Bill Moyers Journal: Bill Moyers Essay: The War Debate

Bill Moyers Hello and Goodbye! I have been a long time supporter of the PBS and “Journal”. I was watching your round table discussion about the responsibility of the Journalist about asking the right question. During this discussion the Iraq war was discussed several times and only mentioning the American casualty of this illegal war. How about the demise of over millions of poor Iraqis? Do you think that, as a Journalist, you have the responsibility of reporting this crime? Or you are another one of those that media puppet. It is time for American to start reading history and start with Romans’ History if you get the point. American is not going to be destroyed by outside forces. We are doing a good job from within…. Goodbye to PBS. Alex

Posted by: Alex | June 8, 2008 6:32 AM

Re: http://www.pbs.org/moyers/journal/blog/2007/07/bill_moyers_essay_the_war_deba.html We can not honestly appraise our political realities of the present by avoiding historical truths, and the resulting lessons, regarding the political realities of our past. Those amongst us that choose to rely on revisionist (information management)manipulations of historical fact, relinquish their seat at the table of honest and reasonable discussion, by so choosing. We can not hope to solve our problems by continuing to patronize intellectual charlatans, and the uninformed fools that choose to follow their lead. The very idea that said patronization is in some way mandated by some "strict constructionist" theory of the Constitutional right to free speech is sophomoric, and a product of the same shallow reasoning that encourages ideological revisionism in the first place.

Posted by: SirScud | September 7, 2007 1:48 PM

Who owns the rights to "Moyer's Journal"? Where does the money go?

Posted by: Prospector | September 2, 2007 2:45 AM

Well, Bill and all, the pot is shaken and stirred... unlike Bond. Anyway, we have lost some of our battles in Iraq but, our war on terror with our own hate and destruction may never end because it is here within us until we get a grip on ourselves and with the help of God find the peace we need to live with in a positive, proficiently run, and productive nation and world. I don't believe it's a win/lose answer to the war in Iraq or on terrorism. The element of war was changed for us at 9/11 and so must be our strategies. We must work smart to find a better sense of order taking to heart the beautiful, peace loving people we are and surface in freedom and democracy.

Posted by: Carol Huss | August 30, 2007 1:00 PM

Moyers' version of balance: Find a conservative in favor impeachment and a liberal of impeachment. Ummm...no, Bill. You're supposed to find a person in favor of impeachment and a person who isn't, and then you debate! Duh! President Bush will not be impeached. He will not be arrested. He will not be assassinated, which has actually been joked about on Air America. You hate-spewing will lead you nowhere, libbies.

Posted by: Damail | August 26, 2007 7:49 PM

all nations conditioned by people misrepresenting God, hurling rocks ,planting land mines,no private wars for the ambitious warrior. Life moves on. When God fails the people they will always come up with the most violent solutions

Posted by: gary alan brumley | August 24, 2007 11:37 AM

Pat Dazis, your sister is right to be concerned about your mental health. Your current thinking just doesn't make sense. You write that you want leaders who are socially liberal and fiscally conservative; and then you write that you want Republicans? If you can't see the oxymoron, you are thoroughly detached from reality. Listen to your sister; she is only trying to help you rejoin the "reality-based community." On social issues, Republicans are notoriously illiberal. They are constantly trying to use the power of government to impose their own ideas about morality onto everyone else's private life. On matters of fiscal policy, Republicans are notoriously unconservative. They borrow incredible quantities of money, and never repay it, burying America's future under mountains of crippling debt. The Reagan and Bush administrations have borrowed trillions of dollars, first from Arabs and now from Communists. Don't you understand the unlimited danger of this insane borrowing? When a nation borrows more than it can ever repay, it eventually loses its sovereignty. If we continue any longer under the unconservative leadership of these big-spending Republicans, very soon the lending nations will be able to use our outstanding debt to dictate policy to us. The Arabs and...

Posted by: REM | July 29, 2007 5:54 AM

Mr. Fein conveys with impelling passion the need to protect the very constitutional principles which we now defend in Iraq as a governing ideal; perhaps democracy is more in need of attention here at home than elsewhere. Mr. Nichols equably defuses what has traditionally been a lethal topic with scholarship and reason; the option of impeachment has never before seemed so accessible to me. Or so necessary. As our chief executive’s privileges expand under pressure of congressional inquiry, the diminution of our liberties continues without much call for accountability. Meanwhile, from Capitol Hill and the press to my own circle of friends and acquaintances, I see a lot of shoulder-shrugging and hear a lot of, “Yes, but—why stir things up now…Bush is on his way out…there are more important issues to deal with at the moment.” In those instances, I am woefully unable to relay Fein’s urgency or Nichols’ assurance—they are a brilliant duo—but in regard to impeachment and civil liberties and whether or not this is the time or George W.’s is the administration, I am reminded of Rabbi Hillel’s admonition: If I am not for myself, then who will be for me? And if I am only for...

Posted by: wendy teller | July 27, 2007 11:10 PM

Thank you Bill. Thank you for raising the bar of journalism in America. Thank you for speaking truth to power. Thank you for cutting through partisan politics to speak to the issues that really matter to Americans. But thank you most of all for your personal and professional integrity. You are a beacon to all aspiring journalists. After only 4 months of listening to your program I have resolved to never miss an episode of the journal.

Posted by: Andrew McIntyre | July 27, 2007 12:05 PM

An illegal war based on lies; 9/11 on their watch after ignoring warnings; dismantling the constitution; secret energy meetings; outing a CIA agent; the contempt of Harriet Meyers; Alberto Gonzales and the fired attorneys poised to steal the next election; the last election stolen with fraudulent practices and caging lists; The Scooter Libby pardon; the Katrina debacle; lying about clean water and clear skies and the medicare drug plan cost; cronysim and billions of lost funds to the likes of Halliburton and KBR; the signing statements to undo legislation; the torture; the destruction of our reputation; putting us in more danger by fomenting hatred against us, and outsourcing the hunt for Bin Laden; spying on private citizens; lying about global warming; restricting the information dispersed by the Surgeon General; paying sham "reporters" to tout the "no child left behind" and other policies; continually claiming "executive priviliege" to avoid the freedom of information act; the list of felonies and treasonous acts seems endless. We MUST impeach to take our country back, to stop the disintegration of our democracy, to show the world we are still a strong but fair nation and to see that justice and the constitution are served. When...

Posted by: Linda | July 26, 2007 4:04 PM

I wanted to post this days ago. If it is not on point now I am sorry. Computer and online glitches. Having listened the program about impeachment I was struck by the comments about why the democrats have done nothing to save the civil rights of the American people. The tromping on and the disregard of this revered document. The document that through out history all our soldiers have gone to war to protect. I do not think cowardice is why the Democrats are not stopping this whittling away at the protections of the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. My parents were democrats and my sister nearly passed out from the shock when she found out I had registered Republican. The very idea a Republican had stepped through her doorway was literally a shock to her. She has a mistaken idea that Republicans are all rich and not socially responsible. She knows me to be very not rich, and very willing to help anyone I can who needs it. I am as aware and concerned over the erosion of our civil rights as anyone out there. Being a Republican I feel nothing is more important than keeping our Constitution...

Posted by: Pat Dazis | July 26, 2007 12:25 PM

I wanted to post this days ago. If it is not on point now I am sorry. Computer and online glitches. Having listened the program about impeachment I was struck by the comments about why the democrats have done nothing to save the civil rights of the American people. The tromping on and the disregard of this revered document. The document that through out history all our soldiers have gone to war to protect. I do not think cowardice is why the Democrats are not stopping this whittling away at the protections of the Constitution or the Bill of Rights. My parents were democrats and my sister nearly passed out from the shock when she found out I had registered Republican. The very idea a Republican had stepped through her doorway was literally a shock to her. She has a mistaken idea that Republicans are all rich and not socially responsible. She knows me to be very not rich, and very willing to help anyone I can who needs it. I am as aware and concerned over the erosion of our civil rights as anyone out there. Being a Republican I feel nothing is more important than keeping our Constitution...

Posted by: Pat Dazis | July 26, 2007 12:24 PM

Why wasn't Kucinich mentioned? He is pursuing Cheney's impeachment and these guys were repeatedly wondering why nobody was pursuing impeachment. How can such educated individuals be unaware of this fact? Also, Kucinich has consistently voted not to fund the war, another issue touched upon here without Kucinich getting a mention. Why are poor candidates so marginalized even by Bill Moyers Journal? The topic here wasn't the primaries but you can't argue that mentioning Kucinich wasn't relevant. There seems to be no hope in hell to be recognized without bending over to corporate powers and letting them stick those wads of cash in your pocket. How disheartning. By the way, I wrote one short, non-offensive post about this before and it was erased or was never even posted. This seems to have happened to a few other people, too.

Posted by: jenni | July 26, 2007 7:29 AM

I went into the wee hours, writing this thing...only to be erased... Do you know this feeling??? It is horrible... I will try again, because I really believe in what I am saying. I hope that I can be quick and concise. I am so saddened to see that nobody appears to have a basic knowledge of history or the other cultures in our world. I am not tooting my own horn by saying this. But, I have had a continuing interest in this subject, and it provided me with some kind of basis from which to express what I feel that I know. Why is America so hated? This G.W. Bush only serves to exacerbate the problem that has already existed. To me, he is, absolutely, without a doubt, the WORST president that we ever had. I believe that he is a total ignoramus. I don't get it...Where did he come from??? Go away!!! But, it didn't start with this sorry idiot, I must admit. Thankfully...I (we) have enough to be ashamed of, and it goes before America got involved. It started with Britain, France, Holland, Belgium, Portugal, Italy, Germany...and let's not forget the most arrogant and racist of...

Posted by: Ron Slay | July 26, 2007 1:23 AM

I mispelled a word in a previous post on :War decorates, celebrates ,confiscates elaborates,propagates tombstone gardens War is the patented right handed over from all the Gods from every nation...a systemic conditioning scribed in the roots of all the nations...earth is three fourths water which will eventually give us all a good wash cycle,baptise us all undivisable according to the prexisting law of Earth

Posted by: gary alan brumley | July 25, 2007 11:47 AM

Every elected official who voted for the "Patriot Act" has broken their sworn oath to uphold the constitution and to protect the citizens it protects. All elected and appointed government officials are sworn to uphold the constitution. Judges and represenatives who have ignored the writ of law should be immediately removed from their positions and possibly crimilized for their level of breach of duty. Every official who continues to support and protect these Criminals of the State are accessories to this High Crime against our Constitutional Protections We need far more then just impeachment. We are a war The enemy is domestic We the People Will Take it Back "The Tree of Liberty must be refreshed from time to time with the blood of tyrants and Patriots, it is it's natural manure." T. J. some time ago "The Stench has become so high in Rank, that those who love this land will ensure it's fertilization." K.M. now

Posted by: Kent Mayfield | July 24, 2007 1:48 PM

Can't answer for the past... but out of the mouths, video tapes, DVD, etc., of the Jihadists, the reasons are rooted in the 7th century and their religious worldview which requires that the world be brought to submission to Allah by all means necessary...all of this was long before the British, Bush, Halliburton, Exxon and so on. The west will allow itself to be destroyed if we do not stop our cultural self-loathing and start placing blame and responsibility on those who intentionally target innocent men, women and children for murder in order to attack the west and gain a pass to paradise.The truth of history is that the Jihad preceded the Crusades.

Posted by: uga6 | July 24, 2007 10:18 AM

Has anyone ever considered the real root causes of this entire dilemma? Does anyone care? Nobody in our American society likes to listen to it, or even think about it. Why? Because it goes against our basic ideals. "America is great." "America is the best." "We have the most TV sets." We have the most money." We have the most power and influence in the world." We have the greatest comfort." "All of the rest of them are envious of us." "That is why they hate us. They are just jealous - envious of what we have, and what we enjoy, and what we have accomplished." HOW MISTAKEN WE ARE!!!!! HOW WRONG WE ARE!!!!! There are people out there that have a culture and a way of life that they have lived for generations. They were successful because they survived, like the rest of us. And, all you do is belittle them, disregard them, disrespect them - as you have for years - compounded by your abuse and exploitation - you rape them of their natural resources and their talents - for your own monetary gain. You draw their borders, as if you were some kind of authority, separating a...

Posted by: itRon Slay | July 24, 2007 1:00 AM

War decorates, celebrates ,confiscates elaborates,propagates tombstone gardens War is the patented right handed over from all the Gods from every nation...a sytemic conditioning scribed in the roots of all the nations...earth is three fourths water which will eventually give us all a good wash cycle,baptise us all undivisable according to the prexisting law of Earth

Posted by: gary alan brumley | July 23, 2007 11:22 AM

Everyone assumes that an invasion of privacy is eminent. Let me tell everyone that your privacy at this time is over. I have had my privacy invaded for the last two years. Invaded in such a way that I have no one to report this too. I can't go anywhere without being subjected to the evils that I have had to live with. The time will come when more of you will feel and experience this gravest of injustice. Your home is no longer a sanctuary. These people have gone as far as to electronically monitor every aspect of my life. I hope someone with authority reads and investigates and find a solution for this abuse. I know my request is strange because it is the same authority that is abusing me that I have now ask for help.Hopeless!!!

Posted by: H.Levy | July 22, 2007 5:32 PM

I would like to ask another question about this impeachment issue as it pertains to the war, intelligence gathering, and the apparent violations of civil liberties of detainies, etc. I agree with the argument that these represent serious infringements to the constitutional guarantees that have been established for our democracy. I believe that something should be done about this soon - very soon. The possible causes for this abberation at this time in our history: Has the nature of war and, in general, conflict between peoples and cultures, whether political, religious or otherwise, changed the landscape in which governments must function in order to address the issues and problems that arise? Are we at a stage of "floundering" - groping - for new ways to meet these mutated challenges to our way of life? For example, the nature of warfare, alone, has changed over the millenia, and we can see this steady evolution (or devolution, if you will) of how armed struggles are conducted. In centuries past, armies faced each other on the battlefield in brightly colored uniforms and regalia, hurling weapons at each other, point blank, to see who would kill each other first. When our Minute Men in...

Posted by: Ron Slay | July 22, 2007 5:06 PM

I watched the discussion with John Nichols and Bruce Fein on impeachment. I would like to raise questions that may contribute to this issue: The latest National Intelligence Estimate claims that Al-Qaida has rebuilt, and is probably in a stronger position to attack the U.S. The Homeland Security Secretary, Michael Chertoff, has a "gut" feeling that the U.S. will be attacked this summer by terrorists. Yet, the administration via G.W.Bush continues to claim that we are in Iraq and fighting them there so that we don't have to fight them here. Isn't this a contradiction? If so, who is lying either about the threat to our security or about the purpose of the war? If our intelligence community is, once again, NOT intelligent about the reality of the threat, it is one thing. But, if the President makes this, yet another, claim to justify this war is he lying or making another falsification to justify the war? Does this constitute more grounds for impeachment? I welcome all comments and arguments in response these questions. Thank you, Ron Slay

Posted by: Ron Slay | July 22, 2007 3:58 PM

(This is a correction to my previous post). I cannot, nor can anyone else, possibly predict the long term implications of this administration. Our posterity will be able to see said consequences, but certain things will be lost to history and it is our duty to uncover these secrets and to ensure justice is served. We have, in my opinion, done so poorly at this point in mainstream media outlets. We know about Guantanamo, torture, the firing of federal prosecutors for political purposes, lies about WMDs and links to 9/11 (an event with its own questionable story), pay cuts and bad health care for troops, the spending of over 12 trillion dollars (a sum greater than all other 42 presidents combined), refering to the "war on terror" (a joke as well) as a crusade-the Christian word for holy war, a war on freedom and liberty itself through a war on drugs, a woman's right to choose, gay marriage, all non-Christians, and sinister mentalities of operation such as "father knows best," ('father' being the government from the word fatherland- a word Hitler was quite fond of and the translation of the Latin word "patrio" the root word of patriot something that...

Posted by: Matthew M. Gardner | July 22, 2007 3:54 PM

I cannot, nor can anyone else, possibly predict the long term implications of this administration. Our posterity will be able to see said consequences, but certain things will be lost to history and it is our duty to uncover these secrets and to ensure justice is served. We have, in my opinion, done so poorly at this point in mainstream media outlets. We know about Guantanamo, torture, the firing of federal prosecutors for political purposes, lies about WMDs and links to 9/11 (an event with its own questionable story), pay cuts and bad health care for troops, the spending of over 12 trillion dollars (a sum greater than all other 42 presidents combined), refering to the "war on terror" (a joke as well) as a crusade-the Christian word for holy war, a war on freedom and liberty itself through a war on drugs, a woman's right to choose, gay marriage, all non-Christians, and sinister mentalities of operation such as "father knows best," ('father' being the government from the word fatherland- a word Hitler was quite fond of and the translation of the Latin word "patrio" the not being so I guess they're right about that) and security first, civil liberties...

Posted by: Matthew M. Gardner | July 22, 2007 3:47 PM

A message that I posted on this blog on July 20th has disappeared. There were no curse words or any other reason for it to disappear, and I agree with Linda that someone or something is sinister about the fact that a message that supports impeachment of Bush and Cheney is deleted somehow. PBS, are you allowing messages to be edited or deleted?

Posted by: Ruth Cavanaugh | July 22, 2007 2:54 PM

Impeachment, I can't Ford that after he took out the bite and was named the great mediator for the act. The Haig is the place for Bushco, a true repentance in the eyes of the world for our 'Profit of Doom,' anything else will be carnival and have no effect in bring America back to its moral leadership. So repent America we need a new Neuralburg. with Bush, Chainey, Rices Condolences, Ashcraft, Rumfilled, Seedy Gonzales Wolfa.....Et Al, as the star of that new reality show. Think it impossible, so did a certain Mr Hilter who had the most powerful and brutal machine of mass destruction at the time.

Posted by: W. C. Trout | July 22, 2007 2:17 PM

Just watched "Meet the Press". If the public does not very vociferously INSIST on impeachment IT WILL NOT HAPPEN. It has to be done DIRECTLY if it is to happen. The normal processes will not work. Only the pressure of direct mass action will work. The democrats will NOT move without it. The republicans will resist even with mass action unless it is massive and overwhelming. The congress is in a catatonic state. Ambition, or, at least self preservation, is trumping [the abstraction of?] protection of the constitution.

Posted by: POLpursun | July 22, 2007 11:18 AM

Thank you for the 7-13 show on impeachment. It touched me deaply as it seems to have for many on this blog. I'd like to respond to this comment "Is impeachment really possible given these grim circumstances, and if not, what is the alternative to it, and how do we start working on that?" I don't think impeachment is politically feasable at this time, and I would not blame the advocates for Bill Clinton's impeachment. A lot has happened since 2000 to compromise the indegrety of our legislative and judical branches of government; all in tiny steps. I'm particularly concerned with the effects of jurymandering (see a good New Yorker artical). As for what we can do, I take the long view -- elect a better president this time around and hope they get the chance to appoint new members of the Supreme Court, etc. What we have lost in the last decade is fundimental and will not be recovered easily or quickly.

Posted by: Alan Jones | July 22, 2007 1:32 AM

Bill - Thank you so much for this episode. The most important point I gathered from this episode was this: If we do not impeach Bush and Cheney NOW, we are allowing future presidents to do the same criminal activities. Illegal wire tapping, a war under false pretenses, disregard for our constitution, torture sites and disregard for human rights, outright lying to the American people. Bush/Cheney are setting a precedent that will be difficult to change later. It's not about Republican or Democrat, or liberal vs conservative, or even al qeida. It's about our country's foundation being dismantled. PS. It baffles me that people still point to what Clinton did or did not do as an argument against critisism of Bush/Cheney or impeachment. If anything, it should be an argument FOR impeachment. If Clinton can be impeached for lying about fallatio, then surely, Bush/Cheney's actions are impeachable.

Posted by: C. Hamilton | July 22, 2007 12:21 AM

I cried twice, Diane, once when our local PBS affiliate took Bill Moyers off the air and again, when they replaced him with that dull twit, Tucker Carlson. 'Twas a black day, indeed...

Posted by: J.L.Stone | July 21, 2007 4:31 PM

uga6- why aren't you fighting in Iraq or Afghanistan? Please go to Iraq with your President of war and fight the Jihadist (as you put it). They are not jihadist, they are simply fighting the occupation of their country. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19859124/

Posted by: anon | July 21, 2007 3:35 PM

I do not agree with most of the posts on this blog, but I will set that aside to appeal again to all readers regardless of political affinitity to start thinking like Americans and start thinking in terms of defending our way of life against the very real threat of global Jihad against western values we hold gear such as freedom of speech, worship, etc. Whatever threat you may see in the Repblicans, Bush administration, conservatives, Christians, etc., pale in comparison to the brutality of the 7th century throwbacks who view killing westerners as a path to paradise. Their stated intent is the total submission of the west to their way of thinking, dressing, living, behaing, and worshiping. Liberals will not be tolerated under their regime. Why not take them at their word and defend our freedom?

Posted by: uga6 | July 21, 2007 12:44 PM

Mr. Moyers, I was already in favor of impeachment for Bush and Cheyney before watching your excellent program on the subject. But your guests' argument for impeachment was so cogent and strong that I immediately wrote my Congresswoman and my Senator, asking them to begin impeachment

Posted by: Donald Fox | July 21, 2007 5:12 AM

Those who fear impeachment are those who fear the truth.

Posted by: Bruce Luecke | July 20, 2007 11:44 PM

Ok what is the world coming to when the president of the United States and Cheney break laws and get away with it? Get real President Bush, breaks laws and makes his own up as he goes along. It is quite scary to imagine what he might be up to next. Imagine he chooses not to leave the whitehouse and become another Fidel Castro? Scary. Food for thought.

Posted by: NR | July 20, 2007 11:19 PM

This morning, as I read the blog comments made in response to one of the best shows I have seen, the Bush administration has declared that the Justice Department will never be allowed to pursue contempt charges put forth by Congress against administration officials once the president has invoked executive privilege. One cannot but deduce from this and other numerous such examples of hubris, arrogance, and calculated encrouchment on the rights provided under the Constitution, that the goal is to drain all effective power from the Legislative branch by forcing a Supreme Court case which has the potential to institutionalize and cement absolute power in the Excecutive Branch. Since the Legislative branch is the representative branch, how will "we the people" plan to fight for our right to representation? After viewing Mr. Moyer's program, I have decided that indeed, impeachment of both Mr. Cheney and Mr. Bush is required. Silent rage is no longer an option.

Posted by: elizabeth | July 20, 2007 3:32 PM

NHGranite, This has been my "gut feeling" for a long time now, yet it is so very chilling to read this article. I see the many steps over many years that went into creating this nightmarish scenario, but still cannot comprehend how on earth could it have come to this, here in the U.S.A. May God help us all.

Posted by: Diane | July 20, 2007 3:01 PM

Bill, When you went into retirement, I cried. Thank God you are back. Another wonderful commentary.

Posted by: Bish | July 20, 2007 2:53 PM

If you were trying to scare me, it worked. Then I read this from Paul Craig Roberts: http://rawstory.com/news/2007/Oldline_Republican_warns_somethings_in_works_0719.html and started to realize how tenuous our control of our own government is when there are those who seem to be dedicated to subverting the constitution who should indeed be impeached. could the true terrorists be our own leaders? or am I just being made so paranoid and powerless that I'll just go shopping instead. No. God protect our Constitution, with our help.

Posted by: NHGranite | July 20, 2007 12:51 PM

I wonder if Bruce Fein acknowledges that his previous actions may have served to trivialize impeachment. Does he see a difference between lies, how ever often repeated, intended to hide embarrassing but not unconstitutional sexual activity between consenting adults, and lies intended to hide aggrandizement of personal power and subverting of the Constitution? Mr. Fein helped put the nation through that upheaval so recently, for so petty a reason. Now, when we desperately NEED a remedy for Presdential misdeeds against the nation and not just a spouse, we are understandably reluctant to undertake it all again. Any regrets for crying wolf, Mr. Fein?

Posted by: Susan O'Shaughnessy | July 19, 2007 10:08 AM

The all-nighter by the Dem= led Senate was so thrilling and inspirational and must have struck fear in the hearts of Jihadists all over the world...the utter courage...the incredible hard work and sacrifice on behalf of the American people (I get chill bumps just remembering it!). A dose of well-deserved satire for the cluelessly out of touch democrats and republicans, too...news flash: probably half of working Americans and all of the military pull all-nighters regularly just to take care of their families and our freedom. Thankfully, the August recess is near and all those hardworking congress people can go home and raise more money. At least America is safe when they are away from the senate and house chambers!

Posted by: uga6 | July 19, 2007 1:52 AM

Bill, thank you for your past and present efforts to once again restore this country to a land of opportunity for all; a place where we can once again be a beacon of freedom to the rest of the world. I have had the greatest respect for PBS over the last forty years and its roll of providing Americans with high quality programming that includes entertainment, education, and a window to their government without partisan filters. However, the fact that you now have to privately fund your show to have the ability to speak your mind is very disturbing. The right wings intrusion into the board room of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting a few years ago seems to have had a lasting effect on the current PBS Management, or is it the extreme rights continued strangle hold on our country. I guess I would be more concerned about this situation if this affliction hadn’t also infected a majority of the main stream media in this country. In your essay on the war debate, you mentioned the coverage that PBS provided in the 1970s during the Viet Nam War and Watergate hearings. I still remember those events and how they...

Posted by: Richard | July 18, 2007 11:46 PM

About an hour ago, I posted a message in this thread, was informed that it would appear in a few minutes, and then it didn't. I'm checking to see if it had been rejected for some reason (I can't imagine why your site would reject it, but I CAN imagine why our illegal national surveillance system would.)

Posted by: Linda | July 18, 2007 2:52 PM

Thanks for another very good, balanced show, Mr. Moyers. It's very interesting to read the comments in this thread from those who continue to stand behind their man in the White House. Their message, as stated in a NYT editorial, is: "Be very afraid. And don't question the president." Fortunately, more and more Americans are waking up to the reality of this message: "Be very afraid. And DO question the president." And in some cases, this message: "Be very afraid, BECAUSE OF the president." This president's policies and actions continue to increase the threat posed by fundamentalist terrorism to our country, as well as to the rest of the modern world. The sooner we excise this threat from its position of power, the sooner we can finally get down to the business of effectively and intelligently dealing with the danger of religious extremism, and its access to WMDs. Thank-you again. Your shows ARE balanced. What is NOT balanced in this country is the result of the lawbreaking, the distortion of the truth, and the outright lies of the b/c administration, in its quest to wield political power at the expense of our American values, our national security, and our international...

Posted by: Linda | July 18, 2007 1:49 PM

Re: July 13 telecast: Bravo, Bravo, Bravo for you and youer guests stating so eloquently the case for impeachment of both George W. Bush and Dick Cheney. These two men have done more to destroy this country than El Quida could ever envision. The most important conclusion reached in the discussion, I believe, was in the danger of setting a precedent if impeachment is not sought. I heartily believe that the majority of the country would support and rally around Congress if it had the guts to vote on a Bill of Impeachment. Darlene Cox

Posted by: Darlene Cox | July 18, 2007 1:45 PM

Neil Johnson: Thank you for your eloquent discourse revealing the true soul of so many Republican Elitists. Either your satire is woefully flawed or your arrogance is an insult to the American Image. Thank you Bill Moyers for giving Mr. Johnson and his ilk the opportunity to show themselves to the rest of the world. Democrats' tolerance for this churlish attitude is why it is so difficult to move our Society forward, but we are dedicated to Liberty and Justice FOR ALL.

Posted by: Goldie | July 18, 2007 11:34 AM

To the Editor: Unfortunately, most politicians today, whether in national office or aspiring to be, still refuse to even comment on this issue. We have a presidential campaign where the press discusses how much money candidates have raised, as a testament to their popularity! While the impeachment process is long overdue and in fact treason is more apt, unless there is a true stateswoman or statesman in a position of power who recognizes the critical Constitutional setting we now find ourselves in, we, the people, are in trouble. It is my opinion that unless Americans with influence, regardless of political party, step forward and demand that Pelosi and Congress address this issue, our nation as we know it today will move in an irreversible direction to oligarchy! How to reach the hearts and minds of these people is the question?

Posted by: Bill Sortino | July 18, 2007 11:03 AM

I would like to correct one statement in my remarks, and stand by another. The correction: President Bush's father declared in 1992, not 2002, that the American Way of Life is not negotiable. To me this just showed his remarkable prescience. He knew long before 9/11 that we would soon have to take bold steps to preserve our way of life. Our way of life is based on constant economic growth, and energy and human capital are the life blood of our economy. I stand by my statement that President George W. Bush was correct to launch a pre-emptive war. It was not a war of aggression, but of national interest. As the price of oil goes up because supply cannot meet demand, oil-rich countries must not be allowed to use oil revenues to build up their military or aquire weapons of mass destruction which could be used against us. If the sanctions had been lifted, Saddam Hussein would have done this. Now we have the problem of the Iranians, who are using their oil wealth to build a nuclear bomb. Furthermore, Venezuela has even threatened to not sell oil to us since they have enough customers elsewhere in the...

Posted by: Neil Johnson | July 18, 2007 7:44 AM

2007 7 17 To the Editor, It is tragic to hear, “Our Country is in a Constitutional Crises.. that will change the nature of our democracy”! It is tragic that our men and women , are placed in the middle east “amphitheater” - “the meat grinder,” to defend their hearts and souls “based on a policy that is fundamentally flawed”! The Comptroller general “ ... is urging the people to wake up”. He states, “ the biggest ECONOMIC PERIL facing the nation is being ignored”! He states “the most serious threat to the United States is not someone hiding in a cave in Afghanistan or Pakistan but our own fiscal irresponsibility"! He states, “a tsunami of spending that could swamp our ship of state”! There are “ 47 million Americans who walk a daily tightrope, with no safety net to break their fall into medical and financial catastrophe”, add 78 million baby boomer who would retired in the next 2 to 3 years with little or no insurance and “the ship is swamp”. Lack to apply and enforced the Constitutional rules is a breach of duty! The live lost of 3613 and others would not be in vein when the...

Posted by: Chris | July 18, 2007 1:35 AM

In the words of Will Durant--impeach them, hell, impale them. Thank you for a great piece of journalism, Bill. I'm passing this along liberally. For a refreshing voice in 2008, Dr. Ron Paul has consistently voted according to the Constitution. He voted against the war, against the so-called Patriot Act, against all tax hikes, does not participate in the pork barrel retirement plan for Congress, has never taken a junket, donates part of his Congressional pay to the national treasury. He would restore Constitutional rights, get rid of the Federal Reserve (private bankers, nothing "federal" about it), and the unconstitutional income tax. Check him out online, you won't hear about him in the supine (loved it) media.

Posted by: PJ | July 17, 2007 10:47 PM

WHAT A JOKE OF A SHOW. SO ONE SIDED THAT ANYONE WOULD SEE RIGHT THRU IT. BUT AS YOU CAN SEE THERE ARE MANY ON THE LEFT THAT DO NOT KNOW WHY WE ARE AT WAR. MAYBE THEY SHOULD SEE SOME OTHER SHOWS THEN ONES SO LEFT.

Posted by: dave | July 17, 2007 10:18 PM

One thing that might help improve this conversation is to stop referring to the people in Washington as "our leadership". They are not our leadership. They are our representatives.

Posted by: Anson Jew | July 17, 2007 10:08 PM

This is what I sent to my Rep. Von Hollen. "We the people..." starts with WE the people! Programs as wonderful as this "can lead us to water but can't make us drink.." that is our CHOICE. Dear Representative Von Hollan, I am writing you to immediately and without delay open a joint investigation into potential high crimes and misdemeanors against President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Attorney General Gonzales and any and/or all appointees and hires. President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Attorney General Gonzales, appointees and/or hires has repeatedly shown at all levels that they have not executed their oath of office to uphold and defend the Constitution from all enemies both foreign and domestic. President Bush, Vice President Cheney, Attorney General Gonzales, appointees and/or all government positions that require an oath to the Constitution has persistently chosen their allegiance to their ideology over their oath to preserve and protect the Constitution in spirit and/or legally. They have also chosen appointees and hires on the basis of this loyalty over choosing competency, qualifications and/or what is best for the common good of the United States and their willingness to violate and/or manipulation of their the oath of office. President Bush...

Posted by: Eileen | July 17, 2007 3:08 PM

I would like to purchase a copy of Bill Moyers program oon Friday night 07/13/07 Please direct me to the proper area. Thank you...

Posted by: June Thomas | July 17, 2007 1:58 PM

I have yesterday sent my views on the subject to Mr. Hollen of DNCC as follows: Dear Mr. Hollen I am very disappointed with the way things are being handled by the Congress (both Houses). THIS IS EVIDENT BY THE LATEST JOB APPROVAL POLLS - CONGRESS' @ 24% IS EVEN LOWER THAT PRESIDENT BUSH'S WHICH IS 31%. The Democrate Party supporters, having done their share to elect a majority in both houses in the last elections, find that the things have remained almost unchanged. The White House continues with its failed "Stay the course" policy in Iraq while our gallant soldiers (most of them in late teens and early twenties) are being killed, maimed and their lives permanently damaged to satisfy the whims of an stubborn "intelligence-challenged" adminitration whose activities are, on a number of occasions, seem to be bordering on being criminal and illegal. I request that, in order to keep your loyal supporters base intact, the Congress must become more aggressive in dealing with the Administration by pursuing an Impeacment Resolution for the failed policies; stonewalling all attempts of Congressional Oversight and Investigations of Administration's activities, and arrogant disregard of the recommendations of "9/11 Commision" and "Iraq Study...

Posted by: Abrar A. Zuberi | July 17, 2007 12:14 PM

Thanks for the show. It helped me put the matter in realistic perspective. What I learned: o Impeachment isn't an option. It's a responsibility. The government does not work unless we fulfill our responsibilities. o Impeachment isn't a "symbolic gesture." It's a legal, constitutional, remedy. It’s in House member’s job descriptions. o Convenience is not a decision point. We cease to be a nation of laws if we oppose abuses of power only when it is convenient.

Posted by: Wes Decker | July 17, 2007 7:46 AM

Neil Johnson, thank you for your honesty. It's very refreshing to encounter a Bush supporter who is honest enough to say that he believes that the cold-blooded premeditated murder of hundreds of thousands of men and women and children, for no reason except to steal their oil, is fine-and-dandy. I can suggest only one modification, to make your comment 100% honest. You need to delete the phrase "pre-emptive wars" and replace it with the phrase "wars of aggression." This war is not really pre-emptive, because there was nothing to pre-empt. By now, everyone in the world (except a small percentage, comprising the most ignorant people in the world) understands that the "imminent act of aggression" by Iraq against the United States, which the Bush administration said the war would pre-empt, was just a fiction which was cynically invented by the Bush administration itself. By the way, do you ever watch American movies? Does it bother you that your side always loses? The rancher who murders the people on a neighboring ranch, because he wants their water, always loses. The Fuehrer who starts a war, because he wants his Vaterland to have more Lebensraum, always loses. Guys like you always get...

Posted by: REM | July 17, 2007 6:42 AM

This show was your best ever, Bill. Great guests, with above-average cup sizes. The opinion poll you cite is bogus; polls, like statistics, lie. For an explanation about the polls and why they are erroneous, go to www.LewRockwell.com, and search that site. A couple of the recent articles are very insightful.

Posted by: Libber Key | July 17, 2007 6:19 AM

Bill Moyer, My Husband and I will not miss your journals, we thank you so much for the courage to bring such eye opening story to the people,we look forward to the congress taking on the job they where elected to do, and stop the war, they promised.. but every one is only interested in playing both sides of the fence so not to disturb the position they have Speaker Polosi gave us her word that she would get our boys home, 6 months later we are no further ahead!!!! Please keep up the great work, and we thank you Mr. Moyer

Posted by: Elva | July 17, 2007 12:33 AM

If you want the democratic Presidential candidates asked about their stance on impeachment in the next debate, view & vote for it at this link: (Third or Fourth to the right in the top row)... http://www.communitycounts.us/cgi/demdebateVIEW.cgi?search=impeach

Posted by: Debbie | July 16, 2007 11:42 PM

Murdoch has made his bid. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118463978304868582.html?mod=home_whats_news_us Now he's going to do with the Journal just what he did with all his other media. Dumb it down into a hacky Republican rag. Say goodbye to articles like these: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB118454813037367221-search.html?KEYWORDS=republican+scandal&COLLECTION=wsjie/6month A federal grand jury had just handed up an indictment against Treasurer Thomas Ravenel, scion of one of the state's leading political families, for allegedly distributing cocaine. Mr. Ravenel, who had recently defeated a Democratic incumbent who held the office for 36 years, was the statewide chairman for former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani's presidential campaign, in what has historically been a decisive early primary state. The indictment is just one of the political headaches across the South that are making Republicans look more vulnerable than they have in years to losing ground in the region's legislatures and statehouses. Though there isn't any sign of them losing their dominance in the region, the once-formidable "Solid South" coalitions they forged in the 1980s and 1990s to end a century of Democratic dominion have given way to messy schisms and infighting. Today, they look a lot like the bitterly divided Democrats of three decades ago.>

Posted by: jd | July 16, 2007 11:33 PM

Reply to No Fear's reasoned response to my question What is the Democrat/Move On plan to defend America against the military attack of the Jihadists? We tried the criminal justice approach to Jihadism from 1992-2000 under the Clinton administration. It led to emboldening the Jihadists to the point of September 11. One of the realities of war is that the enemy must be engaged on the battlefield he is on, not the one we prefer. The Jihadists have chosen brutal military style operations not bank robberies. He scoffs when we engage him at an intensity level unequal to his. As for the military breaking, I know these soldiers and the truth is that we now have the most experienced, effective, razor-sharp, fighting force for asymetrical urban combat in the world today. That is what the Jihadists fear and respect.

