Editor’s note: The IJ is reprinting some of the late Beth Ashley’s columns. This is from 2007.

A bunch of us met at my house the other night to watch Bill Moyers’ presentation on the issue of impeaching George W. Bush and Dick Cheney.

Like all of Moyers’ programs, it was thoughtfully and persuasively done. Bright, well-informed people said important things.

The main argument of the piece, for me, was that impeachment is necessary in order to shrink back the unprecedented executive powers that the White House has taken in the past six years.

The need, the speakers seemed to say, was to downsize the “tool box” that the executive branch has been using to impinge on the freedoms of ordinary Americans.

It’s all about the future, not just about taking revenge on George W. Bush, although some of us favored that, too.

If we let the over-reach of this administration stand, who knows how such powers will be used in the future? What will happen, permanently, to the balance of powers the Constitution intended?

The political season is in full sway. Most of us are weary already of the speeches, the posturing and the crossfire of commentary and spin. But that does not mean that important things are not being said, or that the upcoming election is not one of the most crucial in our nation’s history. Dare we hope it will presage real change?

But most people, it seems, are not paying attention.

What astounds me is the disconnect between the national temper and the actions of Congress, which just seems to sit there, limply, not responding. Congress is not even in session these days, as our representatives all take the month off after doing almost nothing substantive.

When the Democrats won control in the last election, it seemed like a signal — a blank check — for change. But nothing happened.

Where are the leaders who are willing to take the hit for speaking up — for demanding honesty, accountability and a less imperious foreign policy, just for starters.

I’ll bet they would be surprised how many people would applaud them. Instead, they seem to be making cautious accommodations with the status quo, and the reigning powers that be.

I know the dangers, of course, of speaking out: a national leader must respect the views of a huge constituency, a good part of which is unaware or unfazed by the things that bother me. And without that support, victory — and governance — are not possible.

But isn’t it a leader’s role to point out the errors and lead the way to reform?

Ah, dreamer.

It would be easier for us all to ignore the dangers and ease back into the huge pleasures of summer. We have so much to divert us — camping trips and patio parties, action movies and dinners out, real estate prices and Barry Bonds.

I get diverted, too. We are all blessed by the diversity of things that fill our lives.

Sometimes I think I should lighten up — that I spend entirely too much time talking about all that’s wrong in Washington.

But sometimes I think I don’t spend enough.

After all, if ordinary citizens don’t speak up, who will?