Portland Demands that Congressman Blumenauer Push for Bush Impeachment

Congressman Earl Blumenauer hosted a town hall yesterday at the Hollywood Theatre in Portland, Oregon. Blumenauer constituents as well as vocal Democratic and Liberal activists attended the open forum. A common theme of many of those who spoke directly to the Congressman, the Democratic Representative from Oregon's Third District, was that of impeachment proceedings against President Bush and Vice-President Cheney.

The focus of Blumenauer's Town Hall was an "Oregon Declaration of Peace." Blumenauer signed a large placard that read that he "commit[s] to support publicly the establishment of a comprehensive plan for a rapid end to the US war and occupation in Iraq." The pledge continued with the promise that Blumenauer "will vote no on any appropriations bill that would continue US military operations in Iraq."

The town hall began with the Congressman signing the pledge in front of the near-capacity crowd. Maggie Portofino of US Military Families Speak Out gave a brief introduction to the pledge and read it aloud for those in attendance. Blumenauer has indicated that this placard will be placed outside of his Washington office.

Blumenauer was the only member of the Oregon Congressional Delegation who was in attendance. He is also the only Oregon politician to publicly sign such a pledge. Blumenauer's voting record for Defense Department appropriations is a mixed bag, as he did vote twice in approval of an appropriations bills last year that earmarked more spending on military operations in both Iraq and Afghanistan (HR 5631, voted yes on 06/20/2006 and 9/26/2006).

Everyone was invited to sign up for a two-minute speaking slot, and upwards of forty people were given time to speak directly to Congressman Blumenauer. Some came with prepared statements addressing concerns over the Bush and Cheney Administration, but other topics and issues included the upcoming vote on the Peru Free Trade Agreement and the housing market troubles.