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Bush Commutes Libby Sentence
Breaking, from the AP: "President Bush commutes the prison sentence for former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby."
Update: The president has reduced Libby's original sentence of thirty months of prison, two years of probation, and a $250,000 fine by stripping the sentence of the 2 1/2 years of jail time.
Update: Here is the president's statement released by the White House:
The United States Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit today rejected Lewis Libby’s request to remain free on bail while pursuing his appeals for the serious convictions of perjury and obstruction of justice. As a result, Mr. Libby will be required to turn himself over to the Bureau of Prisons to begin serving his prison sentence.I have said throughout this process that it would not be appropriate to comment or intervene in this case until Mr. Libby’s appeals have been exhausted. But with the denial of bail being upheld and incarceration imminent, I believe it is now important to react to that decision.
From the very beginning of the investigation into the leaking of Valerie Plame’s name, I made it clear to the White House staff and anyone serving in my administration that I expected full cooperation with the Justice Department. Dozens of White House staff and administration officials dutifully cooperated.
After the investigation was under way, the Justice Department appointed United States Attorney for the Northern District of Illinois Patrick Fitzgerald as a Special Counsel in charge of the case. Mr. Fitzgerald is a highly qualified, professional prosecutor who carried out his responsibilities as charged.
This case has generated significant commentary and debate. Critics of the investigation have argued that a special counsel should not have been appointed, nor should the investigation have been pursued after the Justice Department learned who leaked Ms. Plame’s name to columnist Robert Novak. Furthermore, the critics point out that neither Mr. Libby nor anyone else has been charged with violating the Intelligence Identities Protection Act or the Espionage Act, which were the original subjects of the investigation. Finally, critics say the punishment does not fit the crime: Mr. Libby was a first-time offender with years of exceptional public service and was handed a harsh sentence based in part on allegations never presented to the jury.
Others point out that a jury of citizens weighed all the evidence and listened to all the testimony and found Mr. Libby guilty of perjury and obstructing justice. They argue, correctly, that our entire system of justice relies on people telling the truth. And if a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable. They say that had Mr. Libby only told the truth, he would have never been indicted in the first place.
Both critics and defenders of this investigation have made important points. I have made my own evaluation. In preparing for the decision I am announcing today, I have carefully weighed these arguments and the circumstances surrounding this case.
Mr. Libby was sentenced to thirty months of prison, two years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. In making the sentencing decision, the district court rejected the advice of the probation office, which recommended a lesser sentence and the consideration of factors that could have led to a sentence of home confinement or probation.
I respect the jury’s verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby’s sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.
My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby. The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely. He will remain on probation.The significant fines imposed by the judge will remain in effect. The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting.
The Constitution gives the President the power of clemency to be used when he deems it to be warranted. It is my judgment that a commutation of the prison term in Mr. Libby’s case is an appropriate exercise of this power.
Comments (126)
drew wrote on July 2, 2007 6:01 PM:This is a bad dream, right?
drew wrote on July 2, 2007 6:03 PM:This is a bad dream, right?
TheraP wrote on July 2, 2007 6:05 PM:"a cynical pander by an increasingly desperate dictator"
(you can find the above quote at the end of the previous post)
bush and his Pakistani pal - in the same dictatorial boat!
Phil Smith wrote on July 2, 2007 6:06 PM:Dear President Bush:
Thanks for commuting Libby's sentence.
You have just indicted yourself.
Thanks for nothing.
Sincerely,
legion wrote on July 2, 2007 6:06 PM:Phil Smith
Shorter GWBush:
Truth is what I say it is.
Security code: small
johnnydoughey wrote on July 2, 2007 6:08 PM:True in so, so many ways...
I understand Bush's decision entirely. After all, this is an important person, and prison for an important person is extreme punishment. Just the consequence of losing importance is overwhelmingly cruel.
On the other hand, unimportant people deserve all the punishment they get.
Hoppy wrote on July 2, 2007 6:08 PM:This is curious. The Constitution gives the President unlimited power to pardon, but it doesn't even mention commuting a sentence. That act would seem to be left for a judge to perform, not the president. And, the obvious reason is that commuting a sentence means changing the sentence, where a pardon means eliminating the conviction - two entirely different acts. Of course this president doesn't believe the Constitution has any effect on his actions, so we get a commutation and not a pardon.
Dana wrote on July 2, 2007 6:09 PM:No shock here.
ignatious wrote on July 2, 2007 6:09 PM:What a travesty! Can I feel anymore disgust and dismay?
LTO wrote on July 2, 2007 6:09 PM:So, did Big Swinging Dick write this opinion/justification, too?
TomK wrote on July 2, 2007 6:10 PM:Can we impeach Dick Cheney yet?
Slippery Slope wrote on July 2, 2007 6:10 PM:Oh my!!!! Sorry for the simplistic post but this is absolutely mind-boggling.
It is time to take to the streets in peaceful protest. I am printing a sign for my car’s back window now.
Anonymous wrote on July 2, 2007 6:10 PM:I have to commend Bush-boy's clevernessm, much as I despise the little turd. He cut the baby in half. And some GOP angel with pay the fine under the table.
ds wrote on July 2, 2007 6:11 PM:Crazy - just crazy - and won't go over well at all..
Ozzinny wrote on July 2, 2007 6:11 PM:Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose....i.e. Libby is free because Bush has nothing left to lose. Security code: SHAM
plane wrote on July 2, 2007 6:11 PM:IMPEACH. BUSH. NOW.
ds wrote on July 2, 2007 6:11 PM:Crazy - just crazy - and won't go over well at all..
asher wrote on July 2, 2007 6:11 PM:We've been Cheney'd once again.
