About impeaching Bush!

[Tim4319]

What happens if both houses do wait until after GWB is out of the White House, and launch a full and thorough investigation into the wrong doings of this administration. Is the GWB still entitled to use "Executive Privilege? If not, can there be an indictment against Bush and all who had something to do with him? Can the RICO fit in this situation? As much as I want to see him out of office, I would love to see all of them go to jail!

[enid602]

1. no problem

I think you've stumbled across one of the reasons the Bush's have Paraguay in their retirement relocation plans; Paraguay has no extradition treaties with other countries.

[Tim4319]

2. True!

[bryant69]

3. I doubt this would happen because of the precedent set

Nixon was left alone after he got out of power.

Bryant
Check it out --> http://politicalcomment.blogspot.com

[onenote]

4. can an ex-pres be impeached? Open question. Will he? No

The issue of whether someone who is not currently holding office can be impeached by the House and convicted by the Senate is an open question. The House impeached Judge Belknap after he resigned but the Senate acuitted (largely because there were enough Senators who felt that they had no jurisdiction over an official after he left office so as to prevent a 2/3 majority for conviction). The Belknap case involved a situation where, it was alleged, the resignation was for the purpose of "evading" impeachment. Its not clear what precedntial value it has in a situation where an office holder serves out their term.

In any event, given the Nixon precedent, there is no chance the House/Senate will pursue chimpy or cheney after they leave office.

Finally, on the question of executive privilege and former presidents, I refer you to Executive Order 12667 (http://www.whitehouse.gov/news/releases/2001/11/20011101-12.html) which sets out the current policy regarding the invocation of executive privilege by incumbent presidents on behalf of former presidents.

[Tim4319]

5. Thanks for the heads up!