…Call for Arrest of Bush and Cheney
Right now, five military veterans — from Veterans for Peace — are occupying a 35-foot high ledge at the National Archive Building and have raised a 22×8-foot banner reading, “DEFEND OUR CONSTITUTION. ARREST BUSH AND CHENEY: WAR CRIMINALS!” The veterans currently risking arrest have declared their intention to stay on the ledge, fasting for 24 hours “in remembrance of those who have perished and those still suffering from the crimes of the Bush administration,” according to a written statement.
On the ledge, the veterans have brought with them a portable PA system, and they are broadcasting recorded statements from prominent Americans for the impeachment and/or arrest of George W. Bush and Richard Cheney. Other impeachment activists are at the entrance of the National Archives distributing “Citizens Arrest Warrants” to those waiting in line.
This is the type of boldness that activists have displayed across the country to bring much-needed attention to this movement.
*ROCK ON!* ::::applause::::
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The impeachment movement is an enormous, truly grassroots effort, with no corporate sponsors.
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UPDATE: More from Common Dreams…
… The veterans emphasized they are taking this action because “Bush and Cheney’s serial abuse of the Law of the Land clearly marks them as domestic enemies of the Constitution…they have illegally invaded and occupied Iraq, deliberately destroyed civilian infrastructure, authorized torture, and unlawfully detained prisoners. These actions clearly mark them as war criminals…accountability extends beyond impeachment to prosecution for war crimes even after their terms of office expire.”
“We take this action as a last resort,” their statement added. “For years we have pursued every avenue open to good, vigilant citizens to bring these men to justice, to re-establish the rule of law, and to restore the balance of power described in our Constitution. We are not disturbing the peace; we are attempting to restore the peace. We are not conducting ourselves in a disorderly manner; our action is well-ordered and well-considered. We are not trespassing; we have come to the home of our Constitution to honor our oath to defend it.”
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The courageous veterans participating:
Elliott Adams, 61, NY VFP President, former Army paratrooper in Viet Nam
Ellen Barfield, 52, MD peace & justice advocate, former U.S. Army Sergeant
Kim Carlyle, 61, NC mountain homesteader, former Army Spec 5
Diane Wilson, 59, TX shrimp boat captain, former Army medic
Doug Zachary, 58, TX VFP staff, former USMC LCpl discharged as a conscientious objector
Tarak Kauff (ground support), 67, NY painting contractor, former U.S. Army Airborne
All are members of:
VETERANS FOR PEACE
.