This is the equivilant of hush money. Extortion. In not having to serve any jail time, Libby's lips are forever sealed. This is all about protecting secrets. All roads lead to Cheney.
Mosie wrote on July 2, 2007 6:11 PM:Wow. Didn't know a president had that power. Apparently he does???
PrblemWithCaring wrote on July 2, 2007 6:12 PM:Anyone who's familiar with this administration's actions over the past 6 years can't possible be surprise; yet I am still a little caught off guard by how fucking pissed off this makes me.
Who cares about so-called "celebrity justice" in LA, when there's nearly a rogue government in Washington?
psocrat wrote on July 2, 2007 6:12 PM:this needs to be investigated! Bush has stopped the justice of American courts.
jdiamond wrote on July 2, 2007 6:12 PM:"if a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable"
no small irony in the above statement, i'd say...
DanInAlabama wrote on July 2, 2007 6:13 PM:What would this man have to do to be impeached?
Goodbye America. It was nice to knowing ya'.
Anonymous wrote on July 2, 2007 6:13 PM:"The Constitution gives the President the power of clemency to be used when he deems his balls are in a vice."
Fixed.
Anonymous wrote on July 2, 2007 6:13 PM:Read: I am the decider.
Not a surprise but god is it infuriating
Matt wrote on July 2, 2007 6:13 PM:If the President was seeking an appropriate sentence, why didn't he select the 15-mo sentence that outside, impartial sources had recommended?
Hank Gillette wrote on July 2, 2007 6:14 PM:In other words, if Libby went to the big house, he might have started talking.
Duckbill wrote on July 2, 2007 6:14 PM:The president and his lackeys are above the law.
ProblemWithCaring wrote on July 2, 2007 6:14 PM:Anyone who's familiar with this administration's actions over the past 6 years can't possible be surprise; yet I am still a little caught off guard by how fucking pissed off this makes me.
Who cares about so-called "celebrity justice" in LA, when there's nearly a rogue government in Washington?
td wrote on July 2, 2007 6:14 PM:Plus ca change, plus c'est la meme-chose. This is Scooter's Medal of Freedom equivalent...just enough to keep him quiet for a long while.
There is blue-collar justice and there is (so-called) white-collar justice. They are rarely comparable.
1st City Citizen wrote on July 2, 2007 6:14 PM:"It is my judgment..."
In my very humble opinion the president has no judgement, just reasons to make asinine decisions.
Off Colfax wrote on July 2, 2007 6:14 PM:If this isn't a wake up call to Congress to clean up the mess that is the Whithouse, I don't know what is.
This is me, feigning complete and utter surprise.
Yeah. Even I don't buy it.
Nor do I buy the allegedly "harsh punishment" that Libby still has, and that it is because his career is "forever damaged" that Bush43 is letting him skate the jail time.
Quid pro quo.
myers wrote on July 2, 2007 6:15 PM:knew it!!! Bastards
Dreggas wrote on July 2, 2007 6:15 PM:proving once again, perjury is only a crime when it involves oral sex.
breakspear wrote on July 2, 2007 6:15 PM:Sorry, Mr President, your 'rejection' of the sentence amount is rejected. You have no respect for the rule of law clearly anymore, and therefore from now on no one should have any respect for you to uphold it. You and that thing Cheney who looms behind you clearly have things to hide that Libby would've revealed if you hadn't done this. So we don't believe anything at all from this statement (I don't believe).
KestrelBrighteyes wrote on July 2, 2007 6:15 PM:In other words, Cheney told the Decider to let the lil jailbird go, lest he start to sing.
No surprises there.
Isn't that the "family" way?
Jeremy wrote on July 2, 2007 6:15 PM:I know this is the same kind of press release Bush sent out after not bothering to give 30 minutes of consideration to everyone he saw executed as governor of Texas...
Oh, wait, no, those people weren't friends of President Cheney.
It's nice to know the Law and Order party has completely stopped pretending to have any legitimate policy platform other than It's OK If You're A Republican.
David Pincus wrote on July 2, 2007 6:17 PM:We are all equal under the eyes of the law but some people are more equal.
td wrote on July 2, 2007 6:18 PM:Smells like the Pres is acting like an Activist Judge. Wasn't that supposed to be bad form?? Or IOKIYAR??
george wrote on July 2, 2007 6:18 PM:The rule of law went out 6 years ago. God have mercy on this nation. If this isn't enough to get the congress to stand up to these Charlatans then what will be? The sentence is too harsh? Well then reduce it...but no prison time for convictions is like saying that members of his administration do not have to follow the rules as they carry out their responsibilities. There will be someone there to bail them out in the end...I'd say that I'm surprised, but nothing ever surprises me anymore about this administration.
PHil wrote on July 2, 2007 6:19 PM:I'm not advocating violence, however, I'm praying as hard as I've ever prayed for the untimely and painful death of at least three of these crooks. I'll take Cheney, Bush, and rumsfailed.
JEB wrote on July 2, 2007 6:20 PM:Childish i know. fuck it. time to pray again.
Translation: "Conviction was correct, punishment too harsh."
Can we expect the *president to intervene in the affairs of the judiciary every time a harsh sentence is handed out? When petty drug users are imprisoned? When mentally handicapped criminals are murdered by the state?
No, only when people who covered for a criminal uncovering of a spy are sentenced to jail.
anon wrote on July 2, 2007 6:21 PM:I can't wait to read the wingnut blogs about the Wise Bush. And, hey, he didn't pardon Libby, no siree!.
Argh.
Anonymous wrote on July 2, 2007 6:22 PM:just unbelievable
chenka wrote on July 2, 2007 6:22 PM:It is very much like a bad dream, an 8 year long, very bad dream....
