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Have you heard? The word impeachable has been voted "Most Likely to Be Selected as the Word of the Year" for 2006. Though it's not a new word by any means, it is set to explode in popular usage this year. If you want to be up with the times, you'd better get reacquainted with the word. Let's start with the dictionary entry. im.peach.a.ble There. Now that you're clear what impeachable means, practice using it in conversation. The dictionary entry above includes several sample sentences with the word impeachable. Say each one of the sentences out loud several times until impeachable rolls off your tongue easily and comfortably. All done? Great! Now, create a few sentences of your own using the word impeachable. Come up with at least five or six examples that demonstrate your mastery of the word. Terrific! You're now ready to go out into daily life and impress your friends and colleages with your cutting-edge vocabulary. But be sure to keep practicing. Make a point to work the word impeachable into casual conversation several times a day. FAQ: ImpeachmentQ: Who is impeachable? A: According to the U.S. Constitution, impeachment is not just for the president and vice-president. Any "civil officer" of the United States can be impeached. Q: What constitutes an impeachable offense? A: Not only treason and "high crimes" can be grounds for impeachment. Even "misdemeanors" can be used as grounds for impeachment, according to the Constitution. But the practical test of impeachability rests in the House of Representatives: something or someone is impeachable if a majority of its members vote to impeach. Q: Does impeachment always result in removing someone from office? A: Although people casually use impeach to refer to removing someone from office, an impeachment is actually equivalent to a prosecutor's indictment, the prosecutor being, in this case, the house of representatives. Removal from office occurs only if two-thirds of the jury — the Senate — vote accordingly. Only two presidents in U.S. history have been impeached; neither of them was removed from office. FAQ: ImpeachablesQ: Who are "The Impeachables?" A: The Impeachables were probably the most important rock band in the history of the world, as their toe-tapping hits from the 1770s and 1780s literally revolutionized the concept of modern democracy. The original lineup was Tommy Lee Jefferson, Ben "Jammin" Franklin, Lex Hamilton, and Ben E. "Dick" Arnold. More info on the band is available here. Given their involvement in establishing this form of government, they have a unique perspective from which to comment on the actions of those attempting to dismantle it. Q: How come I've never heard of them being a band? A: Part of the answer lies in the concerted campaign by Big Wire to suppress the extent of Franklin's electrical discoveries. The other part lies in the shocking state of public education in this country. And, for that matter, private education as well. Some may claim the existence of this band is "only a theory," but we say that theory should be taught in classrooms right alongside the Bunch-of-Guys-in-Powdered-Wigs-Sitting-Around-Signing-Papers theory currently being taught as "History." Let the students hear both sides - especially these hook-laden song excerpts - and make up their own minds, is what we say. Q: What does a rock band have to do with the rest of this page? A: This page is devoted to the Word of the Year for 2006, "impeachable," and the band The Impeachables has agreed to cross-brand and cross-promote with us to achieve the larger goal of educating the public about the case for impeaching the President of the United States - specifically, the current one. Q: Were the Impeachables' first albums and singles released only as sheet music or some sort of sound recordings? And if the latter, what were they? I thought Thomas Edison came up with the phonograph and all that. A: Um. I'm not comfortable answering this question. Q: Why not? A: Well... if I told you that I'd already be telling more than I'm prepared to disclose at this time. Let's just move on, shall we? Q: Isn't this supposed to be the spot where you answer questions like these? A: Sure, of course, totally - just not that one. Trust me on this, it's really best if we drop it immediately. Do you have any other questions? Q: Yes. How is it that these people, who flourished over two centuries ago, are still alive to do another album? Like, doesn't that background article specifically acknowledge that Ben Franklin died and that Hamilton was shot? A: It's very complicated. It would be too hard for the average reader to follow and comprehend. Q: Try me. A: Um. Remember what I said about the previous question? I regret to say that those circumstances must also be brought to bear on this one as well. Next. Q: OK, OK, here's a simple one: What is the current lineup of the band? A: Excellent question. The "Impeachable" album and tour draws on the legacy and membership of classic Impeachables concerts to bring the American public, and by extension the World Wide Web, the all-time best lineup possible of this great, history-making band. Q: What do you mean exactly? A: I think I've been pretty clear. Q: No you haven't. Who's in the band now? Is it all the original members? Some? None? A: Let's just say that we have taken all necessary steps to insure that there is no legal or ethical problem with calling this lineup "The Impeachables." Q: That doesn't tell me anything. The band called Yes had a totally different lineup in 1980 from the original group, except for the bass player. Is this that sort of situation? A: In essence, the Impeachables is a pop band, not progressive rock, so I'm afraid any such comparisons would be counter-productive. Q: Cut it out. What assurances do we, the readers, have that you haven't made this whole thing up? A: I would gladly provide you with extensive documentation proving the unimpeachable credentials of The Impeachables. However, that information is classified. Q: What? Why would it be classified? These people all left office hundreds of years ago. Come clean! A: That's it. This question-and-answer session is over. Good day, sir. Q: That's bogus. You still haven't - A: I said good day, sir! The Republicans' "Impeachable" PlanBe forewarned! There is a secret Republican plan to muddle the meaning of the word impeachable by introducing it on TV as a synonym for cool or great. Starting in late April or May, you'll hear exclamations such as, "Wow! That hat is so impeachable!" or "We won first prize? Impeachable!" Impeach will be introduced as a synonym for "totally agree with." For example, "I impeach what you're saying, bro." If this cynical plot succeeds, then people will hear "If that's not an impeachable act, I don't know what is" and think it means "What he's doing is wicked cool." Don't be fooled! Impeachable does not mean cool. Unless you're talking about the band The Impeachables. Their jammin' beats and dry wit are totally impeachable. —I mean, totally cool. Anyhow, if you find yourself getting confused, just take a few minute to review the dictionary definition of impeachable. The Impeachables' story and songs |
The case for impeaching George W. Bush Add your voice to the call for impeachment (647,163 as of 1/31/06) A majority of Americans (52%) already support impeaching Bush A Short History of Impeachment Impeachable fun: |
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adj. 1. Liable or able to be impeached ["I'm slowly coming to the conclusion that the president is impeachable"]
2. Providing the grounds for impeachment ["Intentionally violating the constitution is an impeachable act"] 3. Flawed; reproachable; doubted, questioned or discredited ["If lying us into war didn't make him impeachable, this certainly does"] 4. Bellicose and inebriated with power, to the point that only impeachment will provide the necessary wake-up call ["The thing is, he wasn't even elected president in the first place, so it's a little ironic that we need to even discuss whether he's impeachable"] 5. Pertaining to an administration whose every act is so venal, cynical, and counter to authentic American values that it turns the stomach of a majority of the citizenry ["I know that it's only supposed to happen to the president, but let's get real - that whole crowd of neocon loonies is impeachable, if you ask me"]
6. Behaving as though one's blue-blood family history, powerful cronies and name recognition at the ballot box having propelled one into the White House leads logically to the notion that one has become all-powerful and able to speak English coherently ["Can you believe this latest travesty? Without a doubt, that is the most impeachable thing George W. Bush has done... today"] 7. (Archaic) Having engaged in extramarital sex.
