The “I” in Vermont

Posted by Liberadio(!) on April 22, 2007 under Uncategorized |

Vermont’s state motto is “Freedom & Unity.” Last week it was extended and became “Freedom from the Bush Adminstration & Unity of the States.”

On Friday, the Vermont senate became the first state legislative body, by a vote of 16-9, to pass a resolution urging the U.S. Congress to begin impeachment hearings against President George Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney. Similar legislation is pending in several other states.

What makes the case in Vermont so interesting is that Vermont’s impeachment supporters (a grassroots coalition) believe, based on a provision in Thomas Jefferson’s Manual of Parliamentary Practice, that if both the Vermont House and Senate approve the resolution, it will force U.S. Congress to take up the issue. A House resolution might be introduced on the House floor next week.

Although it can be argued that there are clear grounds for impeachment, Patrick Leahy and Bernard Sanders, Vermont’s two U.S. senators, have two words for you. Over. Sight. Although they “fully understand and share the frustration and anger of Vermont legislators and many Vermonters with the Bush administration – one of the worst and most destructive in American history” they believe that “for the first time since President Bush has been in office, there are a number of investigations taking place regarding the actions of the Bush administration … Before we talk about impeachment, it is imperative that these investigations be allowed to run their course and we should then follow wherever the facts lead.”

Oversight is a beautiful thing. Vermont should let us enjoy the magic just a little bit longer.