Greg wrote on July 2, 2007 6:22 PM:"Anyone who's familiar with this administration's actions over the past 6 years can't possible be surprise; yet I am still a little caught off guard by how fucking pissed off this makes me."
Amen, Prblm.
Okay, guys, time to hit those phones. Call your Congressman & Senators and ask them to consider impeachment. I know, it's unlikely, but we do what we can… Jesus H. Christ on a crutch, what a fucking outrage.
jak1 wrote on July 2, 2007 6:24 PM:First Executive
Then Legislative
Now Judicial!
What can't he do?
jep wrote on July 2, 2007 6:25 PM:are we surprised? NOT...apparently THEY NEVER TOOK THAT BLANKET OFF THE STATUE...
Wasn't that Goodling's idea?
drmoore wrote on July 2, 2007 6:25 PM:Appropriate code word...flag. As in this administration has walked all over the flag. Is the US or some small country with a military dictator or supposedly democratic (one candidate) government. Justice will be served someway, somehow for this admininstration.
off2xtremes wrote on July 2, 2007 6:25 PM:I have been overwhelmed with a sense of anger, coupled with dismay. I never thought the little fucker had the balls to do it, since it is so clearly protecting your own with no justification.
If I was a religious man, I could take solace in Bush rotting in hell. Unfortunately, I'll have to hope karma catches up to him. There's a whole lot of payback coming.
Danny wrote on July 2, 2007 6:25 PM:We need an amendment to prevent the president from pardoning anyone in the executive branch... or at least this high up in the executive branch.
bpalmer wrote on July 2, 2007 6:26 PM:I assume this means the president admits Libby is guilty.
Gosh it is great to have friends in high places.
Rick wrote on July 2, 2007 6:26 PM:The Pay-Off.
The coverup and obstruction of justice continue...Cheney threw the switch...Scooter can (unofficially) resume his duties as a valued Cheney elf... in a White House that values (supposedly) disgraced stalwarts of the Right such as Elliott Abrahms et al....
The Bush (Crime) Family solution for administration criminals caught and inconvenient.
Both 41 and 43 know that the Rule of Law doesn't apply to them.
asher wrote on July 2, 2007 6:27 PM:I'm looking forward to Fitzgerald's reaction to this news. Not to mention the Joe and Valerie Wilson.
Security Code: Dark Day in America
Greg wrote on July 2, 2007 6:27 PM:Damnit. Agree with problem. Not a surprise, but still enraging.
kingweasil wrote on July 2, 2007 6:28 PM:I guess we can call our representatives & Senators and urge impeachment…I just called Loebsack & Harkin (I'm in Iowa.)
one year from now there will be a pardon...
KestrelBrighteyes wrote on July 2, 2007 6:28 PM:And, I see that Rove just got his security clearance renewed. They don't even PRETEND to be law-abiding citizens anymore!
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/07/01/AR2007070101036.html
voicesraised wrote on July 2, 2007 6:28 PM:IANAL, much less a Constitutional scholar ... but if what the Constitution empowers the President to do is pardon offenses--not adjust punishments--then is there the possibility that this so-called "pardon" is in effect illegal and/or null and void?
The code is mother. Ah well, half a word...
Cal Damage wrote on July 2, 2007 6:28 PM:"I did believe, and ever will believe, that just laws can make no distinction of privilege between the rich and poor, and that when men of high standing attempt to trample upon the rights of the weak, they are the fittest objects for example and punishment. In general, the great can protect themselves, but the poor and humble require the arm and shield of the law."
- Andrew Jackson, (while Gov. Of Florida) 1821
"muscle" - Let's show 'em some!
jak1 wrote on July 2, 2007 6:29 PM:You know if this stuff keeps up, I'm going back to my high school and demand my American Government grades be changed!
Gnopple wrote on July 2, 2007 6:29 PM:Why didn't the President commute Lil Kim's 366 day sentence?
Speaking of...this is a great advertisement for that "Stop Snitchin'" movement that Carmelo Anthony got in trouble for...
Here's a great H&C clip:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKZ5bakQN48
Cal Damage wrote on July 2, 2007 6:30 PM:"I did believe, and ever will believe, that just laws can make no distinction of privilege between the rich and poor, and that when men of high standing attempt to trample upon the rights of the weak, they are the fittest objects for example and punishment. In general, the great can protect themselves, but the poor and humble require the arm and shield of the law."
oleeb wrote on July 2, 2007 6:31 PM:- Andrew Jackson, (while Gov. Of Florida) 1821
Criminal swine!
Atrios points out on his site that Bush's commutation of the sentence now clearly makes him a part of the criminal conspiracy. Hopefully, Demcorats will have the balls to prosecute Bush and Cheney for this and their other crimes when the White House is regained. Then again, I'll not hold my breat on that. One can hope though.
jeffgee wrote on July 2, 2007 6:31 PM:Scooter was convicted in a court of law, which is more than can be said for the residents of Gitmo.
randron wrote on July 2, 2007 6:31 PM:I have a sudden urge to go rob a bank, assault a neighbor, steal a car, vandalize some property, or otherwise act in some sort of illegal way. After all, our justice system is a really, really bad joke! Between the politicization of the Department of Justice, Attorney Genereal Alberto Gonzales' persistant and repeated lying to Congress (which, last I heard, is not LEGAL), illegal, warrantless wiretapping of American citizens, repeal of Habeas Corpus, and multiple other examples of law-breaking by our "leaders," I see no need to continue to operate within the bounds of honest, ethical, moral behavior. Apparenty, anything goes, right? Oh, I forgot. That should read, "Anything goes if you are rich, well-connected, and Republican!" The party of law and order? The party of morality? The part of values? I'M GOING TO PUKE! I HATE what Bush has done to our country. I used to be a proud American. I am still proud of our Constitution, of the promise that USED to be "America," but I'm ashamed of what this nation has become under Bush. I am literally sick to my stomach! This move was not unexpected, but I was hoping against hope that finally, Libby, a CONVICTED FELON, would see prison time for breaking the law of the land. At least then, there would be something resembling justice, BUT THERE IS NO JUSTICE!
oleeb wrote on July 2, 2007 6:32 PM:Criminal swine!