Posted by: uga6 | July 16, 2007 10:36 PM

If only people would think about our system rather than whichever political party is up or down at the moment. The remarkable interview with Fein and Nichols focused our minds on that. It's time for people to gather in public and talk about the impeachment of Bush and Cheney to save the form of government designed so brilliantly in 1787 by the Founding Fathers. Please come to an unsponsored, unscripted, non-partisan vigil set for Saturday, July 21 at 1 p.m. in Lafayette Park, across from the north lawn of the White House. For more information, visit http://seeyouinthepark.blogspot.com . This isn't about partisan advantage, but preservation of the freedoms that we assumed were inviolate when we were growing up. Turns out we can never stop fighting for them.

Posted by: We the People | July 16, 2007 10:11 PM

Adam, the "meaning of your argument would provoke a much better reception if you simply learned to spell and speak. Lack of education does indicate a person's intelligence. . . lack of knowledge of history is scandalous, so I suggest you start reading.

Posted by: Sarah E. Grove | July 16, 2007 9:59 PM

The minute Bush wanted to go to Iraq to seek Weapons of Mass Destruction, I knew another Vietnam was coming. (I think a lot of other people knew it in their hearts also, but didn't have the courage to speak up.)

Posted by: Rusty Rose | July 16, 2007 8:07 PM

What "war debate"? I watched two "Bush-haters" and a flaming-liberial host. There was absolutely NO debate. A true jurnalist would have hosted a well represented debate with "experts" from both sides of the issue. The problem from the left is they fail to realize this is a full-out war unlike any ever faught in American history. I pledge never to give PBS a dime if they continue to push such a liberial anti-war forum. I'll gladly forfiet some privacy during a time of war. Moyers' point-of-view will cost him his head if he lets Al-Q have there way.

Posted by: Adam | July 16, 2007 7:22 PM

I called WNET to order a DVD copy of Bill Moyer's outstanding program on impeachment. I was told that DVDs would not be available until August 24 (and mailing takes up to 5 days after that.) I was heartsick because I had planned to show it to my neighbors, and loan it to my friends and co-workers. We can't wait until September to begin educating other Americans about impeachment. Mr. Moyers, is there some way to speed up production of this DVD? Also, what about displaying some pithy quotes from the show on tee shirts (to catch those who would never watch PBS.) We've got to make as many people as possble understand what's happening to our democracy. I personally would appreciate some talking points to use once someone read my shirt. These talking points would keep me on track and stop me from smacking any moron who started arguing with me. God bless Bill Moyers, and God bless America. Marilyn Nelson

Posted by: Marilyn Nelson | July 16, 2007 6:08 PM

The core rationale for the pre-emptive invasion of a sovereign nation put forth by the Bush administration, above all objections and questions both domestically and internationally, was WMD. Bush's very first public comment about the question of WMD in Iraq after the invasion was: "Well...the Iraq people are better off today without Saddam." Without a public acknowledgment of the mistake, and an international apology, Congress could, and should have impeached him within months of those comments. We all know what happened instead. There's been little public discourse over this bait-and-switch strategy. Proportional to its importance, there's also been very little coverage or discussion of the hearings into pre-war intelligence. Currently it appears the public and Congress seem to lack a fundamental insight: The end of this administration will inevitably set a precedent of great historical proportions, either because of an impeachment, or because there was no impeachment; either way it will cast a long shadow onto the future. If they lose only one day in office, the precedent is still the same as if they left tomorrow morning. A quick, collective recognition of this inevitability would allow the discussion to move on to which precedent we want to see. The...

Posted by: Parker | July 16, 2007 5:21 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers for addressing this issue and allowing Mr. Fein to give his expertise. Anyone that still supports this administration and this war, is either extremely ignorant, naiive, or insane. Everyone should be made to sacrifice for this country, especially the wealthy. If things dont change soon, this american will be moving to Europe.

Posted by: Carla Riggs | July 16, 2007 5:03 PM

[i]...if we leave Iraq to the Jihadists, what is the DEMOCRAT, MOVE ON, plan to defend America and defeat the military efforts of the Jihadists who have vowed to destroy western civilization?[/i] First, if we leave our military in Iraq, it will break in 2008 and won't be able to defend America, so any rational discussion has to accept that fact. I haven't heard any NEOCON, BUSH LOYALIST present a plan to reapair our military, so that they can defend us. All I hear is how they will defend Iraqis who won't compromise and make political concessions to reach a viable independence. But, as for the DEMOCRAT, MOVEON plan, it would look a bit like Great Britian, where intelligence and good police work protect the country (Saudi Arabia has had similar success) ... where recommendations by the 9/11 Commission and Iraq Study Group would be adopted ... where FISA courts provide oversight, torture is repudiated and habeas corpus is restored ... and our military is restored to full strength, special forces are expanded and these braves patriots and their families are respected. There is a flawed logic that if we occupy Iraq, we are safer, despite diminished military capacity and...

Posted by: no fear | July 16, 2007 4:36 PM

Do you believe & have faith in Pres. Bush & VP Cheney? Invest a son and/or daughter in their policies. Tell the mother of an Iraq WIA or KIA how lucky she is to have a son or daughter who gave their lives & bodies. Are we really fighting terrorists, or Islamic exremists and nationalists? I wouldn't take the Pres. or the VP's word on it.....Afterall, WMD's were the excuse used to get us there in the first place. Impeach Bush and/or Cheney? I think the nation has grounds to do so....

Posted by: John H. | July 16, 2007 4:18 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers and staff. I have enjoyed most of the comments on this blog. I’ll add to it again by sharing with everybody what was on Democracy Now today and what I found out about Iran. Call your congressman, demand they don’t go on a break until Bush/Cheney are impeached. September may be too late. Is the stage being set for a US attack on Iran? The Guardian newspaper of London is reporting that the balance in the internal White House debate over Iran has reportedly shifted in favor of military action before President Bush leaves office in 18 months. The Guardian quotes what it calls a "well-placed source in Washington" as saying: "Bush is not going to leave office with Iran still in Limbo." The source also said Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney did not trust any potential successors in the White House, Republican or Democrat, to deal with Iran decisively. http://www.democracynow.org/article.pl?sid=07/07/16/1330225 If the right wingers can stand by the logic of pre-emptive attacks, (didn’t the Geneva conventions state this was the heinous of all acts) – then let us use that logic to stop them from attacking Iran. Pre-empt Bush/Cheney Impeach them now before they...

Posted by: Kent | July 16, 2007 4:02 PM

Neil, I'm really sorry that you would prefer to live under a dictatorship, but are you sure your children will feel the same way? It is to your credit that at least someone from the right has finally came forward and admitted that the current Iraq war is about oil and not WMDs, or Al Qaeda. Now, please explain that to the fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters, wives, and children of the 3602 (last count I heard) military personnel who have died (and thousands more maimed for life) so you can enjoy your current life style. Pathetic!

Posted by: Jerry Keene | July 16, 2007 3:38 PM

As President Bush's father said in 2002, "the American way of life is not negotiable". Can you imagine how life would be for us if we did not have access to oil from the Middle East? Bush and Cheney, as oil men, understand this. They will thanklessly do whatever it takes to keep the oil flowing for us, including waging pre-emptive wars and leaving in place vast armies to preserve American access to oil fields in other countries. I'm voting for whichever candidate insures that we have access to fossil fuels. I can do without civil liberties. But if I can't drive to work then I can't feed my family. The youth of America will thank President Bush for annexing an oil-rich country when peak oil hits the world soon and there's not enough oil to meet world demand.

Posted by: Neil Johnson | July 16, 2007 2:54 PM

Posted by: mike shriver | July 16, 2007 05:31 AM Mr Shriver, you said, in part: ....this part of the show was, for me, sadly a return to the kind of pseudo-journalism that we have become accustomed to in this country. advancing the meme that congress remains spineless is both a brilliant way to allow the previous two congresses, both controlled by the republican party, to be absolved of all guilt as well as to advance a very insidious and effective meme for the 2008 elections. after all, if all the blame is because no one in congress now (read - a congress now controlled by the democrats) is willing t be a real patriot and take back our constitution, then we know what to do. we have two parties to chose from. the current (democrats) party is useless. the show never made any indication that the previous party was useless. voila -- we already have the television and radio spots for the republican campaigns for the control of the house and senate in the next election cycle....." "....not only folly, but a blatant set up. by advancing, unchallenged, the notion that we are sinking because the current congress is...

Posted by: Goldie | July 16, 2007 2:37 PM

Perhaps I missed my post in sea of liberal hysteria that passes for thought on this blog, but it appears that it was deleted by the editor. My MAIN question is still this: OK, Bush is bad, people are dieing in Iraq, etc., if we leave Iraq to the Jihadists, what is the DEMOCRAT, MOVE ON, plan to defend America and defeat the military efforts of the Jihadists who have vowed to destroy western civilization? This is a rational question liberals are not answering!

Posted by: uga6 | July 16, 2007 1:47 PM

President Dwight Eisenhower in his final address to the nation in 1961 warned that America must"guard against the acquisition of unwarrented influence...by the military-industrial complex." This was presented in a DVD documentry titled;Why We Fight, and it appears clear to me that Dwight Eisenhower could see from his perspective in 1961 hugh problems for the world that would be coming out of our military-industrial complex.The Bush/Cheney Administration and Congress continue to support this complex and show no mercy for the millions of lives that are broken and destroyed by the Iraq war. Bush/Cheney are having it their way, and for all of us who disagree and oppose the killing, it doesn't matter, the killing and the war will continue until who knows when ?? I am ashamed as an American citizen and in addition to having my taxes help pay for killing men, women and children....we see over 45 million Americans without health care. This is so shameful. France, Britain, Canada and Cuba provide excellent health care for all their people while in the USA it's only for those who can "pull themselves up by their own boot straps...." America isn't the leader of the world as it was fifty...

Posted by: Thomas N. Tibbatts | July 16, 2007 1:43 PM

This whas the most one-sided liberial attack against the current administration I have ever seen. Why would you put two "Bush-haters" on TV with no opposing view point. Bill Moyers looks like all the other wacko liberals. PBS is part of the left-wing media pupets.

Posted by: Adam | July 16, 2007 12:17 PM

"What should we do?" Thomas Jefferson said: "Enlighten the people, generally, and tyranny and oppressions of body and soul will vanish like spirits at the dawn of day." Thanks Mr. Moyers for doing your part, and now I have done mine.

Posted by: Michael J Ahles | July 16, 2007 11:48 AM

After reading a few more blogs, what I find so disconcerting is that a remainder of bloggers find Bill Moyers to be slanted. If true, then the show should have been titled "away with Bush and Cheney". But, it was titled "the war debate." The intention of the show is to analyze the context and process leading to the war. In other words, the war debate attempts to calculate and verify whether or not there is validity in the results/aftermath of this war. Thus, if Bush and Cheney were just variables in the equation (or replace them with another pair of leaders), all the components together wouldn't add up to the rules of law set up by the Constitution. The show is not designed as a personal attack against Bush and Cheney. Rather, it provides context to the irrational, illogical, and damaging situation in which our country exist as a result of the means and/or methods lending to our current situation. To be slanted means that there has been personal offense committed with Bush and Cheney. If a personal offense has occurred against you, that is for you to address with them. I don't know them; they are not my...

Posted by: RachelP_NewYork | July 16, 2007 11:22 AM

Kudos on a tremendous show. This should be required viewing for ALL members of Congress. For those who ask "but what LAW was broken?" you obviously didn't watch the show carefully. The President can be impeached for treason, high crimes and MISDEMEANORS. Misdemeanors as in misbehaving, not necessarily violations of the written law. The President and Vice President have exceeded the bounds of their Constitutional authority, repeatedly and continuously. They must be impeached (and hopefully convicted) to protect the system of government that has worked for us for over 200 years. If you simply MUST have an example of an actual law that has been violated, the most obvious is that mentioned several times by Bruce Fein on this show: FISA, the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act. The President authorized intelligence collection on American citizens and did not secure a warrant from the FISA court within 72 hours, which the law requires. He did this numerous times, each time a violation of the law. That alone justifies impeachment, as surely as lying to investigators and obstructing justice. Remember the difference between IMPEACHMENT and CONVICTION. All impeachment does is start an official investigation and lead to a Senate trial. The President would...

Posted by: Rob Woodard | July 16, 2007 11:17 AM

After reading a few more blogs, what I find so disconcerting is that a remainder of bloggers find Bill Moyers to be slanted. If true, then the show should have been titled "away with Bush and Cheney". But, it was titled "the war debate." The intention of the show is to analyze the context and process leading to the war. In other words, the war debate attempts to calculate and verify whether or not there is validity in the results/aftermath of this war. Thus, if Bush and Cheney were just variables in the equation (or replace them with another pair of leaders), all the components together wouldn't add up to the rules of law set up by the Constitution. The show is not designed as a personal attack against Bush and Cheney. Rather, it provides context to the irrational, illogical, and damaging situation in which our country exist as a result of the means and/or methods lending to our current situation. To be slanted means that there has been personal offense committed with Bush and Cheney. If a personal offense has occurred against you, that is for you to address with them. I don't know them; they are not my...

Posted by: RachelP_NewYork | July 16, 2007 10:40 AM

Impeachment will not happen as a partisan event. Even if Pelosi and the Democrats pursue impeachment, how likely is it the Republicans will join suit? And the Supreme Court? cheney-bush have so much stacked in their favor, what is Plan B to save our country and our Constitution? Is impeachment really possible given these grim circumstances, and if not, what is the alternative to it, and how do we start working on that?

Posted by: Diane | July 16, 2007 9:08 AM

Thank you Bill Moyers and team. This show made me go and write a letter to my Congressman to support impeachment. I also want to learn more about how the balance of power in goverment is being taught in school and universities. The guests suggested that the current Congress isn't educated enough in Constitutional law to know their responsibilities. I actually hope that statement is true. It's hard for me to believe any representative would blatantly shirk a responsibility because of the comfort of power. I still have faith in government and people standing up for what's right. Please continue to produce shows that ask deep questions. Thank you.

Posted by: Michele Van Allen | July 16, 2007 7:58 AM

while i found the show on impeachment to be, as always with bill moyers, of the highest quality, i came away from it far less impressed by its objectivity and more unsettled by its omissions and poorly evidenced assumptions. the analysis of the crisis we are now situated in, by both moyers and the 2 panelists was remarkably slanted. i would even suggest partisan. secondly, the blame game bandied about in the discussion was predicated upon completely ignoring the previous two congresses and their efforts (and failures therein) to do anything to curb the rise to such power as enjoyed now by the president. when the panelists state, and moyers leaves unchallenged, that the reason we have not impeached is because nancy pelosi and the house leadership are spineless, the meme is not just introduced but given credibility. the show broke ground in beginning to lay out factual and procedural justification for the impeachment process to move forward. that is an awesome undertaking. the show failed however, to do this giant step in a fair, balanced and historical context. that reality must be fixed. for example, there were some decidedly absent components to the discussion of impeachment in the show...

Posted by: mike shriver | July 16, 2007 5:31 AM

It was recently brought to my attention that on April 24, 2007, there was placed before the House of Representatives a bill, H.RES.333, sponsored by Rep. Dennis Kucinich and currently cosponsored by 13 other brave opponents of American facism, entitled: Impeaching Richard B. Cheney, Vice President of the United States, for high crimes and misdemeanors. Please write your representatives and ask them to become cosponsors of H.Res. 333. I'm not sure why this bill was not known about or mentioned on the Journal program. It seems to me someone should have known about it. For the record, I do respect Speaker Nancy Pelosi, but I think she's wrong about impeachment. I found Bruce Fein's arguments in favor of impeachment compelling. I also think if just the vice president is removed from office, the president will follow -- because that's really what Bush has been doing all along, following Cheney. But I wouldn't mind if they were in the docket together. It could be our version of Nuremburg, where we punish our war criminals. I also found it interesting that Mr. Fein was assistant attorney general during Reagan's presidency, when Edwin Meese was attorney general. I never had much respect for...

Posted by: Michael Schramm | July 16, 2007 4:09 AM

It is refreshing to see at least one media outlet taking up this issue. I am an American ex-pat working over in China at the moment and I do see a sense of irony that a country which has been known and criticized for its single party system (the CCP), corrupt officials and extreme forms of monitoring, surveillance and censorship of its citizens has been striving for more democracy and freedoms to slowly become more like us, even as we, a country that has long been the example of democratic ideals seem to be becoming more like them. Well there is one key difference. That is when Chinese officials are found guilty of corruption, they are often executed. Here we just commute the sentence…..unless you’re not lucky enough to be a Bush politician….and you’re cited under the patriot act…..in which case you might tortured and….well you see my point. It is a sad state of affairs when the leadership in America is becoming the poster-child for the old statement that ‘absolute power corrupts absolutely’. This slow abuse of liberties and powers that has crept in to our system of government over the last 2 presidential terms becomes more frightening by...

Posted by: PM Fox | July 16, 2007 3:16 AM

That was the most significant & intelligent discussion I have ever seen on TV, bar none. It made me proud to be an American and I’m Canadian ;) King George vs. USA http://video.google.ca/videoplay?docid=3842528486406273821

Posted by: J.F.William | July 16, 2007 12:05 AM

Yes, I agree that Bush and Cheney committed impeachable, criminal acts. The shame is that Congress, the Press, and the public acquiesced and even blessed the war and the subversion of the Constitution for so long. Surely, we must share some collective responsibility for what's been done to Iraq, the men and women in the armed forces, and world peace. As much as I would like to end our involvement in the war, I believe it would be morally wrong to leave Iraq now. We cannot leave a country where men and women are dragged out of their cars and shot dead in front of their families, where people are tortured to death in unspeakable ways, and where no place is safe from the madness and hatred of suicide bombers. The actions of our country (however misguided and mislead) unleashed the evil and anarchy that has swept up so many innocent people. As painful and horrible as it is to continue this war without end, can we, in good conscience, leave the Iraq and the region exposed to the chaos we created? I know the prospect of staying in Iraq another year or more is grim, and everyone is sick...

Posted by: Steve Berry | July 15, 2007 11:51 PM

Every Friday, I set aside time to make sure that I watch Bill Moyers Journal. This was yet another powerful, honest, excellent, informative episode! Thank you Mr Moyers! There is only one other out there in the "media" that seems to have the courage to come out and say what is also on MANY AMERICANS MINDS, and that would be Keith Olbermann of MSNBC. On the Eve of July 4th, 2007, Olberman states "Bush and Cheney Should Resign" : http://www.dailymotion.com/video/x2gm8c_olbermann-bush-cheney-should-resign And I happen to agree with him. And if they DON'T RESIGN, then "impeachment is the cure not the disease" as Mr Nichols nicely put it.

Posted by: Cindy | July 15, 2007 11:16 PM

"Airliners into buildings". Aren't we grasping for straws to legitamize Bush's constitutional violations? He should be impeached. So what if Cheney is president. We can then impeach him. If we can find him. Jim

Posted by: Jim Pardee | July 15, 2007 10:56 PM

I watched the complete show. The participants were very knowledgeable. One short coming is that the show was completely one sided. For instance: 1. There is no comparing Bill Clinton's impeachment with one with George Bush because time are different. We were at peace in the 1990's and at war now. In addition there is new knowledge. This knowledge is that our enemies have Weapons of Mass Destruction capabilities. (Airliners into buildings). It is nice to be able to discuss theory with lawyers. It is hard to do that with a gun pointed at our head. Just so you on the left can deal with my fear, I firmly believe I will see a nuclear bomb take out one of our cities in my lifetime. Just follow the increases in technology and you can see a day coming when it will be very probable to increase a terror strike many times over. This point was never dealt with on the show. The implication was that our knowledge base is the same today as it was in the 90's with Clinton. It's simply a false premise. 2. In light of the above, it is very normal for our country to struggle...

Posted by: Craig Holmes | July 15, 2007 10:47 PM

Thank you for the remarkable interview with Fein and Nichols. It's time for people to gather in public places and talk about the impeachment of Bush and Cheney to save the form of government designed so brilliantly in 1787 by the Founding Fathers. Please come to an unsponsored, non-partisan vigil set for Saturday, July 21 at 1 p.m. in Lafayette Park, across from the north lawn of the White House. For more information, visit http://seeyouinthepark.blogspot.com

Posted by: We the People | July 15, 2007 10:26 PM

Nice work Mr. Moyers. This is the first TV show I am aware of to seriously discuss impeachment of Bush and Cheney. It was refreshing to hear both your guests say what I and my circle of friends have been thinking for some time now. I was very impressed with Bruce Fein who has shed the shackles of partisanship, and pointed out that our first loyalty is to our country and it's constitution, not to a man or party. I'm glad you called Sara Tayor on her "oath to the president". Too bad she didn't have the patriotism of John Dean. The other point raised, that even if impeachment proceedings drag on past Jan. 2008 rendering them moot, an example must be sent to future potential "unitary executives" that the United States is a democracy with checks and balances, and will not abide a monarchy. (Thanks Vane Lashua for the Pelosi letter template. Letter is sent.)

Posted by: Pete Darnell | July 15, 2007 10:14 PM

To me the one effective way of voice our opinions is by the use of a bumper sticker. Impeach stickers are available on the internet. I strongly suggest that those that care deeply about this issue obtain one and display it.

Posted by: Allan Rydberg | July 15, 2007 9:50 PM

well done, mister moyers. you are doing the work for most of the fourth estate. while they take the pablum served them daily by this administration you, once again, inform us and teach us our role as citizens. carry on. you are my hero!

Posted by: dianne | July 15, 2007 9:32 PM

I am not sure that I can add anything to what has already been said. Just add my vote for a huge congratulation and thanks to Bill Moyers and his staff and the PBS network for airing this and his other programs. As to the people who want to know what Bush and Cheney have done to warrant impeachment procedings they are obviously part of that 3% who think the war is going well. I am sure that nothing would be able to convince them that impeachment is warranted. If they cannot see that lies that commit our men and women to harm's way are impeachable offenses then there is no evidence that will sway them. Today, as every day, in my local newspaper, there are obituaries for the recently killed in Iraq. These obituaries now take up an entire page! How much more of this carnage must occur before our representatives will take action? My heart cries. Arthur Warren

Posted by: Arthur Warren | July 15, 2007 9:31 PM

Excellent dialogue from everyone thus far! Thank you Bill Moyers for your show with Fein and Nichols. I agree with D. Albertson that Cheney got what he wanted, a long and profitable war. R. Stanton, thank you for correcting Mike's assertion as to how the show is sponsored. K. Stewart, yes there are too many blogs to read. But, I am elated to see the number of responses and concerned citizens expressing needs for action. Lastly, Pablo de Valle, I understand your comments and would like to clarify a point. My interpretation of Fein's and Nichols' argument is that the rights authorized by the people to the current (questionably elected) leadership (and let us not forget) expects the President and Vice President to adhere and respect the Constitution as well as to protect the rights of the people. What the ccommentators felt to articulate as being problematic is that the rule of law was swept aside to go to war; war in itself is not a violation under the law but the process is what is in question. I hope this is helpful. Again, thank you Bill. I really appreciate it.

Posted by: RachelP_New York | July 15, 2007 9:04 PM

Thank you for this discussion.

Posted by: Tanya Elder | July 15, 2007 8:35 PM

1) Congratulations to you, Bill Moyers, "and a good few others for continually having the guts to present to the public that the 'Emperor Has No Clothes'. WE WILL REAP WHAT WE DESERVE IF WE DON'T ACT!" [Thank you for the eloquence of an earlier responder.] I AGREE 100 PERCENT! PEOPLE NEED TO WORK TOGETHER IN GROUPS TO ENSURE THAT GOVT ANSWERS TO THE PEOPLE. 2) PBS, PLEASE CONTINUE TO AIR MORE OF THIS PROGRAMMING DURING PRIME TIME, EVERY DAY, UNTIL CHANGE TAKES PLACE, UNTIL IMPEACHMENT HEARINGS ARE HELD, UNTIL TRUTH IS WRITTEN AND SPOKEN FREELY AGAIN, AND MOST OF ALL, UNTIL RULE OF LAW IS RESPECTED! Otherwise, we invite a new dark Feudal order! 3) PBS, please support and help to start CIVIC EDUCATION ON A NATIONAL SCALE through the good offices of your remaining free non-corporate-indebted media. PLEASE ASK VIEWERS TO CONTRIBUTE FINANCIALLY AND SPECIFICALLY FOR THIS EFFORT! I would respond to the best of my ability!

Posted by: Susan | July 15, 2007 8:35 PM

Can someone please explain to me what law was broken, exactly, where impeachment procedings are in order? LIE? I thought I heard Hillary and Bill and John Kerry exort the reasons our policy on Iraq should be regime change a few years back... If those were also Lies, then I'm confused

Posted by: chris | July 15, 2007 8:23 PM

Interesting that during the telecast there was not really anyone there to represent the other side of the story. I keep hearing people complain about "the fairness doctrine" for talk radio, but it's concerning that where my tax dollars and contributions to PBS are spent, it to forward only a single view, typically a very liberal one. When do we hear the consservative side of the argument? Is this journalism, or an opinion show?

Posted by: Chris | July 15, 2007 8:20 PM

Take your neighbor to the next forum in your Congressional District. Ask your Congressman to uphold his oath to the Constitution.

Posted by: Vane Lashua | July 15, 2007 8:06 PM

Dear Hon. Rep. Nancy Pelosi: By ordering its former Counsel, Harriet Miers, to withhold testimony before the House Judiciary Committee, she is about to be found in contempt of Congress. Relevant historical perspective comes from a different former White House Counsel: http://writ.lp.findlaw.com/dean/20070713.html At the beginning of the 110th Congress, you are reported to have indicated that impeachment was "off the table" for this session. I respectfully ask you and the Judiciary Committee to place it on the table. The Office of the Vice President and President Bush have shown repeated disregard for the Separation of Powers which is at the core of our Constitution. For this reason alone I believe it is imperative that the House bring Articles of Impeachment against the President and Vice President. It does not matter if the Senate will convict, but if the House does not act, the precedents set by this outlaw Administration will threaten our constitutional democracy after Bush's term ends. Sincerely,

Posted by: SR | July 15, 2007 7:35 PM

I was initially against the Iraq War. Then I wanted to support the war because we can not withdraw and leave such a sorry sorry state of affairs for the Iraqui people. Now that the Islamist and other insurgents are exacting a high toll on American, Coalition and Iraq people I beleive that we should end the war. The American people should then insist on Impeachment. Let's serve Bush/Cheney/Rowe up to the world community. Maybe then they can see the value of democracy and how it contends with maniacal Hitleresque Facist intentions of its leaders who stray from the "Rule of Law".

Posted by: E. French | July 15, 2007 7:31 PM

God(s) bless the country in which we are able to voice dichotomous viewpoints, and (as yet) not be persecuted for our inviolable right to freedom-of-speech. What disturbs me is the prevailing sense of a paranoid America expressed in certain expositions, where the world is composed of rogue-nations bent on the demise of our fragile democracy (such as it remains). Indeed, Semper fidelis, Semper paratus, Semper Vigilans, as one previous blogger felt the need to express, albeit with a different emphasis in their blog than this one accommodates. Our country has been here before; Terrorism is our new Communism; our military-industrial complex needs new fuel provided by a continually mis-informed American populace to justify tax-dollars—your tax-dollars—funding federally authorized government contracts with private corporations to do the job of “nation-building” (i.e., economic-prospecting), and law-enforcement (i.e., military policing of populations the U.S.—in our war on terror—was meant to emancipate). Sentiments have been expressed that America’s lack of historical perspective, particularly military historical perspective lends credence to why so many U.S. citizens are now led astray (by certain liberal-biased PBS news broadcasts), doubting our government, the purpose of our current war in Iraq (or on terrorism), and the perpetual whittling of our most basic...

Posted by: Panacea | July 15, 2007 6:46 PM

To Speaker PELOSI, and others like me with spell disfunction, sorry for the misspell.

Posted by: Goldie | July 15, 2007 5:32 PM

Has anyone considered that Nancy Palosi would be next in line for the Presidency were Cheney and Bush Impeached? How should she go about instituting Articles of Impeachment?

Posted by: Goldie | July 15, 2007 5:26 PM

Has anyone considered that Nancy Palosi would be next in line for the Presidency were Cheney and Bush Impeached? How should she go about instituting Articles of Impeachment?

Posted by: Goldie | July 15, 2007 5:25 PM

Could you please email me your mailing address. I do better writing letters. Thank you.

Posted by: S. J. Majors | July 15, 2007 4:46 PM

To answer Mike, who wonders: "Why do my tax dollars got to pay for Moyers's rabidly partisan propoganda? "Moyers is the one who need to be gotten rid of. Let him raise money for his intellectually tripe from the private sector. Why are government dollars spent on this drivel? "Where is the conservative counterpoint to Moyers? Until PBS finds one, they need to stop with their partisan blather. "Posted by: Mike | July 15, 2007 10:39 AM" Not to be sarcastic, Mike, but PBS and Moyers presented the CONSERVATIVE view in the presence of Mr. Fein. Or didn't you notice?

Posted by: Domenic Corsaro | July 15, 2007 4:38 PM

We are sitting on the tracks. We hear the train coming, we feel the rumble under us, but, because up the track there is a bend and we can’t see the rest of the track, we continue to sit where we are. It’s nice where we are, we are comfortable. We have all we need, although the vibration coming through the rails is rattling the table where our snacks are set out. We are listening to the radio, and they are not saying anything about the train. Neither is the TV. We have a vague, uneasy feeling. It’s probably nothing, although the sound is almost deafening now. ...............................................................................Anonymous The country and the world are in crisis; more so than ever before and partially due to the constant spread of misinformation at a rapid pace. In addition, a good % of our population is uneducated and unread; substituting religious and philosophical beliefs and/or facts for the truth. It almost can't be helped because everyone thinks they are right; as do I. Only if one voraciously reads, thinks, discusses and uses their intellect and sensibilities in an open-minded fashion to pry and discover the truth from the pile of facts, misinformation and...

Posted by: Joe Radoszewski | July 15, 2007 4:27 PM

What a tremendous work of journalism! To hear Mr. Fein speak so passionately and precisely about the crimes and precedents that Bush-Cheney have committed and set has awakened in me a new respect for conservatism. Back in the day, it took Barry "Mr. Conservative" Goldwater to tell Mr. Nixon that the Nation was more important than politics. Thank you, Mr. Moyers, for your journalistic courage and acumen.

Posted by: Domenic Corsaro | July 15, 2007 4:22 PM

What very thought provoking and brilliant presentations were made by your guests ("Impeachment"). There was only one reference to which I take exception, i.e. the use of the word "king". Please ask your guests to consider replacing the word "king" with "autocrat". Our slippage down the slope to an Imperial Presidency is at the opposite continiuum to democratic monarchy. All your JOURNAL preentations are first rate!The coverage on "Impeachment" must be among the very best!!! Thank You, Bill.

Posted by: Georg | July 15, 2007 4:03 PM

A most informative interview on the July 15, 2007 of The Journal on PBS. Now I am concerned of retribution by Congress of not funding PBS, since the interview stated factually issues not favorable to Congress. God help us all!!!

Posted by: Barry Wright | July 15, 2007 4:01 PM

To Randy Here is the link to the Directive 51- http://www.whitehouse.gov.edgesuite.net/news/releases/2007/05/20070509-12.html

Posted by: Jeff Findeis | July 15, 2007 3:42 PM

I can't believe what I'm reading. The legislative branch should stop meddling? Bush should be impeached. He should've been impeached 2 years ago! Republicans are so hot to get Clinton for Lewinsky, yet when Bush lies to _take the country into war_, not a peep? I am astounded. He & Cheney belong in prison. And not a Club Fed, one of the Supermaxes they're building with such abandon for their lunatic drug war. That appears to be the solution to all opposition: smash it. Today's edition gets it exactly right. If Bush/Cheney aren't impeached, the country will leave the next President, & all those who follow, with incredible powers to suppress dissent at home, regardless of terrorists abroad, & that frigtens me more than Al-Qaeda.

Posted by: kevin faber | July 15, 2007 3:04 PM

Thank you to Don Albertson for the Pelosi link.

Posted by: Jeff Findeis | July 15, 2007 3:04 PM

Diane's comments are excellent. Interestingly, the link to Presidential Directive 51 no longer works. When I tried to search for it on the White House web page I got NO results.

Posted by: Randy | July 15, 2007 1:49 PM

I have never seen Mr. Moyer's show before, and I am not sure how I started watching it Friday. I must admit the subject matter gripped me and I was equally intrigued by the concept of a show in which the moderator surrendered the entire format to the guests. I have no way to judge if this is the norm but if so I am not certain as to why is it referred to as Mr. Moyer's journal. Regarding the subject of the show, I found myself engaged and enraged at many of the views and ideas generated by the guests, and I am not a Bush fan. However, I am a huge fan of the U.S. Constitution and our system of governance. I am especially a fan of the separation of powers concept. I think this is the main fail-safe that guards our Constitution from perversion and yet allows it to remain current. That said I think I can safely say that while many fingers for many reasons point to the executive branch for being responsible for the Iraq War, the President had NO vote in the matter. The responsibility for approving this war rest entirely with the legislative...

Posted by: TM | July 15, 2007 1:35 PM

Let this fantastic show be a catalyst for discussion, action and change! Donate to PBS and let them know you are doing this specifically out of gratitude for Bill’s show, and encourage more shows like this. Write your elected officials with links to Bill’s show. Educate everyone - your family, friends, neighbors, classmates; expand beyond “the choir”. Write the media demanding they do their job, although given the current control of the media, change may be difficult. It is largely the absence of media coverage of such important information that has allowed so many to be lulled into a stupor with “reality” shows, while the true reality, our country and our Constitution are being decimated. People cannot respond to that they don’t know about, so until the media does a better job, we must educate others. Write all the presidential candidates telling them to put country ahead of personal political ambitions. All their time, energy and money invested in campaigning could well be for nothing if we don’t first address and resolve our huge immediate crisis; we may well have NO elections in 2008 if this continues! It is easy to feel hopeless since our government and much of media...

Posted by: Diane | July 15, 2007 12:51 PM

This may be a repeat comment because I hit the enter key before I had a chance to edit my original comment. Sorry. It seems that few have focused on the impeachment and other legal issues around the fall of the Twin Towers on 9/11. Physicists and engineers have written that the buildings could not have fallen the way they did unless they had demolition help. http://spontinuity.com/Truth_About_9-11.pdf There are scientific studies of 911 at http://www.journalof911studies.com The Journal of 9/11 Studies is a peer-reviewed journal related to 911. I wonder if a program can be put together on this issue? The arguements for the demolition of the buildings seem compelling. Thanks Bill Moyers for all the good work you do.

Posted by: Randy | July 15, 2007 12:46 PM

Thank you for this episode. Thank you thank you thank you for having guests with the intestinal fortitude to point out that the Congress doesn't know what their constitutional role is. To have a solidly Republican guest decry what this Administration is doing to the constitution just adds credibility to the argument, that gives structure to an uneasy feeling many of us have in the pits of our stomachs. I plan to make as many of my friends and family aware of this episode as possible. THIS is journalism....not the pablum we get from the Disney-owned and Turner-owned outlets of big business. Keep up the good work.

Posted by: Terri | July 15, 2007 11:26 AM

Mr. Moyers: My understanding is that President Bush went before the Congress to obtain permission to declare war against Iraq should it become necessary to do so after he had exhaused all attempts to avoid military action. Is this correct? If so, I have two questions: 1) What steps did he take to avoid war once Congress gave him authority. 2) Did our representatives actually vote to go to war, or did they vote to give Mr. Bush permission based on his promises to use permission as a last resort? The media gives the impression they actually voted for the war - can you clarify this point?

