Lafayette makes noise on effort to impeach

President Barack Obama is a threat to our constitutional liberties and has earned the reputation as possibly the most dishonest and disappointing president in American history.

When it comes to calling for his necessary impeachment, the black- and gold-ridden city of Lafayette is a step ahead of Bloomington.

Normally, as an IU student I would be deeply disappointed, but since I grew up in Lafayette, this is a statement I am unashamed to make.

Reading an article by the Journal and Courier describing the anonymously executed activism occurring in my hometown totally made my weekend.

An 11-by-14-inch Obama portrait hanging in the Halleck Federal Building lobby in downtown Lafayette, which was creepily demanded in place by the central government, is under political attack.

During the past six weeks, different letterheads and sticky notes have been mysteriously tucked into the portrait’s frame. The notes have been titled “The National Campaign to Impeach Obama,” “The Task Force to Impeach Obama” and “White House Watch.”

In two cases, notes were posted directly on Obama’s nose.

Despite at least six separate cases occurring among the constant presence of staff and security officers, those responsible have not been identified.

At this rate, the continual removal and discarding of the notes only seems to welcome the appearance of more.

I find this news hilarious, but some people feel it’s disrespectful toward Obama, which concerns me.

We ought to be worrying more about the dire state of our country, not the president’s reputation.

The only political loyalty in this country should be that of the government to we, the people. Americans have a basic duty to remove their leader from power if said leader violates their rights or fails miserably at keeping promises.

Proposing impeachment is nothing personal or disrespectful. It is a fundamental democratic function.

If the portrait had been vehemently vandalized, then I could understand why it would be taken as disrespect.

But the simple attachment of notes with peaceful messages is nothing to get upset about.

Since the picture wasn’t exactly vandalized, the U.S. General Services Administration has labeled the anonymous acts “tampering with public property,” for which the specific penalties are undecided.

The GSA announced it has begun an investigation and ensures it is taking measures to prevent any further activity.

Although these unknown activists are likely part of the mentioned impeachment campaigns, Floyd Brown, president of the Policy Issues Institute that helps operate movements such as “White House Watch” and the “Impeach Obama Campaign,” stated his organized efforts do not condone any law-breaking behavior.

I applaud the bold rib-tickling attempts of those persistently posting messages in the Halleck Federal Building to spread the important message of possible impeachment.

However, I agree with Brown in that this isn’t an acceptable way to do so.

Legally posting messages, organizing peaceful public demonstrations or writing our congressmen to do their job and introduce the articles of impeachment would be much more effective toward cleaning up our presidential office.    

­— edharo@indiana.edu
Follow columnist Edgar Haro on Twitter @EdHarodude.