Atrios points out on his site that Bush's commutation of the sentence now clearly makes him a part of the criminal conspiracy. Hopefully, Demcorats will have the balls to prosecute Bush and Cheney for this and their other crimes when the White House is regained. Then again, I'll not hold my breat on that. One can hope though.
Montie wrote on July 2, 2007 6:32 PM:I just cannot believe what has come of this country. I am so angry right now I can't type another word. I need to get off line.
Number Six wrote on July 2, 2007 6:32 PM:I am not a number, I am a free man!
Edc wrote on July 2, 2007 6:32 PM:I'm not really surprised - although it does fit.
What I enjoyed most was that foxnews.com gave equal weight to a 22YO coed that went missing a week ago.
The 3 D's - distract, dazzle, disturb
as was said earlier - no surprises here
Anonymous wrote on July 2, 2007 6:33 PM:We could'a had 'em had he committed the unpardonable (read: uncommutable)offense of lying about oral sex, rather than merely obstructing a federal grand jury that was attempting to determine who was responsible for the outing of a covert United States of America Central Intelligence Agent.
JL
x wrote on July 2, 2007 6:34 PM:when do people start rioting?
nanobucks wrote on July 2, 2007 6:35 PM:WAMM - blindsided again!
Poor Scooter... can you imagine how badly he wanted the Pardon, so he could clear his good name? Then again I suppose Bush can "secretly" have his criminal record expunged.
On the other hand a white-collar crime record is probably a plus when applying for the really big-money jobs, especially on the Hill...
"There's a Monster on the loose"
cevrero wrote on July 2, 2007 6:36 PM:As they say in Texas,..."Fuck all ya'lls stupid opiniawns",...the decider wins again.
Is this a pardon? Can he actually cherry pick each sentence? This is no different than any of the signing statements he does on the Bills he signs,...
The whole lot of em, gotta go....with Lieberman, too.
Joan wrote on July 2, 2007 6:38 PM:It's good to be king.
Bedtime for Democracy wrote on July 2, 2007 6:38 PM:Ah, so the coup d'etat is complete, eh?
Didn't realize that a President could commute a sentence but a "signing statement" should tie up the loose ends for CNN to disseminate for mass consumption.
It doesn't matter who wins either primary or the "election" as power has been seized and will not be relinquished. A well-timed "terror" action is all it will take to "temporarily postpone" our nearly exhausted
Welcome to the New Fascism brothers and sisters.
http://www.oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm
B.F.D.
Bedtime for Democracy wrote on July 2, 2007 6:39 PM:Ah, so the coup d'etat is complete, eh?
Didn't realize that a President could commute a sentence but a "signing statement" should tie up the loose ends for CNN to disseminate for mass consumption.
It doesn't matter who wins either primary or the "election" as power has been seized and will not be relinquished. A well-timed "terror" action is all it will take to "temporarily postpone" our nearly exhausted representative Democracy.
Welcome to the New Fascism brothers and sisters.
http://www.oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm
B.F.D.
nanobucks wrote on July 2, 2007 6:42 PM:WAMM - blindsided again!
Poor Scooter... can you imagine how badly he wanted the Pardon, so he could clear his good name? Then again I suppose Bush can "secretly" have his criminal record expunged.
On the other hand a white-collar crime record is probably a plus when applying for the really big-money jobs, especially on the Hill...
"There's a Monster on the loose"
Bedtime for Democracy wrote on July 2, 2007 6:43 PM:Ah, so the coup d'etat is complete, eh?
Didn't realize that a President could commute a sentence but a "signing statement" should tie up the loose ends for CNN to disseminate for mass consumption.
It doesn't matter who wins either primary or the "election" as power has been seized and will not be relinquished. A well-timed "terror" action is all it will take to "temporarily postpone" our nearly exhausted representative Democracy.
Welcome to the New Fascism brothers and sisters.
http://www.oldamericancentury.org/14pts.htm
B.F.D.
Julie Keller wrote on July 2, 2007 6:43 PM:I shudder to think I live in a country where Paris Hilton and Martha Stewart have spent more time in prison that any of these deserving bastards ever will.
I fully agree with the poster above who commented about not being surprised, but still enraged anyway. May a virulent plague strike them all down.
DES wrote on July 2, 2007 6:44 PM:The "elegant compromise" meme is a sucker's play, of course: Libby's defense fund will pay the fine and he'll get a full pardon on 1/19/09; wlaking away scot-free. Now, how many dopey pundits will fall for this one?
dm wrote on July 2, 2007 6:48 PM:From: Republican Candidates in 2008
To: W
Subj: Thanks for nothing
1. Well, now we're really in trouble. You've actually given the public solid evidence that the Republican party is a group of authoritarian monsters.
Sincerely,
People with names like Mitt
Syd wrote on July 2, 2007 6:50 PM:"Excessive"? Hard to hear this from a man who laughed at a woman pleading for a pardon prior to being executed - which he denied.
I think everyone needs to regroup - this is horrible but not surprising....which makes it all the more horrible.
