Read. Ponder. Act?

The Genius of Impeachment, by John Nichols, New Press 2006, pp 230.

This is NOT a book Review. Although I did what should be done to make one. For example, discovering the background of the author, considering other books on the subject, and wondering what type of reader might be interested in it.

Since John Nichols is widely known for articles in the Nation online and has gained more recognition after appearing with Bruce Fein on Bill Moyers’ Journal on July 13, I really wanted to know what makes Nichols so interested. His editorials in Capital Times (Madison, Wisconsin) were known to me. I found the one which defined the issue and the writer for me. It begins:
“John Nichols — 7/31/2007 10:21 am In 1957, a McCarthy-free morning in America
Fifty years ago today, Wisconsinites awoke to the end of the McCarthy era.” If ever there was a devious ploy in American politics that colored my future, it was McCarthyism. So it was refreshing to understand how someone felt about having Tailgunner Joe as Wisconsin’s Senator.

Books about impeachment are usually not about the process and beg clarity concerning its long history. This book covers both topics in such an interesting way that many could read it just to enlighten themselves. Surviving lengthy investigations for Nixon and Clinton impeachments, I wondered how (and also why) a full scale investigation of George W. Bush’s actions could come in time to reach resolution before the next presidential election. High crimes and misdemeanors are already evident. Nichols lays out how it could happen and explains that the instigating party gains from the attempt. His most salient reason (the why) is what led me to advocate for impeachment of the current President, Vice-President, and Attorney General if necessary.

Every American citizen would gain from reading the book, subtitled “ The Founders’ Cure for Royalism.” I learned how often impeachment was used, or nearly used during the history of our 43 presidents. Nichols says Number 44 would start out with a cleaner slate if Bush is made accountable for his overreaching. It’s not a matter of getting even. It’s a matter of getting it right.

I have one basic question to ask all Number 44 aspirants of whatever party: What do you think about impeachment at this time? They are for the most part lawyers. They surely know something about why impeachment is a part of the Constitution.

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