Bush Commutes Libby's Prison Term in CIA Leak Case

[MaineDem]

Source: Bloomberg

July 2 (Bloomberg) -- President George W. Bush commuted Lewis ``Scooter'' Libby's prison term in the CIA leak case, saying the 2 1/2 year prison term was ``excessive.''

Libby, 56, was convicted of lying to investigators probing the 2003 leak of CIA official Valerie Plame's identity. Backers of Libby, former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, had argued for a pardon. Bush acted after a U.S. appellate court today refused to let Libby stay out of prison during his appeal.

``My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby,'' Bush said in a statement. ``The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long- lasting.''

The president's action means that Libby's conviction still stands and he is still required to pay the $250,000 fine ordered by a federal judge.

Read more: http://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601087&sid=a2W...

---

Sorry...still looking. Not much info on tv but that's what the woman said.

Anyone else hearing anything?

There we go.

This sucks big time!

[TwilightGardener]

1. IMPEACH!

[Name removed]

89. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[cascadiance]

102. IMPEACH THE IMP!!!

[Kikosexy2]

204. Well..Harry & Nancy...

what more do you need to put impeachment back on the table?...AMERICA IS SOOOOOOOOOO PIIIIISSSSSSSEEEEDDDDDDDD!!!

[The Backlash Cometh]

293. I told you. Nancy gave him a two year head start. He KNOWS there

won't be any consequences to his actions.

No one can stop them now.

[deutsey]

297. I'm certain, certain I say, that they are at this moment drafting a strongly worded letter

expressing their deep disappointment.

[PurpleChez]

397. And they might actually SEND it, but

in the morning they'll probably feel all better. Worthless shit heaps. Reid and Pelosi sooooo disappointed me.

[Doctor_J]

411. Then they will apologize for it later in the week.

after a firm scolding by the media

[DemSoccerMom]

513. They are almost certainly drafting the :"strongly wordered letter,"

but actualling SENDING it, well, that's a different story.

[BearSquirrel2]

265. BUSH MESSED UP!!!

Bush has now opened himself to a HUGE impetus for impeachment of his person after they're done with Cheney. What kind of message does it send to the White House when the president is convicting the convicted felons who actually WORKED for his administration. Typically these things are left to the successor of your party.

Does anyone have ANY doubt that Libby will be pardoned as Bush is on the way out should Bush not be removed from office??

[imagine1989]

432. Pardon, likely, impeachment, think Ford

I agree with you entirely that by the end of Bush's term, a pardon for Libby is likely. No explanation necessary.

I also think you've got a very valid point concerning who should pardon Libby if Bush wants to give him a pardon. Traditionally, it has been the role of the successor to do so - its a safeguard created by tradition (think Ford pardoning Nixon). Clearly, however, Bush has no respect for the traditions of the office, especially those which are intended to preserve the authority, honor, and integrity of the office.

Are these grounds for impeachment? Breaking the traditions of the presidency are perhaps worth a censure, but not impeachment. Pardoning Libby? Fully within his constitutional powers, not even grounds for censure.

If you choose to take up the impeachment call, use Gitmo, attorney firings, wiretapping, or other issues that border on or are illegal. Libby's pardon just isn't constitutionally enough for impeachment. Otherwise Ford would have likely been out of office much quicker.

Before everyone begins attacking what I just wrote, please take this into consideration: I don't agree with commuting Libby's sentence at all. I rarely if ever agree with the Bush administration. But constitutionally speaking, I don't believe the commuting is grounds for impeachment. If you don't agree with my constitutional interpretation, fine. But don't attack me believing my position on the commuting of Libby's sentence is on Bush's side, because that would be 180 degrees in the wrong direction.

[MADem]

497. Poppy Bush pardoned his own SECDEF, Cap Weinberger, to stop him from talking

Cap said he'd sing like a canary, that he wasn't gonna take the fall for ANYONE.

Seriously. That's how it went down.

This commutation isn't news for BushCo, it's in the way of a family tradition of sorts.

[cupcake]

339. Very depressed

How can things like this keep happening?