Posted by: Robert C. Lander | July 15, 2007 11:24 AM

Here is the link to contact Nancy Pelosi: http://speaker.house.gov/contact/ Use it to tell her what you think about holding impeachment hearings. She need to be reminded that she has a duty to support and defend the Constitution.

Posted by: Don Albertson | July 15, 2007 11:19 AM

I read the transcript of the July 13 show. Excellent! In your closing comments you stated that perpetual war was sure to feed into the excess of power in the presidency and endanger the constitution. Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't Cheney speaking of perpetual war from the first days of office? I believe he had planned all along to use the "long war" and the resultant "war powers" as the key lever to force the changes on the government. 9-11 just gave his project the extra boost; they are still using it. More and more I see George Bush as the useful fool in Cheney’s vendetta on the Constitution. Cheney has had years to conjure up this attack. I am not sure Cheney was ever really a neo-con, but he saw how they could be useful to his goals. Cheney may not care that much how things go in Iraq, he needed a long war and he's got it. I am really curious about how he views the future. Where was all this supposed to go? What was his motivation? Let's torture him and find out.

Posted by: Patrick Hunter | July 15, 2007 11:12 AM

Thank you, Bill Moyers, for your program on impeachment. Your show moved me to action--writing letters to Nancy Pelosi and my representative as well as writing to my newspaper. I am afraid that on most occasions your good work is just "preaching to the choir." This time you inspired this choir member to sing a solo! Thank you for all you do.

Posted by: Rick Stanton | July 15, 2007 11:02 AM

From Mike: "Let him raise money for his intellectually tripe from the private sector. Why are government dollars spent on this drivel?" He doesn't use government money! He raises it in full from the private sector! This argument is completely false! Got another one??

Posted by: john | July 15, 2007 10:56 AM

OK here is the deal. Moyers is a foolish partisan pundit like Hannity. They only difference is that Moyers is liberal. Fans of Moyers who consider him to be a "straight shooter" are like fans of Hannity who also think Hannity is a "straight shooter". The only differnce is that Moyers' fans are liberal. Extremists on both sides of the aisle are the same, they just have different political viewpoints. They are all fools.

Posted by: Marc Rose | July 15, 2007 10:46 AM

Why do my tax dollars got to pay for Moyers's rabidly partisan propoganda? Moyers is the one who need to be gotten rid of. Let him raise money for his intellectually tripe from the private sector. Why are government dollars spent on this drivel? Where is the conservative counterpoint to Moyers? Until PBS finds one, they need to stop with their partisan blather.

Posted by: Mike | July 15, 2007 10:39 AM

Bruce Fein and John Nichols are both scholars and patriots! My suggestion is that people need to write their representatives demanding impeachment of Dick Cheney, not George Bush. To be victorious in the people's fight to save the Constitution and the Republic, Cheney is the soft target. He will have much less support and is the kingpin in the attack on our Constitution. As noted by Mr Fein our current president is cerebrally challenged. Putting the hammer down on the VP would instill the fear of God in our happless leader. Of course, if the president failed to grasp the gravity of the impeachment of Cheney, and continued to act as a de facto Monarch, his impeachment would also be necessitated. The Constitution is of greater importance than any person, or party. I have just finished reading this great document, and as Bruce Fein stated, impeachment is prominantly mentioned therein FIVE times. People of the country need to turn off their "Reality Shows" and take in the Reality that our way of life and freedom are under attack. Contact your Representatives and tell them to transition from spin to spine! Also contact your Senators, they cant initiate impeachment proceedings, but...

Posted by: martin behannesey | July 15, 2007 9:51 AM

This first paragraph was taken from elsewhere on the site: In his recent article, "In Praise of Impeachment," Nichols argues "While the Constitution handed Congress the power to officially check such despotism, Jefferson and his colleagues fully expected the American people {emphasis added} to be the champions of the application of the rule of law to an errant executive." The current situation is directly and immediately applicable. The populace should push the media --- all media --- to saturation coverage (e.g. this Moyers' program run and rerun everywhere) and the congress to action to build on the "seed" that's already planted, i.e., H.R. 333. It is crystal clear that the media and congress were cowered into submission by the occurrence of September 11, 2001. There were a few righteous souls who were not intimidated by the politics of fear and demonization. However, for the most part, at best, they both, if truth be told, feared the reaction of a scared and manipulated populace. Of course, there were those who joined the team of fear mongers. After circa 6 years of this, it is only the unrelenting insistence of the populace which will move the process along the path which Fein...

Posted by: POLpursun | July 15, 2007 9:10 AM

McCain has it wrong, and Dems, America, can't let his framing stand. McCain says its a fact that losing a war breaks a military harder than losing. He then says pulling out would be legislating defeat. The truth is that the Iraq war is breaking our military. Morale is low because of multiple tours of duty, 15 month stays, extended tours with little notice, and the plain to see fact on the ground that we are accomplishing nothing. Bush is breaking our military. Plain fact. Don't let _anyone_ tell you differently.

Posted by: wwz | July 15, 2007 8:23 AM

Bill's discussion with Nichols and Fein says it all. Let us prevail on our representatives to begin Impeachment Hearings.

Posted by: Sherryll Mleynek | July 15, 2007 4:05 AM

This show and these thoughtful, passionate, intelligent comments are SUCH a relief! Our country is not lost, after all. Here's one more extremely important thing we can do--Fire the Grid! This is a worldwide meditation starting on July 17 at 11:11 Greenwich time, or 4:11 a.m.PDT, during which we focus on peace and healing the earth, channeling light from above. We all need to take part, to fire the grid of human consciousness and raise it to a higher level. One person with thoughts of love and peace can balance a hundred immersed in fear and anger. We really can change the world. So let's do it!

Posted by: Susan McCabe | July 15, 2007 3:55 AM

I have a bad feeling-the following is starting be make me nervous. There has been a dramatic increase by Bush & Cheney in the use of the words "terrorist" and Al-Queda-27 or 30 times was one count of the total usages of Al-Queda the other day by Bush. On July 11th, Sec. Chertoff of Homeland security announces this "Gut Feeling" statement. Now we have a THIRD Aircraft Battle Group on its way the the Middle East, Iran becomes agreeable to inspection, Are they scared?, in the Washington Times, they state Bush now saying "There's a lot of discussion about a scenario in which our troop posture would be to guard the territorial integrity of the country of Iraq"-so-we are now getting ready to move troops to the border of Iran?, Bush was killing time and distracting peoples attn. on the immigration bill-way?, lately, Bush and Chaney have risen to new heights of disregard and disrespect for the law, and he re-wrote the parameters of the requirements to declare martial law-the triggering event does not have to happen here and could be simply an act of nature or just a power grid failure as long as it has some effect on...

Posted by: Jeff Findeis | July 15, 2007 3:25 AM

...previously posted.... "If impeachment is brought against both Bush and Cheney together, and succeeds, Pelosi is president. How does this look? I can see why she wouldn't want to do this. In the end, she is right." Oh, please! The time for considering "how things look" is w-a-a-y over. It's about DOING THE RIGHT THING, AT ALL COSTS! We are headed for a constitutional train wreck in this great country. Now, *everyone* must begin the march.....individual letters to newspapers, congressional contingents and Speaker Pelosi, especially; democrat/republican/independent parties must bring forth resolutions, letters, town meetings....... this is what the founders *intended*, for pity's sake. Where is the fire? Where is the passion? Where is the spine?!?!? Strolling around with raised eyebrows, puckered lips, steaming in intellectual rants about the state of the state to each other is wholly ineffective. It is time for "in-your-face" dialog with congress, demanding the process of impeachment begin. They obviously will not do it on their own. They must be reminded that the people expect it. As for our standing in the world theater, holding Bush/Cheney accountable for treasonous acts might be the only appeasement.....but impeachment would go a long way toward improvement

Posted by: KAA | July 15, 2007 3:13 AM

It is time that the American people and those men and women who represent our wishes take our constitution and our country back. I believe we sent a clear message to the Congress and the President in November of 2006 that “we the people” want a change and we want it now; we expected that change to start then, not nine months later, not after we implement a “SURGE” that may or may not work, and surly not after we find out that apparently no one, or very few, of our elected representatives got the message. I am outraged at the direction our government has taken since George W. Bush and Dick Cheney came to power. Something must be done to rein in this executive branch that daily thumbs its nose at our legislative branch and has turned our judicial branch into a powerless limb that has been diseased and weakened by political corruption and cronyism. It is time that our elected representatives listen to what the people have said. If impeachment of Dick Cheney, or George W. Bush is the only way to get the job done; then so be it!

Posted by: JDKINPA | July 15, 2007 1:54 AM

It is down-right SCARY how this administration has proceeded like a monarchy. Makes me wonder what are the true motives of this war that is probably creating more terrorists. Are BUSH BUDDIES quietly siphoning off millions in war monies that aren't recorded in the official budget ?

Posted by: C J | July 15, 2007 1:17 AM

great show. I was yelling at the screen for someone to mention Dennis Kucinich and HR333 http://www.impeachcheney.org An earlier link had the wrong info for the Los Angeles Impeachment Center. Here is a link to that site as well as video from a July 12 Impeachment Forum. http://www.cotam.org/blog/archives/28

Posted by: Matthew | July 15, 2007 1:07 AM

It’s almost been six years now my fellow Americans since 9/11, and no one mentions the central crime this administration perpetuated. Would we be in Iraq trying to police a civil war if it were not for the oil? The goal of the Cheney “energy task force” back in 2001 was to facilitate ideas into controlling Iraq’s massive oil reserves. A “New Pearl Harbor” was born. Did Bin Laden plant the explosives needed to bring the buildings down? I cannot understand how blind and mute honest hard working Americans are to the most brazen and vicious mass murder committed against its own citizens. Do your homework America and hang these bastards.

Posted by: Kent Stewart | July 15, 2007 12:55 AM

To Matt Tyson: You and I have fallen victim to the BLOG. By that I mean that there are too many posts for us all to read them all. My first post on the 14th at 1205 am spoke about the show and my fears that the American people are too sated to demand action and our legislators are too tied to thier careers and the special interest money to move. Then when I came back and reviewed the posts I saw posts in two flavors: the great "Thank you" posts and the screaming vitrolic "your a moron" posts (very few). I don't think we should all agree. I think we should, however, be able to disagree with out getting nasty about it. In the mean time, I believe that impeachment hearings will reign in the Office of the President and will serve to clear the air before the next election circus.

Posted by: Guy Bergeson | July 15, 2007 12:29 AM

It would be interesting for Lee Partide to tell us exactly what facts and or claims from Friday's impeachment show need refuting. Seems like the straw man argument to me. Let's accuse the media of bias when the Left is finally given the chance to bring out sound points. Never mind years of right wing blather by the likes of Sean Hannity, Rush Limbau, et al.

Posted by: Rob Davis | July 15, 2007 12:12 AM

PLAIN AND SIMPLE .... THE MOST POWERFUL , MEANINGFULL AND PROMISING DISCUSSION SINCE 9-11. HOW CAN WE PROMOTE DEMOCRACY ABROAD, WHILE WE DESTROY OURS AT HOME ? IF WE TURN OUR CONSTITUTION UPSIDE DOWN IN ORDER TO PREVENT FUTURE TERRORIST ACTS, THEN THE TERRORIST HAVE ALREADY WON, GAME - OVER. THIS SHOW SHOULD BE GIFT WRAPPED AND DELIVERED TO EVERY AMERICAN, AT THE VERY LEAST, EVERY CONGRESSMAN. THANK-YOU ... MR. MOYERS...!!!!

Posted by: Thomas Jefferson | July 15, 2007 12:01 AM

The Pelosi Congress is struggling to make its mark with legislation, when the real mark that needs made is to ensure that monarchical behavior by a President will not be tolerated. Unless there is serious pushback to the Bush and Cheney administration through impeachment, Pelosi and the Democrats will be viewed as weaklings deserving to have sand kicked in their face. Except that they have allowed the sand to really be kicked in the people's face.

Posted by: Robb | July 14, 2007 11:36 PM

Great program, although I am disappointed that Dennis Kucinich (who introduced articles of impeachment agains Cheney) wasn't mentioned once. Also, I want to point out that the last comment by Lee Patride laments the one-sidededness of Bill Moyers and likens it to irrationality, yet gives not one example of it.

Posted by: Isome | July 14, 2007 11:21 PM

One sided and misleading. Bill Moyers is a good presenter and very smooth, but what is frightening is the power he and the media exercise by presenting information that neglects so many facts, and does not present rebuttal by the myriad others who can refute claims made on this show, and point out their dangers. I am NO Bush fan, but your show edges on apalling by misrepresentations. One can see how far this has gone by reading how many people in media (and thus among the population) compare Bush to such people as Hitler. That kind of extremism presented under the guise of objective journalism is what is MOST scarey in our culture. Over and over since "The Power of Myth" I have watched Moyers tilt more and more to one-sidedness..... His programs aim to convince to a certain point of view by neglecting other valid views. And look how many cheer this on, not wanting the full story to be presented! Yes I fear for my country... via this kind of media.

Posted by: Lee Partide | July 14, 2007 11:08 PM

Mr. Moyers, It's a terrible feeling to know the wrong doing and the not doing of all the "leaders" we elected and at the same time see how lawless and tolerant persecution has become. But at the end I can see the small beam of hope, thanks to incredible people like you and all the great reporters at PBS. Thank you for giving us truth.

Posted by: Pablo del Valle | July 14, 2007 10:53 PM

Impeaching is the process by which the Constitution is preserved for our republic. Impeaching Bush and Cheney would not only set straight that a dictator is not acceplable, but also would tell the world that Americans do not agree with their war and tactics. We need a new reputation in the world view to re-establish USA as a compassionate, logical democracy, and not a dictatorship run by tyrants. _________________

Posted by: coju4u | July 14, 2007 10:39 PM

I really appreciated your program and guests last evening. It was nice to have experts explain what Impeachment is and how it works to make our democracy stronger. Please re-air this program. It is important that people have an opportunity to see it. Each of us needs to send a letter to our representatives and to the Speaker demanding they start the impeachment process of both Vice President Cheney and President Bush. It is important to remind Congress that they are a separate, equal branch of government and it is time to take back the power that constitutionally resides with them as an institution. This is not a partisan issue, as a matter of fact the Democrats don't seem to know what to do and the media is still asleep at the wheel.

Posted by: Diane Zeck | July 14, 2007 9:47 PM

Bush and Cheney are guilty of impeachable offenses and should be impeached irrespective of any political fall out.

Posted by: Gary Ricin | July 14, 2007 9:41 PM

The rapture is not an exit strategy....

Posted by: Kathy Bonham | July 14, 2007 9:24 PM

Thank you so much for this program. I sent the link on the impeachment program to the house judiciary committee. We can only hope that some courageous and patriotic representatives will act soon.

Posted by: Margaret Bandy | July 14, 2007 9:19 PM

Kucinich, Conyers, et. al. aside, the reason that the House leadership will not act is the old dog that has haunted democrats for almost two generations: "weak on national defense". Bush has made himself unimpeachable so long as there is one U.S. soldier in harms way in Iraq. If the democrats were to move in on Bush, he would immediately and speciously charge that they have the same agenda as Al-Queda: target our leaders. Bush continues to position himself as the St. George of the New World. He stands as our only hedge against the tide of Islamic Fundamentalism. So sad it is that he is sacrificing the treasury of our nation: the lives of our youth and for those who are fortunate enough to keep their lives, the untold debts that continue to accumulate. Truely reprehensible.

Posted by: Kevin Mannella | July 14, 2007 9:15 PM

THANK YOU! It was wonderful to hear such an intelligent, knowledgeable discussion of impeachment. While we may know that things are going wrong in this country, we haven't the education to know exactly what the legal requirements are for the impeachment that must happen. In order to start to regain our standing in this world, we must show the world that we fully reject the practices of this regime. Thank you again for what is one of the best shows we have seen on television in years.

Posted by: Diane Clark & Bill Reilly | July 14, 2007 8:52 PM

I watched last nights show with glee. Finally someone on television was articulating what I have been thinking. This morning, when I examined the blogs, I found no mention of "impeachment." Maybe it is too soon for Kos and Arianna to get their hands around such a concept.

Posted by: Bruce Ashkenas | July 14, 2007 8:27 PM

Many of the comments are blaming Nancy Pelosi for not bringing impeachment proceedings. Could it be that in the Senate where they would need at least 60 votes to move for impeachment, that there are 51 Democrats vs 49 Republicans. Even if 100% of the Democrats voted in favor, that would not be enough votes. The Republicans would most likely do as they did with the bill to bring home the troops. It is likely they would stonewall and vote in a bloc against impeachment. Think about it before you blame Ms. Pelosi. Why not blame the Republicans for allowing the Bush Administration to run roughshod over the Constitution for 6 years?

Posted by: E. Snyder | July 14, 2007 8:26 PM

As others, I was confused by the change in the program title from, what was it, something like "The Impeachment Debate" to "The War Debate"(???)! I couldn't figure out where the program went to. It must frustrate Bill Moyers no end when the pansies at PBS reconstruct his shows. Now, it appears because this show has created such a whirlwind of comment they have orders to monkey wrench this thing. Throw it off track. I will be attending the Arizona State Committee of the Democratic Party meeting next month. We will be voting on an impeachment resolution crafted by our local Progressive Democrats, the Sonora Progressives. Nancy, impeachment is back on the table, baby!

Posted by: Jim Hannley | July 14, 2007 8:13 PM

Regarding the piece on impeachment: your two guests did not carry their analysis far enough. They should have traced the consequences of several possible scenarios. If impeachment is brought against Bush first, and succeeds, Cheney is president. Not a good outcome. If impeachment is brought against both Bush and Cheney together, and succeeds, Pelosi is president. How does this look? I can see why she wouldn't want to do this. If Cheney is impeached first, Bush can appoint a new vice-president. He may appoint one of the current candidates for the Republican nomination for president. He may choose Romney. This would give him an advantage of incumbency (altho' it didn't help Rockefeller) which would all but guarantee his victory over any Democratic candidate. Time is very short to start impeachement proceedings. They would take more than a year. It would serve no purpose because it is unlikely, given Bush's character (or lack of it) he wouldn't be chastened by the experience nor would he understand the principles behind it. In the end, Pelosi is right.

Posted by: Judith Abeles | July 14, 2007 8:03 PM

Thank you for the show on impeachment At least there are two people of committment and intelligence still in Washington. While I would favor indictment and incarceration in one of our infamous secret presons for Cheney and Bush, Mssrs. Fein and Nichels made an eloquent and compelling case for Impeachment. How do we continue along this path? Riki Griswold

Posted by: Riki Griswold | July 14, 2007 8:03 PM

Regarding the piece on impeachment: your two guests did not carry their analysis far enough. They should have traced the consequences of several possible scenarios. If impeachment is brought against Bush first, and succeeds, Cheney is president. Not a good outcome. If impeachment is brought against both Bush and Cheney together, and succeeds, Pelosi is president. How does this look? I can see why she wouldn't want to do this. If Cheney is impeached first, Bush can appoint a new vice-president. He may appoint one of the current candidates for the Republican nomination for president. He may choose Romney. This would give him an advantage of incumbency (altho' it didn't help Rockefeller) which would all but guarantee his victory over any Democratic candidate. Time is very short to start impeachement proceedings. They would take more than a year. It would serve no purpose because it is unlikely, given Bush's character (or lack of it) he wouldn't be chastened by the experience nor would he understand the principles behind it. In the end, Pelosi is right.

Posted by: Judith Abeles | July 14, 2007 8:02 PM

Dear Bill Moyers: Congratulations! Once again you have brought a very timely and important subject to the attention of the American Public in a very professional way. The two people you had as guests to discuss the subject of impeaching the members of the present administration were extremely knowledgeable and professional in their discussion of the issues. I have always had a great respect for you and the way you bring important issues to the attention on all Americans (at least those willing to watch something worth while and not the typical sitcom junk). You and the two experts on this subject were able to discuss the subject in a very level headed, thoughtful way instead of the spiteful, arrogant, ignorant rantings usually so representative of the typical right wing talking heads to be seen and heard on right wing radio and tv venues. Thanks for airing this very important subject at this time. I am sure that this will get a lot of people to thinking and perhaps even supporting the impeachment of some very; bad, incompetent, arrogant members of this administration.

Posted by: Jerome Decker | July 14, 2007 7:59 PM

Thanks for the very excellent show. I agree, however, with many other commenters, that you did not mention people like Dennis Kucinich and Ron Paul, both whom I consider true statesmen. If you examine Ron Paul, you will find that he is a true constitutionalist and defender of our freedom. I would very much like to see him on your show very soon. I have, over the past year, become more and more alarmed at what I have learned about our government and its complete sellout to corporatism and greed. Of course, if you study history, you can see that the federal reserve system is a scam of immense proportions and deserves nothing less than complete abolishment. Once you restore sound monetary policy to a nation, amazing things are once again possible as the reigns of the few power brokers who really run the show are handed back to the people.

Posted by: Bill Dixon | July 14, 2007 7:57 PM

Dear Bill Moyers, I don't want to imagine how I would be handling the current political situation without your insightful, brave, honest commentary and interviews. Alas, your show is broadcast in Asheville at 11 PM - way past my bedtime. I stay up anyway, and then can't fall asleep, I am so wrought up about what should be obvious to people in power and what they ought to be talking about. Please, please, please keep doing what you're doing, in the face of what must be difficult obstacles. Our collective soul and our democracy is at stake.

Posted by: Fran Ross | July 14, 2007 7:57 PM

It was indeed a privelege to view and absorb the viscerally exciting(for me) and courageous discourse presented last night(July 13) on Bill Moyers Journal on PBS! This broadcast ,in my opinion, deserves a place of honor alongside the likes of the now legendary Edward R. Murrow anti-McCarthyism reports and live debates of the 1950's. No guilty party(again, in my opinion) was spared objective criticism and detailed analysis by both Bruce Fein and John Nichols. I especially relished the very educational and refreshingly "eye opening" scathing of our present day Congressional representatives who have for a very long time been addicted to their very own fear of political and, even worse, mainstream media controlled attack from dumbed down flagwavers who have lost all understanding of the basic elements of our founding fathers' principles for a just and safe society. The ease and apparent joy that Mr. Moyers oozed (as he almost invisibly took on an intelligent, open minded role as "devil's advocate" as a means of providing a catalyst for the almost spontaneously combustible rapid fire deliverance by these two remarkably insightful and dedicated TRUE PATRIOTS) was so full of the true essence of free speech journalism and genuine courage against...

Posted by: Bruce Robertson | July 14, 2007 7:44 PM

CODA A bad penny always returns. Thus I wish to add a postscript after reading the other comments. Although the points your guests made were strong and more than valid, there was little (except in your wrapup mention (if any) about the war, the most egregious war crime since... (fill in Vietnam, Pol Pot, Darfur, Nazi Germany, take your choice of the first hundred listings. In an earlier book when Robert Bly and I co-founded American Writers Against the Vietnam War, I wrote a line in a poem dedicated to Senator Wayne Morse (one of the very few who spoke up against the war) that The New York Times quoted: "Some of us were born in the wrong land to become war criminals." I would hate to have to change my assertion in that statement. Evidently Bush, Cheney, and Cabal still think they can turn us into complicit war criminals. May the day soon come when the Nuremburg rules will be used to bring them to justice. But first the American people will have to reject them one hundred percent and reinstate their (our) integrity. David Ray

Posted by: David Ray | July 14, 2007 7:35 PM

It's time for revolution. This government has usurped the power of "We the People" and has forgotten our noble roots. Liars and thieves must no longer rule. By the people, for the people? Not any more. Thank you Bill Moyers

Posted by: Julie Kinnear | July 14, 2007 7:25 PM

Dear Editors: I am disturbed that my message of this morning expressing my admiration for last night’s program and my strong desire to move forward on Impeachment was evidently blocked. Perhaps I inadvertently violated one of your rules? Was it by chance my mentioning my anti-war book or giving my web name??? Is poetry a verboten genre, as it is in most of the media? I’d appreciate clarification. THE SCORECARD As if he owns a baseball team our president often checks what he calls his Scorecard, how many of his guys -- meaning our team -- get killed daily and how many of their guys have been blown to ash in the previous twenty four hours. We’ve paid a lot for our tickets to this game, the play extended for over four years already. And now I hold a new scorecard, the poll of how many Americans are in favor of impeaching Bush and how many are for impeaching Cheney -- and how many, to get it over with, are for impeaching both, as if they are as one. I am not, however, holding my breath. A LIGHTER VERSION I am old enough to recall Edgar Bergen and his puppet...

Posted by: David Ray | July 14, 2007 7:19 PM

My reaction is something said before. I got this from Wikipedia. "In Sixteen Hundred and Forty-Eight When England suffered the pains of state The Roundheads lay siege to Colchester town Where the King's men still fought for the crown There One-Eyed Thompson stood on the wall A gunner of deadliest aim of all From St. Mary's Tower his cannon he fired Humpty-Dumpty was its name... " And we know the rest. "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again"

Posted by: Charles R. Donaldson | July 14, 2007 7:16 PM

You've made me glad to be an American again. I was feeling ashamed of it. I was feeling that I didn't care to travel. I was feeling very sad and disheartened. Thank you for your courage and your intelligence. Thank you for putting the constitution in focus. Thank the founding fathers for our democracy. Long may it live with good men and women keeping truth in their sights. Thank you, Bill Moyers.

Posted by: Ida Spaulding | July 14, 2007 7:16 PM

My reaction is something said before. I got this from Wikipedia. "In Sixteen Hundred and Forty-Eight When England suffered the pains of state The Roundheads lay siege to Colchester town Where the King's men still fought for the crown There One-Eyed Thompson stood on the wall A gunner of deadliest aim of all From St. Mary's Tower his cannon he fired Humpty-Dumpty was its name... " And we know the rest. "Humpty Dumpty sat on a wall. Humpty Dumpty had a great fall. All the king's horses and all the king's men Couldn't put Humpty together again"

Posted by: Charles R. Donaldson | July 14, 2007 7:16 PM

Why did the heading for this show change from 'Impeachment' to 'The War Debate'? anyway... Thank you for your show on IMPEACHMENT. It was bold, informative and courageous of you, and long overdue. It was, however, a SHOCKING OMISSION THAT YOU DID NOT MENTION ONCE THE ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT THAT HAVE 15 CONGRESS MEMBERS AND A SENATE MEMBER, BARBARA BOXER, behind them. YOU DID NOT MENTION ONCE DENNIS KUCINICH AND HIS ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT, WHO IS THE CONGRESSMAN OF STRENGTH AND COURAGE who has been standing up and fighting for our Constitution. YOU DID NOT MENTION ONCE JOHN CONYERS AND HIS ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT, who was on national TV last weekend discussing it. SIR, I DEMAND YOU MENTION THESE ON YOUR NEXT SHOW, OR KINDLY STEP DOWN YOURSELF. Sincerely, June Caldwell

Posted by: June Caldwell | July 14, 2007 7:16 PM

I can't believe we aren't having a revolution. We would be, except for the fact that the media is also controlled by rich corporate interests, in addition to Congress. Bush and his corporate cohorts stole the last two elections, destroyed the separation of church and state, got us into trillions of dollars of debt, started a war on false pretenses, and were probably behind 9/11. Not to mention vouchers, the undermining of women's rights, persecutions of gays, faith-based initiatives, packing the Supreme Court with evangelical fundamentalist fascists, and the incorporation of the Patriot Act. The American people know what is going on; they just have nowhere to turn because their legislators have abandoned them for corporate bribes. Since the only thing these people understand is profit, probably the only way to stop them will be through boycotts. Demonstrations will probably not be reported, because the media is bought in the same sense that Congress is bought. Therefore, the average person's only recourses will be speaking out with our voices and where we put our money. It's really insulting that these people think that all they have to do is talk about "Jesus" and "terror" and everyone will just roll over...

Posted by: freethinker2007 | July 14, 2007 6:57 PM

I second Rev. Lynn White's comments and consternation. Dennis Kucinich has brought articles of impeachment to the House. As of last week, he has mustered only 12 -- a measly 12! -- co-sponsors (one of whom, I'm proud to say, is my own Congressman, Sam Farr). It is time for the press -- mainstream and alternative -- to wake up to the fact that there ARE courageous people in Congress supporting the very things they claim are needed in our government. Unless these heroes get coverage, their work goes largely for naught. Please, Mr. Moyers, give Rep. Kucinich his due!

Posted by: Dan Shafer | July 14, 2007 6:46 PM

THANK YOU BRUCE FEIN. Finally, someone with conviction, courage, outrage. Impeach Cheney and Bush! Now! Do-nothing Democrats will not get my vote!

Posted by: NG Haiduck | July 14, 2007 6:39 PM

Millions of Americans have been awaiting this show for years, as I wrote here with gratitude shortly before it began last night. Based on the flood of comments now in place -- both on this thread and spilling over onto the poll page and others -- it certainly did provide the validation and hope that I expected. It's as if we've gathered 'round a campfire (or, more suitably for the season, a huge air-conditioning vent), where at last we can feel welcome and comfort, instead of anger and despair. Especially moving are the remarks from those who've thought themselves alone -- and from those who hadn't *quite* put it all together yet, but now see and even have joined in taking action. I second the appeals made by a couple of other viewers for you to dig into the terrifying National Security Directives NSPD 51 and HSPD-20, by which Shrub empowered himself to declare martial law and become permanent dictator in an instant, on any pretext of emergency. He also set himself up last year to use our troops against us on American soil, by wrenching control of the National Guard away from state governors (over their protests). And what...

Posted by: (The Other) Katherine Harris | July 14, 2007 6:26 PM

EXCELLENT PROGRAM! You are to be commended (as usual) for bringing this discussion to the fore. I do have one word of critique, however. I remain completely baffled as to WHY the vision, hard work, and unique statesmanship of REP. DENNIS KUCINICH continues to remain ~invisible~ on programs such as The Journal. How can you have a program devoted to Impeachment, bemoan the lack of Congressional leadership, and yet fail to even mention Kucinich's Resolution to Impeach??? It's as bad as in 2004, when everyone in the media, including PBS, spoke of Dean as "the Peace Candidate", when Dennis was the only TRUE Peace Candidate, having voted AGAINST the Iraq war, against the Patriot Act, and against everything the Bushites have done to errode our Constitution. He is the ONLY Presidential Candidate who has understood the necessity of our getting out of Iraq -- something he called for in 2004. The only one with a plan for Universal Health Care (CARE, not "coverage"). The only one calling for environmental responsibility that supports the Kyoto Protocols. The only one who would remove the US from NAFTA and the WTO. And on and on. And yet, it's like he doesn't exist. Little...

Posted by: Rev. Lynne White | July 14, 2007 6:09 PM

YOu censored my previous comment. Shame on Moyers, Nichols, and Fein for not mentioning Dennis Kucinich's impeachment effort. This was a grave disservice to Mr. Kucinich and to your viewers.

Posted by: Drew | July 14, 2007 6:08 PM

Thank you, Bill Moyers for providing us with the insights of John Nichols and Bruce Fein about the necessity for Congress to begin the impeachment process to prevent a Constitutional crisis, not to start one. Bush and Cheney want that crisis and are baiting Congress every day. Nancy Pelosi has to do her job. Elected officials are Americans first, and a bi-partisan effort is called for. We are waiting for statesmen and women to stand up and do the most important job of their lives:preserve the Republic from despots.

Posted by: Jo-Ann | July 14, 2007 6:03 PM

John Nichols was exactly right that impeachment is a solution to a constitutional crisis, which is why the misguided ideologues that voted to impeach Bill Clinton had clear political motivations. Once he owned up to the little white lie, the "crisis" was over. The witch-hunt that ensued was payback for Watergate and a blatant attempt to subvert the will of the people and grab power through any means. Inadvertently, Republicans tainted impeachment, possibly irreparably.

Posted by: Jim R | July 14, 2007 5:56 PM

Bravo, as always, to Mr. Moyers for continuing to be one of the very few voices in mass media journalism who dare to question, examine, think critically, educate, and speak truth to power. (Fred Friendly is smiling down on you for the way you handled the discussion). Mr. Moyers, you exemplify the essence of responsibilities citizens in a democracy must embrace in order to play a role in ensuring that this political experiment endures. And a special tip-of-the hat for keeping alive that moment in this past week's Senate hearings when we heard about the "oath to the President" rather than to the Constitution. It was a jewel of a moment. Additionally, Bruce Fein deserves great admiration and attention for his willingness to place country over political party. As always, Mr. Nichols remains one of the most insightful and important voices today. Some day, someone will connect all the dots -- from the 2000 election to now. I was present at the 2000 debacle; saw the ballots while participating in the national media's ballot study; and observed and wrote about the propaganda machine that led to what history will one day understand was a coup d'etat. At that moment, the...

Posted by: Aaron M. Cohen | July 14, 2007 5:38 PM

These days, the US is in a totally dysfunctional state! American citizens have been deliberately lied to and deceived by the current administration (in office illegally), so that the war machinery (what Eisenhower called the military/industrial complex) can make billions on an illegal war for supposed oil profits. Of course, there are none in a country torn by civil war. There are more than $600 billion US taxpayer dollars to kill innocent women and children half a world away, but no money for US citizens who are desperately tying to recover from the utter chaos of Hurricanes Rita and Katrina and the 1-million acre October 2003 southern California Firestorm. No money for social services; no money for health care; no money for the elderly; no money for education. For killing yes; for everything else: no. When are those in charge going to be held accountable? When are we going to really wake up? Impeachment is the Constitutional remedy. Further, the separation of church and state has been dramatically erroded as are the checks and balances, supposedly guaranteed by our beleaguered Constitution. If those in charge are not held accountable, the repercussions are staggering for all of us. Then, we...

Posted by: Dr. I.S. Perlingieri | July 14, 2007 5:25 PM

Hopefully the Republicans will reconsider having their National Convention 2008 in Florida, instead of St. Paul Minnesota. http://sicko-citystpaul.blogspot.com Government must be held accountable. Alcee Hastings was Inpeached as a Judge?

Posted by: Sharon Anderson | July 14, 2007 5:24 PM

Bill, I add my voice to this crowd of viewers who supported your discussion with Bruce Fein and John Nichols. I was metaphorically bowled over by the program. Immediately after it aired last night I sent e-mails to my congressional delegation (Mikulski, Cardin, Gilchrest) and to Nancy Pelosi. (I heard Bruce Fein again today being interviewed on WTOP-FM in Washington.) Thank you for all you do.

Posted by: Bill Riggs | July 14, 2007 5:04 PM

I have some idea about why this otherwise wonderful program left out Kucinich's impeachment bill. I think that even the most thoughtful and considerate journalists and scholars like Moyers, Nichols and Fein absorb the media's own cynicism around candidates like Kucinich or, on the Republican side, Ron Paul who do in fact speak from a place of deep conviction and intellectual scholarship that Fein alluded to. The mainstream media decides for us who our electable candidates are, casting off others as "unelectable" because they are too short or their ears stick out too much, but usually underneath the critique is the idea that the candidate is too idealistic and would never be elected by, what, our unidealistic populace? To give a case in point, in one of the first Republican presidential debates, Ron Paul spoke the unspeakable truth that our policies abroad might have had something to do with 9/11. Not only did the other candidates repudiate him altogether, the pundits covering him said things like "he's out of the race," or "he's really out there." Meanwhile, they were running a poll at the bottom of the screen as to who viewers preferred as their candidate--he won! The pundit didn't...

Posted by: Deborah Kory | July 14, 2007 5:04 PM

Bush and Cheney think and act like LAWLESS COWBOYS—over-reaching, making their own rules, even hunting and shooting without a license—and we need to rein them in PRONTO. It is time we demand BALANCE OF POWER action by our representatives! As John and Bruce disclosed, IMPEACHMENT is a provision our founding fathers created for use in times like today. Thanks Bill Moyer for your program. I really hope we can get some action. Most all of my acquaintances are feed up with Washington DC. For a change, it would be nice to have work place lunch conversations about what’s going right with our government; because, it’s been a daily hour of depression for the last several years. It would be nice to replay this program often. Thanks again!!!

