May 17, 2007
Maybe they want a magic pony too
The Democrats are agitating for a no-confidence vote against Attorney General Gonzales. Which is interesting because there isn't any such thing. I mean, sure, they can take a vote of no-confidence, and they can even potentially get through both houses.
What then? Umm, nothing. There is no provision in the Constitution for such a vote, and the Supreme Court will immediately reject any attempt by Congress to remove a duly appointed executive superior officer such as Gonzales.
So basically we're going to get to watch the Democratic Congress pitch a fit. If it weren't so depressing, the legal incongruity could keep me entertained for weeks.
Did I hear someone say Magic Pony?
http://youtube.com/watch?v=q24AwHV7Mfo
DME
Posted by: David E. at May 17, 2007 5:09 PMDo you think that Gonzales should stay, Ryan? I think he should be impeached; I don't know why they would try to go for something less.
Posted by: Evan Donovan at May 17, 2007 10:36 PMThe Democrats have found a new toy - the symbolic vote - and like any child, they're not going to quit playing with it 'til someone takes it away from them. The Gonzales proposal follows hard on the heels of the Iraq military funding withdrawal vote, which, despite its considerably greater legal soundness, had 0 chance of escaping a presidential veto, ergo was nothing more than a grandiose exercise in buck-passing. At some point it may occur to the Democrats that doing nothing more than taking symbolic positions may result in their having nothing more than a symbolic influence on national affairs. Or possibly not. My expectations are not high.
Posted by: Julian at May 18, 2007 2:32 AMGonzales is a duly appointed executive superior officer that can only be removed without impeachment by the President. He may not be making wise choices, but there's nothing to indicate he's guilty of treason, accepting bribes, or anything of the sort. He's done nothing illegal. Attempts by the executive to consolidate power in itself are entirely expected in the Constitution and the other two branches have more than ample remedies should they choose to exercise them.
If Congress really wants Gonzales to go they can simply refuse to pass legislation Bush wants. The President cannot spend money without Congressional approval, so all they need do is withhold that approval. Instead they're making rhetorically effective but legally irrelevant gestures while giving Bush everything he wants.
Posted by: ryan at May 18, 2007 1:18 PM