In a recent Esquire interview Senator Chuck Hagel mentioned a word that is truly forbidden in the Republican lexicon.  The Nebraska Republican addressed a theme that has been frequently discussed in this column.

With reference to George W. Bush, Hagel mentioned the numerous recent occasions when the White House resident has engaged in actions called "unaccountable."  Senator Hagel mentioned that this word was used in frequent reference to the Iraq War, according to which, based on all current national polls, the majority of Americans oppose.

Hagel then took another forward step that has also been frequently addressed here, but is considered anathema for a Capitol Hill Republican to think, much less express.  The Nebraska Senator noted that Bush could be held accountable through impeachment.

As the Founding Fathers framed it, there is that constitutional protection in response to executive action discerned to encompass "high crimes and misdemeanors."  Hagel stopped short of advocating impeachment, but stated that this is an action that might well be considered should Bush continue on the same course.

The Senate Intelligence Committee voted today not to investigate the crimes of President George W. Bush. Instead, it will create a subcommittee for "oversight" of the illegal eavesdropping program. Senator Snowe was telling Americans as of Friday that yes, she would vote in favor of the Senator Rockefeller's proposal to conduct a full inquiry into the program. Today, she voted against it. Senator Rockefeller had this to say after the committee's vote:

``This committee is basically under control of the White House,'' Rockefeller told reporters after the two-hour meeting today in Washington. ``It's an unprecedented bout of political pressure from the White House.''

Unprecedented indeed.  The administration is threatening members of Congress, it is strong-arming them like never before--in short, like a cornered animal it has pulled out every last stop, every last fang and growl to dissuade Congress from investigating this matter. The inference is obvious: the more fervent the desire to cover up, the more heinous the crime.

This is not just a surveillance program. This is not just data-mining.  There is something much greater here beneath the surface, an action that not only runs afoul our Constitutional rights, but that undermines the very core of our democracy.

This is not the end of the road. Attorney General Gonzales is likely to be recalled to the Senate Judiciary Committee.  Several lawsuits are well underway.  And when the truth is exposed, Senator Snowe, Senator Hagel, and every Republican member of Congress who has assisted in this cover-up will be exposed as aiders and abetters to one of the most fundamental betrayals of the American people.