Loaded Gun

There seems to be a consensus building that Bush’s authorization of domestic spying is indeed an offense that could lead to his removal from office.

And this is not just coming from the liberal side.

Bruce Fein, a conservative constitutional scholar who was also the deputy attorney general in the Reagan Administration had this to say the other day in an interview on NPR:

“I think the answer requires at least in part considering what the occupant of the presidency says in the aftermath of wrongdoing or rectification. On its face, if President Bush is totally unapologetic and says I continue to maintain that as a war-time President I can do anything I want – I don’t need to consult any other branches –that is an impeachable offense."

Comparing Bush to what, in fact, got President Clinton impeached he adds this:

“It’s more dangerous than Clinton’s lying under oath because it jeopardizes our democratic dispensation and civil liberties for the ages. It would set a precedent that … would lie around like a loaded gun, able to be used indefinitely for any future occupant.”