The impeach Bush movement seeks to dethrone the administration for the sake of saving the system of checks and balances in the American government. The purpose of the movement is to have impeachment enacted before the next presidential election. The act in itself is more important for the future of democracy than it is for this generation. The administration’s stance on the environment, war, human rights, judicial matters, equality, has created coalitions that fight for a different America. Such groups are from all creeds, cultures, and classes. Some of the notable figures on the forefront (Janis Karpinski, Ramsey Clarke, and Dahr Jamail for example) were once working for the administration before working against it. Almost all entities in the United States are divided between an imperialist American vision and a liberal American vision. The movement has grown into a worldwide effort. Various parties (Bush Crimes Commission, World Can’t Wait, and International Action Center to name a few) have held tribunals addressing crimes against humanity, torture, military bases, and similar issues.

            The Emergency Summit to Impeach Bush for War Crimes took place on February 17 through the 18 2007 in New York at the West-Park Presbyterian Church and the Synagogue for the Arts. Nearly thirty organizations called for the impeachment of the president through twenty sessions spanning two days. Some notable people at the event include Ramsey Clarke, the former U.S. attorney general, Laura Flanders, a host on Air America Radio, and Cindy Sheehan of Gold Stars Families for Peace. The summit is similar to many events (March on Washington and the March to Bring Troops Home for example) that oppose the policy of the Bush administration. The grassroots organizations involved are collections of average Americans who seek to change the state of affairs in this nation. The speakers at the event have contributed much time and effort to the impeachment movement. War crimes, betrayal, lies, and world peace were some underlining themes within the many speeches in the event. Keynote figures spoke at presentations attended by all the registered audience. There were presentations held at the beginning and end of the day. Workshops were held throughout the day. An average of four workshops were held simultaneously. The workshops were facilitated by different organizations and dealt with such topics as protests, environmental crimes, impeachment strategies, military resistance, and such. The people in attendance are determined to create an effective means of changing the leadership in this country. Rebecca Rotzler, steering committee member of the Green Party of the United States stated; “We have a responsibility to come up with an action plan out of this weekend.” The speakers, in general, have an optimist mentality despite the downfalls of the impeachment movement (no articles of impeachment, escalation of the war, and lack of media coverage).  Support for the movement, protest, and effective actions are rising on a grassroots level. Blaire from the Columbia Coalition Against the War spoke about student protest at twenty seven campuses across the country. Support for impeachment is building through community organization and universities throughout the United States. David Swanson of AfterDowningStreet.org stated; “impeachment is not only politically advantageous, impeachment is central and essential to maintaining our democracy.” The Progressive Democrats of America addressed the elective despotism evident in our society today at a workshop entitled “Organizing for Oversight, Investigation, Accountability –Impeachment.”  Protests against the administration have taken place world wide. The bush administration refused to take part in the Kyoto Protocol because “it would obstruct American interest.” Yet no outrage compares to the atrocities of extraordinary rendition and Guantanamo Bay. There has been international outcry since Guantanamo Bay opened, especially in Europe and South America.

            The impeachment of the president is not an impossible task. Americans who believe in democracy, liberty, and equality are the heart of the movement. The counterparts to the effort are a few neo-cons who seek to build an imperialist empire contradictory to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. True democracy and liberty are the biggest obstacles obstructing the imperialist plan. The policy of the administration is clearly stated in the Project for a New American Century and the National Security Strategy. The Bush administration has already lost the war in Iraq. America now is entering the age of post-imperialism. The movement can be prosperous if it gathers enough determination to succeed.

Abdul Hakim
aka Christopher Roberto Molina