All Aboard the “I” Train

[babylonsister]

http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/24506

All Aboard the “I” Train
By Mark Riley

If nothing else has changed in the American body politic in the past few months, peoples’ attitude about impeaching key figures in the Bush Administration sure has. And it looks as though the public is out in front of our elected officials, save for a courageous few.

Most people know about Cong. Dennis Kucinich’s resolution calling for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney. Nine other members of the House have signed onto this modest proposal. Reports say a tenth will follow later this week.

Now comes a new poll that shows respondents almost split dead even about impeaching President Bush. 45% say yes, 46% say no. When it comes to Cheney the numbers are even more profound. Those polled favored impeaching him by 54%-40%. These are obviously Americans who reject the principal arguments against going after the pair. That is, they’ll only be in office for 18 more months, and that a battle over impeachment would deter the Congress from dealing with other important issues.

Then, this past weekend, our friend Cindy Sheehan threw down the gauntlet. She says she’ll challenge House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in her own San Francisco district if Pelosi doesn’t introduce a Bush impeachment resolution in two weeks. Cindy is talking about running as an independent, meaning she wouldn’t have to jump directly into the fray via a primary.

Some will argue she’s targeting the wrong enemy. Some will say she’s got no chance of winning. She’s certainly pushing the envelope, and if she makes Nancy Pelosi spend serious money to stay in office, the message, while too late for Bush and Cheney, will resound for any future wannabee imperial presidents. And that just may be good enough.