Rules & Following Them

In the ‘70’s, Nixon’s impeachment process advanced through several stages. The rules were researched and followed. The constitution sets out parameters, and Congressional protocols and rules have been adopted to manage the impeachment process squarely. In Nixon’s time, such was the case. It was so fair, Nixon resigned rather than face the certain knowledge he would be removed. Case closed. The impeachment vote was never taken.


In the ‘90’s, Clinton’s impeachment effort was led by political zealots out to get the guy out of office. That was the motive. The only motive. As shameful as a blow job may be to many, and in the Oval Office at that, it is not an impeachable offense. Embarrassing, yes. Impeachable, no. All the other noise surrounding republican attempts to hound the Clintons from the White House were just that; noise. Empty, annoying noise. The rules were reshaped by Henry Hyde and the republicans had a field day in the House of Representatives. The Senate, however, stuck to the rules and acquitted the sitting President. End of story.


Now comes 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019; the sitting president is being impeached by the rules. The vote comes today. Then and only then, can we say he was impeached, and even then, only if the ayes have it.


The rest of the story is what happens in the Senate. The republican strangle hold on that legislative body has already proven their disdain for honest, fairness and truth. They will most likely gerrymander senate rules just like they gerrymander everything else to fit their purposes. Most likely (certainty!), the Senate will not vote to remove the accused. They will acquit along party lines. This is not a democratic outcome, but a republican one.


There lies the rub. Our legislative bodies have no backbone to deal forthrightly in fact and truth. They only vote their self interest while they ‘say’ they are doing the peoples’ will. Anyone believing otherwise believes in the tooth fairy. And Santa Claus.


The better way is to know the rules and follow them. Justice demand it. American politics doesn’t evidently. Our combined shame should lead to a return to moral high ground. We've been missing that in Congress for far too long.
 December 18, 2019