Impeachment: Political
Theater or Moral Imperative
Constitutional crises are
extremely rare. When one arises the entire nation becomes embroiled in the
substance of the problem as it moves through its various machinations. Two
contentious issues have come to the forefront challenging the very foundations
of our society. President Obama has used his pen to circumvent Congress to
bring his personal agenda into fruition. With the stroke of his writing
instrument Obamacare has been remodeled into a format not reflective of the law
passed in March of 2010. Dramatically more perverse the President has altered
immigration laws which have caused a flood of illegals to inundate our southern
borders. Ramifications of both actions are slowly filtering throughout the very
structure of this nation. For the former access to health care is diminished,
for the latter a humanitarian crisis of proportions so great it challenges the
sensibilities of a rational mind. Each of the three branches of government has
their assigned roles empowered by a document that is keen on bringing balance
and order to the nation. Unfortunately the present occupant of the Oval Office
uses the Constitution as a doormat instead of a roadmap. President Obama has
thrown down the gauntlet challenging those in the legislative halls of
Washington D.C. to restrict his anti-constitutional behavior through
impeachment proceedings. He may be granted his wish.
Conservatives have taken a
beating over the last six years as progressives sought to undermine every
institution, industry and tradition that made this nation strong. The scandal
plagued White House has now moved into political territory so devastating it
cries out to be checked immediately. Rumors of a pending Executive Order that may
provide amnesty to 5 million illegals has percolated throughout the dark
corridors of Congress and beyond. Obama may be playing with political dynamite
if he goes forward with this scheme. Discussion of impeachment has moved from a
whisper to a hum as Republicans continue to deny the inevitable. On July 30th
the House of Representatives voted to sue the President for his unlawful use of
Executive Orders. The vote was along party lines suggesting the Democrats continue
to deny the President is overstepping his authority. A lawsuit, as proposed by
the House, could take an extended time period to resolve, potentially ending up
on the doorstep of the Supreme Court. Is this merely a delaying tactic in
preparation for the trial of President Obama?
Impeachment of the
President and other select officials is allowed under Article II Section 4 of the
Constitution. During the period this section was written the Founders wanted a
means to remove those who exceeded their authority, as established in this
great document. In the alternative in the event a high official was falsely accused
this section also provided a means for vindication. President Obama has
willfully chosen to circumvent Congress by utilizing the privilege of Executive
Order. The manner in which he has used this power is in question.
Nullification of laws and
or treading on others has brought this presidency to a crossroad in history
requiring hard choices Congress has avoided so far. Democrats believe Articles
of Impeachment would be political theater to enhance the strengths of a party
they distrust. Perspectives of many in the opposing party see impeachment as a
moral imperative, nothing less. At this juncture Congress has not displayed its
willingness to go down a path only two prior presidents have traveled. Looking
forward the outcome of November’s election may determine the fate of a
presidency which started with hope and change but may end in disenchantment and
despair.
Mark Davis, MD: Media
consultant, author and journalist. President of Davis Writing Services. www.daviswritingservices.com platomd@gmail.com
Author of Demons of Democracy and
Obamacare: Dead on Arrival, A Prescription for Disaster.