I just don't understand it

[marandric]

514. Very Depressed Also!

That is the big question. "How can things like this keep happening?" Why is this whole administration getting away with absolutely everything?
It's embarassing as a citizen of such an originally magnificent country built on great ideals to see it going down the proverbial crapper!
The argument in my mind is Treason vs. blow job!
Come on people! What has happened to this country is criminal! The whole administration needs to be grouped, bound and tossed into the fire. Where is our revolutionary pride? Do we no longer care?

[Shoelace]

359. Fitzgerald will seek to preserve convictions through appeals process

Fitzgerald's statement:

We fully recognize that the Constitution provides that commutation decisions are a matter of presidential prerogative and we do not comment on the exercise of that prerogative.
We comment only on the statement in which the President termed the sentence imposed by the judge as "excessive." The sentence in this case was imposed pursuant to the laws governing sentencings which occur every day throughout this country. In this case, an experienced federal judge considered extensive argument from the parties and then imposed a sentence consistent with the applicable laws. It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals. That principle guided the judge during both the trial and the sentencing.
Although the President’s decision eliminates Mr. Libby’s sentence of imprisonment, Mr. Libby remains convicted by a jury of serious felonies, and we will continue to seek to preserve those convictions through the appeals process.





http://dailykos.com/

[Seabiscuit]

473. It must be a much happier time these days if you're a freeper. Not much happiness here these days.

Nothing but bad news, day after day. The freeptards must be enjoying nonstop orgasms.

[SemperEadem]

521. Let's see--lying about a blow job, yet not convicted of anything

weighed against lying to cover-up knowledge of wrongdoing to protect a corrupt government official--and subsequently being CONVICTEDof obstruction of justice and lying to a grand jury... it would appear that the scales of justice have been tampered with, as well as common fucking sense.

[conspirator]

548. the rule of law only applies to the working class. In fact todays laws are made to preserve and

increase class differences

[seemslikeadream]

2. NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!!

[tiptoe]

3. The get-out-of-jail-free scumbags are trying to provoke confrontation...daring to impeach. nt

[glitch]

40. Yep. And they want it to go all the way to the USSC so that their power can be

be solidified.

[tiptoe]

55. also */Cheney shows "support" for "loyalists" (i.e. fearful of potential "turners")

[tiptoe]

83. Did it quickly post today's ruling, so Lib' wouldn't be tempted to turn to Fitz in pre-jail interim.

[wordpix]

215. these $$%%!!**$$ scumbag Bushco asses, making their own laws

IMPEACH the Chimperor, NOW! m

[jimshoes]

4. I'll be goddamned

This is the last straw, goddamn it.

[Tesha]

29. Oh sure, you say that now...

There's never going to be a "last straw"...

(And I hope I'm proven wrong, but I'll bet
I won't be!)

Tesha

[jimshoes]

112. I hope you're proven wrong too.

nt

[FourScore]

288. Oh, Tesha, I think you are so right...

And that is what makes this so infuriating. The lawlessness of this administration goes completely unchecked. And now, not even punishable.

Anyone remember the born again on death row that Bush refused to save when he was Gov? I'm not an advocate of the death penalty... but I thought for sure the work she was doing in prison and the outcry to spare her life would get her a reprieve...still, Bush didn't give her one. Libby's sentence, however, is too harsh. Go figure.

I say let's send the whole gang to the Hague. That'll show 'em what harsh is.

[Tesha]

294. Karla Fay Tucker (+/- spelling) (NT)

[davekriss]

344. "And now, not even punishable"

What do you mean "and now"? Recall the Military Commissions Act of 2006? It immunizes the Bush administration and it's minions from prosecution for violating the Fourth Geneva Convention. Despite violating serious U.S. law, they cannot be prosecuted for torture nor violating the 4th GC rights of non-combatants in "war" (apparently Congress does not need to declare war for this to hold). Bush is now legally free to torture soldier and civilian alike if he decress that it is necessary. This is in your face business as usual. It spells d-i-c-t-a-t-o-r-s-h-i-p to me (at least the anti-democratic attempt to rise to that level by the Bush administration).

