Americans who understand that the threat of impeachment is the only tool of the Constitution strong enough to bring this administration back in line with the rule of law -- and, in so doing, to make possible the rapid end of the Iraq occupation and other worthy goals -- have their work cut out for them. House Democratic leaders remain resistant to the very mention of the "i" word.

Kucinich's decision to introduce articles of impeachment is an important first step. But to get the hearings and the votes that will be needed, the congressman and presidential candidate from Ohio will need cosponsors. What Kucinich has done is to give impeachment activists a place to focus their conversations with members of the House, but those conversations still must be held. And their message must be blunt: If you want to fix what's wrong in Washington, you must consponsor the articles of impeachment against Cheney.