At least someone among the Democrats understands what the people want: Accountability--and NOW, not next month or God forbid next political cycle. Jeff Merkley, who's running for the chance to take on Gordon Smith in 2008, has come out in favor of impeaching Alberto Gonzales.
As Ridenbaugh Press points out, this is practically the moderate position now, at least in Oregon:
Three or four months ago, you might have called that daring. Today, it’s a signal that Merkley’s aiming for the Oregon Democratic mainstream.
Indeed. Aggressive push-back against the administration is now the mainstream position.
So why is Patrick Leahy chickening out on the warrantless wiretapping probe? Why is impeachment off the table? Though I'm beginning to think at this point it's a distraction from finding out what's really going on in this administration, hearings can be an effective tool for digging out the dirt.
Mainstream Americans, let alone Democrats, are ready for some serious action. Why aren't our elected officials? By dithering, they're giving support to Ralph Nader's charge that there's no difference between the parties.
Now--you and I know there definitely is a difference. If the past few years haven't shown that, I don't know what will. So let's start acting like it, politicians, eh? We elected you in November to show some spine. So show it. Be Democrats, dammit.