Posted by: Paul Boise, Idaho | July 14, 2007 5:01 PM

I already sent an e-mail but wanted to ask, since I missed the show on impeachment, if there is any way to purchase it in VHS or DVD? Or will it be re-broadcast? Anyone's help would be appreciated. This is only the true show that I really respect. Thanks. Bob silversurf@thegrid.net

Posted by: Bob T. | July 14, 2007 4:52 PM

Early in 2003 when GWB & Co. were marketing the invasion of Iraq in the media, I was alarmed and dismayed at the seeming silence from those with the "microphone"(reporters and media journalists) to intelligently inspect and investigate the claims being made and debate them. It seemed a bad idea back then, and it's proven to be the opening of "Pandora's Box" that I and so many others feared would happen. Yes, others with legislative power (Congress)needed to be likewise highly engaged and focused on the potentially grave consequences of force against Iraq in lieu of smoking out radical Saudi sons that attack America. Thank you for focusing on impeachment and bringing it out in a discussion format that citizens can hear and view without all the political noise that drowns out the real ramifications of other-agenda-driven leadership at the cost of American lives, values and so much more. Let's postpone the campaigning and devote air-time to getting our government back on track.

Posted by: s.l. | July 14, 2007 4:51 PM

Mr. Moyers, Thank you for having John Nichols and Bruce Fein, two of the most eloquent spokesman on this issue. Impeachment and removal of President Bush and VP Cheney I am disappoint of leader of Democrats Senators President’s Reason turned to Reasons I believe there was no connection between Iraq “Saddam” with 9/11 at all Every body knew that! I want to ask Republican and Democrat and white house. Make me to understand, which one of the subject in below , was Reason : 1- Relation with Bel laden Now Reason going to be plural! 2- Weapon Mass distraction 3- Saddam is alive and he interfering with his people. 4- Terrorist 5- Algaedeh 6- Democracy 7- Protect America Now: 8- Human right, 9 - Peace in Iraq and Middle East 10 - Because we love them 11 - May be OIL or occupation 12- Training 13- To interfere: Iran and Syria, Pakistan 14- God chosen Bush for destroy Iraq and kill Iraqis Thank you

Posted by: Fahimeh Eghtessadi | July 14, 2007 4:41 PM

Thank you and your guests for being courageous and bringing the "i" word into the public discussion. Maybe now we can have that national conversation, which is long overdue. I always thought we made a mistake in not pursuing impeachment during Iran-contra. Was then vice-president George H.W. Bush really out of the loop? Hard to believe. Some of those same players are now involved in the antics of the current administration. Your guests made a good point–this isn't just about Bush/Cheney, it's about future presidents and what the precedent of inaction now will mean later. Impeachment hearings will help educate the American people about what has happened and what should not happen, if we are serious about protecting and defending our Constitution. We'll get to hear the pros and cons and get a better sense of who is representing us and how they think. That will be healthy for our democracy. I feel better already! Beginning that process doesn't have to result in a removal from office. Getting information out to the public is a first and important step. If we are going to continue this experiment called democracy, we need to look honestly at what has happened during this...

Posted by: Deborah Sumner | July 14, 2007 4:20 PM

Last night's episode is the reason why I no longer contribute to my local PBS station. Where is the balance? The highly estimable Mr. Moyers didn't even have the decency to have as a quest someone presenting an opposing viewpoint, but instead two semi whacked out rugbiters parroting the hard left mantra. This is journalistic integrity? PBS has long been accused of leftist slanting in its programming, and last night's episode only solidified that belief. Until PBS has some counter programming to balance that insufferably sanctimonious Mr. Moyers, my contributions stay in my poxket.

Posted by: Dan Daughty | July 14, 2007 4:10 PM

Wow! What a flood of self congratulations. Too, bad for you all that this impeachment stuff is a joke and a distraction. Listen folks, there is real work to do as the current group of pols we have, both Demos and Repugs, are clearly not up to the job. These fuzzy headed liberal flights of fancy are merely a distraction in a time of danger. The infighting merely gives our enemies aid and comfort whether they are hiding in Pakistan or in a religious school in England or Patterson NJ. This is a world war against us. We need leadership that will bring the war to them. We need more troops in Afghanistan and Iraq and will probably need to take out the regimes in Iran and Syria as well. As to various improprieties at home, it’s all been seen and done before. The US has survived several bouts of attempted fascism. This one is the weakest so far. The sky is not falling, though the mindless dissent at home is killing our boys overseas. Bill, I met you many years ago. You seemed like a thoughtful and honest guy. Your program on impeachment was a joke. You and PBS...

Posted by: Cincinnatus | July 14, 2007 3:59 PM

The show on Impeachment was a clarion call and yet I see little outrage in the press or other blogs. That shows how low we have sunk. The Civics education of our citizenry coupled with the duplicity of our press (they must be missing half of the fun of being reporters) are leading this nation to the brink of a dictatorship or a theocracy of the right. As we said in Vietnam, same-same.

Posted by: Regis | July 14, 2007 3:54 PM

Thank you Bill for another great show on the subject of Impeachment. But I am really at a loss to understand how you could fail to know (or knowing, fail to acknowledge) House Resolution 333 by Dennis Kucinich calling for the impeachment of Dick Chenney. I hope you will correct the oversight in your next broadcast, and not let "politics" stop you from supporting a politician who is trying to "do the right thing" even without the support of his own democratic party leadership. Regards. Douglas Hughes

Posted by: Douglas Hughes | July 14, 2007 3:43 PM

Thank you to Bill Moyers, your guests and PBS. The online stream quality was excellent! Several things need to occur in this American mess we are living through. The overwhelming number of abuses by the Executive Branch require the Impeachment and removal of President Bush and VP Cheney. These are not men who learn to do the right thing when confronted. A conflict of interest may exist for Ms Pelosi leading the charge because she stands to benefit from the removal, as Speaker of the House. If the Democrats are to find enough serious Republican members of Congress to approach impeachment, they need to overcome this hurdle. The succession rules should be as follows: with the removal of both Bush and Cheney, the presidential successors should be a moderate Republican and VP successor a moderate Democrat. The replacements would neither be able to run in 2008 or publicly endorse any of the candidates running. Congress should then consider the role an undiversified media has played in the power grab exercised by Bush & Cheney. Laws should be created which force media conglomerates to loosen their grip on media monopoly outlets throughout the US marketplace. We have to be willing to...

Posted by: Mike Murphy | July 14, 2007 3:42 PM

This shameful occupation must end.

Posted by: Susan | July 14, 2007 3:38 PM

sign the IMpeachment petitions at www.ImpeachBush.org and at www.democrats.com. On September 15, there will be a march on Washington DC to protest the war and call for impeachment resolutions. Mr. Moyers, thank you for opening my eyes and ears.

Posted by: Syvi | July 14, 2007 3:35 PM

I found this conversation to be a breath of fresh air. I was very disappointed there was no mention of Dennis Kucinich. Fein sain we need a congressperson to stand not with party but with the constitution. Kucinich did LITERALLY that very thing, pulling out his pocket constitution at a presidential debate. Any serious impeachment conversation needs mention Dennis Kucinich. Better yet interview him!!!

Posted by: Matt | July 14, 2007 3:33 PM

God Bless America! This is the best piece on honest reporting I have seen. God Bless you Bill and the real Americans on your show. Frank G.

Posted by: Frank J. Gianattasio | July 14, 2007 3:24 PM

I agreed with everything Nichols and Fein said except one, once the impeachment starts it should finish only with those two treasonus swine behind bars. Not stop if they copitulate they were wrong. And that would be the result of accountability. Not just for the deaths in Iraq, the still free roaming Osama Bin Laden, but for all those young men and women whose injuries will never be whole again, and espeeically those who through manipulation of rules have lost all benefits for their injuries. Thanks Mr. Moyer, Mr. Nichols and Mr. Fein for opening up this can of worms. Stella

Posted by: stella watkins | July 14, 2007 3:17 PM

I really appreciated your program and guests last evening. It was nice to have experts explain what Impeachment is and how it works to make our democracy stronger. Please re-air this program. It is important that people have an opportunity to see it. Each of us needs to send a letter to our representatives and to the Speaker demanding they start the impeachment process of both Vice President Cheney and President Bush. It is important to remind Congress that they are a separate, equal branch of government and it is time to take back the power that constitutionally resides with them as an institution. This is not a partisan issue, as a matter of fact the Democrats don't seem to know what to do and the media is still asleep at the wheel.

Posted by: Diane Zeck | July 14, 2007 3:14 PM

Thank you once again Bill Moyers for another intelligent discourse on our sorry state of affairs in this country. So sad & troubled that you are not on MSM.

Posted by: Nadine 11 | July 14, 2007 3:14 PM

There existed in the founders of our republic a unique “exceptionalism”. They were exceptional precisely because they new they were not exceptional. This was at the heart of the debates of the Federalists (Hamilton, Madison, Jay) and the Anti-federalist (Patrick Henry) that led to our Constitution and a system of governmental “checks and balances” that limited the “exceptionalism” of any one branch of government. Sadly, I doubt of many have even ever read the Federalist papers or the Anti-Federalist papers. These papers describe the worries of the framers and anticipate events that are happening before our very eyes today. The constitution was framed to provide these protections. Unfortunately, the last 100 years, has seen the “just powers from the consent of the people” given up as both political parties have acted to usurp or individual liberty for the “good of the governed”. The failure here is in the executive branch, the legislative branch, the judicial branch, the free press and, I am sorry to say, in “we the people”. Liberty never comes easy.

Posted by: David Stocker | July 14, 2007 3:05 PM

If the Democratic Party had any brains or balls, they would make the show with Bruce Fein and John Nichols the center piece of their next effort to become relevant.

Posted by: larry w zuberbier | July 14, 2007 2:55 PM

Thanks, Bill. The real problem here is the corporate media. They are not interested in the truth, it might interfere with profits. We must over-ride the corporate media and force this issue of protecting our Constitution, and as Mr Nichols said, negating the pillage of the Bushies so it won't be passed on...And since Ms. Pelosi won't do it, she must be pushed aside for someone who will stand up for principle!!

Posted by: keith brewer | July 14, 2007 2:45 PM

The next Republican president will just continue on with the 'endless war.' Bruce Fein is right -- any one us can be picked up, declared an enemy combatant, and held forever in a 'gulag'. They said that it couldn't happen here. It already has! Begin impeachment now! ~

Posted by: Dickey Fuller | July 14, 2007 2:39 PM

Does anyone know when this show will be available to purchase from PBS?

Posted by: Renee | July 14, 2007 2:34 PM

An outstanding program. The scary part is how future presidents(e.g. Guilini) will continue & expand the illegal activities of Bush/Cheney as presidential "rights"

Posted by: Frank Carr | July 14, 2007 2:09 PM

Great show! Glad to see impeachment making it to TV. What can people do? They can email their US Representatives http::/www.house.gov/writerep/ and ask him/her to suppport House Resolution 333--the Kucinich bill calling for the impeachment of Cheney. Better yet--call toll free: 1 800 962-3254. Contact the House Judiciary Committee and tell them to begin the impeachment investigations now. Feel free to add Bush to the impeachment agenda; Bush and Cheney are equally guilty of extreme abuses of power. Write letters to the editor of your hometown paper calling for impeachment. Hold educational events showing this video or the Center for Congresssional Rights video--How to Impeach a President. Stand on street corners with signs saying Honk for impeachment--it will feel great for you to hear the support. Organize--get petitions signed. Go to local political party meetings and ask them to endorse a resolution for impeachment. Go to your state legislature and ask them to pass a resolution calling for impeachment--Congress has to act if they receive a resolution from the state legislature--it is in their rule book. Visit Afterdowningstreet.org and ImpeachTV.org Both are great websites but there are many others. Vocally refuse to conribute to the spineless Democrats who are more...

Posted by: G Johnson | July 14, 2007 2:07 PM

Many thanks to Bill Moyers for the show with Nichols and Fein. Perhaps people without access to the internet will finally be informed of the criminality of the Bush Cheney gang. If Nixon had been hanged for Watergate, would the Shrub have been more reluctant to launch a war of aggression? I suspect so. Let's don't repeat the mistake of 1974. Bush-Cheney and the entire neocon cabal, all the way down to the laptop bombardiers like Bill Kristol, deserve to be prosecuted for war crimes and punished appropriately. Over a million deaths are directly attributable to this gang. They are mass murderers and deserve the punishment. Impeachment, the first step in cleansing America of this putrid and fetid regime, should begin immediately!

Posted by: Don Hull | July 14, 2007 1:57 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, First, thank you for the most informative show on impeachment I have seen in any medium except for written and video interviews with Elizabeth Holtzman, who has been ahead of most people on this issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwiSyIbeYjI Thank you for having John Nichols and Bruce Fein, two of the most eloquent spokesman on this issue. We would offer two friendly recommendations. First, please don't push your devil's advocate role too far. Ask probing, informed questions, as you do so beautifully. But there is no point in giving any more voice than necessary to ill-informed objections to impeachment. Second, please recognize that there are several true statesmen in the U.S. Congress who were working to address the Bush administration's transgressions long before Bush's poll numbers dropped: John Conyers, Henry Waxman, Dennis Kucinich, Maxine Waters, and Russ Feingold. There are others, but these are among the most prominent. We should recognize and thank them. PBS has at times unfortunately succumbed to the pressure from the right to dumb down its offerings to the American people. Thank you for resisting that pressure. Your program should be rerun repeatedly. Put it on Google video and YouTube. You should also give copies on...

Posted by: Clark and Barbara Forrest | July 14, 2007 1:53 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, First, thank you for the most informative show on impeachment I have seen in any medium except for written and video interviews with Elizabeth Holtzman, who has been ahead of most people on this issue: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fwiSyIbeYjI Thank you for having John Nichols and Bruce Fein, two of the most eloquent spokesman on this issue. We would offer two friendly recommendations. First, please don't push your devil's advocate role too far. Ask probing, informed questions, as you do so beautifully. But there is no point in giving any more voice than necessary to ill-informed objections to impeachment. Second, please recognize that there are several true statesmen in the U.S. Congress who were working to address the Bush administration's transgressions long before Bush's poll numbers dropped: John Conyers, Henry Waxman, Dennis Kucinich, Maxine Waters, and Russ Feingold. There are others, but these are among the most prominent. We should recognize and thank them. PBS has at times unfortunately succumbed to the pressure from the right to dumb down its offerings to the American people. Thank you for resisting that pressure. Your program should be rerun repeatedly. Put it on Google video and YouTube. You should also give copies on...

Posted by: Clark and Barbara Forrest | July 14, 2007 1:53 PM

please re-run this program in prime time-over and over, and make sure that the members of Congress who can act do see it. We will do all we can but this is so powerful-they need to be reminded to take their power bsck.

Posted by: jenne carritt | July 14, 2007 1:26 PM

My appologies, I got out website wrong. For more information on the Los Angeles Impeachment Center go to... http://www.bcimpeach.com

Posted by: Jim Bean | July 14, 2007 1:24 PM

I enjoyed your, "Talk of Impeachment" segment in last night's Journal. It gave me some very good talking points to use. Bruce Fein and John Nichols are absolutely correct in saying that NOT going forward with impeachment would set a dangerous precident for future administrations. Locally, (Los Angeles), we have opened an Impeachment Center, where local activists can contribute time every Saturday from 2pm-6pm, for phone banking, letter writing, and strategizing, on how to go about getting the impeachment proceedings started. For details go to; http://www.bcimpeachment.com One thing that wasn't mentioned last night is Dennis Kucinich's bill HR333. Both John Nichols, and Bruce Fein asked, "Where is the leadership?" Well gentlemen, here it is. Please don't ignore this effort just because Kucinich is running for President, I'm sure he'd be doing this even if he wasn't. At the opening of our "Impeachment Center" on July 4th, both Maxine Waters and Jackie Goldberg showed up and spoke in support of these efforts. So Kucinich is not alone in this. So the leadership is here. You just have to look for it. This is not something mainstream Democrats want us doing, so you aren't going to hear about our existence from them.

Posted by: Jim Bean | July 14, 2007 12:50 PM

Thank you Bill! I was glued to the t.v. I challenge everyone to send a donation to PBS to thank them and to continue to air this show..send the link to your friends and Nancy Pelosi & representatives as I did. We have to wake up...read the Constitution, know what John Nichols and Bruce Fein were speaking of...WE THE PEOPLE!

Posted by: Mary Pat Fody | July 14, 2007 12:31 PM

Finally, a reasoned, intelligent and uplifting discussion of IMPEACHMENT. The most relevant point made was about how this is not about a personal attack upon Bush or Cheney. No, that was the way it was with Clinton because that is what motivates the right. What they fail to understand on that side of the political spectrum is that those of us on the left are deeply concerned with our constitutional form of governance. We are presented here with a democracy in critical condition. Vital signs are all in the red. What is needed is surgery. Impeachment is the scalpel. Time to operate. www.putpeopleoverprofit.org

Posted by: lee | July 14, 2007 12:28 PM

Finally, a reasoned, intelligent and uplifting discussion of IMPEACHMENT. The most relevant point made was about how this is not about a personal attack upon Bush or Cheney. No, that was the way it was with Clinton because that is what motivates the right. What they fail to understand on that side of the political spectrum is that those of us on the left are deeply concerned with our constitutional form of governance. We are presented here with a democracy in critical condition. Vital signs are all in the red. What is needed is surgery. Impeachment is the scalpel. Time to operate. www.putpeopleoverprofit.org

Posted by: lee | July 14, 2007 12:28 PM

So we wrote to our Senators and included links to your great show. The outrage has been evident and going on for years, so what can we really do next. "We the people"

Posted by: jerry rubin | July 14, 2007 12:12 PM

Thank you for your show last night. I am recommending it to everyone who is frustrated with what is happening to our counttry, which is just about anyone I know. The 2 negative comments I read only serve to reinforce my convictions that the extreme right is very, very wrong and totally unable to see that what they seem to advocate is only leading us further away from democracy and hurting the very republic that defends thier right to be so wrong. If it were not so serious, one could almost laugh at their ignorance.

Posted by: Cyndy | July 14, 2007 12:10 PM

Bill Moyers has shown again and again what we have lost in our privately owned media: the deep, thoughtful, truthful, intelligent look at the world a country must have if it is to preserve a free and democratic society. For the most part, the so-called Fourth Estate, the Media (that the Founders counted on) has fallen into the hands of special interests. It, therefore, should be no surprise that the people are becoming dangerously easy to lead astray. Without good knowledge and thoughtful open discussion, democracy has no chance. Bill Moyers is a light in a growing dark. We owe him and public television much. Robert Stanley jqcat@comcast.net

Posted by: Robert & Mary Stanley | July 14, 2007 12:03 PM

Thank you, Bill Moyers, John Nichols and Bruce Fein! Bill, please re-air this program often and please continue this very necessary discussion. I would also very much like to see a program on Presidential Directive 51, which bush signed in May 2007, allowing him to declare a state of martial law. Concerned citizens (and we all need to be VERY concerned), please: 1) Write your elected officials, Nancy Pelosi, and Harry Reid, including a link to Bill’s program and Presidential Directive 51 (below). Demand they take necessary action to preserve our country and our Constitution – this is their job. 2) Write your local newspapers, TV and radio stations, including a link to Bill’s program and Presidential Directive 51. Demand they do their job. Let them know you will drop them and seek out your news elsewhere if they do not provide substantive, honest coverage – and if they don’t, follow through on your promise. 3) Communicate with your family, friends, neighbors, class mates and give them the link or transcript for last night’s program and Presidential Directive 51. 4) Support those elected officials who are in favor of impeachment – write John Conyers, Dennis Kucinich, Maxine Waters, etc. These...

Posted by: Diane | July 14, 2007 12:03 PM

To Guy Bergeson who wonders why the posts here don't contain well reasoned arguments in favor of impeachment, but instead just gratitude to Mr. Moyers. That's because the program itself contained the reasons, expressed eloquently and powerfully. Everyone is thanking him for speaking the truth. You're post suggests Americans stop being divisive and focus on what brings us together. What if, during the American revolution, they had accepted that advice? Just something to think about.

Posted by: Matt Tyson | July 14, 2007 12:02 PM

The show on impeachment last night was a graduate seminar on the subject. I agree that we ARE IN a constitutional crisis and it is past time to act. I wish you had addressed the impeachment of the Attorney General as well. We are at a dangerous point; the DoJ and the judiciary are both now filled with individuals who believe they have sworn to protect and defend the President, not the Constitution and the corporate media is owned by Defense Industry or ideologues who support the neo-conservative world view. The corporate media has become an extension of the Whitehouse PR function. There is a real question as to whether the DoJ would actually pursue any case against the Administration. The Democratic majority in congress is still trying to figure out how to function as a majority and seize control of the reigns of power --they are afraid of the Administration, afraid of the minority party and afraid of the media. When do we finally storm the barricades?

Posted by: Wanda S | July 14, 2007 12:00 PM

Thank you Mr. Moyers for offering legitimacy to the debate over impeachment. I for one would be satisfied with impeaching V.P. Cheney and letting President Bush limp into history. There is more than amble evidence that this pair has done great harm to the Constitution and to the Nation and deserve all that history will write of them but now - right now the country needs desperately to become a democratic republic again and impeachment is the only real solution.

Posted by: Glenda Turck | July 14, 2007 12:00 PM

I am thankful to live in a state that proudly airs Bill Moyer's Journal. Last night's discussion of impeachment and the blatant disregard of our constitution by Bush and Cheney was powerful. It was so much more than a bunch of talking heads trying to steal a few more moments on the camera. These were men sharing their intelligence and convictions with us and above all their love for our constitution and our nation. The fact that I label these men as brave speaks to the fear and terror which Bush and all those behind him want to spread. We must never forget that we are a nation of laws.

Posted by: Kathy Barger | July 14, 2007 12:00 PM

A previous poster made the statement that this program should be required viewing for each person who purports to represent us. Well, I would like to take it a step further......this program should be required viewing for ANYONE who claims to be an American. There seems to be so much ignorance about the contents of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights that one has to wonder whether schools are teaching basic government any more. Today things are blatently partisan, but your program shows how one can take opposing factions and debate them in a manner which does not end up being a Republican Party vs. Democratic Party debate. By choosing a representative from each end of the political spectrum and having such a balanced and successful conversation which looks at each facet of the problem, you have demonstrated to all how to conduct a conversation to the benefit of the American Public rather than having one side winning and one side losing. Thank you so very much--I just wish this had a bigger audience. Like I said at the beginning of this post--should be required viewing for all.

Posted by: Linda McGlaughlin | July 14, 2007 11:59 AM

How very interesting. I just scrolled through the comments on this blog. I'll admit I didn't read all of them, I just skimmed through them. What is interesting is the lack of well reasoned comments. There are hundreds of posts here. Most of them say “Thank you Mr. Moyer,” and little else. What is more interesting is the tone of the negative comments. I have read all of them. They are all full of vitriolic anger and name calling. How very interesting. Earlier this week I listened to the last part of Mr. Clintons address at the Harry Truman library. I must admit that I am not and never have been a fan of Mr. Clinton. However, what he had to say made sense. Why are we focusing on the very, very small portion of our lives that are different and not on the things where we’re the same? Why focus on the divisive issues rather than the uniting ones? What is wrong with America that we cannot agree to disagree without being disagreeable? Anyway, some questions for you all to think about….

Posted by: Guy Bergeson | July 14, 2007 11:48 AM

Thank you Mr. Moyers. Your voice is crucial in this, our constitution's darkest hour. I only wish Speaker Pelosi was sitting at the table with you three gentleman. It is far past time to show Cheney and Bush the exit door.

Posted by: Michael | July 14, 2007 11:48 AM

This was one of the finest hours every on television. It should be required viewing for EVERY American, perticularly our spineless representatives.

Posted by: Steve | July 14, 2007 11:47 AM

Dennis Kucinich's name has become synonymous with impeaching Bush and Cheney. This is because the only impeachment legislation was filed by him against Cheney as a first step towards impeaching both Bush and Cheney. Officially 13 co-sponsors are listed in the Library of Congress. The only person it makes sense to interview on the subject of impeachment is the author of the bill, Dennis Kucinich. Please invite him to your show if you want an informed discussion of the topic.

Posted by: Ruth | July 14, 2007 11:43 AM

It was therapeutic to watch the program last night. My dismay with the state of the nation has grown into near-despair. All standards of justice and morality seem to fail against the arrogant power ensconced in the White House. The program reminds one that ideas and ideals do have potency. The American experiment has seemed doomed of late, the egregious affronts to its basic premises going unchecked. The program last night recommends a response that is commensurate with the threat. Impeachment is the only effective response to our leaders' actions. Thank you for stating it clearly.

Posted by: Matt Tyson | July 14, 2007 11:41 AM

Thank you! Thank you! Thank You Bill Moyers for having two individuals who forcefully spoke out on the Constitutional importance of moving ahead with impeaching the Bush Administration! They both gave credible evidence that it must be done before we move into the next administration. I wrote to each of my representatives this morning with a link to your program, and sent copies to their aides. Now I hope that we will be begin to see some action. Your program gave me hope for the first time in 6 years that something could be done! As to the media....well, we need an investigation there, too. We are not getting all of the news. I'm also concerned about the power of money and some lobby groups, particularly those that lobby for one interest ~ to the exclusion of hearing both sides of the situation, such as AIPAC, the powerful Israeli lobby. Where are the supporters of Human Rights in congress? Where are the "checks and balances"? I get most of my news now from the internet. What happens to those that don't have access to the Internet? Thank you again, Mr. Moyers, for a very enlightening program!

Posted by: Dottie Villesvik | July 14, 2007 11:38 AM

This should be required listening for everyone who purports to represent us in Congress. I hope Nancy Pelosi is listening.

Posted by: Claudia Corum | July 14, 2007 11:35 AM

I was so happy to see this program. They've deserved impeachment for most of their tenure and yet there hasn't been a serious discussion of the subject on national television until now. For those who decry the one-sidedness of the broadcast, I say tonight's show just begins to redress the imbalance of the past six years.

Posted by: Mark Young | July 14, 2007 11:32 AM

Thank you MR. Moyers.

Posted by: ScrewDriver | July 14, 2007 11:28 AM

Thank you. I was waivering on impeachment, but not anymore. These two thinkers really persuaded me that for the sake of the constitution, we must pursue impeachment. Elequont, profound, educational and moving segment. Should be a must for everyone in Congress to shame them into the truth.

Posted by: Stellaa | July 14, 2007 11:17 AM

Bill Moyers....You have outdone yourself! Last nights program on impeachment was the best I've seen on the current fractured nature of the Bush "government."I use quotation marks on this last word to indicate that we really don't have a government. What we have is a cabal of plotters,operating out of the Oval office, and motivated by their lust for power and control, and a complete disregard for the 232 year history of our constitution. So be it!

Posted by: david batch | July 14, 2007 11:17 AM

I have forwarded the link to your brilliant discussion to a hundred friends. I agree with above posters that this is long past due. Please try to do something about midwest pbs stations that do not carry NOW or Bill Moyers Journal. there are places in the midwest where the only radio is owned by FOX. without your program to wake up the sleeping sheep, they are fed only a daily diet of hate and fearmongering. please try to influence midwest stations to carry your program.

Posted by: Lila York | July 14, 2007 11:12 AM

Why doesn't someone recommend that we impeach them all. Public satisfaction with the job lawmakers are doing has fallen 11 points since May, to 24 percent, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll yesterday. That's lower than for President Bush, who hasn't fared well lately, either. I guess it is Moyers, Fein and Nichols evening of "Bush Bashing". They would never bash Pelosi et el.

Posted by: frank | July 14, 2007 11:11 AM

Thank you, Mr. Moyers for the most electrifying hour of TV this year

Posted by: Bernd Peterson | July 14, 2007 11:03 AM

Bill Moyers program on impeachment was great with the exception of two points not mentioned: 1. Dennis Kucinich has initiated a movement for impeachment and nine other House members have joined. 2. during a presidential meeting with aides in the White House, one of the aides suggested that an action that Mr. Bush was proposing might be unconstitutional and to that suggestion Mr. Bush is reported to have said "The Constitution is nothing but a god-damned piece of paper." This utter disdain if not outright contempt of our Constitution by a person who took an oath to uphold this Constitution is enough reason to impeach and one the average citizen is capable of understanding and hence, get behind and support Mr. Kucinich's bill for impeachment.

Posted by: Dolores Boot | July 14, 2007 10:51 AM

Thank you Bill Moyers and guests for your program tonight. I have been outraged by the blatant disregard of the Constitution, the Bill of Rights and the rule of law this admistration has demonstrated the past 6 plus years. Today I will again write to Nancy Pilosi and my representatives and encourage them to support the impeachment of Bush and Cheney.

Posted by: Annette | July 14, 2007 10:45 AM

I believe the Democrats are too scared to impeach. They know how slippery this administration is and if impeachment fails, it will then be the Democrats that will look ineffective going into the '08 election. Pelozi and most Dem's are just trying to wait it out while more and more Republican scandals come to light. While I personally oppose this inaction on the part of Democrats, you have to agree that the "average" American grew dissatisfied with the Iraq war only after tiring of the daily reports about roadside bombs for all these years. Perhaps the correct play is to wait for the "average" American voter to tire of this administration's scandals and the Republican candidates who stand with them rather than risk being "swift boated" by a failed impeachment attempt.

Posted by: Rob Davis | July 14, 2007 10:30 AM

We should have flayed The Great Satan Milhouse and tacked his hide to the Rose Garden tool shed door when we had the chance, so that all future presidents could look out the Oval Office window and be warned not to mess with the will and the rights of the American People! W and Shotgun Dick are not right-wing, conservative, Republican, Christians … they are royalists and CRIMINALS who make Nixon’s faults pale in comparison.

Posted by: Beverley Herbert | July 14, 2007 10:23 AM

I applaude anybody that airs a program for the betterment of society and hold accountable those that wish to abort our constitutional rights. I think Impeachment should have happened before now and for many obvious reasons. Not only have Bush and Cheney committ acts of treason against you and me and all Americans, they have snubbed the voters on a daily basis. But the most blatant consequences will follow our great nation for many generatons to come. I truely believe that that this war was only a tool to make a further division in the wealth distribution in our society. If one would look at the facts that since 911, Halliburton, Bechtel, Chevron Oil, and others have quadrupled the value of their holdings. It is a war machine to provide great wealth to a few at the expense of the populace. The US has the 13th largest oil reserves and is the number one consumer. It makes sense that we would want more oil for our use, but everybody ignors the fact that there exists many new forms of energy that could not only make our environment healthier and cleaner, but could make energy almost free. It is the oil...

Posted by: Joe M | July 14, 2007 10:19 AM

Congrats to Mr. Moyers, it isn't just a rummor, brave journalists really are still out there. Wish they were rabbits, and would multiply soooooooon. We need them!! Wish Mr. Fein's impassioned speech could be sent to Senators Arlen Specter and Patrick Leahy. They need a little fire!! For my part, I am looking for a readable copy of Bill Moyers Essay: War Debate. I am looking for someone he quoted during the essay. Where do I go? Thanks, again for a quality program. Chris Eirschele

Posted by: Chris Eirschele | July 14, 2007 9:51 AM

Thank you for another great program-We need to send Bruce Fein into Congress & turn him loose! Kudos to Sen. Joseph Biden Jr.-It's great to see someone in congress speaking from the heart and with emotion, not reading a speech on the podium that someone else wrote-I think Sen. Lindsey Graham was trying to rock us to sleep with that side to side motion or maybe he needed to use the little boys room-either way I was getting motion sickness from watching him. Sen. Joe Lieberman-He's a Schmuck! Seems like he is reading a statement written by a "Speechalist" he borrowed from GW. Sen. John McCain-he does not seem to have conviction in his words anymore, he's just "staying his course"-and that's a fact, a fact, a fact-and that's a fact. Kudos to Sen. Barbara Boxer-You go Girl! Another Senator that shows they care-or at least displays emotion-Does Iraq have a 2nd Amendment like the United States has? Theirs must be for the right to bare arms to defend against insurgents and ours is meant to defend ourselves against any Police State situation-applicable to Los Angeles area only (must be a legal resident or US Citizen-Green Cards are not...

Posted by: Jeff Findeis | July 14, 2007 9:46 AM

I note that among the posters concerning your program, come the inevitable, vacuous dupes of the right-wing propaganda corps. If their observations were not such clear evidence of their unalloyed ignorance of the rule of law and of their willingness to see the Constitution trampled upon in the name of security in a climate of fear fueled daily by the quasi-fascist rightwingers now in control of the Republican party, then the rest of us could all join in hilarious laughter at their misguided rants.

Posted by: Suasponte | July 14, 2007 9:29 AM

Mr. Moyers, I viewed online your journal from last night. First of all, thank you. I was reminded about the broadcast while reading a blog this morning (on Daily Kos). The discussion between Messers Fein and Nichols had me cheering out loud! I am moved to action. Although still undergoing chemotherapy, on my good days I will get one of those signs that say ENOUGH and drive downtown to the Capitol Building and walk around. And if or when someone asks me why, I will say it is time to hold them (Cheney and Bush) to account. God Bless America!

Posted by: L V Jones | July 14, 2007 9:28 AM

Thank you, Bill Moyers and PBS, for another outstanding and inspiring broadcast! Your discussion with Bruce Nichols and Bruce Fein on July 13 has persuaded me to contact Congress to push for impeachment of Bush and Cheney.

Posted by: Lynn Anderson | July 14, 2007 9:24 AM

Allow a slightly different emphasis, would you: This program needs to be rerun on EVERY station. This may sound crazy, but some thinking way outside the box may be useful. Clearly, the people need to put CONSTANT pressure on congress to move forward on this. If the people --- who do not have this duty as WHAT THEY ARE PAID FOR, that is, how they secure an income to live from day to day --- are to effectively apply this pressure to congress, they need to be fired up to overcome the inertia of the reality of how politicians act on a day to day, nay moment to moment basis. If the media provided the impetus by widely running this program periodically over the next say five months, the consciousness of a critical mass of the people may be raised and sustained to the point of no return. That is the impeachment proceedings will proceed. Metaphorically, the snowball, or should I say leadball, once given the necessary impulse, will be off and running. I'm sure there are myriad reasons why the media cannot and/or should not do such a thing. I say this: Most people look at what is and...

Posted by: POLpursun | July 14, 2007 9:23 AM

Having read the bloggers comments it amazes me that there are so few critics. Aside for the remarkable omissions on HR 333 by Kucinich to Inpeach Cheney, voter fraud (Sen. Kennedy-D-MA and Sen. Whitehouse-D-RI started an investigation into the use of "caging lists" to entrap legal voters)and the Progressive Democrats that are practicing the called for statemenship that is called for-a few others the stray critics either were few calling for the typical nit-picking to raise doubt & spinning the facts to retell the facts in a light that leads to an illogical conclusion which we have grown accustomed to that has replaced factual analysis. This show was very convincing & logical, but how many people that sheepishly hide behind the Bush-Cheney full frontal assault on the constitution were watching or does logic really work when it is given a chance? As you pounded on with your questions, these actions By Bush-Cheney are undisputable- the only explanation is is this necessary because of the so-called war on terror and if you think it is how is it working? Further, if the constitution needs to be suspended, why has this not come before congress? They are not particularly willing to stand...

Posted by: Robert Malin | July 14, 2007 9:00 AM

This nation faces a constitutional crisis. Shall the president and the vice president continue to act without oversight, with the claim of "national security" attached to every piece of paper emerging from the executive office. Secrets abound, and the impeial presidency builds and builds, leaving the rest of us in the dark about matters of major conern, not only regarding Iraq and Afghanistan, but civil liberties as well. I did not participate in WW 2 in order for this country to slide into a dictatorship but that seems to me to be what's happening. Sad day indeed. Both holders of executive power should be impeached NOW!

Posted by: Robert Allen | July 14, 2007 8:59 AM

As always a great show however, I was somewhat dismayed by the fact that in an hour of talking impeachment neither you nor either of your guests thought it important to mention Dennis Kucinich's HR 333 for the impeachment of Dick Cheney. I utterly fail to understand why the media continues to marginalize one of the few true Statesmen who actually adheres to the will and best interests of the people in performing his duties in Congress, while promoting the most "self serving" of candidates and declaring them "front runner". Bill, your show is undoubtedly one of the finest hours on television each week, but I am quite befuddled that Dennis nor HR 333 didn't even garner a mention in last nights broadcast. I for one hope you will take a moment to relate to your viewers the reason(s) behind and obvious snub.

Posted by: Eric | July 14, 2007 8:53 AM

I am in complete agreement with another blogger who wrote: “Bill Moyers is the absolute best in broadcasting.” “…he and his guests -- Democrat and Republican alike; conservative and liberal alike were united and one in their understanding of exactly what we are about, what the genius of Founders knew about tyranny and what is at risk in this country…” When we talk about protecting our country...our national security...what is it that we are protecting if not our civil liberties? We "average Americans" need to behave as citizens and not children of our country. Impeachment hearings are a needed response to the constitutional crisis that we are in....impeachment hearings are not a constitutional crisis. I hope that we move forward with impeachment hearings for both Bush and Cheney.

