The demonstration is also supported by Impeach Northwest (www.impeach-nw.com), a network of local activists who are a part of a national movement encouraging the House of Representatives to initiate hearings on an impeachment resolution. Protesters urge all progressives to go to www.wexlerwantsheaarings.com to sign the impeachment petition.
Joe Walsh began organizing the protest after calling upon the Bus Project to find a speaker who is more supportive of holding Bush and Cheney accountable for numerous violations of the U.S. laws and the Constitution. When the Bus Project chose not to replace Blumenauer, activists decided to demonstrate at the conference.
Joe Walsh, who is also known as the Love Vet, also initiated weekly protests in front of Blumenauer's office that are now in their 23rd week. Walsh and two others were arrested for impeding access to Blumenauer's office building on December 20. Walsh is frustrated that Blumenauer continues to ignore the majority of his constituents who support impeachment. His motivation for the protest is simple: "Earl Blumenauer is my voice in the House of Representatives and refuses to stop, in any meaningful way, the corruption that is now called the Bush Administration. Impeachment hearings must start now, today and not tomorrow. I will protest everywhere Rep. Blumenauer goes until President Bush and Vice President Cheney are out of office or Blumenauer calls for impeachment."
Veterans for Peace from Eugene and Portland are bringing their flags and their banners made for the occasion: "REBOOT the White House, Control, Alt, IMPEACH." Grant Remington, of the Portland Chapter says he is disgusted with the failure of elected representatives to stop the war and to impeach Bush and Cheney who have violated their oaths of office.
Grant Remington says, "Double standards don't cut it with those of us who put our lives on the line while wearing the uniform of the United States. When we joined the Armed Forces we raised our right hand and took an oath that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic. If we violated that oath we would face Court Martial and prison. The President and Vice President have violated their oath of office and those who have the responsibility to hold them accountable have refused to do so. By not doing so, they have also violated their oath of office to support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic."
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