News Most Dangerous Action to American Democracy

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The discussion centers on the implications of impeachment in the context of historical precedents, particularly comparing the situations of Presidents Clinton and Bush. Participants highlight the evolving standards of what constitutes an impeachable offense since Watergate, noting that Clinton's acquittal has influenced current perceptions and tolerance levels regarding presidential conduct. The conversation suggests that if Watergate were still fresh in public memory, there would be less leniency toward Bush's actions. There is also a sentiment that the Democrats are motivated by a desire for retribution and would pursue impeachment if they found sufficient grounds. The majority opinion indicates that Bush has violated the law, but the current Republican control of government complicates the likelihood of impeachment proceedings, suggesting a lack of accountability in the political system.

Most Dangerous Action for American Democracy

  • Lying to a grand jury about consentual sexual relations

    Votes: 3 11.1%
  • Warrentless wiretaps on American citizens

    Votes: 13 48.1%
  • Both are bad, but neither should be impeachable

    Votes: 1 3.7%
  • Neither are bad

    Votes: 0 0.0%
  • Both are impeachable

    Votes: 7 25.9%
  • Unsure

    Votes: 3 11.1%

  • Total voters
    27
  • Poll closed .
ComputerGeek
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OK, I am reposting the poll with 3 new options.

Thanks for the constructive Criticism.
 
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You might try adding something serious. Say, the Kennedy-McNamara evasion of statutory requirements that Congress be kept informed of military activities that are underway or contemplated.
 
I think the comparison between only Clinton and Bush is very relevant. After Watergate our country has been wary. But since Clinton’s acquittal, there has been a great deal of debate on what should be considered an impeachable offense, use of independent council, etc., for example:

The Quest for a Transcendent Foundation of "The Law" in the Discourse of Impeachment
Jochen Schulte-Sasse
Cultural Critique, No. 43, The Politics of Impeachment (Autumn, 1999)

The Clinton 2000 Effect in Perspective: The Impact of Retiring Presidents on Their Parties' Chances of Retaining the White House
Journal article by Martin P. Wattenberg; Presidential Studies Quarterly, Vol. 33, 2003

As I said before, Bush should be thankful to Clinton. Because if Watergate was still the taste in our mouths rather than the Clinton fishing expeditions, there would be far less tolerance toward Bush now.
 
SOS2008 said:
As I said before, Bush should be thankful to Clinton. Because if Watergate was still the taste in our mouths rather than the Clinton fishing expeditions, there would be far less tolerance toward Bush now.

BINGO. That hits the nail on the head.
 
Or Roosevelt and packing the USSC. Keep a few real scares in the poll just to keep things in perspective.
 
SOS2008 said:
As I said before, Bush should be thankful to Clinton. Because if Watergate was still the taste in our mouths rather than the Clinton fishing expeditions, there would be far less tolerance toward Bush now.
I'm not so sure: I think the Democrats are out for revenge and if they found anything they could hang their hat on, they'd push for impeachment in a second.
 
russ_watters said:
I'm not so sure: I think the Democrats are out for revenge and if they found anything they could hang their hat on, they'd push for impeachment in a second.
The majority consensus it that Bush has broken the law. It is the opposing party’s job to be the opposing party in a democracy (and they best be doing their job if they want to be reelected in 2006). Since all branches of government are Republican controlled, if they push for impeachment it's more like they could be hanging themselves out to dry.
 
Which is why there is no justice in the real world.
 
SOS, extremely on point. Russ's surmise is a one legged table; it doesn't have foundation with respect to a republican controlled federal government. :cool:
 

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