KYJurisdoctor wrote on July 2, 2007 6:50 PM:Though a little premature, decision to commute was the right one.
http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2007/07/though-premature-bushs-commutation-of.html#links
tmb wrote on July 2, 2007 6:51 PM:Let's face it the Bush "family" is nothing but a fascist mafia family - - with "family" members ("bonesmen" and other opportunists and thugs) seeded throughout "our" government . . . The idea of "justice" in Amerika is dead . . . Bush is a criminal as is "Fredo" and the rest, how any normal citizen can be "sentenced" by a Federal Judge given this type of hypocrisy boggles the mind . . . "justice" and prison for us peons - - pardons and commutations for those who enabled mass murder and war thru lying and perjury . . . The Republic is dead.
Leta wrote on July 2, 2007 6:51 PM:The point is - this was a shot accross the bow of any investigation or Congresscritter that wants to poke their long noses into the WH. F**K Y**, come after mine and I'll pardon or commute. That's right - Congress, you've just been handed the battle plan...and we lose. Jesus H. Christ.
nanobucks wrote on July 2, 2007 6:53 PM:Scooter must be really pissed at George for not letting him go through Appeal so he could "prove" his innocense.
SPENCER ADAMS wrote on July 2, 2007 6:58 PM:"Any people anywhere, being inclined and having the power, have the right to rise up, and shake off the existing government, and form a new one that suits them better. This is a most valuable - a most sacred right - a right, which we hope and believe, is to liberate the world."
-Abraham Lincoln
I wonder what the House Judiciary Committee could do in a scheduled hearing about this next week; isn't this commutation absolute?
David_F wrote on July 2, 2007 7:06 PM:1. Note that Bush's actions and stated logic are fairly consistent with the suggestion made by William Otis (former federal prosecutor and 'special counsel' to Bush I) in his WashPo Op-Ed on 6/7, "Neither Prison Nor Pardon."
2. Assuming the conviction was correct, Libby lied, presumably to protect the actions of others (probably including Cheney) from being subject to prosecution or being brought to justice. The big picture here is that Bush II has brazenly removed another check to executive power. Public officials under his watch can cover up executive-branch crimes with a reasonable expectation of impunity. This may be actually be less important for the unaccountability it renders in this case, and more important for any upcoming or ongoing revelations about Bush-team improprieties yet to be explored. Justice is blinded, and so is Congress.
As I understand it, Bush is within his authority to do all this. The only check against this behavior, however unlikely, is impeachment. I wonder if this is what Conyers has in mind??
Marshall wrote on July 2, 2007 7:08 PM:As a Texas resident I know full well about the President's finely honed sense of "justice" and the clemency that he withheld throughout one of the bloodiest execution streaks of any governor in US history. Just one of those cases, Karla Faye Tucker, convicted of a murder when whacked out on drugs, didn't deserve clemency in Bush the governer's view even though she had turned her life around, admitted her guilt/remorse and had the backing of the Pope. She was executed, and to rub salt into the wound, her request for clemency was mocked by Bush to Tucker Carlson. Now Libby, a slimey political tool in the slimiest administration in US history apparently does deserve clemency instead of 30 months in a high class federal facility (not a Texas hell house). Can the president at least mock him so that on some level I'll feel there is parity.
MEG wrote on July 2, 2007 7:11 PM:“I’ll huff and I’ll puff and I’ll blow…
Hey, I’m the big tough guy decider and I call the shots…see!
I’m so tough I’m gonna wait until just before I leave office to wash my good buddy Scooter clean with a PARDON!
That way he can practice law again and do the speaking circuit and make lots of money.
(Unless impeachment prevents me from washing everyone.)
Vatar wrote on July 2, 2007 7:15 PM:What a STINKer.
Scooter must be really pissed at George for not letting him go through Appeal so he could "prove" his innocense.
Who says he can't appeal the fine?
Clinton pardoned 16 convicted terrorists!
Anonymous wrote on July 2, 2007 7:17 PM:Now, it's clearly useless to even dream about impeachment!
starwheel wrote on July 2, 2007 7:18 PM:If W gets impeached... Cheney will grant him a pardon claiming (what else...?)"Executive privilege".
And then W can pardon Cheney on the same grounds...and the good Lord may then grant both of them eternal forgiveness for all the damage they did to humanity!
Outrageous.
Isn't Paris being interviewed anywhere tonight?
I just want to know when our crumbling empire starts feeding the Christians to the lions.
SC: blood
starwheel wrote on July 2, 2007 7:20 PM:WOW! I'm watching Shuster smack down Bob Tyrrell on Hardball.
SC: sound
Duckbill wrote on July 2, 2007 7:24 PM:Scott Peterson was a first time offender too! Maybe dipwad will commute his sentence too.
john mcfadden wrote on July 2, 2007 7:28 PM:The fine is a slap on the wrist, because, even if he couldn't afford it with ease, he will be recompensed by Cheney and/or someone else in the neocon fold. It's impossible to imagine that they won't pay his fine. The probation is less than a slap on the wrist. Once again, Bush has grossly disrespected the rule of law and ordinary fairness. But he does so with such blinding sincerity and the appearance of fairness. He makes Tricky Dick seem guileless. Help! We're suffering from the lack of a crisp, decisive rebuttal; accordingly, the average voter tunes out. Maybe it's time to admit that, for all our protestations, we've been outclassed public relations wise. We really haven't penetrated the White House's one-trick con.
john mcfadden wrote on July 2, 2007 7:29 PM:The fine is a slap on the wrist, because, even if he couldn't afford it with ease, he will be recompensed by Cheney and/or someone else in the neocon fold. It's impossible to imagine that they won't pay his fine. The probation is less than a slap on the wrist. Once again, Bush has grossly disrespected the rule of law and ordinary fairness. But he does so with such blinding sincerity and the appearance of fairness. He makes Tricky Dick seem guileless. Help! We're suffering from the lack of a crisp, decisive rebuttal; accordingly, the average voter tunes out. Maybe it's time to admit that, for all our protestations, we've been outclassed public relations wise. We really haven't penetrated the White House's one-trick con.
voicesraised wrote on July 2, 2007 7:31 PM:Time for everyone to break out their copies of "It Can't Happen Here" (Sinclair Lewis, 1939, I think) and re-read 'em. It's not by accident that one of our frequent posters here goes by the name BWindrip, imho.
