One of the comments I heard frequently among Kerry supporters in the 2004 election was, "I don't understand why the polls show that this election will even be close." I fear that the impeachment talk is based on much the same sentiment that the Democrats will come roaring back and take back the control of Congress in 2006. But, if that doesn't happen, the talk now about impeachment will only increase when Bush sails off to an honored retirement at his presidential library. And then, if Jeb Bush becomes the Republican candidate to keep the dynasty and policies going, those favoring impeachment are going to be left wondering whether the country hasn't been taken over by space aliens.

Don't get me wrong. The objective case for impeaching Bush is as stong as it is possible to get. He lied us into a war and violates the explicit wording of the law with impunity. But, there is no chance that Congress will do anything about it. And it's not just because of political-party affinity. It's because the Republicans in Congress, at a fundamental level, agree with what Bush is doing. And that really compounds the problem because you can't "impeach" the Congress.

Just a small correction.

"Twenty six other members of Congress have signed on as co-sponsors so far".

Tim I know your job is to do what you do, which you do so very well. [Group this in your pandering replies sub-file? No but I mean, really you do. Why would I keep reading you otherwise? :-( :-)]

But some of us don't have jobs that pay us for publishing our thoughts and ideas and folks such as us might rather know who those twenty-six other members are so that we can dive in in some form of support than accept your perhaps deadline-inspired (or needed) remark that Conyers's resolution will "die in committee" ... as though that were the end of the underlying story (which of course you didn't say it was). Do you have avenue there in the categories of Salon's necessary editorial choices, to get this list out to your readers?

Here's one who sure would appreciate that!

salonmarte

What scares me about impeaching the president is that we will then be saddled with an even scarier prospect in the vice president's taking power. If congress impeaches the president, we have to know we have a viable replacement in the wings.

>What scares me about impeaching the president is that we will then be >saddled with an even scarier prospect in the vice president's taking >power. If congress impeaches the president, we have to know we have a >viable replacement in the wings.

So impeach Vice and force Bush to bring in McCain or Graham. Then send the Bush to the nursery where it belongs.