Posted by: Vickie Malis | July 14, 2007 8:53 AM

Excellent program. We need more like this. The next one should be discussing how the hesitancy of congress's leaders is directly proportional to the load of corporate money, perks and cushy post-congress jobs shoveled their way.

Posted by: mgriffin | July 14, 2007 8:50 AM

We need to do the right thing and get Iraq squared away. But it looks like most of use are not willing to pay the price and the rest of the world has proven they are willing to let America do it all. So we are now loosing with Washington jumping on board to take advantage of America's lose next Fall. Makes me sick to see so few with the guts to do the right thing. They are all in Iraq.

Posted by: Chris Wisehart | July 14, 2007 8:48 AM

I agree with the idea of impeachment of Bush and Cheney, especially because of the idea of deterring future presidents from this style of executive management... My wife believes it's the only way to keep our country from going the way of the Roman Empire and all of its excesses.

Posted by: John | July 14, 2007 8:31 AM

Thanks Bill for a brilliant discussion. King Dick and his patsy George have brought our country to its lowest point since its birth. I've never marched for anything nor written a blog but you've propelled me to get off my buns. Impeach this monarchy!

Posted by: Yvonne | July 14, 2007 8:23 AM

The only reason you could air this shameful program last night is because of the freedom in America, which this administration fights hard to protect. However, it is a high crime for the media, a self-appointed "4th branch" as one called it in the program, to spend tax payers money and mislead people. It is obviously a one-sided and distorted report. There wasn't any "debate" in the program. I am calling my Congressmen to eliminate tax money to go to PBS!

Posted by: Danny | July 14, 2007 8:19 AM

Superb! Impeach, impeach, impeach, and then try as war criminals. I believe this is the only way our country will ever recover any type of standing in the world - showing that we have the "guts" to do to our own what we do to others. No wonder people hate us.

Posted by: Deb Hall | July 14, 2007 8:13 AM

Bill, Thank you and your guests for expressing what I could not articulate as well. That little piece of paper, The Constitution of the United States of America, is all that stands between totalitarianism and us. It is long past the time that Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney are called to account for their illegal actions and their attempt to hide what they are doing. The Constitution must be defended. The strategy of “waiting it out” is wrong. Congress must be induced to do its duty.

Posted by: Sheldon Kramer | July 14, 2007 7:10 AM

I commend PBS for its brief moment of courage - in actually honoring our Constitution's First Amendment right to free speech - in airing the program on Impeachment. And I thank Bill Moyers, not only for coming out of retirement for his new series, but also for producing a program on Impeachment of Bush and Cheney. PBS and Bill Moyers -you have given all Americans an invaluable gift - a reminder that, as John Nichols said, in this time of frequent and illegal abuses of Presidential power, our country is in a Constitutional crisis. And our genius founding fathers set up a Constitutional cure for this crisis: impeachment. Congratulations also to the community of impeachment activists around the country and on the internet - each of whom gives gifts to all Americans every day through their tireless activism.

Posted by: diane | July 14, 2007 7:08 AM

I commend PBS for its brief moment of courage - in actually honoring our Constitution's First Amendment right to free speech - in airing the program on Impeachment. And I thank Bill Moyers, not only for coming out of retirement for his new series, but also for producing a program on Impeachment of Bush and Cheney. PBS and Bill Moyers -you have given all Americans an invaluable gift - a reminder that, as John Nichols said, in this time of frequent and illegal abuses of Presidential power, our country is in a Constitutional crisis. And our genius founding fathers set up a Constitutional cure for this crisis: impeachment. Congratulations also to the community of impeachment activists around the country and on the internet - each of whom gives gifts to all Americans every day through their tireless activism.

Posted by: diane | July 14, 2007 7:08 AM

I commend PBS for its brief moment of courage - in actually honoring our Constitution's First Amendment right to free speech - in airing the program on Impeachment. And I thank Bill Moyers, not only for coming out of retirement for his new series, but also for producing a program on Impeachment of Bush and Cheney. PBS and Bill Moyers -you have given all Americans an invaluable gift - a reminder that, as John Nichols said, in this time of frequent and illegal abuses of Presidential power, our country is in a Constitutional crisis. And our genius founding fathers set up a Constitutional cure for this crisis: impeachment. Congratulations also to the community of impeachment activists around the country and on the internet - each of whom gives gifts to all Americans every day through their tireless activism.

Posted by: diane | July 14, 2007 7:07 AM

Mr. Moyers thank you for just saying what needs to be said. For me, the most frightening and dangerious aspect of the events of the past six years has been the complete collapse of the Forth Estate. This most precious of gifts born of this Great Experiment, failed utterly in it's responsibility to question the motives and methods of Power. The ease and speed with which the the lies and deceit spread and reverberated until the majority of Americans were hypnotized into leaping into an illegal, unjust perpetual war.

Posted by: Darwin Johnson | July 14, 2007 6:06 AM

Have anything to say to Nancy Pelosi? If so, people outside of her district should address Madam Speaker at: >AmericanVoices@mail.house.gov Hopefully, orderly impeachment procedings can retrieve a Constitutional republic, preventing our nation from slipping into dictatorship, violent resistance, and many years of chaos.

Posted by: Craig Daniels | July 14, 2007 6:02 AM

I m continuing reading posts here, but I'm astounded to find only a hand full of posts that indicate they have been even concerned about Bush and Cheney's abuse of power before the 2004 election. And I wondered where the two guests stood. Not to pick on Bruce Fein, but after poking around I found this statement he made: "Also, in 2004, my concerns about Bush had been awakened, but not sufficiently to vote for Kerry. I had assailed Bush’s claim of power to detain indefinitely illegal combatants on his say-so alone, and his utopian and calamitous policy in post-Saddam Iraq pivoting on the premise that democracy would emerge spontaneously from the Tigris and Euphrates after 4,000 years of dormancy. Bush’s flagrant contempt for the Constitution through the NSA’s warrantless surveillance program and sister spying that has yet to be revealed was unknown in 2004. I would not vote for Bush now, nor Kerry either,..." http://www.nonesoblind.org/blog/?p=237 So, I guess the reason should be impeached isn't because he made clearly unconstitutional claims, like gitmo places prisoners beyond all law, and other abuses of power, but because he crossed some invisible line on acceptable abuse of power. And even at that, he...

Posted by: mulp | July 14, 2007 5:18 AM

I want to say a big 'Thank you' to Bill Moyers, Bruce Fein and John Nichols. Your comments about Bush acting like a king and running the government like a monarchy are hauntingly insightful and accurate. The lies used to initiate the war in Iraq have now cost our country over $400 billion; the final total including indirect costs will be much more than that. There have been more than 3600 deaths and 26000 wounded. Along with the illegal spying, torture, and firing of federal attorneys, Bush has has now pardoned the only person actually convicted for lying about Iraq and rejected congressional subpoenas. This abuse of power must be stopped; IMPEACH BUSH AND CHENEY NOW.

Posted by: Ross Diamond | July 14, 2007 5:17 AM

Mr. Moyers, I struggle to find words to adequately express my contempt for your program tonight and for the lunatic comments of your guests regarding a dual impeachment. However, the favorable comments of your followers above, replete with illogic, distortion, and self destructive venom, provide more damning criticisim than I ever could. You are defined by the company you keep and that company is deranged. Impeachment of both executives during war is beyond the pale. You and your mad guests give no rational consideration to the damage that would do to the country and to vital national interests. You boldly state that there is a constitutional crisis. There is none. The three branches continue to function as the founders and two hundred years of precedent decree. The remedy for the crisis you think you behold is called an election. If the citizenry moves the Senate, your side will prevail. Then, in my opinion, the real "crisis" will begin because critics such as yourself and the most liberal of the Democrats will then introduce us to the vacuum that is their body of thought on Middle East policy. Your liberal allies offer nothing in the way of intelligent alternatives in Iraq...

Posted by: Jeff Pace | July 14, 2007 5:10 AM

I cannot believe you had this whole wonderful program and not mention that Dennis Kucinich already filed Articles of Impeachment in H.Res. 333. How can any coverage of this issue be complete if you don't include people who have already taken heroic action on this matter? Please, please include Dennis Kucinich whenever you discuss issues of Impeachment, Universal Health Care (HR 676 is the Conyers/Kucinich bill), and Iraq (HR 1234, the Kucinich Plan for Iraq). Great work IS being done, and I expect you, at least, to help bring it to light of day. Thank you for your new show. I hang on your every word, you are so eloquent and passionate, and I look forward to hearing you talk to Kucinich.

Posted by: Lenore Luscher | July 14, 2007 4:56 AM

Every American citizen should have the Constitution nearly memorized...and or a genuine understanding of it. That is the ONLY way anyone is able to recognize WHEN it is being violated. The few complainers on this blog proved that they view our constitution as a partisan thing. Not only do americans know that bushcheny need to be impeached, we also have been watching the christian right try to claim that our constitution means a bunch of things that it doesn't. Mr. Moyers, it was obvious to me long ago that we needed a constitutional scholar to run for pres. so when Obama (who is one) came along, he became my candidate. Barack, if you are reading this, and you should be, Mr. Moyers beat you to the punch. I thought for sure you would have been TOTALLY OUT THERE on the campaign trail explaining the constitution. Why do you think you are setting fundraising records? we the people know you are the constitution upholder. Now get with it.

Posted by: Claudia Tayborn | July 14, 2007 4:52 AM

14 July 2007 It almost makes my fingers fizz as I note that this day is celebrated by the French people and all who admire them as BASTILLE DAY. Louis XVI and his so very Hollywoodish wife, Marie Antoinette, paid with their heads for their abuses (and those of many of their predecessors) of liberty, etc. Intelligent as I like to think I am, I confess I do not fathom how yet another personality perched atop the traditional American flagpole presumes to think that he/they may lie, deceive, profit monumentally from the so-called battle against THE AXIS OF EVIL -- some 3,600 Americans dead, cost of some 40 mil/mo, alienation from countless citizens globally. MON DIEU, even Louis would have been dumbfounded! Right, Bill? They always said that silence speaks volumes, and I will say the obvious: only a handful of obedient Bushies were led to hoot at the choir demanding truth and action. VIVE LES REPUBLIQUES -- American, French and others. Uncle Ben was so right: we stand together or die solo - chilled by indifference seated by our cybertoys and silent in 2007.

Posted by: SERENDIP | July 14, 2007 4:20 AM

I don't know about any one else but PBS Hawaii's "Moyers Journal" video has (censored) not been made available for viewing online. This has not happened before on any other episode. Could it be that PBS Hawaii does not want to stream any content that contains the elements to IMPEACH BUSH AND CHENEY??? Bill Moyer's should be made aware of this intentional ommision by PBS Hawaii.

Posted by: Jack De Feo | July 14, 2007 4:14 AM

I have spent the last 2 hrs. reading these blogs with an increasingly hopeful heart. Maybe something CAN & WILL be done to publicly denounce the Bush/Cheney administration. Bush, apparently, is currently concerned about his legacy. At this time, the best legacy he can leave to this country; is to leave office with a charge of Impeachment. The lesson left to future generations about leaders who feel above the law would keep him in the history books for a long, long time. Mr.Moyers I thank you for a very important show. I only wish those that disagree so strongly will continue to watch. You may not like to hear what is said, but at some time you may realize that it is, unfortunatly for our country, true.

Posted by: Connie | July 14, 2007 4:11 AM

I have spent the last 2 hrs. reading these blogs with an increasingly hopeful heart. Maybe something CAN & WILL be done to publicly denounce the Bush/Cheney administration. Bush, apparently, is currently concerned about his legacy. At this time, the best legacy he can leave to this country; is to leave office with a charge of Impeachment. The lesson left to future generations about leaders who feel above the law would keep him in the history books for a long, long time. Mr.Moyers I thank you for a very important show. I only wish those that disagree so strongly will continue to watch. You may not like to hear what is said, but at some time you may realize that it is, unfortunatly for our country, true.

Posted by: Connie | July 14, 2007 4:11 AM

Thank you PBS, Bill Moyers, and the corporate sponsor. I will write my representatives, President, VP, Senators and Congress and support impeachment. Share this with a friend... I'm going to send my friends the link to this program. Bobbie

Posted by: bobbie | July 14, 2007 4:09 AM

Thank you for the July 13, 2007 program with Mr. Fein and Mr. Nichols. I was at once encouraged that there are ways to combat our runaway monarchy in the White House and dismayed that these constitutional remedies are not being pursued by Congress. Tonight I wrote to my Senators and told them I want them to watch this broadcast. I told them how angry I feel about the direction our country is taking. I told them how disappointed I am that Congress has not been looking out for “we the people”. It’s time to shake things up! In addition to the issues discussed on your program tonight, there are other deeply disturbing acts of “over-reaching”, committed by this administration. There have been many laws and regulations changed without public announcement or press coverage. This is almost surely because the administration has preferred not to call attention to them. With no one kicking up a fuss about the changes, the media has turned a blind eye to them. Although these changes are technically legal for an administration to make, viewed as a whole they represent an obvious assault on what most of us believe to be the mission of a...

Posted by: Lynnette Lewis | July 14, 2007 4:05 AM

Impeachment is the medicine for this Consitutional Crisis. There was a king George once and we got rid of him. There now appears to be another Monarch named George who must learn the same listen so that we may never have to say to our children: "it's ok to lie, it's ok to decieve, it's ok to torture, it's ok to build gulags and secret prison" None of that is ok and we should never become children ourselves, forgeting that we are citizens and that we truely hold the power if we calim to have a Democracy. Impeachment is THE ONLY remedy so that we may save ourselves and our constitution and ensure for the the rest of the decades and centuries to come that no man is above the law and the Constitution must be protected at all costs. No lousy Presidential legacy, especially not such an incompetent imposter as Mr. Bush, is worth smearing and discarding the Constitution.

Posted by: Khaliq Shah | July 14, 2007 4:04 AM

i want to buy ur show i saw 7-13-07 impeachment

Posted by: pete kg thompson | July 14, 2007 4:03 AM

thank bill moyer! you are truely a voice that this nation needs. what disgusts me most about this whole fiasco is that the new congressional leadership is doing nothing but stonewalling the country along with bush and cheney's gang. there is nothing that they have done that shows any leadership in ending the occupations of iraq and afganistan. nor do they seem interested in the least to impeach either bush or cheney. i have formed a group called bike4peace. we will be taking our 3rd trip across the country by bicycle starting august 1st arriving in d.c. on september 22nd. we start in everett washington. this years ride is the "impeachment tour". we will be carrying petitions for impeachment of dick cheney and delivering the signitures to speaker pelosi's office in d.c. for more info about this event visit: http://bike4peace.org and contact us. peace, ron toppi

Posted by: ron toppi | July 14, 2007 3:57 AM

There are just no words for the sheer glory of what happened across America tonight thanks to the perseverance and fortitude and BRAVERY of a true American hero. Hope deserted me after America retaliated for 911, long before I considered the possibility of our government's complicity in the event itself. I was one of the few who ached for us to pull back and reconsider our position in the world. The forces which have joined together to destroy the essence of what America means to its citizens and to the world frankly appear too formidable to fight now. Short of a coup d'etat or revolution backed by some benevolent forces beyond our borders, I see no hope. The plotting, funding, planning, the deception and the brainwashing have been so long in the works. And those of us who had this ideal image of our country now know how everything was lost in Dallas in 1963. Bill, I fear they will destroy you. But without hope, there is no reason not to fight. So, along with millions of Americans tonight, I say "We have your back" and God, we love you!

Posted by: Deborah Phelan | July 14, 2007 3:47 AM

From: linda@iecommerce.com Subject: Impeachment Date: July 14, 2007 12:02:19 AM PDT To: moyersblog@thirteen.org Thank you Bill Moyers for speaking with John Nichols and Bruce Fein. They brilliantly communicated that the founders of this nation sought to prevent abuse of power by an imperial president by giving us the constitutionally sanctioned "remedy" of impeachment. The majority of Americans want congress to do their job and employ this remedy now! Many people don't yet know that some members of congress HAVE been doing their job. I don't understand how these three could have spoken for almost an hour about impeachment without mentioning that HOUSE RESOLUTION 333, ARTICLES OF IMPEACHMENT AGAINST DICK CHENEY, HAVE ALREADY BEEN INTRODUCED BY DENNIS KUCINICH! HRes. 333 has been waiting for further consideration by the Judiciary Committee since April 25th. Fifteen members of congress have signed Hres. 333 so far, making it easier for others to follow suit. It's a shame that the progress of HRes. 333 isn't the top story on every news program. What could be more gripping than the image of our democracy tipping dangerously toward a precipice? Will congress move to protect the laws and values that have served this nation for over...

Posted by: Linda Boyd | July 14, 2007 3:47 AM

Brilliant journalism, Bill! This should be required viewing for all members of Congress, every political science student in the country, and anyone with even a passing interest in the lessons of history. As a Canadian who shares the profound concerns of so many around the world who observe the disturbing and clearly illegal behaviour of the current administration, I can only say: Get your heads out of the sand, America, if you hope to restore the respect of those who care about you and the role you could still play in making the world a better place. And when you start again to breathe the fresh air, it will become immediately obvious to you that no president and vice-president in your history have been more deserving of impeachment than Bush and Cheney. In so doing, you might once again take your rightful place among the company of civilized nations and honour the wishes of your founding fathers. And while you're at it, think about another way of doing politics, one that does not rely upon the polarizing and inevitably stifling effects of a two-party system. Listen to what people like Ralph Nader have been saying for decades and realize that...

Posted by: Wayne Saray | July 14, 2007 3:37 AM

Mr. Moyers, I am moved to tears by your integrety and the elegance---yes, elegance---of of your honesty in examining the most pressing issues of our times. My heartfelt thanks to you and to tonight's guests. I had recently drafted the following letter to the editor of my local newspaper. After your riveting program on the need to impeach both Bush and Cheney, I simply added Mr. Nichols' wonderful point that impeachment is the REMEDY for the crisis we now face. Editor, The Bellingham (WA) Herald: The Herald recently asked Voices columnists Should the United States close the prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba? Did you ever think, in your wildest imagination, that such a sickening question could be asked about our country rather than a ruthless dictatorship? How many laws and treaties have been broken by Bush and Cheney to bring us so low? It's deeply offensive that our hard-won democracy has been soiled and cast aside in service to their arrogant ambitions. They and their oily advisors (including the one just pardoned) have brought nothing but shame to our great nation. They deserve our contempt for creating this crisis but the shame will become ours if we fail to remove...

Posted by: Ann E. Wales | July 14, 2007 3:34 AM

Thank you so much Mr. Moyers, Mr. Fein and Mr. Nichols for the passionate discussion on this evening's broadcast. I hope it will be rebroadcast in the future so I can alert family and friends. I am now firmly convinced that we need to impeach Bush and Cheney and, to that end, we all are obligated to express our desires to our Congressional representatives. We are in danger of losing our country, not only to terrorists, but to an administration that believes itself to be above the law and unaccountable to the people they serve. Especially in times of national danger, we deserve to know what and why actions are being taken. Personally, tonight's discussion was a call to action. Thank you again for saying what all Americans need to hear.

Posted by: Barbara Neal | July 14, 2007 3:32 AM

The grounds for impeachment of Bush/Cheney are numerous including actions that are immoral, illegal, incompetent, and unconstitutional. If we Americans do not exercise our right of impeachment, we allow a precedent to be set for all future administrations. Early in 2006 I wrote a Declaration of Wrongful Representation because I felt that if I remained silent I was complicit in the abhorrent actions of the Bush administration. I hold not only President Bush responsible for mass death and destruction and loss of our constitutional rights, but Senators and Congressmen as well because of their inaction. Calling for impeachment, I have written letters, signed petitions, sent emails and together with my friends, demonstrated daily for weeks in our city. I think that our representatives are refusing to heed the call for impeachment because they are too fearful and too concerned with political expediency and their own careers. Bill Moyer, your interview with Bruce Fein and John Nichols was so exciting to me. I immediately thought of sending transcripts to my Senators and Congressman. I hope Americans will demand impeachment. Thank you.

Posted by: Genaveve Starr | July 14, 2007 3:29 AM

Thank you, Mr. Moyers and PBS, for this informative, and hopefully provacative program. In this era of corporate overseeing of the public airways, and of corporate ownership of Congress, it is refreshing and hope-filling to hear again of "checks and balances". Mr. Cheney and the Puppet King must be held accountable for their actions. Secrecy is the way of a dictatorship, not a democracy. For those who are more Capitalist leaning I ask this: if a corporation was run this way, with all the the waste and the graft and the mis-management, would this be a corporation you would have trust in? And, in the end, isn't that what this debate is about? Is their any faith for any posititive outcome from this administration's callous disrespect for the rights of Americans or for the total disregard of the beliefs of others and the full belief in their own righteousness? We, the people, must decide if we should stand up to terror by shining the light of freedom, or to cast the shadows of fear and terror and become them.

Posted by: JBStiglitz | July 14, 2007 3:10 AM

THANK YOU for this illuminating program! PBS and Mr. Moyers, it may be the single, most important broadcast you have ever made for the future of this country! After viewing this incredible conversation between Mr. Moyers, Mr. Fein, and Mr. Nichols, I wrote the following e-mail to Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi. I am sending a copy of it to my U.S. Representative, members of the House Judiciary Committee, and as many people as I know, urging them to speak out to their representatives about this. I am also e-mailing this letter to as many members of the broadcast media as I can, urging them to start covering this story, invite these speakers on as guests, get this story out! Dear Madame Speaker Pelosi, It is with fear and trembling--and great amazement at this fear and trembling--that for the first time in my life, I, a loyal, native-born United States citizen, write this e-mail with the fear that my own government could possibly be spying on me and could possibly take some retaliation against me for using the word "impeachment" and for voicing my opinion in this e-mail to you. I frankly almost did not have the courage to...

Posted by: Jo-Ski | July 14, 2007 3:06 AM

I have been posting this comment repeatedly in the NOW P&E forum, but I will repeat it again. The people reelected Bush into office knowing in 2004 knowing everything we know today. The half the people who voted for Bush effectively said, "Take my liberty, I have too much, and I want to give my liberty for the promise of safety, even as you promise you can't keep me safe." The half the people who voted for Bush said, "we want you to create the conditions for US personal torturing and humiliating Arabs, and then ensuring that the US is shown repeatedly to be barbarians, and to ensure that the Arabs are so angry they will die to kill Americans." The half the voters who voted for Bush said, "we don't like the truth, so please, please lie to us, deceive us, keep secrets from us, betray us, because we like your folksy style." The debate in 2004 was marked by being devoid of any self proclaimed conservative, whether social conservative or Goldwater conservative, speaking out on the well known abuse of power that Bush and Cheney had already demonstrated. And even more astounding, the conservatives and even moderate Republicans...

Posted by: mulp | July 14, 2007 3:00 AM

Tonight's program felt like awakening after a very long sleep. I felt inspired and illuminated and shaken to my core. Recounting the program to my partner, I had chills. This exceptional discussion by three of the sanest, clearest and most honest voices I have ever heard seemed to crystallize my own priorities as nothing else has for the past decade. I understand far better what is important to me as an American and that it is ultimately my responsibility, along with all who comprise, "We the People," to remember and truly fight for the thing that makes it possible: The Constitution. Since 7/2, I have written and called my Senators and Congressman every weekday, calling upon them to impeach Bush, Cheney AND Gonzales. It is precisely for the reasons I heard tonight. We need our laws. We need our democracy. We need to protect the Constitution. If we are to be a democracy, we can not allow the Executive to have imperial power. It is time for remedies, not because of politics, but because we need, urgently, the strength of Constitutional wisdom, or we are lost. More than ever, I am not willing to give up my country without a...

Posted by: Paul Rosenberg | July 14, 2007 2:52 AM

Outstanding program tonight. Definitely sets the standard for what we want and need from the media. Agree that a copy of this program should go to every member of Congress and that the program should be repeated as often as possible so more people can see it. And I will definitely be writing to my representatives and House Speaker Pelosi about it. Also agree that the omission of Dennis Kucinich's bill is worrisome. WHY was that not included in such an otherwise excellent program?

Posted by: Nova | July 14, 2007 2:51 AM

What a joy to have Bill Moyers back on PBS with programming for thinking people. The program tonight with Nichols and Fein was an absolutely superb example of what public broadcasting SHOULD be, but rarely is. Thanks, Bill. Keep up the fine work!

Posted by: Armin Wright | July 14, 2007 2:49 AM

Oh my god, thank you so much for this program. I've never watched this show before, but now I'm going to go back and watch it online. I was so moved and motivated by the astoundingly coherent and intelligent discussion tonight. After spending the last few weeks reading the new york times, the chicago tribue, and watching cnn and msnbc I thought that calm, open discourse was dead in this country. Public programing has once again given me hope, informed me, and profoundly altered and deepened my views. I've never been very political. It didn't make much sense to me to pay any attention because I knew the media was biased, politicians didn't represent my interests, and lobbyists for special corporate interests were really running the show. But the absurdities of war have turned that all around for me. I realized that the people in this nation have given up all their power and I want to help start reclaiming it. Over the past few months I've been consuming increasing amounts of internet news and information about the presidential elections, Bush and Cheney's past and present follies, and the history of post WWII war in this country, all to the...

Posted by: Caleb Friz | July 14, 2007 2:34 AM

I wrote to both Pelosi and Boxer after watching the show tonight on KQED. I urge you to review the Moyes "Now" program of July 13, 2007 with Bruce Fein and Jim Nichols. Before watching it tonight I disagreed with impeachment because I felt it would take too much energy and time away from other important matters of law. I am now convinced that there is no matter more crucial to our country now and in the future than stopping the rampant imperial flouting of our constitutional system of checks and balances by Bush/Cheney. Please take an hour to view this program. It will, I believe convince you, too, to take action now. I no longer believe that impeachment is off the table. Impeachment IS the table.

Posted by: Helen Shane | July 14, 2007 2:30 AM

When my husband and I went to Wash. DC in Jan.07 to protest the war in IRAQ, along with a half million other Americans, Canadians & Europeans, I had the honor of meeting and hearing John Nichols talk about "the genius of Impeachment." I finally got it and began to wake up and get angry not only at myself, but also at my representatives for not exercising our own responsibilities as citizens! As John said tonight, it is about choosing not to be a child and letting Bush/Cheney/government decide for us what is right and wrong. It is about being willing to be an adult and live into our citizenship and demanding our leaders honor their own oath swearing to protect and defend our Constitution, the very foundation of our country. I think we have terribly confused this whole subject by thinking that Impeachment was just "another issue," as we added it to a long list of other important issues. It's a huge mistake to think of it as another worrisome issue. Impeachment goes far beyond that and is in a category all by itself because it is the very foundation and the heart of the Consitution itself. Impeachment is...

Posted by: Libby Carr | July 14, 2007 2:29 AM

I have a new political mantra: "Impeachment is the cure for a Constitutional crisis. Don't mistake the cure for the disease." Messrs. Fein and Nichols made abundantly clear the connection I've somehow missed for the last four years: It isn't simply that the Wregime have mismanaged a war of their own design, but that they have done so with such utter contempt for the laws of our land that those laws are now threatened, as is our democracy. As Mr. Nichols (I believe) said, no one gives back the tools. Thank you, Mr. Moyers, and PBS, for refusing to let real journalism die. You do indeed, as you said, provide a public service.

Posted by: Oedi | July 14, 2007 2:18 AM

I was left wondering what to do, as a citizen of a small college town in California, far from Washington. How can we galvanize the press? Surely reporters are freer agents than politicians. And somewhere I have to hope there lurks a Sam Irwin who will teach us through action what the Constitution means.

Posted by: Carol N. Meredith | July 14, 2007 2:15 AM

I wrote this email to Pelosi tonight after seeing the show. I hope she's listening. We need people to take action. Dear Ms. Pelosi, You have a Constitutional duty to start impeachment proceedings against Bush AND Cheney. I just watched Bill Moyer's Journal on PBS. He had John Nichols, author of "The Genius of Impeachment" and Bruce Fine (N & F) on the show for 50 minutes explaining why Bush & Cheney (B & C) have committed high crimes and misdemeanors, while YOU specifically have refused to bring impeachment proceedings against them. Nichols states flatly that you are wrong when you say we shouldn't impeach. If so, you and the Congress have NO courage. You are trembling while B & C run roughshod over Congress, knowing that no one will stop them. Nichols point out that the mere fact of acting like a king was spelled out in the Constitution as an impeachable offense. I hear right now that Bush is invoking executive privilege on info about Pat Tillman. There is no end to his open defiance and power grabbing. You are letting it happen. Perhaps that's why a poll out today gives Congress a 24% approval rating. Yet 54...

Posted by: Robert Bubnovich | July 14, 2007 2:13 AM

Thanks to you Bill Moyers and your guests. It was great to hear your lively discussion of impeachment. Lets impeach these crooks! Then indict! I hope that you will someday, before our flagging democracy is eventually destroyed, look deeply at the many unanswered questions of 9/11, the justification for the "War on Terror", and demand a new, impartial, and empowered investigation. I'm no apologist for terrorists, but you and your guests still talk as if Al Qaeda alone perpetrated the horrific attacks, yet there is no evidence that they did so. The FBI does not list ObL on the 10 most wanted list for 9/11, due to a lack of evidence. And what happened to World Trade Center Building 7. It was a 47 story steel framed building about 100 yards from the Twin Towers. It fell completely at sometime after 5:00 p.m. on 9/11 in 6.5 seconds! It was not hit by a plane, nor was it hit by the collapsing twin towers, nor was it consumed by fire (as if fire alone could completely collapse a steel framed building). Yet this collapse was not even mentioned in the 9/11 Commission Report! And why weren't the hijacked planes intercepted...

Posted by: GHenricks | July 14, 2007 2:13 AM

Thank you. Please, rerun this program over and over.

Posted by: edie rodman | July 14, 2007 2:11 AM

I am left with this thought after tonight's program and the comment that endless war can undermine our democracy: While they are different in purpose and methodology the "War on Terror", the "War on Drugs" and the "War on Poverty" may have this in common: They didn't work and they never ended.

Posted by: Jeanne Large | July 14, 2007 2:09 AM

Once again, thank you PBS and Bill Moyers for bringing the pertinent problems to the attention of the American public. I couldn't agree more with both these gentlemen. I would also remove Nancy Pelosi from her office if she can't get it together to confront the House on this matter and get the ball rollingon impeaching both Bush and Cheney. Time is limited and we must move quickly to take back the power we have as American citizens and remove from power President Bush and Vice-President Cheney. They have forgotten whom they serve and what the Constitution says about their offices and the limits of their powers. The sooner the better, and we have so little time to accomplish this task.

Posted by: Joyce | July 14, 2007 2:08 AM

After the disgraceful theft of the 2000 election with the concurrence of a 5-4 Supreme court decision that was widely derided by Constitutional scholars for it's upending of the Fla Supreme Ct order, Bush and Cheney knew they would be held accountable for their negligence in not protecting America on 9/11. Couple this with a country more interested in American Idol than their constitutional rights, a republican party crazed for power and weakkneeded Democrats who fell for the Bush Cheney constitutional abuses leading to the lie that is Iraq, and you have the perfect storm for the high crimes and misdemeanors of the reactionary uber conservatives of the republican party. Even now Democrats are reluctant to cut off funding for the lie that is the Iraq War and even more reluctant to do their constitutional duty by convening a Judiciary Committee hearing to formulate Articles of Impeachment. They're scared and there isn't a backbone among them. A 24 hr news cycle and reactionary talk radio has the Democrats cowering.......but the BushCheney abuses of our govermnet are so serious and so widespread that we the people must continue to pressure our representatives to stand up for the US COnstitution and bring...

Posted by: NoMoreBushLies | July 14, 2007 2:06 AM

Firstly, I would like to thank Mr. Bill Moyers for the excellent show tonight. It was an eye-opener (for those who had their eyes shut), eloquent, and informative. Furthermore, it is encouraging seeing all the blog entries. I now know that there are others who are outraged by this predicament. That being said, I would like to offer my two-cents to the discussion. The talk of perpetual war was frightening, but even more so was the last words of the Bruce Fein, when he said that the government is treating its citizens like children, and the people are accepting the role of children. What I immediately thought about when I heard these words was Aldous Huxley and his book Brave New World. A totalitarian world in which the people simply don’t care that they have lost their civil freedoms. They don’t care because they were being pampered by their government, and besides that, they were also to preoccupied with simple joys like, pop-culture, drugs, etc. What Bush/Cheney have committed is shameful, but it is also fulfilling Aldous Huxley’s prediction, which is: What happened to monarchal kingdoms (such as Britain), the reversed effect will happen to democratic societies. In Britain the...

Posted by: A voice crying in the Wilderness | July 14, 2007 2:06 AM

Thank you for such a powerful program. I too, believe there are a number of people in this administration who should be tried for treason...and War Crimes. I'm sick to death of sending our young people over there to "defend us from terrorism" and in the next breath hearing of the creative ways to disqualify them for ongoing medical treatment through the Vetrans Administration. Shame, shame, shame. The threat of terrorism overseas is not nearly as severe as the terrorism in our own government.

Posted by: Theresa | July 14, 2007 2:05 AM

The clarity and passion of the conversation with Fein and Nichols was inspiring. I was thrilled to hear a discussion of such depth about the "constitutional crisis" we are now facing. The image of America around the world has plummeted in recent years, and if Americans and our legislators were to finally step in and demand accountability from the office of the presidency, this would show the strength of our political system at work. Restoring balance and integrity in the system of government is most important, but restoring our relations internationally is also important to me.

Posted by: A Zenger | July 14, 2007 2:05 AM

Thank-you Bill for your excellent broadcast tonight. It's too bad no one mentioned HR 333 with 15 supporters introduced by Dennis Kucinich. Dennis is also a candidate for President. It would be great for you to have him on your show as soon as possible.

Posted by: valerie | July 14, 2007 2:00 AM

What a wonderful and rich show tonight! At last, articulate information that cuts right to the heart of what has become critical for the future of our democracy. The prediction of an even more imperial Executive Branch if we don't halt the process right now was eye-opening and alarming. It's time to stand up and be heard, and the media needs to keep focused on these critical issues. Please send a transcript of the show AND A COPY OF OUR CONSTITUTION to each member of Congress. Let's pray that someone who is willing to put the future of our country ahead of their political party will step forward and challenge Ms. Pelos's position regarding impeachment proceedings. Thanks again.

Posted by: Karen Morisset | July 14, 2007 2:00 AM

Every piece of mail coming into my house asking for money is sent back in their envelope with the words "Impeach Bush and Cheney." There is nothing left to say anymore after the pardoning of Libby. Thanks Bill for having these 2 men on your show to educate us. Marge Laxson, Santa Cruz CA

Posted by: Marge Laxson | July 14, 2007 2:00 AM

Outstanding program on impeachment! It was so refreshing -- and unusual in the media these days -- to hear a reasoned, intelligent, well-informed discussion about a critical issue without virulent name-calling and sniping about haircuts, etc. The media have generally ignored the impeachment movement in this country -- how much attention was paid when a recent poll showed the nation evenly split on whether to impeach Bush, and in favor of impeaching Cheney? It's about time this half of the citizenry got a bit of coverage. And tonight's program was a brilliant examination of the topic, eloquently put in its historical perspective. Thank you so much, Bill Moyers, for having the guts to go way beyond the usual media superficiality.

Posted by: Rosemary | July 14, 2007 1:57 AM

I'm scared. I have been scared for a while now. I know what makes this country great - it's that piece of paper we call the constitution. I have lived in a communist country and I realized then there is no guarantee of freedom. We, the American people, have to make sure that the constitution is upheld. For a while now I have been certain that I would see the end of this country in my lifetime. Thank you for the show tonight, it has made me realize that there is still some hope. If an impeachment can prevent the erosion of our constitution and correct the damage that has been done to it, we have a chance. My biggest concern now is that no one in congress will have the courage to step up and take this opportunity. Are there no great men (or women) in this entire country? We are a big country, surely someone, somewhere had the courage to stop this. It has been said, "People get the government that they deserve." I think we deserve better.

Posted by: Dorothy | July 14, 2007 1:56 AM

It was refreshing to hear some real discussion about Impeachment as a viable option in our current crisis. Unfortunately, the discussion did not go far enough in connecting the current administration, as well as politicians from either side of the aisle, with Corporate America. Big money comes from somewhere, and as long as corporations have their put their dollars in the pockets of politicians, and/or benefit from cronyism in the White House (Halliburton being among the greatest war-profiteer currently in Iraq) no one, R or D will be willing to compromise their next donation for the ideologically "quaint" notions put down in our Constitution. Until the American PEOPLE are willing to sacrifice their SUVs, big screen tvs, Monday Night Football and other luxurious distractions and start demonstrating that WE the PEOPLE have not yet sold our collective souls to the "Corporate Disney God" by rallying en masse, no politician in his or her right mind (or marginally left) will ever feel compelled to go beyond simply putting a "new face" on the old status quo. We also need to start demanding more from the corporate media--or find ways to break up their "top 10" monopoly and start supporting independent media...