PurpleAvenger wrote on July 2, 2007 7:47 PM:One thing I notice is this is being spun - at least by NPR, which is where I heard it - as "Well, he doesn't go to jail, but it's still harsh because he's still on probation and still has to pay a $250,000 fine."
Now I don't know about the probation piece (but really, what kind of burdens are they going to put on him?) - but that fine is still out there. And my first thought was, Bush commutes the sentence now to keep him out of jail. And then pardons him after Nov 2008, so he doesn't have to pay the fine either. I assume Bush can do both (he's the decider, right?!) And I think folks should be cynical about any assertions that Libby is actually going to pay this fine.
x wrote on July 2, 2007 8:08 PM:Seiously, when do people start rioting?
Not that I'm advocating it, but it does make me wonder -- what's the breaking point? Is there one?
voicesraised wrote on July 2, 2007 8:19 PM:Concur with you, x (@8:08PM). My lady friend and I, just the other day, were wondering what it was going to take to cause a general strike among the populace. I don't think today's exercise in bad manners ("Pardon me") as bad government will be enough of a precipitating cause, imho. Sadly.
El Pavo wrote on July 2, 2007 8:38 PM:9/11 and the collapse of the three towers was an inside job. They were brought down by thermate cutters and high tech explosives planted in the three buildings. If you have any background in chemistry, physics, or engineering, ( I have a masters in chemistry), and you spend a day studying it, it's a no brainer. The planes were just a diversion; an excuse for non-scientists to accept the collapse. NIST came up with a total bullshit explanation of the collapse of 1 & 2, but they keep postponing the paper on WTC 7, because no plane hit it, yet it imploded on its own footprint. No matter how they play with their computer models, they can’t come up with anything that wouldn’t be ludicrous to a 10 year-old. No high rise steel building has ever collapsed from fire in the history of the planet, yet many have had fires far more severe and of far longer duration than the hour fires in WTC 1 and 2. The first three in world history purportedly happened within hours of each other. The 1975 fire in one of the Towers (I forget whether it was 1 or 2), was much more severe than 9/11, yet the steel supports were not damaged in the least and required no repair. If you want to learn more, Google Prof. Steven Jones, former full professor of physics at BYU who was forced into resignation for publishing a scientific paper concluding that thermate (thermite plus sulfur) and explosives were the only plausible explanation for the collapse of the three towers. Jet fuel cannot burn nearly hot enough to weaken the steel skeleton. (Ever wonder why jet engines don’t melt and fall off the planes?) Then Google Kevin Ryan, formerly an engineer with UL (Underwriters Laboratories). He came out saying that UL tested all the steel and the claims NIST claims that the jet fuel fires weakened it to the point of collapse were ridiculous. He too got fired, and is raising money for a wrongful termination suite against UL. You might consider sending his defense fund a check because 1) he is a heroic whistleblower and 2) it will expose the whole 9/11 false flag operation for what it is in a court of law.
So what does this have to do with this thread. Namely that commuting Libby was chickenshit. President Cheney murdered over 3000 innocent Americans to line his own pockets and those whose corporate water he carries, to invade Iraq, and to destroy the last vestiges of freedom in this country. Jones and Ryan just prove that the airline collisions could not possibly result in the collapse of the towers. If you want to know how Cheney set it up, get Michael Ruppert’s Crossing the Rubicon. It weighs about 10 pounds and will strengthen your biceps for the coming battle.
Finally, think about this: When Adolf Hitler burned down the Reichstag and blamed it on the Communists to seize power, he did it in the middle of the night, and only one person was killed by the fire.
casam wrote on July 2, 2007 8:43 PM:I have/had the same question x (since the Downing Street memos actually)
"Seriously, when do people start rioting?
Not that I'm advocating it, but it does make me wonder -- what's the breaking point? Is there one?
Georgie will ignore ANY court orders against his regime, the Democrat's can't get enough votes to impeach so it's up to YOU, the people to oust this , this "thing" ,sprung from the loins and uterus of the criminal bush family.
R.A. Zimmerman wrote on July 2, 2007 9:02 PM:You who philosophize disgrace
Anonymous wrote on July 2, 2007 9:19 PM:And criticize all fears
Bury the rag deep in your face
For now's the time for your tears
Hillary releases her statement on Libby ...
From Hillary Clinton on Bush pardoning Libby:
"Today's decision is yet another example that this Administration simply considers itself above the law. This case arose from the Administration's politicization of national security intelligence and its efforts to punish those who spoke out against its policies. Four years into the Iraq war, Americans are still living with the consequences of this White House's efforts to quell dissent. This commutation sends the clear signal that in this Administration, cronyism and ideology trump competence and justice."
Two word reply: "Marc Rich"
Four word reply" "Susan McDOUGAL, Marc Rich"
Without doubt, Anybody but Clinton
Impeach Bush and Cheney. Overwhelmingly reject heir carbon copy, Clinton.
The Oracle wrote on July 2, 2007 9:33 PM:Well, the criminals in the Bush administration have to stick together, you know.
