A Test for Candidates
The Democratic Club pledged that it will not endorse any Democrat anywhere whose platform fails to call for a specific timetable for withdrawal from Iraq. The club, however, declined to suggest a specific timetable. Club President Tom Camarella today told thefrontpageonline.com that one year after a withdrawal resolution failed in Congress, it is time for Democrats to take a stand. “We are in a quagmire with no end in sight,” he said. “We simply need to put pressure on candidates to let them know that the American public (well over 65 percent) wants to get out and soon. This is why two of our members brought the resolution, and it is why other (Democrats) around the country are proposing similar resolutions to their clubs.”
Wave Goodbye to the President
Of the second resolution, calling for the impeachment of Mr. Bush, Mr. Camarella said the issues are “the rule of law and the U.S. Constitution.” Referring to partisan machinations by Congress, he said that “we don’t believe the only way to initiate an investigation for ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’is for a particular ruling party to initiate the investigation against the other party. Anyone in the office of President who could be charged with ‘high crimes and misdemeanors’ should be investigated, whether from the opposing party or from one’s own party.”
The resolution cites at least five accusations against Mr. Bush — that he misled the American people on the weaponry of Saddam Hussein, that he authorized wiretapping of citizens without a court order, that he ordered suspected terrorists detained in a manner that violated international law, that he established military tribunals without Congressional endorsement, and that he has signed bills into law while announcing he will not enfprce them. “The list of offenses is long,” Mr. Camarella said. “They have been validated by many recognized Constitutional scholars and by think tanks. They cannot be dismissed lightly. It is obvious that Republicans, by not allowing an investigation, are choosing to protect this President. Republicans are destroying their credibility and they are failing to support the U.S. Constitution, which is what really needs to be protected.”
Resolution on Iraqi War
To spur a political solution in Iraq and allow the people of Iraq to provide for their own security through the redeployment of the United States military forces, Democratic Club members Gary and Linda Russell, introduced the following resolution:
To have Democratic candidates stand against the Iraq war and bring our troops home.
Whereas over 80 percent of Iraqis are strongly opposed to the presence of coalition troops;
Whereas we should take the initiative in bringing a halt to this tragic war that our government started;
Whereas we need to stand united for peace and say no to war,
Now, therefore, be it resolved, by the Culver City Democratic Club assembled,
That the Culver City Democratic Club will not endorse any Democratic candidate for Congress or President who, as part of his/her campaign platform, does not include the establishment of a specific timetable for the orderly, expeditious, and systematic withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.
The Culver City Democratic Club requests that other Democratic Clubs, and the County, State and National Democratic Party not endorse any Democratic candidate for Congress or President who, as part of his/her campaign platform, does not include the establishment of a specific timetable for the orderly, expeditious and systematic withdrawal of American troops from Iraq.
Resolution on Impeachment of President Bush
Whereas George W. Bush deliberately misled both the Congress of the Hussein possessed weapons of mass destruction, which led to the American invasion of Iraq and a protracted American military involvement resulting in the deaths of 2,500 young Americans, 50,000 Iraqis, the wounding of 18,000 additional Americans, and the expenditure of $300 billion;
Whereas George W. Bush has authorized the wiretapping of the phones of American citizens without a court order in violation of federal law, and detained suspected terrorists at Guantanamo Bay without charge, trial or recourse to legal counsel in violation of international law and American legal traditions;
Whereas George W. Bush has established military tribunals without the consent of Congress in violation of the United States Constitution; and has signed laws while simultaneously stating that he would not enforce the provisions of such laws;
Resolved that the Culver City Democratic Club go on record in support of having the House of Representatives initiate impeachment proceedings against George W. Bush and that this resolution be transmitted to our Congressional representatives, the local press, and the chairs of the national, state and county committees of the Democratic Party.
Resolved that the Culver City Democratic Club urge our Congressional representatives to support our resolution.