- #1
ComputerGeek
- 383
- 0
OK, I am reposting the poll with 3 new options.
Thanks for the constructive Criticism.
Thanks for the constructive Criticism.
Most Dangerous Action to American Democracy
- Context: News
- Thread starter ComputerGeek
- Start date
Click For Summary
Discussion Overview
The discussion revolves around the perceived threats to American democracy, particularly in relation to political actions and historical events. Participants explore various political figures and their actions, including comparisons between past presidents and the implications of impeachment processes.
Discussion Character
- Debate/contested
- Historical
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that the actions of Kennedy and McNamara regarding military activities represent serious threats to democracy.
- There is a focus on the relevance of comparing Clinton and Bush, particularly in the context of impeachment and public perception following Watergate.
- One participant references academic articles to support the discussion about the evolving standards of impeachable offenses.
- Another participant argues that the current political climate allows for more tolerance toward Bush due to the historical context of Clinton's impeachment.
- Some participants propose including significant historical events, such as Roosevelt's court-packing plan, to provide perspective on current threats to democracy.
- Concerns are raised about the motivations of the Democratic party regarding impeachment, with some suggesting a desire for revenge against Bush.
- There is a claim that the majority consensus is that Bush has broken the law, but the dynamics of a Republican-controlled government complicate the impeachment process.
- One participant expresses skepticism about the existence of justice in the current political landscape.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express a range of views, with some agreeing on the historical context of impeachment and its implications, while others disagree on the motivations and actions of political parties. The discussion remains unresolved with multiple competing perspectives.
Contextual Notes
Participants reference various historical events and political dynamics without fully resolving the implications of these references on current political actions. The discussion includes assumptions about party motivations and the nature of justice in politics.
- #2
Bystander
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
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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.
- #3
SOS2008
Gold Member
- 42
- 1
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.
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.
- #4
edward
- 73
- 165
SOS2008 said:
BINGO. That hits the nail on the head.
- #5
Bystander
Science Advisor
Homework Helper
Gold Member
- 5,621
- 1,774
Or Roosevelt and packing the USSC. Keep a few real scares in the poll just to keep things in perspective.
- #6
russ_watters
Mentor
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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.SOS2008 said:
- #7
SOS2008
Gold Member
- 42
- 1
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.russ_watters said:
- #8
Treadstone 71
- 275
- 0
Which is why there is no justice in the real world.
- #9
Amp1
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. 