NEWS
City discusses impeachment
Looking for a print version?
Simply choose ‘Print’ on your computer and a printer-friendly document will be generated.
Also by Bridget Roby:
- Man falls from 8th story of La Ciel apartment building (December 3, 2007)
- Ex-Overture director pleads not guilty (November 2, 2007)
- One day later: Police itemize Halloween crimes (October 30, 2007)
- Charter, Big Ten Network block off big game (October 30, 2007)
- Arrests down for 2nd year in a row (October 29, 2007)
Related Stories:
- City discards impeachment idea (September 6, 2007)
- Wisconsin Rapids to vote on Bush's fate (September 21, 2006)
- Wisconsin Rapids might place Bush impeachment on ballot (September 19, 2006)
- City council to vote on Patriot Act tonight (October 15, 2002)
- Town to vote on Bush, war (February 16, 2007)
by Bridget Roby
Wednesday, September 5, 2007
The Madison City Council was scheduled to vote on a resolution early Wednesday morning that would call for the impeachment of President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney — but as of press time, the vote did not occur.
To rally support for this resolution, a group of citizens assembled outside the City-County building, where the council meeting was held, prior to the vote.
Supporters marched up and down the block bearing signs, flags, and symbolic coffins labeled "Iraqi child" and "U.S. soldier." The theme for the rally, advertised on the leading banner, was "How many more must die?"
"This is the most important issue of our generation," said Ald. Tim Gruber, District 11, who is one of the co-sponsors of the resolution and spoke in favor of it at the rally.
Gruber said Bush and Cheney violated the U.S. Constitution in numerous ways, most significantly by lying to Congress and the American people in order to go to war with Iraq.
"Leading us into war based on false intelligence, which they knew to be false," Gruber said. "Not just lying, but lying and going to war, which is most important to me."
Regardless of the Common Council's vote, however, Dane County recently became the second county in the nation — following one in New York — to call for Bush and Cheney’s impeachments, according to a press release.
Nearly 90 other cities, villages and towns across the United States have passed similar impeachment resolutions and referendums.
Still, several Madison council members said they felt that regardless of their personal opinions on the issue, they would withhold their vote, as this was not an issue that concerned the Madison Common Council.
"I have always abstained on issues that don't deal with running the city of Madison," said Ald. Zach Brandon, District 7. "I will hold my vote because this is not an issue that is directly linked to the responsibility that we have in city government, which is to run the city."
Ald. Jed Sanborn, District 1, said he would also hold his vote.
"My opinion is that it's not the business of the city council, so I will not be voting 'yes' or 'no' on it," Sanborn said.
Those in favor of the resolution, however, maintain that this issue is not only of the utmost importance, but that it is a responsibility of the Madison Common Council to take action on it as well.
"It's something that a lot of people in Madison care deeply about," Gruber said. "I feel that we're both responding to our citizens and standing up for what's right."
Ald. Robbie Webber, District 5, spoke at the rally yesterday and addressed this particular point of criticism.
"Although we often get slammed for taking up things that are not city issues, this is a city issue," Webber said. "Their policies have affected everyone in this city in one way or another."
Webber also stressed the virtue of individuals speaking up for the issues that are important to them.
"Each voice added together makes a difference at the national level," Webber said. "That is democracy."
Anonymous (September 5, 2007 @ 8:54am):
Leftists shamelessly lie by omitting any mention of Clinton's Iraq Liberation Act of 1998 which found: "It should be the policy of the United States to support efforts to remove the regime headed by Saddam Hussein from power in Iraq and to promote the emergence of a democratic government to replace that regime."
Leftists shamelessly lie by omitting mention of the 28 separate casus belli their Congress overwhelmingly voted to authorize the Iraq War.
It's time for Leftists to do what they keep promising... Move-On!
Anonymous (September 5, 2007 @ 9:15am):
"Leading us into war based on false intelligence, which they knew to be false"
What a load of crap! Like these bozos actually know anything, even with their 20/20 hindsight.
That said I think that I personally would be much better off if we'd just let Saddam keep Kuwait, and take Saudi Arabia.
He'd still be our buddy and he'd be pumping the oil fields like crazy to fund war with Iran. What's not to like - cheap gas, and we don't have to woory about a Persian A-bomb.
Hard cheese for the people in the Middle East maybe, but who cares about them? Certainly not the "Peace at any Price" crowd.
Anonymous (September 5, 2007 @ 10:03am):
Yeah, like Congress is actually going to impeach them just because the Madison City Council wants it done. Gimme a break!
Anonymous (September 5, 2007 @ 10:55am):
What a waste of time and resources...no wonder Madison is going to the dogs!
Anonymous (September 5, 2007 @ 12:20pm):
Wow, what a terrific way to waste your time. After this post, I'm going to make a list of everyone who deserves to be impeached, arrested, fined, sentenced, and scolded in a stern but caring manner. I'll then continue the process by reflecting on the personal misdeeds I've committed over my lifetime. Undoubtedly, I will recall some criminal offense that has yet to be atoned for and I will present myself to the nearest officer of the law for proper legal recourse. Once released from the gray-bar hotel, there will be a new President and a new congress with a new set of flaws and dysfunctions that need my personal attention and scrutiny.
Have no fear, this process is not for the faint of heart. The road will be long and difficult, and I will not cut and run until the process is complete. When I am finished, the War on Human Error will be won. Do not judge, less ye be judged; but judging others is the American way. See you in church Sunday, on the editorial page, or whining on State Street.
Anonymous (September 5, 2007 @ 12:26pm):
Perhaps the Madison City Council should focus on local issues, instead of wasting time on meaningless resolutions.
Anonymous (September 5, 2007 @ 3:20pm):
most of all, these libs overlook one blatant theme regarding the wmd argument...
if bush LIED, that means he knew there weren't any wmds ahead of time...if he knew there weren't wmds, then he had to know that his whole mission would be questioned and he would be labeled a war monger and terrorist once we captured baghdad. why on earth would he do that!?!?
also, these same geniuses are most likely to also believe that 9/11 was a conspiracy...which prompts the question as to why bush wouldn't have just planted wmds in iraq to be found at a later date after the invasion.
this is just shocking...lefties that go on feelings instead of logic.
i'm in awe.
Meredith Knight (September 5, 2007 @ 5:50pm):
Is Madison going to become the San Francisco of the Upper Midwest? I thought we changed governments via elections; not mob rule. Express your opinions to elected members of the federal house of representatives and senate. Local government should be LOCAL.
Add a comment
We welcome your thoughts, but please keep your feedback thoughtful, on-topic and respectful. Offensive language, personal attacks, or irrelevant comments may be deleted.
Login...
Not registered? Sign up now.
It's quick, free, and the email address you provide will not be sold or solicited.