I mean, only a criminal, or someone with a criminal mindset, would out the top-secret identity of a covert CIA agent, right? And only a criminal would try to coverup this criminal act by his fellow co-conspirators involved in this major national security breach, right?
And it would take another criminal to commute the sentence of a criminal covering for these co-conspirators, right? Or pardon someone guilty of this criminal act, which is certain to happen between November 2008 and January 2009, right?
Sometimes one has to wonder if sanity has fled from all these criminals and co-conspirators in the Bush White House. I figure that the danger to our democracy that these rogue Republicans in the White House represent will increase exponentially as the end of their corrupt and evil term nears.
Impeach them all NOW. Save our democracy from them NOW.
eye-of-horus wrote on July 2, 2007 9:42 PM:Now you know what it sounds like to scream as all the air is pumped out of your bell jar.
Darin Barrows wrote on July 2, 2007 9:51 PM:This is just another of the many, many, reasons why we the people HAVE TO stand up and demand change in the so called government of OUR country! The criminals in the government, Congress, mainstream media, and other foreign governments, on the orders of the elite bankers and globalists, have taken control of all facets of OUR country starting with the passing of the Federal Reserve Banking Act in 1913. The revolution and taking back OUR country needs to start before there's nothing left. The enemy is within, right in front of us.
Darin Barrows wrote on July 2, 2007 10:12 PM:C'mon people! What's the point when the criminals break the law, only to get let off by the criminal in the White House. They are above the law and they prove it with every lie, scam, and scheme they continue to do here and around the globe. What the hell is it going to take before we the people rise up and take back OUR rights, freedoms, and country? Haven't they've shown what little disregard they have for life, laws, and what we demand? They allegedly work for us, right? Well, if I had people like them working for me, their asses would have been gone a long time ago! We STILL have the power, let's use it before it's too late.
Donna wrote on July 2, 2007 10:17 PM:He's worried about the effect on Scooter's family if the convict actually served his term? What about Valerie Wilson and her family? What about the people that cooperated with her in her undercover work? WHAT ABOUT THE EFFECT ON THE NATION'S SECURITY THAT AN UNDERCOVER CIA OPERATIVE WAS EXPOSED? ESPECIALLY ONE THAT TRACKED ACTUAL WMD'S, NOT THE ONES THAT WERE A FIGMANT OF CHIMPY'S IMAGINATION?
Off Colfax wrote on July 2, 2007 10:17 PM:X @ 8:08 and others who agree with the principle:
Rioting is insufficient. Or at least rioting alone is insufficient.
"When, in the course of human events..."
Need anything else be said?
SC: safe. Is it safe to start talking about secession yet?
steambomb wrote on July 2, 2007 11:10 PM:I find it interesting that Bush can mock people as he sends them to death in Texas but when it comes to his friends getting caught then the wheels of justice just come to a screeching halt. There's a snake (code word) in the grass.
Frank wrote on July 3, 2007 1:05 AM:X @ 8:08: I totally agree. I think tomorrow there will (at least) be a telephone-call riot directed at the White House, per the help of Biden and Olbermann.
Bob wrote on July 3, 2007 8:19 AM:NATIONAL DISGRACE. We preach democracy for the rest of the world and subvert at the highest levels here. TWO-FACED???????
dm wrote on July 3, 2007 9:43 AM:Bobby @ 9:02:
Big difference: here, the judge actually did show that the courts are on the level, that even the nobles get properly handled after the cops have chased after and caught 'em, and that the ladder of law has no top and no bottom... The legal system worked just fine, we can blame only the electorate for selecting King George.
KilgoreTrout XL wrote on July 3, 2007 10:09 AM:Can we file this in the "No Shit" Department?
Why does everyone expect Bush to care what they think? He's demonstrated time and time again that he never will. He's bulletproof, just like every high-ranking member of his administration, because he simply refuses to listen to anyone who doesn't agree with him.
We should stop wasting our time waiting for the axe to fall on this administration.
joanne ward wrote on July 3, 2007 10:11 AM:Phone numbers to call:
White House switchboard 202 456 1414
White House Comments 202 456 1111
These, of course, are busy. But I was able to get through to a secretary at these two numbers:
Fred Fielding, WH Counselor 202 456 2632
Todd Beyer, Dep. Asst. to Pres., 202 456 5332
According to the paper, Bush consulted with Fielding, Bolton, and Dan Bartlett. By the way, numbers I found online for Josh Bolton and Tony Snow are the White House switchboard no. I googled "White House Staff" to get a list of people and then highlighted individuals for phone numbers.
joanne ward wrote on July 3, 2007 10:24 AM:Phone numbers to call:
White House switchboard 202 456 1414
White House Comments 202 456 1111
These, of course, are busy. But I was able to get through to a secretary at these two numbers:
Fred Fielding, WH Counselor 202 456 2632
Todd Beyer, Dep. Asst. to Pres., 202 456 5332
According to the paper, Bush consulted with Fielding, Bolton, and Dan Bartlett. By the way, numbers I found online for Josh Bolton and Tony Snow are the White House switchboard no. I googled "White House Staff" to get a list of people and then highlighted individuals for phone numbers.
Ashamed American wrote on July 3, 2007 10:39 AM:Does anyone really believe that Spurious George won't just top off Scotter's tank with a full pardon at the end of days? Personally, I'm waiting for the "attack / national emergency" that will give this evil cabal the justification to impose marshall law just in time to "cancel elections for the forseeable future". I am starting to believe (seriously) that Bush is the anti-Christ spoken of in the Bible.
Think Bush with an open-ended third term backed up by the military and a freshly suspended Posse Commitatus Act is impossible? Wait for iiiiiiiiiiiit................
