Washblog

As I understand it, Overton refers to the position of an issue in the general public perception, in a range something like this:

unspeakable~ludicrous~radical~controversial~acceptable~common wisdom

Numerous outspoken or high-profile voices for "ludicrous" and "radical" points of view  tend to shift that perspective towards the merely "controversial" and eventually "acceptable".

For instance, "a woman's right to vote" in the U.S. would've been  unspeakable or ludicrous in the 18th century, radical in the 19th century, gradually becoming controversial by the early 20th century. It reached "acceptable" to the Powers That Be in 1920 (barely). Today the opposite opinion would be ludicrous or unspeakable.

I've sen Jim Mcdermott's in-person response to questions about impeachment several times. And I'd guess he hears that issue brought up whenever he engages the public. So far, although he believes Bush/Cheney have committed impeachable offenses, he is being a co-operative Congressional Dem by going along with Speaker Pelosi's "off -the-table" strategy--you know, how it would distract from the very important legislation Dems are proposing, and Bush/Cheney only have 2 more years to fuck up the world anyway--even though he could hardly lose in Seattle by taking the pro-impeachment stance.

So was this mesage ever-so-slightly more open-ended? He does NOT say anything's off the table, or make excuses about important OTHER legislation. He mentions investigations, accountability, and closely watching developments and "new information as it surfaces".

Murtha mentioned impeachment on TV the other day, as one of four options for Congress to influence a President. That can't be an accident.

Am I imagining things? Is this email meant only to appease? Did Jim even write this himself? What do you think?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Dear Dina:
Thank you for your recent communication regarding your outrage over President Bush and Vice President Cheney's actions.

I, too, am infuriated by much of what the President and his administration are doing. With Democrats gaining control of both the House and the Senate, Republicans can no longer shield the President from accountability.

In addition, the Democratic Congress should be able to curb and reverse some of the Administration's excesses. Investigations have begun and hearings are being held in several committees to uncover and halt some of the actions the Administration has taken with impunity during the past six years of one-party government.

I will continue to pay close attention to new information as it surfaces. Please be assured that I will keep your comments in mind as this matter develops.

Thank you once again for contacting me. As your Representative in Congress, it is critical that I understand the views of my constituents. I look forward to hearing from you in the future.

Sincerely, Jim McDermott
Member of Congress"