Posted by: Lisa Carlson | July 14, 2007 1:56 AM

Terrific program. Start calling Congress Monday to push them on this. Perhaps, these are the words we had to hear to come to our senses and act. We have been far too silent. Marti B.

Posted by: Martha Barry | July 14, 2007 1:54 AM

Thank you Bill for bringing this vital imformation to your audience. I believe the Bush/Cheney gang is perpetrating on the American populace a SILENT COUP D'ETAT or SELF COUP as did Napoleon. "A self-coup or autocoup is a form of coup d'état that occurs when a country's leader dissolves the national legislature and assumes extraordinary powers not granted under normal circumstances. Other measures taken may include annulling the nation's constitution and suspending civil courts. In most cases the head of state is granted dictatorial powers" ( Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia) The BC gang is attempting to meet these criteria.

Posted by: marilyn | July 14, 2007 1:52 AM

Thank you Mr. Moyers for the re-education about the Constitution. I have already written to Nancy Pelosi. This program is just what we need to hear. Yes,PBS should air congress' debate about the war and hopefully the impeachment. Be relevant PBS, be responsible! Carol Taylor

Posted by: Carol Taylor | July 14, 2007 1:48 AM

I was so glad I watched tonight. These two gentlemen educated me about how the country should run. The "invertibrates" (love that term) better grow a backbone...and stop this runaway monarchy. Since so many people don't sit down to watch an hour like this - I wish this information would spread like Paris in Jail or Nicole's pregancy, etc. I guess the commercials pay too much for CBS NBC ABC CNN MSNBC to air such information. It needs to be all over TV and all over the radio and maybe we can get enough folks interested to tell OUR EMPLOYEES what we want. We need to make more noise - get their attention away from passing bills to name federal buildings and name commemorative stamps and do something to save our country. Look at what they do - how much does it mean when we're in crisis. See http://www.govtrack.us/ It may have to be served up in the kind of 30 second news blurbs - headline news format - as many people don't (want to) sit and watch the real (bad) news. It's easier to stay distracted. It is time to REMIND our government they are OUR EMPLOYEES. Many of...

Posted by: of Houston | July 14, 2007 1:44 AM

I've been a fan of Bill Moyer's ever since his "Power Of Myth" discussion with Joseph Campbell. That series was thought provoking and had me challenge some religious teachings. Tonight's program was also thought provoking. Protecting the constitution is vital to our way of life. It is not about liberal or conservative, democrats or republicans, it is about tomorrow's laws and how they are observed by all the citizens. One thing the discussion did not mention is the bill signing statements made by the President and their implications. Thanks for reminding us what is important to have a great country, and how important accountability is on every level of government. Wake Up America! It is for my children and their children that action needs to be taken. Thanks to you Bill, your guests, the sponsors and PBS for another excellent program.

Posted by: Andrew Kolano | July 14, 2007 1:39 AM

thank you for the your show . how can we start the vote of impeachment . the lies and deciet have gone far enough .he is not my king .this country is going in the wrong direction . my vote is for impeachment

Posted by: john gayer | July 14, 2007 1:38 AM

Thank you for airing this show and standing up for our country. Because of your show,I just sent a slew of emails out to Pelosi and others, pleading for impeachment proceedings.

Posted by: Judy K | July 14, 2007 1:36 AM

I've been a fan of Bill Moyer's ever since his "Power Of Myth" discussion with Joseph Campbell. That series was thought provoking and had me challenge some religious teachings. Tonight's program was also thought provoking. Protecting the constitution is vital to our way of life. It is not about liberal or conservative, democrats or republicans, it is about tomorrow's laws and how they are observed by all the citizens. One thing the discussion did not mention is the bill signing statements made by the President and their implications. Thanks for reminding us what is important to have a great country, and how important accountability is on every level of government. It is for my children and their children that action needs to be taken. Wake Up America! Thanks to you Bill, your guest, the sponsors and PBS.

Posted by: A. Kolano | July 14, 2007 1:33 AM

The core problem is a breach in the social contract, the literal eploitation and/or killing of Americans by other Americans. This began in the Korean "conflict," reached insanity in Vietnam, and now is an obscene degradation of the motto, "all for one and one for all." At least in the Civil War one American couldn't kill another American without risking his own life. Now autocracts and their bureacratic minions can send droves of us to death without leaving their offices. For impeachment to work, we have to re-create Congress. The Congress has to rein in the executive branch. Three months of "police action," and then no more without a declaration of war against an identifiable enemy. Americans pray far more than they assemble for political activity. Most of us don't know, trust or care about our neighbors. Divided we are falling. The outrage and the lament are audible. Now we must assemble in the name of a new American dream, one of surviving with and for each other instead of trampling each other to become financially independent. From 1492 forward we have slaughtered millions of human beings in service of a so-called "free society." We've never faced and owned responsibilty...

Posted by: Elmer Maggard | July 14, 2007 1:31 AM

Thank you so much for tonights broadcast. It is a great relief that Impeachment is now being discussed. Your guest were intelligent and expressed themselves well. I only hope that congress start to discuss the subject. How long will the American people stand by and watch our laws be ignored. Thank heavens for PBS and program like yours.

Posted by: Ann Reed | July 14, 2007 1:29 AM

What we can do: Although she is not officially taking a poll, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's offices staff aids are now reporting to her the public opinion on Impeachment of Bush/Cheney at 202-225-0100. As of July 12, 2007, she is receiving a record number of phone calls. Please help put Impeachment back on the table. Snailmail can be sent here: Attn: Nancy Pelosi, House Representative/Speaker of the House, 235 Cannon H.O.B., Washington, DC 20515 Fax # 202 225-4188 (main fax) or 202-225-8259 Email: Americanvoices@mail.house.gov CC her at: sf.nancy@mail.house.gov Thank you.

Posted by: Deborah Greenfield | July 14, 2007 1:28 AM

BRAVISSIMO! I was floored by this conversation with Mr. Fein and Mr. Nicols! If ever there was one, hour-long conversation that was so crucial to the future of our country and the preservation of our Constitution, this hour-long broadcast was it! Yes, it is time for the House of Representatives to act! Is there any way that you/PBS can send a copy of the transcript--or even better--a DVD of this broadcast to every member of the U.S. House of Representatives, please? If I had the money, I would do it myself!

Posted by: Jo-Ski | July 14, 2007 1:27 AM

Impeach President Bush & Vice President Cheney , for treason. For lying to the American people.

Posted by: Barbara | July 14, 2007 1:27 AM

I sat breathless this evening. Was it really possible that my thoughts about unbridled executive power and abuses over these past 6 years were being so logically articulated? Bruce Fein and John Nichols indicting a Congress for its lack of statesmanship and backbone. Music to my ears! A scholarly discussion that must serve as a call for the American people to demand that the House of Representatives begin impeachment proceedings against this President and Vice President. For my grand-girls sake, I certainly don't want John Nichols' "box of tools" handed off to future Presidents! Thank you, Bill Moyers, for arguably the best Journal episode. Please continue the discussion!

Posted by: Bonnie M Maloney | July 14, 2007 1:26 AM

I agree with Mr. Fields. Send a video to the Congress and maybe it will provide them with some backbone. As for the invective from "Tim": I come from a military family too and I am proud of my nephew in Iraq, my father who fought on Okinawa and my grandfather, a marine who died on the battlefield in France in 1918. This discussion, however, is about the abuse of power. It is about defending the constitution to keep us from falling back into a monarchy/oligarchy. It is about two men believing they are above the law of the land and disregarding the view of the people who put them in office and about the complicity of our elected officials. If they are not held accountable, what have our fathers and grandfathers and nephews, our sons and our daughters-- and you-- been fighting for all these years. Isn't it to preserve our form of government so that we have the right to question our leadership? We can not continue to put mediocre men into our highest offices who can not think beyond the next election and support them without a peep of protest when brazenly and arrogantly ignore the will...

Posted by: Sue | July 14, 2007 1:24 AM

I feel compelled to voice my approval and appreciation for all that was articulated tonight. Like so many Americans, I've felt powerless when it comes to my voice in this democracy when it comes to our President, Vice President, and their obvious disregard for the Constitution. Impeachement proceedings are the only logical choice when it comes to the transparency that we need to demand from our government. Tonight's show was a wake up call for those of us fortunate enough to watch it. Kudos to Bill Moyer, his guests, and PBS for working to enlighten rather than entertain. Excellent show.

Posted by: chris amorose | July 14, 2007 1:23 AM

Impeachment of President Bush & Vice President Cheney for treason. Lying to the American public.

Posted by: Barbara | July 14, 2007 1:20 AM

I was pleased to view your conversation with Bruce Fein and John Nichols but was puzzled and concerned that none of you mentioned HR333 which brings Articles of Impeachment against Dick Cheney. The fact that the original sponsor is Dennis Kucinich who also is a Presidential candidate should not diminish the seriousness of this effort. To date, 13 congressmen have signed on, including my Congressman, Jim McDermott, who has consistently stood against the Iraq war, the Patriot Act, Guantanamo and all other aspect of abuses of power that this Administration has promulgated. McDermott does not have higher political aspirations and is, in my opinion, the statesman that Fein expressed his deep desire to see. Please bring attention to this oversight in a follow up to this broadcast.

Posted by: Ellen Sollod | July 14, 2007 1:18 AM

Thank you Bill Moyers for bringing this to my attention in such an intelligent and serious way. I heard about Cindy Sheehan and a few other whispers about an impeachment but did not consider them worthy. This was the best television I have seen all year. I will think about what you and your guests have said. I feel happy to be an American again, something Bush, the media, and the congress have made me feel sad about. I would like to think great days still remain ahead of us.

Posted by: rob | July 14, 2007 1:17 AM

How ironic: I was handed an Impeachment bumper sticker in downtown Portland this evening, then watched your show and heard your editorial. Tomorrow I'll write my letters to my Congressman and Senators asking them to move this forward. And I so wish the Fourth Estate would get some teeth and challenge this administration. We can only hope that some of them were watching tonight! Thank you!!

Posted by: Bonnie Anderson | July 14, 2007 1:16 AM

There is a clear and sensible reason that Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi does not spearhead the motion to impeach the President and Vice President (and it was well argued that they would have to be tried together): Conflict of interest. If successful, she becomes president.

Posted by: Fred Lakner | July 14, 2007 1:15 AM

Why didn't anyone mention the articles of impeachment that Kucinich drew up for Cheney? here they are

Posted by: nunya | July 14, 2007 1:13 AM

Thank you, thank you, thank you for the astounding discussion of the need to impeach President Bush and Vice President Cheney; and what impeachment really is and what is really at stake if we don't impeach. A copy of this program should be sent to each and every member of Congress. Speaker Pilosi should be sent two copies - just so she 'gets it'.

Posted by: Martin Lentz | July 14, 2007 1:12 AM

Thank you for the great discussion on impeachment this evening. A video of it should be sent to every member of congress.

Posted by: Deborah Greenfield | July 14, 2007 1:11 AM

Finally, a discussion we have all been waiting for. Thanks Bill for sharing this important discussion with those few of us still remaining that watch PBS. The rest, unfortunately,are still into Fox News. I only hope that what your commentators stated tonight can finally be realized by our legislators, and brought to fruition. I for one, am totally committed to the "I" word!

Posted by: robert hermanson | July 14, 2007 1:08 AM

Mr. Moyers is jaw dropping journalism! Between him and David Brancaccio, I could be convinced to become a conservative! At least a Vick Gold or Bruce Fein brand of conservative. I have never seen such a comprehensive, sane, logical and probing presentations as when both Moyers and Brancaccio interview these core conservatives. Bill and Dave gets the right guests and asks the right questions on the right issues. Nichols and Fein are right -- time to impeach Bush and Cheney now and for all the reasons stated. Constitution is in crisis. Remedy - impeachment. That is the corrective measure. Congress? Execute your sworn duty to the Constitution, not to the president, party, or cheap votes. I would respect you more if you did your sworn duties. Pelosi and Reid? Are you listening?

Posted by: Robert | July 14, 2007 1:08 AM

I feel better now that I know what all along I susupected that we have been lied to. It is about time to do something about it let's impeach those responsible for where we are today. IMPEACH, IMPEACH, IMPEACH NOW.

Posted by: Manuel Frias | July 14, 2007 1:08 AM

I believe we should start impeachment proceedings immediately. I was a bit troubled that you failed to mention that Rep. Dennis Kucinich did in fact file impeachment papers in APRIL and has 14 co signers as stated from Kuchinich's web page: "Articles of Impeachment were filed in April by Ohio Congressman and Democratic Presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich, and it has 14 co-sponsors." So There are a few memebers of congress that should have been given credit. Thank you for being here.

Posted by: Marie | July 14, 2007 1:05 AM

Thank you for synthesizing many important threads of consciousness into a strong national argument to begin this debate. The 2008 candidates are already threatening to continue the abuses started by the current administration. We are behaving similarly (or worse) than those we call "terrorists". It is shameful and embarrassing.

Posted by: Tim Seiple | July 14, 2007 1:05 AM

Mr. Moyer, Thank you to you and your guests Bruce Fein and John Nichols. Their Constitutional perspectives were fabulous, but how is it possible for citizens to do something with this information? Our Congress hears us on some issues, but is hesitant to pay attention to others. I have been to Congressional offices a few times in the past two years and the dialogues are limited and polite. Please let us know how we can move them in the face of such dire circumstances that some of us have felt for 6 years. If Congress is "afraid" to address the President's financial agenda for war how will we move them to address the crimes that are prevalent in this administration? It is valuable to have information but it is equally valuable to have a way to move that information to an action. Barbara Zick

Posted by: Barbara Zick | July 14, 2007 1:05 AM

Before he enter on the execution of his office, he shall take the following oath or affirmation: "I do solemnly swear (or affirm) that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States, and will to the best of my ability, preserve, protect and defend the Constitution of the United States." Defend the Constitution. Pretty simple concept. Defend the Constitution and everything else falls into place.

Posted by: Greg P. | July 14, 2007 1:04 AM

I watched with much interest Mr. Moyers's program tonight. Mr. Fein stated that Congress has not the commitment nor understanding of the Constitution to know it should begin impeachment proceedings against Mr. Bush and Mr. Cheney. The problem goes much deeper than that. In light of the recent "epidemic" of corruption in Congress, and the fact that we have Senators and Representatives who apparently believe that moral authority is personal and cultural, how can they make this decision? I seem to hear too many of them asking, "Whose right is it to determine right and wrong? Who is to say what is happening is not according to the rule of law?" No wonder they don't know what to do. If God is not the source of our knowledge of right and wrong, who is? There is no one to take God's place! Regarding impeachment, Mr. Nichols made a very true statement. He said that impeachment does not create a constitutional crisis. Instead, said he, impeachment is a remedy for a consitutional crisis. What could be truer about impeachment? I don't want us to abandon the Iraqi people at the wrong time. I never wanted us to go into Iraq. I...

Posted by: C. Tigner | July 14, 2007 1:03 AM

that was an amazing discussion, and one which should be repeated over and over... the kicker was when nichols told bill, "you're wrong, like most americans in thinking that impeachment is a constitutional crisis, it's in the constitution to resolve the constitutional crisis"... amazing i think after the clinton impeachment, everyone viewed impeachment as a dirty trick trying to subvert an election.. who knew that we would actually NEED it, for the purpose it was intended, so soon after.. but then again, how could anyone have predicted bush and his cronies.. (i did back in 2000, but never in my worst nightmares to this extent)

Posted by: steven cho | July 14, 2007 1:01 AM

bravo William! It's high time for some payback...the difference? This time... it'll be warranted...The Clinton impeachment was a clear partisan ploy...let's face it, what happened w/ Bill & Moinica in the white house didn't break any laws...didn't hurt the country or our reputation in the world...what George & Dick did (& are currently doing), is making America look like "beef stew" in the eyes of the world..Aren't WE supposed to be the "good guys"? I grew up w/ Roy Rogers, The Lone Ranger & Wild,Wild West... Doing the right thing, regardless of the consequences IS & always will be... second nature to me...Why aren't those in Washington holding themselves to the same simple standards...HONESTY IS SO EASY...(alot easier than lyin' cheatin' & stealin)...What I wanna' know is....what DEMOCRATS VOTED AGAINST THE IRAQ PULL OUT BILL?...The only way we can clean up D.C. is to stand UNITED! Until that happens EVERY time there's a vote in congress...we'll never succeed in making any policy changes that make difference...SO...(as Butch Cassidy said), "who are those guys?" martin stewart mccormick Silverado, Ca.

Posted by: martin stewart mccormick | July 14, 2007 1:00 AM

BRAVO! Nichols is brilliant with his broad bush strokes & Fein is a perfect example of what honest conservatives should be saying. Maybe everyone in congress should get a copy of this show delivered and then a call on Monday to see what they think about impeachment. Your detractors here seem to forget that Fein worked for Reagan and was for impeaching Clinton, he juast wants to hold Bush/Cheney to the same standard. As for you jumping on the bandwagon- the only band wagon that your were on was the "terror" panic button that your detractors are "writhing with the same fear" that you were pushing to have examined as the explanation for the need of an Imperial presidency. That's the problem, when you are that afraid it is hard to think. However, there was no mention that Kucinich has a resolution before congress to impeach Cheney that only a dozen congressmen have signed on to. While criticizing the media in it's lackluster efforts, no one would give the "poverty" candidates (Kucinich & Gravel- who are the only ones even talking about challenging the Bush-Cheney Oligarchy) even a mention. Indeed any of the monied candidates that the media deems "realistic...

Posted by: Robert Malin | July 14, 2007 1:00 AM

I e-mailed you once before to thank you for helping me maintain my sanity. I am grateful to you and your guests Messrs. Fein and Nichols for doing so again. The main reason to impeach Bush and Cheney seem to me to be so clear and uncontrovertible: both have consistently violated their oaths of office--to uphold and defend the Constitution of the United States of America. Judging by most of the other comments posted, I think we vertebrate citizens will keep on keeping at our representatives and senators to act on principles rather than on politics, and to act NOW.

Posted by: Evalynn Monsky Duncan | July 14, 2007 12:59 AM

Thank you for a most informative show. I would love to see Mr.Fein and Mr. Nichols on as many shows and networks as possible. The sooner the impeachement process gets started the better. Keep up the great work, gentlemen.

Posted by: Holly Winters | July 14, 2007 12:49 AM

Dear Bill, I have been outraged for years over the abuses Bush and Cheney have been shoving down our throats, but I have never been so outraged as I am at this moment about the impotent state of our union. Is there no one among our government officials with enough vertebrae to stand up for the principles your guests tonight so eloquently expressed? And how do I, one citizen, convey my outrage to those officials -- officials who appear anesthetized, oblivious to the fact that our constitution is being dismantled? Your guests persuaded me that I must face that responsibility, but I want to suggest one more thing that only you, Bill Moyers, can do. You must send a video copy of tonight's program -- not just a transcript -- to every member of congress. The three of you discussing the implications of our current constitutional crisis is the compelling, passionate defense of our democracy that may revive whatever real courage remains on capital hill.

Posted by: Bill Fields | July 14, 2007 12:45 AM

Thank you, Mr. Moyer, that was an excellent, timely interview; you were at your best with this one! We have one of the finest, most patriotic Statesman ever serving in our Congress, right NOW. Ron Paul has tirelessly fought to defend our Constitution for ten lonely terms. PLEASE introduce him to the general public. Restoring our Constitution is not a Party matter; this is about preserving the good life we have now and protecting us from the out-and-out tyranny we are facing. Please include Congressman Kucinich in your interview with Dr. Paul. I think many viewers would be surprised and pleased to know how closely they align when it comes to upholding their oath to our Constitution. Thank you.

Posted by: Tarey Mayn | July 14, 2007 12:44 AM

I agree with you that, if PBS is indeed taking seriously its mission of keeping the citizenry informed, it should lead the way in keeping, as you stated tonight, "Iraq in primetime," and by carrying all future Congressional hearings LIVE to compensate for the absolute failure of corporate news agencies to report the truth. I praise the fervent investigative reporting of alternative news groups like The Nation, Truth Out, Consortium News, and Downing Street Memo. Without their enlightenment I would remain in the dark, hoodwinked by the Bushification of our main stream news.

Posted by: catherine r. elwell | July 14, 2007 12:42 AM

Wow, amazing. When I think of the 38k in taxes I paid last year going to this kind of leftist garbage, I am ill. My brother was there when Baghdad fell. I've been there twice. My nephew is there now. No one here has a clue to what is happening. Your notes make that so very clear. I've listened for years as the media has trashed everything Bush has done, everything. And then to read about how brave Moyers is for his show, afterall, America and its government are known for killing, beheading, and imprisoning people like Moyers that speak out against it. Oh wait, that's just what lives in the mind of lunatics. Hey, here's an idea, stop hating and learn how to actually think things through. The world will not burn up tomorrow. What you people are asking for will tear this country completely apart. Guess which side my brother, my nephew, my self, and 99% of the remaining military veterans will be on? Worse part is, this war would have been over two years ago if you leftist would have supported Ameerica and not the peaceful Islamic terrorist. What is the definition of traiter again? Don't bother...

Posted by: Tim | July 14, 2007 12:40 AM

Thank you, Mr. Moyer, that was an excellent, timely interview; you were at your best with this one! We have one of the finest, most patriotic Statesman ever serving in our Congress, right NOW. Ron Paul has tirelessly fought to defend our Constitution for ten lonely terms. PLEASE introduce him to the general public. Restoring our Constitution is not a Party matter, this is about preserving the good life we have now and protecting us from the out-and-out tyranny we are facing. Please include Congressman Kucinich in your interview with Dr. Paul. I think many viewers would be surprised and pleased to know how closely they align when it comes to upholding their oath to our Constitution. Thank you.

Posted by: Tarey Mayn | July 14, 2007 12:40 AM

"I cherish my country more than I cherish my party." These are the words that Mr. Nichols recommended that courageous democrats should say to Speaker Pelosi, to impress upon her that her decision to leave impeachment off the table has done nothing to help this country, and everything to divide us more. Impeachment is not used as a punishment, as they explained, but it is an instrument used to repair a broken government, an administration run amok, as this one has done for over 5 years now. Our democratic leaders must leave politics behind and be courageous enough to put our constitution and our country first or the consequences for our nation will be dire. Thank you Bill Moyers, Bruce Fein, and John Nichols for one of the most inspiring, frightening, and enlightening discussions I have heard on television for a long, long time. I too am going to e-mail a link to this program to Speaker Pelosi, and my local representatives, and let them know that the time has come to put impeachment talks BACK on the table.

Posted by: Joellyn Mumcian | July 14, 2007 12:38 AM

Let me add my congratulaltions for a wonderful, eye opening program tonight. Not that the "I" word has not been discussed in our home before tonight; however, living in a red state has made me somewhat lazy and timid. But what is the excuse of our elected representatives? It is not only their job, but their "constitutional" duty, as described tonight, to be the check on the Executive Branch. AND, as Mr. Nichols pointed out, the fourth estate has been largely responsible for being soft on the administration since the beginning, especially the White House Press "Corpse" who are largely grandstanders and do not hold anyone accountable. Thank God, for people like Mr. Fein, whose patriotism and obvious concern is real and refreshing. Surely there are conservatives in congress who are embarassed and frightened by this president: Chuck Hagel comes immediately to mind as he has had the courgage to come out against this regime in the past. He also has the respect of his colleagues, the military background and the resounding conviction to make his voice heard. And then, perhaps we can draft Bill Moyers for president?

Posted by: Sue | July 14, 2007 12:37 AM

What a refreshing discussion of the state of our country and constitution. I couldn't believe the bully process and supreme court manipulation of Bush's first election and was astonished at his second election. The American public has to take the responsibility for that. It doesn't surprise me that they lied about the war, and have been doing what ever they think is best for the country-sounds like a monarchy. The Plame betrayal, complete disregard for the law in the commutation, makes me sick. I have lost all respect for this man and his cronies and he needs to be impeached. Your guests make excellent points. I'm a retired teacher and believe it makes sense to reset the standards for our leaders. Politicians are out of control and drunk with power. It's time to take this Democracy back.

Posted by: Dennis | July 14, 2007 12:36 AM

Finally tonight it hit me why I am one of the apatheic American population which does not pressure Congress to impeach Bush or Cheney. When the founders of the nation set up the Constitution, there did not exist such a concept as a corporation. Corporations, once invented by law, have spent several years gradually dismantling the laws which restrict their behavior. In this century, they are more powerful than any unelected persons or elected Representatives or Senators. We common folk know corporations are powerful because their behavior affects nearly every aspect of our lives moment-to-moment, day in and day out, year after year. We also know that the uses they have made of our lives and our environment have overridden personal and national well-being. Many of us have tried to effect a change in the severity of corporate power and learned we are no match for their attorneys. Tonight I understood my apathy about the current national leadership: since corporate influence powerfully runs the government through massive financial input, I am left with a sense of total helplessness in the face of the Giants. Which is exactly where they want me.

Posted by: Lee H Merrick | July 14, 2007 12:33 AM

Mr. Moyers, thank you for having Mr. Nichols and Mr. Fein explain to the american public the criticality of getting our goverment back on track via the impeachment process! It's been long overdue; our political process is out of control; and as Nichols and Fein say, it's time for politicians to stand up and be statesmen/women for the sake of the country...

Posted by: Lance | July 14, 2007 12:32 AM

We definitely need hearings on impeachment of Bush/Cheney and a grand jury needs to be convened to investigate the "lost" e-mails of Rove, Gonzales et al. I don't even know how a grand jury can be convened since the Justice department usually does that and it is fully corrupted. Tragically, we lost control of our government decades ago; todays crimes are more akin to treason than high crimes and misdemeanors(sp?) I've been studying our history (on my own) recently and recommend Hegemony or Survival and Failed States by Noam Chomsky (or any of his books),and Body of Secrets by James Bamford among many others. I will continue to write my representatives and Ms. Pelosi. I'm afraid we need more than just impeachment but that would be a start.... Thanks for continuing your courageous reporting, Mr. Moyers.

Posted by: Susie Tabb | July 14, 2007 12:29 AM

Finally! somebody is speaking on national TV! Jounalists of America should all unite behind Bill Moyers! This is a matter of national conscience . If "Jounalists" on most of the tv stations had half the guts Mr.Moyers had they would earn their title. unfortunatly most of them are as spinless as our congress and this is a travesty. Thanks to PBS for Airing this Important program. And thanks to Bruce Fein and John Nicols for being so eloquent and to the point.

Posted by: florence | July 14, 2007 12:28 AM

Dear Bill, You are my hero! Thank you for consistently bringing people together to articulate my concerns. Because of you and your guests, I feel less isolated in my convictions about the horrors of the Bush administration. You were one of the few voices after 9-11 who continued to tell the truth without concern for self preservation. Week after week I worried for your physical safety, and when you left NOW, I knew Republican pressures were at hand. Thank you for articulating the Impeachment debate. Your guests were brilliantly studied in the Constitution, a document I'm certain the current administration has never read. I agree with those who say impeachment is only the first step. Bush, Cheney, and Rumsfeld need to be in prison! They have mercilessly terrorized the American people in terms of fear, repeal of our civil rights, and enforcement of powerlessness. Never mind the horrific physical and psychological torture done in our name. And never mind how these Republicans, who purport to have economic prowess, have tanked our economy by way of a war based on lies and by causing the rest of the planet to lose faith in our currency. This Administration is ignorant, arrogant, and...

Posted by: Carolyn B | July 14, 2007 12:27 AM

Thanks for reminding us why it's so important to impeach. And that it's not just a personal attack on a president that is so easy to dislike and so hard to respect. I will write my elected officals encouraging the bill sponsored by Kucinich. Thanks Bill ... your show is a candle in the dark. Anyone disregarding this program tonight clearly isn't paying attenion and doesn't know the guests appearing on the show ...

Posted by: shane finch | July 14, 2007 12:27 AM

I was very moved by tonight's program about impeachment and about the comments written on this page. I have feared that there was too much complacency in this nation to call this administration to account. However, tonight I sense a change. It is up to the People to retake our country, to uphold the Constitution, and to avoid the collapse of our democracy. It seems ironic that the president and vice president continue to stress that we are bringing democracy to Iraq while at the same time they grab from their own countrymen the freedoms for which our ancestors fought so dearly. A few short generations ago FDR warned that the only thing to fear is fear itself. Our current president and vice president have used fear, particularly of terrorism, to exact from us many freedoms given to us by the Constitution. They have ruined and demolished lives and reputations here and abroad. Thank you Bill Moyers, Bruce Fein, and John Nichols for so concisely outlining our constitutional crisis and its solution. I hope enough citizens will take heed.

Posted by: Susan Powers | July 14, 2007 12:27 AM

Right on target! This was a very necessary service to all of us that think Bush should be Imeached. Perhaps somebody in our House, will hear this and take action. I have already signed a petition at Ramsey Clarks webits. If we don't act soon, we'll have destroyed any semblance of a democratic government. What happens with this issue will affect future generations to come after us.

Posted by: Joe M | July 14, 2007 12:26 AM

Thank you, Mr. Moyers!! Your show tonight & your guest; Nichols & Fein were speaking what the majority of us are discussing among ourselves: the Constitution, our civil liberties & impeachment of both the president & vice-president. I am sure the framers are turning in their graves. It was so refreshing to hear this side of the arguement. It has been the sound of silence when it comes to the media(NBC,ABC & CBS)& we needed to hear from the people who see that this present administration is lying about the reason for the war and we know it's about the oil and the greed of the people in this administration and covering it all up with a war that is killing our our children; our future. I would like to take a sentence that comes from the movie titled: The American President; when Annette Bennings character says to Micheal Douglas'character:"how can they say they love America when they obviously hate Americans?" I have so been feeling like my elected officials (from Pres., to Congress) are not giving us what we need as a people. I personally feel like saying I'm your boss--I hired you: you've done a poor job and...

Posted by: Sonja Long-Cole | July 14, 2007 12:24 AM

I just caught the end of your show waiting for the British comedies to come on. What a bunch of crap! The democrats don't have the guts to stop the war or impeach Bush or Cheney. What congress should do is remove public funding for this show and send it to the troops in the war.

Posted by: ken | July 14, 2007 12:24 AM

Bill, an absolutely mesmerizing show tonight. I will plan to write my District #1 representative here in Colorado, Dianne DeGette, within the next week. We must take action to prevent any further erosion of our constitution. It seems that Nicholas and Fein have courage and the knowledge to spread the necessary word to get the House Judiciary to take some action soon on impreaching both the President and the Vice-President if my children and grandchildren will have the experience of a government by and for the people and not just a few. There surely is/are representatives that would work together to bring this about.

Posted by: Mary Hartup | July 14, 2007 12:23 AM

We must not loose our heads. Treason, as brought up by another viewer, is a very strong statement. However, I don't feel that Mr. Bush ever made a reasonable case for going to war in Iraq. If deposing an evil man is grounds for war, we should be fighting in North Korea, China, several places in Africa and South America. Obviously, that's nuts. That being said, I firmly believe that appropriate investigations must be made in a very transparent manner into the abuse of power that has been perpitrated on the American people and on the world by this administration. Only then can the abuse of power be reigned in, and security return to our republic. However, I don't know who could hold such hearings and get to the bottom of the abuse. Our federal government has become a fetid stew of politics and backbiting. There appears to be no one in Washington who can see past the next election, or the next special interest paycheck. With all the bickering and backbiting it appears to be imposible for congress to accomplish anything, let alone an impeachment investigation. For heavens sake, we're 10 months into the fiscal year and most of...

Posted by: Guy Bergeson | July 14, 2007 12:15 AM

There was no mention of the fact that Dennis Kucinich has already introduced a bill in the House to impeach Cheney. I do agree, however, that Speake Pelosi needs to take the lead on this. I completely agree with the two guests, Fein and Nichols, that unless we take steps now to impeach both the President and Vice President, our democracy is at terrible risk because we leave the next President, whoever he or she is, with too many "tools" to abuse executive power. This was a fabulous show. Bill Moyers has always been a hero of mine, more so now than ever when we need his courage and insights so much.

Posted by: Marlene Foster | July 14, 2007 12:08 AM

A lot of us have been waiting for this program for years! THANK YOU for this discussion.

Posted by: Amy | July 14, 2007 12:07 AM

I have been resisting the calls for impeachment thinking that it was futile, and that it risked spending time and energy that could and should be spent elsewhere. I now understand that we cannot wait. Whether or not impeachment succeeds, it must be attempted. 'It's a Constitution thing.' Please: contact Nancy Pelosi and explain why impeachment must not only be put back on the table, but also initiated.

Posted by: amelia | July 14, 2007 12:06 AM

An enlightening program. I'd assumed it wasn't worth the time and distraction to impeach these 2 lawbreakers - now I understand it's critical. Thanks for the lesson. I'd like to think there's one of our 535 reps that would come forward with courage and conviction after being inspired by this program.

Posted by: Jerry Rehmar | July 14, 2007 12:06 AM

Thank You Bill Moyers, Thank you for returning to PBS 13. I will now rejoin as a member. Hopefully you will not pay attention to some of the dumbed down Americans who defend this "EVIL, CORRUPT, LYING, SADISTIC, MONEY HUNGRY" administration the worst this country has ever known! This Administration has made the Middle East a hot bed for terrorists. There are more now than there ever was! All you fools who are to blind to see the truth, please do switch the channel, you are brain dead and brain washed! There is no way anything that requires a "thinking" mind will help you! R.Casa

Posted by: R. Casa | July 14, 2007 12:06 AM

As Glenn Greenwald and one of his readers stated today at salon.com, the wealthy of the world naturally want to maintain their privileged positions in society. Through ownership of corporations etc, they attempt and mostly succeed in controlling the media and are thus able to protect and further their interests. Some such as Bush, Cheney and Lieberman obviously feel they must dutifully serve the elite no matter what to enhance their own personal interests. Others such as Pelosi, Kucinich, and Markey seem to be wise enough to not only look out for their own interests and those of the elite but also those of their country and humanity in general. Suffice it to say that even politicians with the best of intentions must play their chips very carefully in a society where money and those who have most of it wield so much power. Rushing into impeachment hearings might seem like the right thing to do but I expect the establishment would not treat the visible initiators of this kindly. The initiators will have to be too numerous and highly respected to attack and/or sweep under the rug. I think Congress is doing the right thing by letting investigations “organically...

Posted by: Rob | July 14, 2007 12:04 AM

I was riveted for almost an hour. Thank you Bill Moyer, Bruce Fein and John Nichols for having the courage to produce this program. It was like a breath of fresh air after approx. 6 years of a media that rarely challenged this Administration but just rolled over for them. Please air this program again soon.

Posted by: E. Snyder | July 14, 2007 12:03 AM

Thanks Bill for the best show in YEARS! George Bush is more dangerous to my children and me than Osama, al Qaeda, or any of those other yahoos. Those people have no respect for our Constitution. Sure, they can kill my body; however, they could never kill my FREEDOMS. George has broken his promise to uphold the Constitution and has broken laws. George and the baleful Cheney are doing all of this in the guise of national security. Was Bush asleep the day his history teacher taught him what Ben Franklin said about security and freedom? Franklin said that you could never have both complete security and freedom. If a person wanted total security, he did not deserve freedom. Freedom, like life, entails risks. Anyone who is a parent knows fear, yet we participate in life anyway. Are we so afraid these days? Did we not learn anything from our founding fathers and my father’s greatest generation who sacrificed and took risks? Do we think living in an open society is without hazards? True, FDR and Lincoln curbed freedoms, but they did it openly. There is a time and place for such acts. The Bible teaches that the only unforgivable...

Posted by: Tim Johnson | July 14, 2007 12:02 AM

It seems to me lately, that the Larry Flynt Hustler Investigation Team has a better chance at holding Dick Cheney et al accountable for anything, then does congress. JS, Madison WI

Posted by: Jack Scully | July 14, 2007 12:00 AM

I am not nearly as articulate as your bloggers, however, I was compelled to say something-- your program tonight (7/13) touched me deeply and just wanted to go on record. I was born and raised in a GREAT America. I was raised to respect our leaders, our elders and one another. To trust in our government and have faith in our religion. We shared and upheld common values and goodwill toward our fellow man/woman and our country. What has happened to the America we once knew? We can no longer claim ownership to the qualities that once defined America. We have allowed our politicians to compromise our rights and delute our pledge and honor to one another and our country. I pray that someone (Hilary, OBama) will step up and address these issue head on. We the American people can no LONGER hide our heads in the sand-- we cannot rely on our political leaders to help us out of this peril. We put our hope in someone that we can trust and will lead us out of this fray, this confusion, and return us to the goals and insight of our founding fathers (maybe mothers). Thank you SO MUCH...

