Although I just returned from Tokyo and limited computer access, I did learn of the defeat of SJR5, the New Mexico piece of legislation intended to start an investigation leading to the possible (probable) impeachment of President Bush and Vice President Cheney. The saddest part of the whole matter is that it was killed before there was any open debate on the matter.
Buzz Flash has a detailed run down of how the dastardly deed was done with the help of a large number of Democrats, including some who had initially supported the resolution in committee.
There is speculation, though no proof, that pressure came from Governor Richardson, Senator Bingaman and some national Democratic leaders to defeat the bill. Richardson, of course, has his personal ambitions to consider at the moment. Bingaman is normally wishy-washy. The National Dems consider New Mexico a swing state, ripe for the picking in 2008. Apparently, no controversy – or principled stands – will be allowed.
The New Mexico State Senators who sponsored the bill, Gerald Ortiz y Pino and John Grubesic, are true heroes in my estimation.
I would like to share Senator Grubesic’s comments on this debacle.
Senate Joint Resolution 5 Killed in the Senate — Procedure before People — by Senator John T. L. Grubesic
Santa Fe, NM – This country was founded by rebels. This country was forged in violence, ferocity, dissent and uproar. This country is vanishing before our eyes, not because we are blind, but because we are willing participants in its destruction. Today on the Senate floor you witnessed an excellent example. The Impeachment Resolution — Senate Joint Resolution 5 – died quietly with no debate whatsoever. The dignity of the New Mexico State Senate was maintained as we followed carefully designed rules of procedure to ensure that nothing disrupted the workings of this austere body. We did a great job of making it appear that government was working.
However, we have to ask, which government and on whose behalf? The action taken by the Senate was not the action taken by a body that protects the freedoms of a sovereign people. The action was a carefully orchestrated option designed to protect the integrity of an institution and perpetuate the well-oiled workings of government. A government that has evidently forgotten that we serve at the pleasure of those we govern.
It is clear that, from the highest levels of government in our country down to our State, very few of us want to deal with the unpleasant political mess that impeachment could become. Our actions today showed where our priorities are – we forgot that the Constitution was not designed to serve government, but to protect the people. There should have been debate, argument, uproar. Instead, we quietly gutted the sovereign power of the people with polite political procedure.
When future generations look back on our time, the shock will not be because of the violent, impolite nature of the fight that preceded the destruction of Constitutional government, but by the meekness with which we watched it die.