W Carr wrote on July 3, 2007 12:05 PM:Amid the archives of the University of Texas is an invitation to Texas Ranger Samuel Hamilton Walker to the Tammany Hall Ball in New York.
Few know that the Walker/Bush family connections are to Samuel H Walker, Texas Ranger, namesake of the famous Walker Colt pistol or that the Texas Ranger Hall of Fame in Waco is in McClennan County, home of the Crawford "White House". Few know that the Bush's make money on both sides of every conflict and that their deep pockets were always deepened by the armanents trade which didn't start with Carlyle group. Porter Goss, for example, who covered Bush for the CIA, is ancestor of Chauncey P Goss of Scovill Inc., makers of brass bullet casings.
The Vietnam War fiasco is replicated in Iraq to what end? To continue the payoff!
Tammany's Boss Tweed had a motto...."we must be sure to appear to keep the law even as we break it."
Will next among Mr. Bush's commutations be the indictment of VP Dick Cheney? Let's hope so.
WHC
Garth wrote on July 3, 2007 12:08 PM:i knew this was coming. Herr Cheney is the decider and he doesn't want his boy scoot/scoot doing time.
so he sticks his hand in his magic suck-puppet, Herr Busch, and tells him pardon my boy.
Herr Busch's brain, turdblossom KKKarl, says you can't lose any more support and it may help you your base of 18% dead-enders.
this is cheney telling justice to go f$ck itself.
The Ex liberal wrote on July 3, 2007 12:52 PM:7 years ago I was a senior in college, with the ambitions of becoming a credit analyst with a "well reputed" energy company in Houston. I was told that my application would be held "on file", several months later than company imploded. That company was Enron. Thousands of people lost their jobs and retirement, some of whom I know personally.
I worked for a retail bank in my home state, however, when I began to assert myself too much, I was asked to take a smaller position (instead of the promotion I was in line for). I refused, and was later fired on the technicality of being 10 minutes late (I had no other blemishes on my record/in my file). No lawyer here would touch my case.
I sat and watched the 2004 election with my parents, while tears filled my eyes. I could not believe what was going on. Bush was winning. Winning in states that he had done so much harm to (Ohio). I realized that "they" always win. Common people are the idiots. There are more people tuning in to American Idol each week, than there are people who are voting in government elections. There is one group who do not care because this madness never affects them (rich, powerful). There is another group who do not care because they seek to become just like the first group. There is a third group who cares, but not enough to change anything, or they simply do not have to resources to bring about change (middle class).
marcia wrote on July 3, 2007 1:31 PM:Unfortunately people, I have decided to join the 2nd group. I sat here and watched this man, his administration, friends, etc. steal, kill, lie, cheat...an entire nation. While no one did anything other than yell a little bit, march for a little while, stand outside his ranch, blog a bunch of thoughts on the web. I've decided that my family and friends deserve riches as well. If no one cares, why should I? I've decided that I will take as well, and give to those I believe are warranted. Congress and the Senate are a bunch of pushovers, whose ambition compromise their integrity. So I will turn my ambition up, and my integrity down. America seems overwhelmed with the winner, no one cares how they win. So I've have decided that I want to win as well. I have changed my official voter registration card: on paper, I am now a Republican. I have even taken another step: I am in law school. When I graduate I will apply for a government position, thus finding a way to carve out my niche and get my piece. The sad reality is that I would encourage you all to do the same. Nobody. Cares.
I don't agree with the above poster, but I understand him. It's wrong that a once great country has gone awry because of this corrupt criminal administration. They fixed two elections and no one did anything. People are dying everyday in Iraq prices on everything are sky high. This adminstration has sure done a hatchet job on the poor and middle class. And now this, they commute Libbys jail sentence. They are nothing but lowlife crooks all of them. Where's the impeachment of Bush and Cheney? What kind of country has this become? What a disgrace, what ashame. Very sad indeed.
satan wrote on July 3, 2007 9:54 PM:note to george w bush and all his fellows: how do you think you will fare at the feast of the birds?
JNagarya wrote on July 4, 2007 2:59 PM:Hillary releases her statement on Libby ...
From Hillary Clinton on Bush pardoning Libby:
"Today's decision is yet another example that this Administration simply considers itself above the law. This case arose from the Administration's politicization of national security intelligence and its efforts to punish those who spoke out against its policies. Four years into the Iraq war, Americans are still living with the consequences of this White House's efforts to quell dissent. This commutation sends the clear signal that in this Administration, cronyism and ideology trump competence and justice."
Two word reply: "Marc Rich"
Four word reply" "Susan McDOUGAL, Marc Rich"
Without doubt, Anybody but Clinton
Impeach Bush and Cheney. Overwhelmingly reject heir carbon copy, Clinton.
Posted by:
Date: July 2, 2007 9:19 PM
What are the facts about the Marc Rich pardon? Tell us all you know of those -- we've a second-and-one-half.
And what are the facts about Susan McDougal? You don't know those either.
What was "Whitewater"? It was a fake scandal imagined up by Clinton-hating segregationists in Arkansas. That's why Ken Starr, who would have givn at least one of his nuts to find _something_ there, found _nothing_. Clinton is the most FBI-investigated president in history -- and they found nothing. Had they found anything of substance, we never would have heard about Lewinsky. We only heard about Lewinsky because that's all there was.
With Clinotn there was prosperity and a surplus. And you repeat false Republican talking points. Grow up: get the facts, or STFU.
Anonymous wrote on July 5, 2007 1:40 PM:I've got ten that says that Bush's deal with Libby for his silence was (1) no jail time and (2) a full pardon after the 2008 election. We're right on track...