Rep. Al Green (D-Texas) has drawn criticism for stating that one of the things that makes him most proud to be an American is the ability to impeach a president.
Speaking ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, Green told a political correspondent: “I am very proud to tell you that impeachment is an option to remove a reckless, ruthless, lawless president. I’m proud to know that that exists.”
The remarks followed Green’s refusal to comment on recent Democratic primary results, including the defeat of Rep. Diana DeGette (D-CO) and victories by Democratic socialist candidates.
When asked whether the party’s mainstream could “have issues going forward” and “be paralyzed in a way during the midterms,” Green said: “Well, I rarely answer questions that are quite substantive without having given some considerable thought, so after I’ve given considerable thought to what happened, then I’ll record an answer. It’s been too early for me to acquire the intelligence that I’d like to have.”
Green also recently praised Air Force Major Jason Watson, who was arrested near the Capitol for protesting on the steps of the U.S. House of Representatives. According to Capitol Police, Watson was initially accompanied by Rep. Al Green (D-Texas), but the lawmaker left the scene. After Green departed, Watson was directed to leave the steps or face arrest and was subsequently charged with crowding, obstructing, and incommoding.
In a follow-up video, Green commended Watson’s actions, stating: “He stood for impeachment of the president on the Capitol Grounds, and thereafter he walked up the steps where he was arrested, and he was taken away.” Green, who lost his Democratic primary in May, added: “This is the kind of courage necessary to inspire others to understand that liberty and justice for all that we pledge allegiance to is something that can be made real. It’s more than an ideal. It is something that can be real for every person in this country if we but only have the courage to take the stand that Major Watson took.”
The Air Force major faces potential court-martialed or disciplinary action under the Uniform Code of Military Justice.