Posted by: Debra | July 14, 2007 12:00 AM

I am concerned about the erosion of our Constitution. We as citizens must take a stand, if our elected officials won't. We can have ralleys, and peaceful parades. Maybe even set up a picket line in front of Congress and the Senate. It's not the political parties at stake. It's the abuse of presidential power and the obstruction of justice that is at stake. I'm calling my Senator and Congresswoman........

Posted by: Mary Ellen | July 13, 2007 11:59 PM

Thanks Bill,now I dont feel so all alone.Maybe ,just maybe "We the people" are finally paying attention enough to what realy matters instead of Paris,Tom,Brad,Jen,Ben...ect.I feel slightly hopeful.

Posted by: Rick from Wiscosin | July 13, 2007 11:55 PM

Sorry! I meant to say Bruce Fein in my previous post.

Posted by: Lew Houston | July 13, 2007 11:48 PM

Thank you for your excellent program and knowledgeable guests who truly understand our precious Constitution. As long as two years ago I started writing letter to the editor to state these facts that our leaders in the White House were leading us astray from our Constitution and conducting themselves outside of the laws of our country but not as eloquently as your guests. I do believe that if this rouge President and Vice President are not promptly made accountible through impeachment our future as a free society will be taken away from us. If we do not do something now we are fools. Nancy Pelosi needs to see this program and she needs to fulfill her Constitutional duties and start impeachment proceedings immediately. If not, she should be replaced with someone who has the spine to carry out what needs to be done. I feel a great sense of urgency and frustration and feel that if we do not act King George will grab so much power we will not be able to get him out of office. We need to make them accountable so future presidents understand that they cannot be dictators, they are OUR public servants, not the...

Posted by: Joanne W | July 13, 2007 11:47 PM

Bill, tonight's program surpasses anything I have seen in years. It is refreshing to hear you, Bill Fein and John Nichols articulate what so many of us have seen happening to our country and the constitution which our leaders swear to uphold and support. Now we must enlighten our congressmen and senators!

Posted by: Lew Houston | July 13, 2007 11:45 PM

Thank you Mr. Moyers for having Bruce Fein and John Nicols on your program tonight. I will write my senators and representatives and tell them to encourage Nancy Pelosi to do the right thing for the American people. And say to the House, "I cherish my country more than my party and that's why we must start impeachment process for Cheney and Bush to get at the truth." The American people want and deserve a government that is truthful and serves its people with integrity. Let's be a beacon for the world of truth and justice.

Posted by: Theresa Mazig | July 13, 2007 11:42 PM

It's wonderful and refreshing to see Bill Moyers at the top of his game. Thanks Bill Moyers for restoring some real credibility to TV journalism. You should be on prime time but I'll check out your show no matter when it's on. I've signed every form and petition I can find asking for Nancy P. to reconsider and begin impeachment proceedings against Dick C. and Bush. They are a disgrace to the office and their combined arrogance can only be matched by their incompetence. The fact that they're attempting an end run around the rule of law to restore a monarchy is frightening because they have been successful so far. I must agree with Joyce as well. I do firmly believe that they should be tried as war criminals. One lie after another, leaking information about a covert cia agent, commuting the sentence of Scooter-boy, suspending constitutional rights etc., etc. Your guests made it clear that we must act now to stop the further abuses that will come in future administrations. We desperately need more programs and journalist like you Bill Moyers and I thank you every time I watch your program or read something you've written. Thanks for all...

Posted by: Patrick Graney | July 13, 2007 11:42 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers for your Journal this evening, Friday, July 13, 2007. Your guests were very informative and right on as to what should be done. Please Nancy Pelosi and other members of Congress be brave and impeach Bush and Cheney now! What they have done to us in the world is terrible, terrible, terrible! EJBV

Posted by: Elizabeth | July 13, 2007 11:41 PM

Statesman = DENNIS KUCINICH

Posted by: kathy Allen | July 13, 2007 11:40 PM

Than you for finally raising the most serious issue the U.S. republic faces: are we the new Roman Empire or will we remain a republic? Impeachment: if not under these circumstances, when?

Posted by: Wm Barclay | July 13, 2007 11:37 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Bill and crew! I have felt, for years now, like someone living alone in an apartment on a dangerous street at night, where the alarm bell has been ringing incessantly next door with no visible response from anyone in government.... Where are the police? Where are the firefighters? Where is the outrage? Tonight, FINALLY, I feel as if these two men, at least, have shown up to start the investigation. A lovely, useful image, that "toolbox." I confess, what has worried me the most about Cheney and company is why THEY weren't worried about who might use their precious unitary presidency, next -- or did they have something up their sleeves to take care of that? (Rigged U.S. Attorney's offices, perhaps?) I still wonder; but at least now I know that other folks are wondering about it, too. I am so grateful to have these issues out on the table -- and put so simply, yet eloquently. My "take-away" from this wonderful show (if I may take a leaf from Johnny Cochran for just this once): "If they over-reach, We must impeach!"

Posted by: Judy Epstein | July 13, 2007 11:33 PM

It is no wonder that the Government in all its Political positions dosen't promote education for the people of this Nation. People who understand are a danger to all these politicians. If we are not educated then we will not know? It is the hope of the elected officials that we forget what it means to have our Constitution so that they too have the chance to be KING. I am very worried about our future as it stands now. If the King is not brought down by the Constitution, then it is a dead Constitution. What will our future children say, even to the third and fourth generation from now. Who is there to fix this when our Speaker of the House does nothing. They see it and still do nothing. I could disapear for writing this, and what will you do about it?

Posted by: Lee Perry | July 13, 2007 11:32 PM

My first Bill Moyers Journal episode, a true eye opener. Agree 100% with everything discussed tonight by all three gentlemen. Only wish a discussion of this magnitude could make it's way on mainstream television with the big four networks. Complaints I've read on this blog tonight concerning the one sided discussion of tonights episode seems to highlight the "tow the line" mentality of 40% of america who feel going against the current administration is tantamount of favoring the terrorists. Bravo! to those who can think on there own without having the media spoon feed them more brainwashing, this from someone who voted for Dubya back in 2000', oh what a mistake! Keep up the great work Bill Moyers and PBS.

Posted by: Steve McKenzie | July 13, 2007 11:28 PM

Thank you. Hopefully we have a brave statesman who will stand up for the U.S.Constitution and initiate impeachment hearings. We fear most for the lost civil liberties. We don't think most people understand how much has been lost. Our wish is that the House and Senate will do their constitutional duties. We will continue to hound those who represent us....daily!

Posted by: David and Karen Tabaka | July 13, 2007 11:28 PM

Loved the program! I appreciate that you elevated the level of this discussion to something higher than mere partisan politics. I was moved by the conviction, depth, erudition, and passion of your guests. However, I'm baffled by the glaring omission of any mention of the courageous initiative by Dennis Kucinich. He is the one of the few representatives truly representing the majority of Americans in favor of impeachment. Why does even the most progressive media ignore this most stalwart champion of our Constitution? Please continue your efforts to bring this most urgent issue before the public. We desperately need the kind of tenacity that the press displayed during the Watergate era. Thank you, Mr. Moyers, for returning to PBS on a regular basis! (It was a sad day in our household when you retired from "NOW.")

Posted by: Arthur Houle | July 13, 2007 11:24 PM

In the discussion tonight, there was a brief question of the similarity (difference?) of Viet Nam and Iraq. I volunteered and served in Viet Nam 1967-1978, and this is how I see the differences. Viet Nam evolved out of French imperialism in French Indochina during the 1870s. Following WWII, the victors wanted France back on its economic feet, and rubber was a huge issue at the time and everyone wanted the Michelin Group back in French Indochina harvesting rubber. As a result, when Ho Chi Mien came to Paris and New York for assistance to establish a government of Viet Namese, we sided with the French. Ho Chi Mien turned to Russia and China and Viet Nam evolved into the Cold War. We cannot point a finger at any US President for starting the Viet Nam war… it simply was passed from one administration, Republican and Democratic, to the next. Iraq was a decision by Bush and Cheney. IMPEACH them both!

Posted by: Terry J DuBose | July 13, 2007 11:24 PM

Dear Mr. Moyers, What a balanced program you have! I have never seen a journalist feed lines to guests like you did tonight. Did you also help that idiot from "American Freedom Agenda" with his comb-over? Fortunately, I am old enough to remember when you worked for Lyndon Johnson(nice mushroom commercial). In case you forgot, you are supposed to be the neutral party, not the moderator that jumps on the bandwagon with your guests. This is why PBS will never receive my support. Thank you, Louis Smith

Posted by: Louis Smith | July 13, 2007 11:24 PM

In the discussion tonight, there was a brief question of the similarity (difference?) of Viet Nam and Iraq. I volunteered and served in Viet Nam 1967-1978, and this is how I see the differences. Viet Nam evolved out of French imperialism in French Indochina during the 1870s. Following WWII, the victors wanted France back on its economic feet, and rubber was a huge issue at the time and everyone wanted the Michelin Group back in French Indochina harvesting rubber. As a result, when Ho Chi Mien came to Paris and New York for assistance to establish a government of Viet Namese, we sided with the French. Ho Chi Mien turned to Russia and China and Viet Nam evolved into the Cold War mess. We cannot point a finger at any US President for starting the Viet Nam war… it simply was passed from one administration, Republican and Democratic, to the next. Iraq was a decision by Bush and Cheney. IMPEACH them both!

Posted by: Terry J DuBose | July 13, 2007 11:23 PM

Loved the program! I appreciate that you elevated the level of this discussion to something higher than mere partisan politics. I was moved by the conviction, depth, erudition, and passion of your guests. However, I'm baffled by the glaring omission of any mention of the courageous initiative by Dennis Kucinich. He is the one of the few representatives truly representing the majority of Americans in favor of impeachment. Why does even the most progressive media ignore this most stalwart champion of our Constitution? Please continue your efforts to bring this most urgent issue before the public. We desperately need the kind of tenacity that the press displayed during the Watergate era. Thank you, Mr. Moyers, for returning to PBS on a regular basis! (It was a sad day in our household when you retired from "NOW.")

Posted by: Arthur Houle | July 13, 2007 11:23 PM

Congress, Nancy Polosi, I call on you!!! Start the impeachment process NOW, THIS MINUTE. Dont live up to the name that your congress is "lame" and "INVERTEBRATE". It is high time you stop the cheating, stealing, and killing of both innocent civilians and the cream of the American people. Impeachment is the only way for both CHENEY AND BUSH!

Posted by: charitte Pagusara | July 13, 2007 11:23 PM

Thank you Mr Moyers, Mr Fein and Mr Nichols. This is not a republican or a democratic political problem; it is for the survival of Democracy and our country. Thank you for having this discussion.

Posted by: Martha Nelson | July 13, 2007 11:23 PM

Danny- weren't you paying attention?? Bruce Fein is a right winger. Mr. Fein has been an adjunct scholar with the American Enterprise Institute, a resident scholar at the Heritage Foundation, a lecturer at the Bookings Institute, and an adjunct professor at George Washington University.

Posted by: Teresa | July 13, 2007 11:22 PM

Thank you for your incredible program, why is not on earlier so more are watching? I have never responded via internet but this moved me so to put on record my reaction. I agree to impreachment and upholding the laws of our constitution. What do we need to do to get our Congress turned around? Oh yes the letters, the power of the vote, but more is needed as no question our time is limited. As I listened to your program the thoughts came to me ... our enemy. "terrorists" must be laughing at us on how we have become distracted from the source of real problems as slowly our own strengths and freedoms are being slowly destroyed through our blindness to political power. ego hype and money. The focus on the "War" has blinded us to the erosion and abuses of executive power and paralzed the members of Congress from taking clear action necessary. Please continue other programs informing us the public on prime time.

Posted by: ]an of Michgan | July 13, 2007 11:21 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers! Thank you Bruce Fein and John Nichols for informing us about what can be done at this difficult time in our country. For the first time I am feeling hope. Let the impeachment begin so we can maintain our rights as citizens. The Democratic committee called me yesterday wanting a donation and I refused this time and told them that until Congress brought the troops home and made Bush and Cheney accountable by impeaching them I was not giving them any more money. I told them I was still waiting for them to do what we elected them to do in November.

Posted by: Helen | July 13, 2007 11:20 PM

WHAT A ONE-SIDED SHOW! What to see what our "new" Congress is doing for us? Read this (on Boston.com tonight): Note that Bush Administration HAS NOT GONE AS FAR AS CLINTON'S, yet the Congress is choosing to confront for 9 people who were fired by their employers. Isn't it an employer's discretion to hire/fire people? Who is playing the POLITICS? (Excerpt from boston.com)... White House counsel Fred Fielding has refused to accommodate any additional demands for records or testimony from administration officials about the decision to replace the prosecutors last year and told Miers the president did not want her to testify before the committee. The decisions, he said in a letter to the committees, rest "upon a bedrock presidential prerogative" that confidentiality among those who advise the president is imperative for the president to "perform his constitutional duties." That extends to all who advise the president, he said. Legal analysts and those who have worked in previous administrations say the claims put forward by the Bush administration may not be broader than those asserted by other presidents. But they said the administration's position rests largely on a limited number of court decisions and on assertions made by previous administrations...

Posted by: Danny | July 13, 2007 11:18 PM

Thank you, thank you for the clear, informative, intelligent discussion about preserving our democracy. This is exactly what the public needs to be considering -- how damaged our constitution will be if there is a transition to a new administration without holding the present administration accountable.

Posted by: Marti Cockrell | July 13, 2007 11:16 PM

Bill you are an American Hero! Thank you for this program. It is mighty refreshing and invigorating to see the laser beam of impeachment focus on the high crimes and misdemeanors of President Bush and VP Cheney. It is indeed a time ripe for implementation. Your guests, Nichols and Fein sure do pack a wallop of information and conviction. It is pleasing and heartwarming to see and hear this high degree of passion about the Constitution and the Rule of Law. Please continue. We watch you every Friday night and marvel at how much we learn. Congratulations! Even an Emmy would be small reward for the depth and breadth of your work dedicated to our people and our country. Blessings to you and ALL of your staff!

Posted by: Dona General | July 13, 2007 11:16 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers. It's great to have you back.

Posted by: Miles McCrickard | July 13, 2007 11:15 PM

Fein and Nichols ably argue the case for impeachment, certainly for the commencement of an impeachment inquiry charged with investigating and presenting the case for or against impeachment to the full House. Dick Cheney has devoted his career to reclaiming the power he felt Richard Nixon "walked away from" by resigning under threat of impeachment and the exposure of his illegal acts. He would go to the wall and take his "president" with him rather than admit that he had overreached and acted beyond the scope of legitimate presidential authority. Mr. Cheney has made the contest of power the definition of his presidency. He has made it a literal contest of his and George Bush's manhood, as if a locker room contest over who was bigger were an adequate proxy for an evaluation of whether their conduct was within the bounds of the law and the president's constitutional authority. He has built his presidency on not being subject to the law or even to the fragile will of his own president. That Dick Cheney would never admit error, and would never permit his "president" to do so, is all the evidence required to justify an impeachment inquiry.

Posted by: dpk | July 13, 2007 11:15 PM

Our country was doomed right from the start of this disrespectful President and his cocky VP. Bush is a liar for stating he is pro life. I perceive him to be a saddist who secretly gets satisfaction in seeing our boys die in Iraq. A saddist getting satisfaction in every bit of turmoil he starts. Impeach the saddist and his co-conspirator.

Posted by: Mar | July 13, 2007 11:14 PM

Thank you for tonight's program. I do believe, however, that we have a statesman in Congress; Dennis Kucinich. Let's impeach Bush and Cheney.

Posted by: Kathy Allen | July 13, 2007 11:12 PM

Thank you (from deep in what's left of the heart of Texas) for tonight's program on impeachment.

Posted by: Bob R | July 13, 2007 11:12 PM

i became a member of thirteen.org after seeing the episode.. the world can't wait

Posted by: mark phelan | July 13, 2007 11:11 PM

Your program tonight is the reason I watch this show! Thank you once again, Bill Moyers. The majority of the American people are ahead of their elected officials on this issue. Instead of acting like statesmen, our elected officials spend too much time raising money for the next election. We the people, must raise our voices now, before the next election. The tool bag must be searched and the illegal tools must be seized. Make your views known. Demand action from your senators and representatives.

Posted by: mg | July 13, 2007 11:10 PM

PLAIN AND SIMPLE .... THE MOST POWERFUL , MEANINGFULL AND PROMISING DISCUSSION SINCE 9-11. HOW CAN WE PROMOTE DEMOCRACY ABROAD, WHILE WE DESTROY OURS AT HOME ? IF WE TURN OUR CONSTITUTION UPSIDE DOWN IN ORDER TO PREVENT FUTURE TERRORIST ACTS, THEN THE TERRORIST HAVE ALREADY WON, GAME - OVER. THIS SHOW SHOULD BE GIFT WRAPPED AND DELIVERED TO EVERY AMERICAN, AT THE VERY LEAST, EVERY CONGRESSMAN. THANK-YOU ... MR. MOYERS...!!!!

Posted by: GARY WOFSY | July 13, 2007 11:09 PM

Tonight's analysis of what will go down in history as one of the greatest miscarriages of justice and irrevocable civil liberties debacles, frightened me! It's not so much that I'm scared; rather that the innocence of my grandchildren and their children, along with the helpless elderly, including my 90-yr. old mother who has seen and heard it all - all are victims of this administration's arrogance, ignorance, self-centeredness and total disregard for constitutional law. Both parties, in mass dysfunction, led by a brilliant yet myopic bipartisan core, appear shackled by the burden of inertia and fear of the Big Machine, gangsta, if you will. What is going on? Why is everyone so chicken? Scared to step up, to speak up; scared of the lie, so propagandized and masked by post 9/11 hysteria? The provocative, informative, titillating dialogue was the best I've witnessed in a long time.

Posted by: ann elliott | July 13, 2007 11:08 PM

You censored my first comment because I didn't say thank you Bill Moyers. This broadcast was so one sided and unfair to an administration that is doing the dirty work to save us all. I'll never give another dollar to PBS until you you understand that it is for all the "Public".

Posted by: Frank | July 13, 2007 11:06 PM

I whole-heartedly agree with the guests tonight on Mr. Moyers program. The Congress should begin to hold hearings on the president's misuse of power immediately!

Posted by: M Dover | July 13, 2007 11:03 PM

Thank you for the informative discussion tonight on the constitutional crisis. I feel so much less crazy-you have given voice and validity to my feelings about the current administration. AND you have motivated me to do more-my representatives are going to hear more from me!

Posted by: Rebecca Monson | July 13, 2007 11:03 PM

While I thought it was a terrific show, Moyers made a mistake and neither Fein nor Nichols corrected. Moyers talked about providing for defense being the first thing listed at the beginning of the Constitution. That is incorrect. After "in order to establish a more perfect union" which was language necessary to preserve the fiction that the Permanent League of Friendship established in the Articles was continuing, the next thing listed is "establish justice." This is very relevant to the points Fein and Nichols were making. I have written about this at dailykos and that diary received a certain amount of attention.

Posted by: teacherken | July 13, 2007 11:02 PM

I was deeply disturbed by this program aired tonight. With tax payers money, a public station is expected to provide balanced political views. In this program, the host has two guests. Both are anti-Bush, anti-war and anti-Republicans. THE MAJORITY of American population who do not believe that President Bush had broken any laws. At one point, one guest (John?) said that there's a unspoken 4th "branch" of the government and that is the media. I wonder what our founding fathers would think to have a branch that's self-appointed, with no term limits, and giving itself power that's never written in the Constitution. I know what he was trying to say but don't treat the viewers like school kids. The media has the rights of free speech, nothing more. When a certain media company tries to become an activist and promote one agenda above others, that's un-ethical and certainly is beyond the call of duty.

Posted by: Danny | July 13, 2007 11:02 PM

Bill Clinton was impeached for lying about a consensual extramarital relationship with a White House intern. Nobody died. How can this compare to what Bush and Cheney have done to our country? My friend says that since we've been engaging the insurgents and terrorists "over there", Americans have avoided an attack on our shores. Lovely. The terrorists haven't had to come over. This strategy is tantamount to protecting the henhouse by setting chickens outside every night for the fox. We have shipped over thousands of American men and women in the prime of their lives to die there, countless others have been maimed and disabled, and for what? We have killed exponentially more civilians in Iraq and Afghanistan, destroyed their cities, towns and infrastructure, and expect them to be grateful for our presence. The vast majority of Americans care more about who wins American Idol, what happens to Paris Hilton, or Brad and Angelina's antics. We prove we are anesthetized if we allow our government to be run this way by a mindless, petty, out-of-control cowboy despot and his handlers. We won't notice what we've lost until it's all gone. Why aren't our representatives listening? What will it take? I...

Posted by: Carolyn Taylor | July 13, 2007 11:00 PM

It is about time we remind all government officials that they are our (the peoples) employees. They are supposed to be doing what the majority of the people want. When are they going to listen to what we want. Maybe an impeachment is in order. We are tired of being lied to and then snickered at. This spoiled rotten brat that thinks he runs this country needs a spanking, called impeachment. If we all contact our senators and representatives we the people will prevail! ! ! !

Posted by: Arlene Willoughby | July 13, 2007 10:59 PM

Writing your elected officials in the Congress and Senate about impeaching Bush and Cheny would not accomplish much. 20 million people united, organized and marching in the streets would certainly open their eyes!

Posted by: RHertz | July 13, 2007 10:58 PM

Thank you, thank you, thank you! Nobody else has had the "guts" to present the case for impeachment in such compelling terms as you have done tonight. I was stunned to see such an outpouring of support on this blog already - forgetting that this program aired earlier on the east coast. Let me add a firm midwestern vote of affirmation to John Nichols' call for impeachment for constitutional NOT political reasons. I count myself fortunate to have him as an editor of my daily source of news, the rest of the country should be so fortunate. But we should all be thrilled that Mr. Moyers has found it impossible to stay away from the dialogue. We and the country are smarter, richer, and probably safer for it. Sabine, Madison, WI

Posted by: Sabine Droste | July 13, 2007 10:58 PM

Thank you, Bill Moyers. I want to emphasize that Harriet Myers' first loyality must be to the U.S. Constitution, not G.W.Bush. Congress must watch your program and ACT. I have been signing up for impeachment for some months now.

Posted by: Rosemary Schumann | July 13, 2007 10:57 PM

It's a pity that we don't have any statesmen left in our government. I have felt for a long time we are in decline just like the Roman Empire. Bush/Cheney are burning Rome and the American public is just watching it burn; and none of our elected officials are doing anything about it. It's a very sad state of affairs and it sickens me as an American.

Posted by: Sean | July 13, 2007 10:57 PM

Dear Mr. Moyer, THANK YOU!! Thank you so very much! I was so worried, depressed, and really out of it with the notion that no one but me wanted more answers to why President Bush can do what he is doing to our country. I was even scared, the first time in over 55 years, to voice my opinion, and this is a woman that grew up in the sixties and seventies. God help me for being quiet for so long. I was scared because I didn't want to be blackballed in going against the policies of the President and Vice President. I didn't want my phone calls intercepted, mail opened, and be spied on just because I had a different point of view. Many Americans fear the US Government for what they can do to you under cover, breaking the laws that our founding fathers put in writing to protect us from power hungry men in office. Please keep up the good work. Please Mr. Moyer! You have set me free, opened up a wealth of words and feelings that have been suppressed since 9/11 when President Bush did his first act for impeachment. IMPEACH PRESIDENT BUSH AND VICE...

Posted by: DG | July 13, 2007 10:56 PM

A most illuminating discussion on impeachment. Would Mr. Fine ever consider running for office? He has the knowledge, ethics and passion our country desperately needs. Please consider.

Posted by: Dominic Rappazzo | July 13, 2007 10:56 PM

I have been trying to gather a group of citizens from across the country to activate a call for impeachment but someone told me we would need at least $500,000 to get it going. Four years ago, I tried very hard to alert mainstream and cable editors and anchors to the very real fact that Iraq had no role in 9/11. I cited references (or, lack thereof) to Iraq in the major newspaper from 9/12 to the end of '01. I also called attention to the fact that invading Iraq was on the Bush agenda even before he was sworn into office in '01 because Cheney and Rumsfeld had been calling for it for years. Cheney keeps aligning the al qaeda in Iraq with 9/11 and his White House puppet used it on Thursday, yet could not provide any reason for it when asked to do so by a reporter. In my opinion, there is good reason why Bush #41 cried when he spoke in Florida the night Jeb Bush bade "good-bye to his eight years as governor. The blatant dish honesty guiding his eldest son's administration has killed any chance for Jeb to run for the highest office. #41...

Posted by: Nancy Hyden Woodward | July 13, 2007 10:55 PM

Thank you Bill! This program really puts "Impeachment back on the table." John and Bruce both made compelling cases for the House Judiciary Committee to get cracking on holding impeachment hearings on both Bush and Cheney. I was particularly struck by Bruce Fein's observation that there seems to be nobody in the Congress in a leadership position who is putting the Constitution first. It's all political point-making. Our House Speaker, Nancy Pelosi, is a midget, who seems not to recognize the responsibility she has to the country, and is thinking only of what she thinks works best for the Democratic Party heading into the '08 elections. It is a shameful spectacle. I would, however, note that there was one oversight in the program. Nobody mentioned that there is in fact a bill in the House right now, HRes 333, submitted by Rep. Dennis Kucinich, which calls for the impeachment of Vice President Dick Cheney. So there is at least one member of Congress willing to put the Constitution first. You or your guests might also have mentioned that Kucinich's resolution has 14 co-sponsors. But John Nichols' point about the failure of the Fourth Estate is borne out by the fact...

Posted by: Dave Lindorff | July 13, 2007 10:55 PM

Susan and I have sat by far too long and watched America lose its way and its place in the world. Our European friends always question how we let our President do the things he does. Mr. Bush's priorities have never been ours, and his War has never been ours, and his way of handling problems in a vacuum never been our way. We have felt powerless, and not known how to be effective. We appreaciate your guests ideas and will email our elected officials asking them to start impeachment hearings. Thank you for bringing these clear ideas to light.

Posted by: Rick and Susan H | July 13, 2007 10:55 PM

Were we not once reminded by George Washington that "arbitrary power is most easily established on the ruins of liberty abused to licentiousness"? If there is no general proposal of outrage (civil) at this egregious demonstration of collective megalomania (a responsible media assuming the point role of asking demanding questions and requiring accountability), then a galvanizing personage or concerted movement will almost assuredly come along one day - and the pendulum (as we know)does not shift smoothly to a centrist position of common sense, but rather to another extreme - and history shows the fate of those entities that must suffer such a fate.

Posted by: Steve | July 13, 2007 10:54 PM

I am a compassionate conservative who respects Bill Moyer, however that babbling blinking fool who calls himself(whose eyes could not even be seen)has to go. While I respect and honor every life that has been lost in this war, the most important thing to me is a future without terrorism. While terrible atrocities occur in war, in any war, everything else would be a moot point. Why don't we just sit down and entertain the idea of having breakfast with terrorists who hide their faces and use barbaric means and decapitate peoples heads, to try and have dialogue with them. While we are all suffering about this war and while I am so sympathetic about every husband, wife, son, and daughter that has been lost, we must win the war. It is the evil doers that committed this horrific act, who are the murderers. I agree with Mark Levin and while I may not agree with everything concerning the war, we should stand up as Americans and not be fighting within the parties and have the patriotism that was exhibited in WWII. I am sick of your liberalism and your constant bashing of the conservative right. While I watch your...

Posted by: Ms. Marie L. Rizzo | July 13, 2007 10:54 PM

Honor and Truth have been dead in America. We as Americans just watch and wait. This war is about nothing except Power and Money. If we were truly a Powerful Nation we would help people help themselves and unite with fighting terrorism and figuring out what causes terrorism. This administrative under the guise protecting our country has made us more vulnerable. When will the lightbulb start beaming. Americans know the Truth, we are waiting for a Leader. What makes a mighty Nation is a connection with ALL people and living up to the highest standards of the Constitution of the United States of America. The people spoke and a Vote was agreed upon-- we should end this War. What more needs to be said? This program brought me to this Blog. Thank you!

Posted by: Joanne Marie DeAngelis | July 13, 2007 10:53 PM

Honor and Truth have been dead in America. We as Americans just watch and wait. This war is about nothing except Power and Money. If we were truly a Powerful Nation we would help people help themselves and unite with fighting terrorism and figuring out what causes terrorism. This administrative under the guise protecting our country has made us more vulnerable. When will the lightbulb start beaming. Americans know the Truth, we are waiting for a Leader. What makes a mighty Nation is a connection with ALL people and living up to the highest standards of the Constitution of the United States of America. The people spoke and a Vote was agreed upon-- we should end this War. What more needs to be said? This program brought me to this Blog. Thank you!

Posted by: Joanne Marie DeAngelis | July 13, 2007 10:52 PM

I am a compassionate conservative who respects Bill Moyer, however that babbling blinking fool who calls himself(whose eyes could not even be seen)has to go. While I respect and honor every life that has been lost in this war, the most important thing to me is a future without terrorism. While terrible atrocities occur in war, in any war, everything else would be a moot point. Why don't we just sit down and entertain the idea of having breakfast with terrorists who hide their faces and use barbaric means and decapitate peoples heads, to try and have dialogue with them. While we are all suffering about this war and while I am so sympathetic about every husband, wife, son, and daughter that has been lost, we must win the war. It is the evil doers that committed this horrific act, who are the murderers. I agree with Mark Levin and while I may not agree with everything concerning the war, we should stand up as Americans and not be fighting within the parties and have the patriotism that was exhibited in WWII. I am sick of your liberalism and your constant bashing of the conservative right. While I watch your...

Posted by: Ms. Marie L. Rizzo | July 13, 2007 10:52 PM

Since Bush went to war with Iraq I thought that something was not right about the whole thing. And over these past several years Bush/Cheney consistently abuse the powers of their office, so it seems to me. Over these years, I am so disappointed in seeing no opposition coming from the Democrats or the media, Republicans for the most part have been a lost cause, toting Bush's line. I sure hope things are changing. Your show on Impeachment has inspired me to write to my congressmen and to the Speaker to demand that they start impeachment proceedings agains Bush/Cheney. Thanks so much.

Posted by: joseph a. rusnak | July 13, 2007 10:50 PM

You just made my week! Thank you!!! I'm for a mandatory refresher course on the Constitution being given to every member of the current invertebrate Congress - and for incoming members being required to pass an exam on that document before they assume their positions. It's amazing to me that the pool of hopefuls isn't speaking of impeachment. What short-sighted, overpriced advisors are they listening to? With We the People behind them they can't lose!

Posted by: Peg Hughes | July 13, 2007 10:50 PM

Bill, I have not watched your show before tonight. Congratulations to you guests, Bruce Fein & John Nicols, they have given me a new founded hope for this country. This caliber of discussion and this caliber of character is what the US requires in order to raise the US`s stature in the world. I feel, their character and education and what they stand for, is what the American people should have for Presidential nominees. FYI, this is the first time I have ever communicated my thoughts to any TV debate.

Posted by: David McCowan | July 13, 2007 10:49 PM

This program may have spoken for some but certainly not for all. I disagreed with most of what they said. Unfortunately, in this program, there's no check and balance! Both two guests are anti-Bush, anti-war, and anti-Republicans. In a program that talks about check and balance, this is a BIG JOKE! Where is the other side of the voices (or noises)?

Posted by: Danny | July 13, 2007 10:47 PM

We must somehow get ourselves free of this deadly administration that cares more for what they call our friend in the Middle East than they do for the lives of our 19 and 20 year old kids who die daily in Iraq. And now Senator Joe Lieberman a pseudo Democrat wants to perpetuate the lie about 911 and Iraq by having us take on and kill the people of another one of Israel’s enemies, Iran. It’s obvious that the media is afraid to speak up or even mention this subject, as they surely won’t keep their jobs very long. I understand their concern but it’s ashamed that honest people can’t talk openly and truthfully about any subject, especially when it’s killing our young sons and daughters. We’ll never find peace until we uncover and expose the truth. Impeachment is an option only if can rid us of Mr. Chaney and Mr. Bush plus those other neo-conservative warmongers. Iran and Syria will surely be attacked if Mr. Chaney has total control even if it means defying the Supreme Court.

Posted by: Clayton Wilson | July 13, 2007 10:45 PM

What is presently taking place in our country is similar to what happened during Stalinist Russia (close). We need to take our country back -- NOW! Thank you for an honest dialogue on the illegal activities taking place in the US, the constitution, and advising the citizens of the US on how we should take charge and advise our Congressman and women that they should resolve this problem immediately (a dialogue we do not get on CNN, etc.). Refreshing. Thank you.

Posted by: Susan | July 13, 2007 10:44 PM

If I voiced my opinion here, how much would I be in jeopardy to lose everything as a legal alien? My contribution to your show tonight.

Posted by: Connie G. | July 13, 2007 10:44 PM

This discussion was one of the best I've ever seen about this topic. Thank you for airing it. I beg you to send a tape, dvd or transcript to every member of the house and senate. Maybe one elected soul will have the fortitude and the gut-check that so many Americans are feeling right now and do the right thing. I continue to write house and senate members on a regular basis but this show was so full of insight that I feel they have to view it. When this administration was elected for the second time I told a friend of mine that I hoped that the fabric of this country could withstand another four years. I fear that the fabric has been torn unless this administration is held accountable for their actions. Thank you Bill Moyers, Bruce Fein and John Nichols for your insight into what the framers intended. I now see impeachment as the medicine that our country needs, not another avenue of discourse that we might not be able to endure.

Posted by: Karen | July 13, 2007 10:42 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers for one of the best and most interesting discussions I ever listened to on television. I have never seen anyone on any program whose sincerity and knowledge of the situation came anywhere close to the two young men on tonight's show. Until I watched the show tonight I was not really for impeachment at this time because of the time involved and so many important issues need to be taken care of. However, after watching your program I understand why we need to impeach both Bush and Cheney, not just for now, but for the future of America. Again, thank you.

Posted by: Simonne Quigley | July 13, 2007 10:42 PM

I agree almost completely with M. Swann. I believe that impeachment would be a gift for Bush and Cheney--treason is in order and has been since Selection Day 2000. What I don't agree with is the use of the terms, "president and vice president". My president is currently in exile but doing great things to save our fragile planet. I think that there are a few members of congress with enough backbone to do it Russ Feingold Dennis Kucinich and Barbara Boxer come immediately to mind. I thought at one time that John Conyers would be the one to do it. I have faith that it will happen and has to if there is any hope for us. My dream for 2008 is that Al Gore takes his rightful place in history and bails us out of this mess that we are in if it's possible.I believe Feingold would make a great V.P. for the very fact that he voted against the war and the Patriot Act and he says exactly what he believes without weighing the political cost. I think it's going to happen.

Posted by: Andrea Ahl | July 13, 2007 10:42 PM

Great discussion, but while you lambasted both the press and congress for failing to act, you neglected to mention that Dennis Kucinich has introduced House Resolution 333 to impeach Dick Cheney. He has several supporters. If PBS keeps ignoring his existance, the issues he raises never seem to get talked about. Check out a recent story at: http://blog.washingtonpost.com/capitol-briefing/2007/07/post_4.html

Posted by: Jeanne Melchior | July 13, 2007 10:39 PM

There is nothing any American can do to win the hearts and minds of any Iraqi or anyone in the middle east at this point. Thanks to George and Dick! We have lost all credibility in the face of the world. We have lost too many American solders under false pretenses and lies for profit! We need to get out now, no plan is needed. Let the Iraqis and Afgans figure out their own problems, like America did during our own civil war. Besides, they are perfectly happy living in the stone age. There will always be a 3rd world that is not a democracy. It would be much cheaper to send a few million to whoever is left standing with an apology a few years from now. Don't worry Republicans, you will find a way to profit after the dust settles. Lets' use our resources to strengthen our borders, homeland security and technology to relieve us from dependency upon their oil instead of trying to occupy this hell and stealing it so the Bush's can profit. George Bush is an idiot, Cheney is a greedy liar, neither of them give a crap about America, they both have their own...

