By Ann G. Daniels and Larry Baskett
Deadline: Save it or lose it –
UPDATED: the October 13 event we refer to in this article is over, but you can see Larry’s impeachment presentation at this pdf.
It is, alas, not explicitly stated in the Constitution that you can remove the President for losing every single marble in the toy store. However, Indivisible East Bay has been saying for quite a while (see our list at the bottom of this article) that there’s more than enough undisputed evidence to impeach the Current Occupant. Now – finally, finally – Nancy Pelosi has come around, and dare we hope that things might actually happen?
Since we’ve been ahead of the game the whole way, let’s keep going with our very own model House Judiciary Committee impeachment hearing, a “people’s impeachment hearing” to show Speaker Pelosi and Committee Chair Nadler how it should be done. IEB is excited to pair with Indivisible SF and others to create this very real exercise in democracy, which we’ll hold with a live audience (of us!) and capture on video to distribute online. The model hearing, to be held on a date TBD before Election Day (November 5), will answer such important and frequently asked questions as:
- Why impeach the president, in general?
- What offenses and actions – not just statutory crimes! – could be included in articles of impeachment?
- Why impeach in the House even if the Senate might not convict and remove the president?
- What is key to making impeachment in the House a success for the country?
- What is key to obtaining conviction in the Senate?
Here’s the thing: we need YOU to help make this happen. It takes a village to raze a childish, corrupt president – can you or folks you know help us fill these roles? Sign up at this link!
- Lawyers or legal eagles! Specifically, people knowledgeable about constitutional law or congressional procedure
- People who’ve been directly impacted by Trump’s abusive policies (to give testimony). Think immigration, LGBTQ + rights, repro rights, worker safety and rights, environmental issues, federal workers …
- People interested in “adopting” an article of impeachment or two, to help script and organize a segment of the hearing – great for folks who’ve already dug deep and those who’d like to!
- People willing to act the parts of Members of Congress or witnesses. Theater folks welcome!
We also welcome anyone interested in helping organize or participate in ways we haven’t mentioned. You can also get in on the discussion on the #impeachment channel on IEB’s Slack. For an invite to join Slack, email info@IndivisibleEB.org
Can’t wait that long for impeachment action? Get out on the streets of San Francisco THIS SUNDAY, October 13, noon to 1:30 PM. IEB’s own impeachment expert Larry will speak, and the event will feature Spanish translation! Event details here. Also, check out this new website for impeachment rallies nationwide this Sunday, and pass it on to everyone you know across the country!
Get up to speed by reading our earlier articles, with background and more actions you can take on impeachment, investigations, and the Mueller Report:
- On May 1, we asked you to tell your Members of Congress to use every possible tool to investigate the administration’s criminality and abuses of power.
- On May 9, we asked you to read the Mueller Report.
- On May 22, we asked you to urge the House to begin an impeachment inquiry.
- On May 30, we asked you to read the Report AND urge your Rep to support an impeachment inquiry.
- On July 17, we asked you to urge your Rep to read the Report and act!
- On August 1, we asked you to urge your Rep to cosponsor House Resolutions 257 and 396.
- On August 28, we asked you to call your Rep with specific objectives for the impeachment inquiry.
- On September 11, we asked you to take direct action, and continue to push your Rep and the House Judiciary Committee.
- On September 26, we asked you to take direct action, and continue to push your Representatives.
“Impeachment of the President – Ticket circa 1868,” graphic by Seth Anderson
Ann G. Daniels’ checkered professional background includes practicing law, reproductive rights advocacy, creating web content for nonprofits and educational organizations, and teaching adult and family literacy. She also designs jewelry, teaches knitting, and sings second soprano.
Larry Baskett is a mechanical engineer who spent a year as a Science and Technology Policy Fellow with the California State Senate.
