
#21 by Nephi on March 21, 2007 - 10:02 am
Ken B.,
Do you know what the definition of “lie” is? A lie occurs through either affirmative statements or material omission. Bush lied to the both Dems and Repugs who voted for war. Your continuing denial of this simple and well-supported fact makes you a 29%-er. You deserve the rope!
#22 by Ken Bingham on March 21, 2007 - 10:31 am
Nephi
Before someone can lie they first must know the truth and then deliberately try to hide it or alter it. To state something that is believed to be true then later evidence comes out proving your words false do not mean you lied. Being wrong does not make you a liar. Lying is the deliberate attempt to deceive. What you are accusing George Bush of doing is knowing there were no WMD’s in Iraq but making the case for them anyway. If this was the case then somehow George Bush had information that not even the CIA, MI6, the current version of the KGB, the French “intelligence” agencies, or even the UN had. What you are saying is that George Bush is an absolute genius and knew something the rest of the world did not. Are you also accusing the Clinton’s of lying, Tony Blair, His haughtiness John Kerry, the pretty boy John Edwards, and scores of other Democrats leading up the war, including the events during the Clinton presidency? Remember what Bill Clinton said and did during his presidency conserving Saddam’s stockpile of WMD’s. Remember there were several instances where we came very close to invading Iraq during the Clinton administration over the WMD’s and Saddam’s refusal to abide by the cease fire agreement and scores of UN resolutions. I know long term memory syndrome is a malady that every liberal shares so please go back and read the history and things will be much clearer for you. If you dare to have your preconceived notions questioned.
Using your own standard, when human caused global warming is found to be false then we can all say anyone who believed in it are all liars, including Algore. They lied even though they honesty believed it was really happening. Is that a standard you want to live by?
#23 by Nephi on March 21, 2007 - 10:47 am
Ken B.,
You are covering for a lying bunch of liars and you know it. I admitted being betrayed by Clinton with his lies, why is it so hard for you to admit the same re BushCo? You deserve the rope for your staunch refusal to admit you were betrayed by BushCo.
#24 by Cliff Lyon on March 21, 2007 - 10:50 am
Ken B,
How does it feel to feel like you must defend the president of the United States when the vast majority of Americans believe he lied because it is well proven and undisputed that he lied?
Wouldn’t you be better off trying to justify the lie as somehow in the best interest of the country, rather than embarrassing yourself with arguments that simply DO NOT FLY?
#25 by Cavæt on March 21, 2007 - 3:43 pm
They are not liars, it’s simply that the truth that they sought to create did not mesh with reality. They are really only SO powerful, you know. I knew from listening to the near continuous reporting from the weapons inspectors, searching high and low in Iraq, that bushes suspicions were a ploy. And that’s just a small part of it. Recall cheneys reported trips over to CIA requesting specific supporting docs? Still only a small part of it…
#26 by The Blessed Rope on March 21, 2007 - 5:28 pm
Isn’t rocky a fag? If he isn’t, we have a a guy who supports gay rights and illegal im migration as our champeen.
What America is going to listen to that crap?
We’re fucked, because the loony left is more concerned about illegal immigrants and fags, than the exisitng laws which is what we could use to save us from these TRAITORS.
Simply idiotic.