Posted by: United States of Amnesia | July 13, 2007 10:39 PM

There are many organizations and individuals throughout the US seeking accountability. I have spent many hours corresponding online to discover that After Downing Street Coalition is the nerve center of the impeachment movement. They have many resources there, including petitions to impeach. If you haven't signed yet, go now. It'll only take a few moments. The link is: http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=taxonomy/term/17 AMERICA NEEDS HER CHAMPIONS NOW! IT'S UP TO YOU AND ME!

Posted by: chet zebroski | July 13, 2007 10:39 PM

Thank you, PBS, for airing this program. Thank you, Mr. Moyers, Mr. Fein and Mr. Nichols. You spoke for me.

Posted by: Pamela Garfield | July 13, 2007 10:39 PM

Thank you Bill for your interesting debate. Unfortunately, the country is governed by Corporate America. The American presidential election campaign is financed by big corporations, as well as senators and congressmen. They are primarily accountable to corporations before the citizens. Basically, they are serving the private interest of corporations. The public interest is not anymore important. Greed and power are the main reason of this passivity. I am puzzled by the fact that the majority of american didn't use their constitutional right to elect another president!? They knew that the war was based on false premises!?

Posted by: Cecile | July 13, 2007 10:38 PM

You folks have to get over it. All this sniping at Bush is not only preaching to the choir, but is all just a bunch of verbal crap (can I say that on a PBS Blog?). Impeachment is joke. Bush has probably done as well as anyone could have. Gore would have been debating what to do for years after 9-11-01. Something had to be done and it was. We are at war with a very dangerous enemy. And we have many here at home who are rooting for them. This war will go on for a long time. Mistakes have been made and will be made. Anyone who knows anything about military history knows this. The war in Iraq and the war against terror will not end even if a Dem is elected Pres. Anyone with any real understanding of history knows this. If you fear for your civil liberties now, then you should dread what America will be like if any of the incredibly self absorbed Dems get in! Hilary? To prove how tough she is she will undoubtly top Bush in all areas of abuse and mistake. Who's going to stop her? You? The folks who are...

Posted by: Cincinnatus | July 13, 2007 10:38 PM

Impeachment must be only the first step with regard to Bush and Cheney. Both have committed high treason with regard to the 9/11 attacks, China, insecurity at the Mexican border and within our ports, waging an illegal war of aggression on Iraq, threatening another against Iran, allowing millions of illegal aliens into our country and offering amnesty to them, plotting to destroy our sovereignty with the so-called North American Union; and, worst of all, deliberately leaking the identity of a deep covert CIA agent (Valerie Plame) to the press - putting her entire network of assets in mortal danger. High treason is a capital offense - punishable by death - and, these traitors certainly deserve it. Also, they violated international law through waging aggressive war and committing mass murder and other atrocities in Iraq and Afghanistan - also a capital crime, for which Nazi officials paid with their lives at Nuremberg following WWII.

Posted by: eileen kuch | July 13, 2007 10:37 PM

This was a very enlightening dialog. I had no idea the polls indicated a near majority of Americans favor impeachment. I myself viewed the impeachment movement as theatrical, and as a political independent, thought the VT legislature's resolution about impeachment was a waste of time and money. A commentator recently said we must just wait out Bush and Cheney, hoping nothing happened to worsen in Iraq, terrorism, etc., before the next election. That's exactly what I had been thinking, at the time...until I saw your program. The first point made by the guests that woke me up was that power, once obtained by any means, is not voluntarily given up until successfully challenged. We the people must move to limit Executive power BEFORE the next election. Congress showed that Presidential perjury will not be tolerated, by impeaching Clinton. Even though the Clinton impeachment was motivated by politics, there was a shred of principle in it. The second point mentioned by one of the guests that woke me up was that there was no requirement in past impeachment proceedings that an impeached official publically admit that their impeached actions were wrong and contrary to the Constitution. I agree that newly elected...

Posted by: Becky Herbig | July 13, 2007 10:36 PM

Dear Bill, First - thank you for bringing this debate into our living rooms. I completely understand how some people think and label you as "liberal" or "far left". I first knew you as the interviewer of Joseph Campbell. I was impressed by your insight and interviewing skills. Tonight, you played "devil's advocate" to your pro-impeachment guests. This is my opinion: this isn't about our politics, this is about our country. It it is imperative that this legacy of executive monarchy/fascism not be left to future presidents, regardless of their political stripe. We will all lose. Concentrated power in one branch without checks will be the ultimate failure of our system of government. Thank you for your contributions over the last 40 years.

Posted by: Cynthia Black Walker | July 13, 2007 10:36 PM

Thank God for PBS.

Posted by: Dean Jones | July 13, 2007 10:35 PM

I add my thanks to Bill Moyers for tonight's lucid, brilliant discussion of the question of impeachment. It's a relief to hear this option discussed openly as a realistic solution to a frightful situation. I can only pray congress listens to the will of the people.

Posted by: Katherine | July 13, 2007 10:35 PM

This was a very informative and analytical discussion on how the Cheney/Bush regime are violating and eroding our Constitution and democracy. I now understand the importance of impeaching both of them ! For shame that our representatives and all of Congress have allowed it to happen! We need term limits and public campaign finance laws or the abuse of power by the Executive and Legislative branches will continue. We need to take back our democracy and ensure our rights are not taken away and that we are truly represented. Vote out all incumbents!

Posted by: Gail Coffey | July 13, 2007 10:34 PM

Thank you, Bill Moyers, and Bruce Fein and John Nichols. You have given us the leadership and the direction we need to take action on impeachment. This citizen (not subject) is starting tonight a letter-writing campaign to our Congress persons. If enough of us actually work for this, many others may be drawn to the cause, and we may yet save our Constitution and ourselves. Ann Pax

Posted by: Ann Pax | July 13, 2007 10:33 PM

I finished watching Bill Moyers' Journal. I had a sense of deja vu. I remember a very similar program in which Mr. Moyers laid out the arguments and the case for the impeachment of President Nixon. I knew that Mr. Moyers was going to get criticized for being partial, though his delivery was scrupulously impartial. I felt compelled to write him a note, supporting him. I wanted to keep it brief. In my best memory, it went like this: "I will not waste your time telling you how important your program about impeachment was. Thank you." I did not keep a copy because there was no carbon paper to be had. I had forgotten about the note when I got a response. Under Mr. Moyers' letterhead was an even more terse response: "'Nuff said." The paper is gone, but the memory is still there. Let me repeat, then, my response to the program: I will not waste your time telling you how important your program about impeachment was. Thank you.

Posted by: Peter Casanave | July 13, 2007 10:29 PM

We should all call our senators and representatives and tell them that we the people say it is time for impeachment proceedings to begin. Excellent program this evening. It's about time the media listened to the people.

Posted by: T. Money | July 13, 2007 10:28 PM

Thank you for bringing this intelligent discourse to our living rooms. I will write my elected representatives asking them to press the House Judiciary Committee to begin articles of impeachment. I suggest fellow readers look back at a speech given to the House Judiciary committee in the summer of 1974 by the Honorable Barbara Jordan, a Texan. There is much to learn about impeachment and being a citizen from that short speech. The observation by Mr. Thorn that average citizens should act, not stand and watch as the train wrecks is very appropriate. Please, fellow citizens, act, Write your elected representatives. Thank You Mark Putnam

Posted by: Mark Putnam | July 13, 2007 10:28 PM

i quit trusting bush 43 & government when he invited the muslims to participate in the 911 memorial! what would the american public have done to FDR had he invited the japanese ambassador to a pearl harbor memorial?

Posted by: jim hines | July 13, 2007 10:28 PM

After watching tonight's Bill Moyers program, I think for the first time in a long time, I feel hopeful. There is a solution! For the last five years, I have been watching and listening and feeling rather isolated in my frustration and disgust. Impeachment is the solution for this federal insanity. I want the House Judiciary committee to act. I want the chair and members of the committee, both Republicans and Democrats, to find their spines and face George Bush and Co. and tell them it has to stop. Our Founding Fathers really were a remarkable group. It was to the point where I was beginning to wonder if there would not be some made up crisis in the War in Terror that would mandate the 08 elections would need to be postponed and the Bush/Cheyney Monarchy would be declared. I am tired of seeing behavior that is completely unAmerican and unconstitutional sanctioned by in the name of an insane War on Terror. My America is a Nation of Law and everyone stands equal before the law. We do not seem to have a representative republic anymore. In its place is a corrupt oligarchy. For years I have wavered between...

Posted by: Ethel | July 13, 2007 10:26 PM

Nancy Pelosi, start representing us, the people!! Begin impeachment proceedings NOW!! There is more than ample cause.

Posted by: M & S Sachs | July 13, 2007 10:26 PM

Listening to Bill Moyer's Journal tonight jolted me into writing this. I realize how angry and alarmed I am and have been ever since we went to war with Iraq, and all of the lies and secrecy that have multiplied since the first lie, "There are weapons of mass destruction". Up until then I had respected Colin Powell. The day after the US went to war in Iraq, my daughter Mary and I arrived in Ireland. When people found out we were from the US, they peppered us with their outrage and with questions about US actions the previous day. To sum up their shock and rage, I photographed a placard up in a tree in Cork, Ireland. It read, "Shame on You America". I shudder to think what they might say now that we have totally disgraced ourselves, lied to the world, disregarded our laws and used up the lives and treasure of our nation, all due to George Bush, Dick Cheney and their advisors...and the rest of us citizens and legislators who have not called our elected representatives and leaders to be accountable to us, the American people. They work for us; this is a democracy! What is...

Posted by: Cathleen Peppito | July 13, 2007 10:25 PM

Mr. Moyers, Mr. Fein, and Mr. Nichols you three are my heroes. You three have erupted a sleeping volcano of conviction in America when it comes to ethics and accountability.

Posted by: Paul Hopgood | July 13, 2007 10:25 PM

This was by far the best discussion I have ever seen on television--ever. Congratulations. Everyone should watch this. So many great points made by these articulate, and intelligent men: Impeachment is a tool to reign in a President who is acting like a King. Bush & Cheney want to treat us like children. Well, are you a subject or a citizen?

Posted by: lc | July 13, 2007 10:23 PM

This was by far the best discussion I have ever seen on television--ever. Congratulations. Everyone should watch this. So many great points made by these articulate, and intelligent men: Impeachment is a tool to reign in a President who is acting like a King. Bush & Cheney want to treat us like children. Well, are you a subject or a citizen?

Posted by: lc | July 13, 2007 10:23 PM

All I hear is grumbling. Stop talking and do something! The Bush Chaney Administration willful arrogance and disrespect for the American laws and Constitution has been know for a long time. It's up the people. Get off your buns and do something. Right now, write or call your Congress representative and demand action.

Posted by: Betty Ballard | July 13, 2007 10:21 PM

Thank you Bill. And thanks to your guests tonight. It's waaaaay past time for this subject to be slammed ONTO the table. Our Republic is in jeopardy of destroying itself, as Lincoln warned, from within -- from the convergence of (1) a Presidency drowning in lawlessness, (2) a Congress of courage-challenged accomplices, and (3) a media seemingly without curiosity. Nancy Pelosi must either step up to the challenges of her position as Speaker and her oath of office, and begin to lead the House to hold the scoundrels in the White House accountable -- or she should immediately step aside and clear the way for someone more able to chart the course to preserve our Republic.

Posted by: G. T. Wierzbicki | July 13, 2007 10:19 PM

Bill Moyers, this was your finest hour. I have been watching you for as long as you have been on television, and this was you best day, bar none. Bruce Fein for President! Nancy Polosi were you watching? Where is your statesmanship? Where is your oath to uphold the Constitution as we see it eroding before our eyes.

Posted by: Richard Sullivan | July 13, 2007 10:17 PM

Those two can;t be removed from office fast enough for me. The public only sees the headline making events of the Whitehouse. Look at the other things Bush is doing to destroy our way of life. As an example, i work for AMTRAK, and have been without a contract for almost 8 years, because Bush controls the Mediation Board, and he will not allow them to release us. We have become a slave labor force, while Bush continues to dismantle any advance toward a national transportation system. The blatent abuses that continue to occur by this man will be the downfall of us all.

Posted by: Don Brookman | July 13, 2007 10:17 PM

Impeachment is not a question of disliking Bush or Cheney, or even of the will of a majority of Americans. It's a matter of law and our Constitution. When a president and vice president violate their oaths of office and fail to preserve, protect and defend the Constitution, when they violate the laws of the United States and International Laws, we are obliged to impeach them. In New Jersey there's a strong campaign to pass in its legislature a Resolution to Impeach. When the resolution passes it invokes Jefferson's Rule Section 603, which transmits to the U.S. House as a petition the direction of a state that impeachment proceedings are initiated. We believe this will bring the push necessary to move Speaker Pelosi and Judiciary Chairman John Conyers, and motivate all Congress members to act in a real profile in courage, to restore justice and reclaim democracy in the USA. For more information contact info@impeachthem.com.

Posted by: HUTCH | July 13, 2007 10:17 PM

A program which all Americans should see if they care about democracy in our country. This program is a wakeup call for all Americans. THANK YOU BILL Moyers and guests.

Posted by: Bill Ames | July 13, 2007 10:16 PM

Thank you Bill Moyers for validating many who have the same point of view. Your subject was an excellent foray into covering democracy and royalty. Your statement "that this war is taking a toll of our body and soul" really gets to the heart of our present status. The Constitution must be preserved and honored at any cost and that means impeachment hearings must begin.

Posted by: Tom George | July 13, 2007 10:16 PM

Please send a copy of this program to The Speaker of the House Nancy Pelotsi? and anyone else in our government to wake them up as to what their job really is. I have said for a long time that it is Dick Cheney who is running this country and not George W.Bush. Off with their heads I say. Treat them as they have been treating others, without trial. Jean Sargeant

Posted by: Jean Sargeant | July 13, 2007 10:16 PM

Outstanding show this evening with Mr. Nichols and Mr. Fein. I love to hear about our Constitution and what it really means. Both men truly do esteem the Constitution in the highest spirit of what it means to be an American. Unfortunately, the fabled checks and balances of American politics were no match for a neoconservative administration with a secret agenda. The American people were deceived and tricked into supporting two invasions that are war crimes under the Nuremberg standard. There indeed are no statemen in the U.S. Congress. I believe our Constitution has been eviscerated. I feel powerless and totally unrepresented. I do not think the guests on the show realize the way so many many Americans feel, that is, that we have been totally set up and sold out. The corruption is beyond the pale. Also, it is not acceptable to more and more thinking Americans to accept as true, the 9-11 Commission official report. The assertions in that document are no more true than the assertions in the Warren Report. We the people rightly think of D.C. as the District of Criminals.

Posted by: Jeannon Kralj | July 13, 2007 10:16 PM

Why no mention of HR333, Congressman Dennis Kucinich's resolution to impeach Vice President Cheney? Why was Congressman Kucinich not invited on the program? The program implied that there was no movement in congress to impeach -- yet HR333 was introduced on April 24, 2007. Please keep the viewers "in the loop" by presenting all the relevant information about the program's topic.

Posted by: Chris Ellinger | July 13, 2007 10:15 PM

Bill, I wish to thank you and the PBS staff for the amazing and enlightening program aired tonight on my local public television station. Asa result, I am doing several actions: First I am removing my name from the Republican party rolls and registering Independent. Second, I am writing to all Representatives and Senators demanding that they institute impeachment proceedings for Bush AND Cheny. Third, I will make a large sign calling for these impeachments and cover the tailgate door of my truck. I didn't hear the name of Martha Stewart mentioned. Why didn't Bush comutate her sentence? Just a thought. Keep up the very important work and I will dedicate myself to convincing 100 people to call for impeachment as well. Regards Tom, a citizen

Posted by: Thomas Kasmer | July 13, 2007 10:15 PM

Bill, I wish to thank you and the PBS staff for the amazing and enlightening program aired tonight on my local public television station. Asa result, I am doing several actions: First I am removing my name from the Republican party rolls and registering Independent. Second, I am writing to all Representatives and Senators demanding that they institute impeachment proceedings for Bush AND Cheny. Third, I will make a large sign calling for these impeachments and cover the tailgate door of my truck. I didn't hear the name of Martha Stewart mentioned. Why didn't Bush comutate her sentence? Just a thought. Keep up the very important work and I will dedicate myself to convincing 100 people to call for impeachment as well. Regards Tom, a citizen

Posted by: Thomas Kasmer | July 13, 2007 10:15 PM

Thank You, Bill Moyers. Special thanks to your guests for an absolutely engaging discussion. There are still Americans in America! Not republicans and democrats or liberals and conservatives.

Posted by: Gwen | July 13, 2007 10:14 PM

I just watched your life-altering program on our local PBS station and can only say thank you and God bless you and your two outspoken, articulate guests. So much of what the three of you said I think as I read the paper each day, and I wonder if my husband and I are alone in our thoughts. "Has everyone lost their minds? What about the law? What about the Constitution?" Cheney and Bush are NOT kings and should cease to have the opportunity to think themselves so! Thank you for this program; I imagine it will become perhaps your greatest contribution yet among the lifetime of gifts you have given to our democracy. I believe I just witnessed an historic moment. --Sally Phillips Austin, Texas

Posted by: Sally Phillips | July 13, 2007 10:14 PM

Please send a copy of this program to The Speaker of the House Nancy Pelotsi? and anyone else in our government to wake them up as to what their job really is. I have said for a long time that it is Dick Cheney who is running this country and not George W.Bush. Off with their heads I say. Treat them as they have been treating others, without trial. Jean Sargeant

Posted by: Jean Sargeant | July 13, 2007 10:14 PM

An amazing show. I was in Washington, D.C. for the first time a few weeks ago and I marveled at all the examples of great, and thankfully flawed, men standing up for something bigger than themselves: Washington, Jefferson, Mason, Lincoln, FDR. Perhaps the President, Vice President and both Houses of Congress need to read the quotes written on the memorials; they exist to help us remember where we have come from and where we can go. I keep thinking of that scene in Gladiator in which a character says, "There once was a dream called Rome." This is our national nightmare, leaders who no respect for the rule of law. I am a citizen, not a subject.

Posted by: R.L. Pitts | July 13, 2007 10:13 PM

I couldn't help but well up with frustration as I watched tonight's episode. Our current Congress was elected on one issue and one issue only - implement the will of the people and get us out of the Iraq quagmire. Yet here we are 6 months into the new Congress with nothing to show but limp resolutions and political posturing. Mr. Moyers guests were dead on in their reading of Congress in that they lack the fortitude and passion to act on conviction. They are so concerned with keeping their jobs and getting funding that they forget who they are working for. For all of his faults, I truly miss Paul Wellstone. Unlike Mr. Wellstone, our representatives must be pushed and shamed into action. I will continue to write my representatives and I urge evryone to do the same. It is the least we can do to exercise our freedoms and hold OUR representatives accountable.

Posted by: doug been | July 13, 2007 10:13 PM

Bill Moyers is correct! We need PBS to carry all Congressional proceeding regarding the war in Iraq. PBS is our eyes and ears on government and the world and for each of us to be effective citizens who are informed about our government & world - we need you there for us. PLEASE cover any future Congressional hearings on the war on Iraq and related issues!

Posted by: Nanci Weber | July 13, 2007 10:13 PM

Isn't is a problem for Nancy Pelosi to push for impeachment of Cheney and Bush when she is the one who would become president if they were ousted from office? She would be accused of being self-serving.

Posted by: Barbara S. Knox | July 13, 2007 10:13 PM

Thank You Thank You Thank You!!!!!! Finally a reasonable discussion about what needs to happen!!!! Where do we sign up??? By the way where is Phil Donahue these days he should be involved in this movement!!!!!Impeachment and then conviction!!! Thank You!!!!

Posted by: Linda A. Edwards | July 13, 2007 10:12 PM

I thought Bill retired from PBS. Have you noticed that opponents are from "the conservative" this or that think tank, paper or whatever, but the writers from "The Nation" are never labelled as liberal. Bill Myers has an agenda on every program, no matter which format it is shrouded in. His programs are not informational but propaganda for his, the very far left side, of every issue. Please Bill, next time, really do retire to your think tank and foundation and please stop funding your son's front group.

Posted by: Sven Moller | July 13, 2007 10:12 PM

Thank you so much for tonight's show. This was the best hour of television I have ever seen. Such an informative and moving discussion. Thanks for having guests that clearly and passionately illustrated the dangers presently at play against our form of government and the future of our country. Its time to put aside the era of partisan politics at all cost and do what's necessary to preserve our country. Keep up the terrific work, Mr. Moyers!!

Posted by: Chris Murray | July 13, 2007 10:12 PM

We have been fighting for impeachment for almost 2 years. We have called written and emailed our representatives and Nancy Pelosi literally begging for them to impeach Bush/Cheney and hold them accountable. We have even beseiged our state legislature to draft and pass an impeachment resolution so that the Jefferson House Rule 603 could be invoked and impeachment would be requested by a state. So far all of our efforts have proven fruitless. We are hoping that perhaps now that more people appear to have the courage to talk about impeachment, just maybe our "invertabrate" congress ,as Mr. Fine so aptly described them,will find the spine to do what is right, what our constitution demands and this country so desparately needs.

Posted by: Joan and Steve Palmino | July 13, 2007 10:12 PM

we appreciate the courage it took to present this information in a positive way. your guests spoke the words so many of us have felt these past years. it is our responsibility to contact our representatives and demand impeachment! now!

Posted by: jon and debo coats | July 13, 2007 10:11 PM

i have been a lifelong democrat beginning in 1968 with rfk and will probably always identify with the democrats. having said that, this presidency goes so far beyond any partisan political discourse that the very foundation of the country is at stake. what has to happen for the people of the USA to listen and read what this administration is doing to our personal freedom and the moral fortitude this country has always stood for in the world. have the people of this country become so numb to the flagrant abuse of power that they would rather see a dumb girl go to jail than have a discussion about the evil in the white house. and where are the senator ervins' who can speak to the constitutional abuses so that the american people can put in perspective what is really happening,. bill moyers should take the show that just aired around the country and have a dialog to let all know that there are people who can speak truth with no motive other than the sanctity of our constitution and our democracy. maybe it really is time to begin a different type of dialog with political parties who have the...

Posted by: leslee | July 13, 2007 10:11 PM

Transparency, rule of law, in the light of day for all to see. Yes these are the words that summon and evoke tremendous pride and patriotism in me. Like the tall words We The People. Under the present administration I feel ashamed, of our countries actions and misdeeds, here at home and abroad. I now see that the US has been reduced to a third world country. The US needs to be cleansed and impeachment is the solvent.

Posted by: Phil Clinton | July 13, 2007 10:10 PM

What a fantastic program! Thanks again, Mr. Moyers. I have been watching your journal since you started, and so glad you are back! I want to know....WHERE IS THE NEXT IMPEACH BUSH & CHENEY DEMONSTRATION??? Start calling your senators and representatives,,,,bug them EVERY DAY! Their phone lines were jammed over the immigration legislsation...why not the war? and why not a push for impeachment?

Posted by: Nancy McComas | July 13, 2007 10:10 PM

Mr. Moyers and others who read this, Tonight's program was the best ever. I can hardly contain myself that finally the illegal and arrogant actions of the Bu$h Junta are being talked about the way it should--openly and with depth, with great regard for the country and not the personalities. And I'm not afraid of who reads this, either. So have at it you ridiculous naysayers, afraid of your own shadows.

Posted by: Jim Nimmo | July 13, 2007 10:09 PM

Powerful journalism! Thank you for a continuous stream of the most meaningful content on television. Will the executive editors at PBS please acknowledge and act on the plea to air the balance of Congressional debate on the war, and the question of impeachment. Many thanks to Bill Moyers and his staff.

Posted by: Ralph Davis | July 13, 2007 10:09 PM

How can we effectively act and work to impeach Bush and Cheney? Write letters? Phone calls? ... To our congress members; to our senators; to judiciary committee members?? Let us all know.

Posted by: Lily | July 13, 2007 10:06 PM

I couldn't agree more! We need to remind our representatives of their oath! And, why is this not being discussed more openly in the mainstream media??

Posted by: Susan Jacobs | July 13, 2007 10:06 PM

Brilliant commentary as always. Everytime I watch the congressional hearings, my immediate thought is WHY ARE THESE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR BUSH NOT FORCED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS? When did our government become a monarchy? How can we, regular citizens, forcr a change? We can't afford to wait till till the next election

Posted by: Marina Re | July 13, 2007 10:05 PM

How many crimes of all sorts does a president or VP have to committ before they are impeached. Great show tonight. Way pass time to act NAncy and Gregory Ford-Kohne

Posted by: Nancy And Gregory Ford-Kohne | July 13, 2007 10:04 PM

Brilliant commentary as always. Everytime I watch the congressional hearings, my immediate thought is WHY ARE THESE PEOPLE WHO WORK FOR BUSH NOT FORCED TO ANSWER QUESTIONS? When did our government become a monarchy? How can we, regular citizens, forcr a change? We can't afford to wait till till the next election

Posted by: Marina Re | July 13, 2007 10:04 PM

Thank you for the excellent program! I couldn't agree more with your guests tonight.

Posted by: BR | July 13, 2007 10:04 PM

I was disappointed that the post-interview clips did not focus on or illustrate Bush-Cheney abuses of executive power. I have long shared speakers' views that the "toolbox" they will pass to successors will be permanent tools for evading oversight. Surely there are lots of clips of Bush and Cheney and their reps saying and doing things violative of executive-Congress duty.

Posted by: Paul R. Coope | July 13, 2007 10:04 PM

I have been posting impeachment propositions on the Dem party blog for over a year and get few responses. One innovative idea is to encourage international indictment of Cheney for war crimes and send him over to the Hague for prosecution. He should be accompanoed by Wolfowitz and Perle, of course. Then leave the pathetic, disgraceful Bush to the trash heap of history.

Posted by: Ron Worthington | July 13, 2007 10:02 PM

Thanks for the facts....hopefully we won't be singing..."Thanks for the Memories" by realizing it's time for a revolution against King George once again. I'm referencing your show in my email to my congressmen!!

Posted by: Marilyn Sommerville | July 13, 2007 10:02 PM

Bravo! Bravo! Encore! Encore! This was one of the best programs Bill has had. The concern about basic constitutional issues was very well expressed by both panelists. You have made a convert of me in regard to impeachment. Thank you.

Posted by: Dr. Bernard Yadoff | July 13, 2007 10:01 PM

It is really sad that there is not a fairness program for the leftist view of PBS. Bill you call yourself a journalist but you are far from it. Maybe one day you will do a little reading and realize how this war is bigger then the current fight we are in.

Posted by: david | July 13, 2007 10:00 PM

I never thought I would fear my government -

Posted by: Ljuba | July 13, 2007 9:59 PM

We talked to our congressman Murphy on Sunday, told him we want impeachment. He said he wouldn't sign on for it, calling it "political theater" I told him it wasn't theater, we really wanted it! We really want Cheney and Bush gone! Just now I left that same message on Speaker Pelosi's website, What else can we do? Mr Moyers, please help us get Congress to do what we elected them to do.

Posted by: Kim | July 13, 2007 9:58 PM

Thank you, Bill Moyers, for bringing intelligent persons on your show to discuss what we most value in our country, our freedom. It's past time to imprach Bush and Cheney. They are destroying whatever is left of our democracy. Nancy Pelosi has renigged on her responsibility to the American people. Let's forget politics and be authentic citizens of the United States who accept our Consitution as the law of our land. It's time politicians had to prove their knowledge of the U.S. Consitution BEFORE being elected to represent the American people.

Posted by: Paula Sullivan | July 13, 2007 9:58 PM

Thank you for continuing to bring the abominable performance of this administration in Iraq to light. I will contact my representative and senators to initiate impeachment proceedings against first, Cheney and then Bush. Bill Clinton's "offenses" pale in comparison to these two autocrats perversion of the American concepts of truth and justice.

Posted by: Ed Lotz | July 13, 2007 9:58 PM

My worry is that the partisan divide will not allow for any acts regarding war funding OR impeachment, to take place before the tattered constitution is shuffled further under the feet of leaders who have apparently not read it and care not for it's meaning in our democracy. The founding fathers are spinning so fast they must be dizzy!!

Posted by: cathy burris | July 13, 2007 9:57 PM

The Bushies think like Liberals, neo-cons, Whigs and Utilitarians, that there is a marketplace for truth. This is represented by the adverserial contest of the two parties in elections. The Constitution makes no mention of this notion and has a totally different system in the balance of the powers. Thus impeachment was written in. But more than that, Liberals, neo-cons, etc. believe in a system of party that elevates a leader in to a demi-God - an artificial monarchy Montesquieu would have said - based on patronage and a process of behavioral modification that makes children deferential and demands a sort-of artificial respect. They hate independence and pride. This, too, is at odds with the attitude of most of the Founders. They would undoubtedly say that we have lost our virtue, as Gibbons found with Rome. This was fairly well described and predicted by Tocqueville more than 150 years ago. Executive privilege, btw, emerged in the Jefferson administration.

Posted by: RE Mant | July 13, 2007 9:56 PM

Are you listening, Congress? Let's get going....we are losing our country .... by giving it away to an administration that must be held accountable.

Posted by: George | July 13, 2007 9:54 PM

I agree with mr Nichols that we are indeed approaching a time where we are becoming stepford citizens, apathetic, powerless... a depressed citizenry who cannot think for themselves. It is a cancer that has invaded our constitutional souls.

Posted by: jean | July 13, 2007 9:52 PM

What I find most despicable is the republican senators and representatives who know damn well that they are destroying our democracy, but they still put party over country. These are the real traitors, who have supposedly taken an oath to defend our Constitution, but instead have given their allegiance to this miserable excuse for a president. Like Sara Taylor admitted before a Senate committee on Tuesday, their oath is to this president. In my opinion, every last one of them is a traitor, just as many of their ancestors were traitors who fought for the Confederacy.

Posted by: seamus | July 13, 2007 9:52 PM

What If I HAVE a PLAN to END the WAR in IRAQ, in 18 months! It IS not an ( A TYPICAL ) IDEA! It REQUIERS someone who is NOT politically centered but, rather , UNIVERSALLY enlighted by what we now KNOW to be true, thru MODERN METHODS! I am a thinker unlike any you may be aware of. Give my plan a fair hearing and you will SEE, that I have, indeed have a PLAN worthy of enacting!

Posted by: Daniel Warren | July 13, 2007 9:48 PM

Finally, thank you Mr. Moyers for this exquisite dialogue. It's about time the media start focusing on what really is lying underneath the abuse of power that has continued throughout this administration. I agree with Kevin Knox and do hope very much the discussion continues with the millions of Americans who are wondering what is wrong with the democrats in congress? Have we really elected such a bunch of spineless representatives that politics is the basis of all that occurs and even thought in that body of government... and especially where are the candidates both republicans and democrats? where are they? why are they not speaking out about the abuseof our fundamental constitutioanl rights.

Posted by: jean | July 13, 2007 9:44 PM

It's refreshing to hear people talk with such passion about our country. Where are our congressmen and women and why can't they see the harm that's being done to the american people. We need people with back bone, if they don't have what it takes then they need to get out!!!!!

Posted by: J. Toth | July 13, 2007 9:43 PM

How wonderful to enjoy a discussion about this Administration without the smoke and veils. Great to to get back to the basics of the Constitution. Enough of the hysterogenic Faux News and their drum beating for this illegal war and Administration. I hope my representatives are watching this program and will be able to find their backbones and commit the Constitution to memory. I am not as afraid of a foreign force as I am of the abuse this Administration has imposed on our Constitution and my personal freedoms.

Posted by: Wendy Reid | July 13, 2007 9:38 PM

Time is truly running out for the U S. If the Bush administration is not stopped dead in its tracks NOW, there will be little left to 'save' in 2008. THE TERRORISTS ARE HERE! IN THE WHITE HOUSE

Posted by: David Cawley | July 13, 2007 9:37 PM

Bruce Fein for PRESIDENT. We need a true scholar of the foundation of our country in the white house. His comments fully reconcile the worries that every American should have about what is happening today with the basic clarity found in our constitution. I hope he has an economic and trade position. His reference to King George is so - spot on. Bruce, GO FOR IT. WE NEED YOU NOW!

Posted by: S. Lambert | July 13, 2007 9:29 PM

We do indeed need to pressure PBS and NPR to carry far more about the war, especially hearings in Congress. The latter's failure to do what is clearly the will of the people and end this war immediately is unconscionable. It looks like the actual political leadership at the moment consists mostly of Al Gore and Michael Moore, along with Mr. Moyers of course (where's the "Moyers for President" campaign?). Maybe what we need to do is to let the Democrats know that the minimum requirements for a viable Presidential candidate are: a plan for immediate withdrawal from Iraq; the intention to sign the Kyoto accords; adamant insistence on Government-run universal health coverage. At this late date for our country and our planet, these would seem to be a good working definition of "moderate."

Posted by: Kevin Knox | July 13, 2007 9:12 PM

This program will be the public discussion that many millions of Americans have been awaiting for years. Thank you, Mr. Moyers, for at last giving the "I" word an airing. I've closely followed the writings of both Mr. Fein and Mr. Nichols (as well as your own), so I don't expect revelations this evening. That doesn't matter. What counts is the fact of the event: the validation it will give to legions of furious Americans; the promise it will offer to those in despair; and, one hopes, the kick in the butt it will give to the cowards in Congress. Given the lawlessness of Shrub of His Thugs, which grows more blatant and terrifying daily, impeachment really isn't a choice for Congress. Under our Constitution, it's an obligation.

Posted by: (The Other) Katherine Harris | July 13, 2007 8:32 PM

I am not as eloquent as Joyce and Morgaine, below. But I heartily agree with them. There are few people I spend the energy on to hate, but Bush, Cheney, Rumsfeld and just about anyone else having anything to do with this war and this administration have me so angry, I could scream sometimes. They all LIED about all of this! They looked America in the eye every night on the news or the Sunday news programs and LIED! And they are directly responsible for the deaths of all our soldiers - for LIES! I don't care what happens to the Iraqi's at this point - they won't get off their butts and do anything to help themselves. The Sunni's are boycotting the government, and the government is taking a one month VACATION soon. Vaction from what? Iraq needs some "tough love" and be left alone to solve their own problems. Of course, America will be blamed for starting the problem, and I'm afraid we did have a huge hand in it, but they've got to be forced to stand up. If they choose not to, let them kill one another. I want the troops home!

Posted by: Cheryl | July 13, 2007 7:01 PM

OOPS! That's "Never seen." Sorry for the typo.

Posted by: Morgaine Swann | July 13, 2007 6:46 PM

My local pbs station WCET in Cincinati descibes tonite's episode as EO Wilson on environment, which, if true, is a repeat of last week's offering. On the dish network guide description it also states that it is an original episode tonite. I'm anxious to see what airs. I do live in Cincinnati, a bastion of blind loyalty to republicans. Will Bill Moyers be censored in Cincinnati? Update to come.

Posted by: peg steinmann | July 13, 2007 6:33 PM

How can rational people find anything left to debate?! Only Congress can declare war, and they did not. The authorized action only if Saddam failed to cooperate with the UN inspectors, but he did. This "war" is a rogue action in violation of American and international law. Saddam was kidnapped and murdered. Our soldiers are dying for no reason at all. Bush has killed nearly a million people for nothing but hubris and greed. He's the most successful tyrant since Hitler, and we need to stop him now. I don't care what we leave behind, I want our troops home. The "surge" only gave the "insurgents" more targets and our death toll has risen accordingly. I'm sick of hearing that our soldiers are killing babies and raping Iraqi girls. I'm sick of hearing Republicans defend the indefensible. Impeach them all, then get on with an international tribunal a la Nuremberg so we can be America again. Waiting for 2008 is folly - they'll steal that election as surely as they did the previous two. They allowed the change in the 2006 to, as Chris Matthews put it, "lance the boil." They knew public opinion was turning rapidly against them, and...

Posted by: Morgaine Swann | July 13, 2007 6:32 PM

Frankly, we are past impeachment. The president, vice president, donald rumsfeld and paul wolfowitz must be tried for treason. The latter 3 were members of the Iraq manifesto long before their white house days (a conspiracy of madness); while "shrub" is the silly front man. Their incredible hubris is one thing. The unimaginable loss of life, stature, and billions that we now owe China for this war is obscene and unconscionable. It is truly a federal crime of the highest magnitude. Moreover these arrogant, self-important, authoritarian destroyers of our constitution and security will be further enjoying their pension and Secret Service for their deeds, among other perks! And this is only the half of it. They are worthy of capital punishment with no possibility of appeal or commutation. Tar and feathers are much too kind for these blackguards.

Posted by: Joyce Procacci | July 13, 2007 5:28 PM

Bill Moyers Essay: The War Debate

TrackBack

Comments

Post a comment

Our Posts

Your Comments

Moyers Beats

Subscribe

Podcasts

Frappr!

Archives