Impeachment Teach-In Series
The Scranton Chapter of the FOR, People for Peace of Susquehanna County, and Waynepeace are co-sponsoring a number of impeachment teach-ins. The first, held in Montrose on Saturday, March 3, was highly successful. Approximately 30 people came. Binghamton IndyMedia provided the equipment and person-power to run the DVD of John Nichols, author of The Genius of Impeachment and contributor to The Nation, speaking on the subject. He explained its historic significance (mentioned in the Constitution six times due to the founding fathers’ experience with unitary rule), and its importance in democracy, the balance of power, and our current situation. A lively discussion followed, and did plans for next steps.
Impeachment is merely an inquiry, not a finding. Impeachment would
allow an investigation in order to restore the rule of law: our Constitution, the Geneva Conventions, the wire-tapping laws, habeas corpus - all have been broken. Impeaching the highest-ranking members of the executive branch would prevent the next president from using those abuses of power as precedents, wherein lies its importance.Grounds for impeaching the current administration were discussed. They include: 1) the lies leading to the Iraq war and occupation; 2) torture of prisoners; 3) illegal wire-tapping; 4) executive power grab featuring hundreds of "signing statements" that claim that he is not bound by the law; 5) the New Orleans debacle; and more.
The next teach-in will be held at the Wayne County Library, Honesdale, at 6:00 pm on Tuesday, April 3. Another will follow in Scranton (at Marywood University) sometime after Easter. Watch for details. You’ll find it compelling and inspiring.