Last night on 60 minute, as noted
here by the Washington Times, Nancy Pelosi again "pledged" that "impeachment is off the table".
This reiterates statements that she made in May of this year saying the same thing. Is this an election year ploy, or is she serious?
I understand the basic principle she is trying to espouse -- Democrats have their own positive agenda they want to put forth, and they don't want to get tied down in two years of impeachment proceedings. By advancing a positive agenda, that leaves the door open for our 2008 presidential candidate to say "look at all the good things my party did!" instead of "we impeached Bush".
But has Pelosi forgotten that one of the reasons people are looking to the Democratic party this year is because they are tired of the lack of accountability in Government? Surely we can advance a positive agenda AND look into some of the many scandals that have been taking place over the last 6 years?
If the Democrats take the house (and it's looking like they will), undoubtedly many proceedings with subpoena power will take place. If Bush is found to be guilty of many of the things many of us believe him to be, what will Pelosi's reaction be? "Sorry, we pledged we wouldn't impeach?".
By taking impeachment off the table now, I believe Pelosi is making a critical mistake. A much better answer would have been to say "We'll let the people decide", or perhaps "We'll wait to see what evidence there is for any kind of crimes before making a decision." Duck the question. Put it off until later. But for God's sake, don't start taking options off the table before any evidence for or against such an action is warranted!
I hope that this doesn't discourage any Democratic voters to stay home. I know there are a lot of people out there who would say "I won't vote for anyone who would impeach Bush", but what's worse: losing a few fence-sitters who are leaning Republican anyway, or losing solid Democrats who end up staying home because their own party has pledged not to prosecute any crimes that may be uncovered in the future?
Because of blunders like this, I believe that Nancy Pelosi is not fit to be our majority leader.
WE DEMAND ACCOUNTABILITY, AND THAT MEANS GOING ALL THE WAY TO THE TOP IF NECESSARY!