So far, what I’ve read is quite good and actually readable for a document such as this. The context for impeachment is quite good, though it raises the question of what the hell is taking so long if they understand it.
I would suggest Illinois teachers incorporate portions into the government and history classes–especially for accelerated or AP classes.
One of the basic things I think the press has missed pointing out (not all of them, but on balance) is that this isn’t a process that requires due process. It is a process that is political in the way that passing a bill is political. You have rules, but there are no Constitutional guarantees to being Governor or any other office holder.
Genson is arguing for due process because he has a losing hand. Fair enough-that’s his job.
But the notion that this had to take so long is where the problem with this idea of deliberation and due process falls down. There is no practical concern that the Governor will not be impeached by a majority in the House regardless of what happens in the hearings. There is no practical concern that there are 20 Senators to vote with Blagojevich in a Senate trial. All of this is in effect a show trial and given the nature and scope of the conduct completely unnecessary.
Not just the nature and scope of the conduct … but actions made since the impeachment investigation was officially begun. In particular, the appointment made on 12/30/08 — two weeks after the special committee was voted into existence.
[…] Larry says tell your local schools’ history and civics teachers to teach it. I agree (they can do it in between teaching kids how to fill in bubbles on tests). […]