Separation of powers between the executive branch and judicial branch began in Florida in the 2000 election when the court rendered a recount of the vote there impossible after the electoral system failed disastrously.

Bush's use of signing statements gave him virtually complete control over the legislative process when he decided what clauses he would implement and which ones he wouldn't.  The refusal of Congress to take firm and effecacious action further nullified the legislative powers of Congress.

Abuse of the convention of executive privilege completely undermined the power of Congress to oversee the executive branch and the refusal of Congress to rectify the problem was tantamount to self-immolation.

Overshadowing all other attacks on democracy in America was the refusal of the House to launch impeachment proceedings against a President who probably committed more "high crimes and misdemeanors" than any other president.  Bush lied to Congress and the American people about the justification for the war against Iraq, authorized torture and illegal wiretappings and ran roughshod over the legislative branch of government.

Comparing impeachment charges against Clinton for lying about a sexual encounter in the Oval Office to the crimes of Bush will be cannon fodder for historians as long as there is a history of the United States.

http://www.stateofdarkness.com