You refer to Tammy Faye Tucker in the second paragraph of your post. Expecting fair play and equality out of this dictatorship, and expressing surprise when it is not received -- well, Einstien once rightly defined "insanity" as doing the same thing over and over again expecting different results. It just ain't going to happen.

Impeach-Convict-Imprison now, that's what I say. No less is required to restore our democracy.

[karlrschneider]

5. JUST NOW ON M$NBC!!!!!!!!!!

OMFG

[BeyondGeography]

6. Must have been in response to this

Federal appeals court rejects Libby request for prison delay
Michael Sung at 2:51 PM ET

The US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit on Monday unanimously denied a motion by former US vice presidential aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby to delay his prison sentence pending appeal. The appeals court found that Libby did not demonstrate that his appeal raises a "substantial question." Libby, whose earlier request for a delay was rejected by the federal district court in June, may seek an intervention from the Supreme Court or receive a pardon from President Bush.

Libby's lawyers had argued that the conviction could likely be overturned on appeal because Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald did not have the authority to bring charges as Justice Department superiors had recused themselves from the investigation. Libby, the only official held legally responsible as a result of the probe into the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's identity , was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice in March, and is expected to begin his 2 1/2-year prison sentence in the upcoming weeks. AP has more

http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/paperchase/2007/07/federal-a...

[old guy]

114. You got it.

[wordpix]

216. nothing like * thumbing his snotnose at the US Appeals judges

[ClintonTyree]

285. Bush was going to do this whenever Libby faced imprisonment.

He just had to do it sooner rather than later. There was never a question, at least in my mind, that Libby was ever going to spend one second in prison. This kind of blows this morning's Washington Post "Bush pity party" out of the freaking water. It's just one more reason added to the hundreds already existing to HATE BUSH'S GUTS!

I just hope Plame gets a H-U-G-E settlement from her civil suit, one that will break the bastard. His butt kissing toadies will all chip in and bail his ass out of that too though. The scum sucking pig will probably get away with NO penalty at all out of this. It just goes to show what a two tiered justice system we have in this country.

[Orsino]

306. I imagine that it was in response to LIBBY's response to appeals rejection.

Namely, "If I do time, I sing."

[robinlynne]

424. where did Libby say anything sounding like "if I do time, I sing"?

no sarcasm here. asking for real.

[Orsino]

493. In public? Never.

And even if I'm right, it might not be the sort of thing he'd ever have to say out loud.

I predict a cushy Carlysle-type job for Libby to negate the quarter-million in fines, and eventually a pardon to wipe out the actual convictions.

[Seabiscuit]

387. You got it. It was clearly a response to that.

Bush already had his game plan in place. They didn't want Libby's case to go to the Supremes, because they would have ruled against Libby's appeal and that would have caused friction with the administration.

[TwilightGardener]

7. The Rule of Law is officially dead.

[truthisfreedom]

18. It's a friggin' mafia is what it is. They don't even care to hide it anymore.

Trillions of stolen dollars via the illegal war dumped into their cronies' pockets. Non-stop violations of the law and the constitution. And now "get-out-of-jail-free" cards. It's just insane.

[TwilightGardener]

22. Yup. They will do whatever they please--it's been proven time and time again

that there will be no consequences.

[howmad1]

244. New bumper sticker:

CRIME PAYS!
ASK ANY REPUBLICAN

[The Backlash Cometh]

299. And this is going to empower every local good ole boy gang that

has created his own fiefdom.

We are doomed.

[glitch]

143. They're parading it's severed head around on a pike right now. Gleefully. nt

[lovuian]

146. I agree

and it shows Bush is involved in all of it We see it on his hands now

[rodeodance]

171. Legally bush had the right to do this this----morally, it sends a bad message!

[marew]

210. There's an old saying...

Having the right to do something doesn't mean that doing it is right.

[wordpix]

218. morally??!!$$$ That is an oxymoronic word to use with the name bush

[Orsino]

309. Message: "Libby et al. acted under orders." n/t

[AandP]

428. Actually not

Even though this may be an unpopular decision and one I don't personally support the President was in the bounds of Constitutional authority to do what he did.

[Divine Discontent]

447. a popup screen came up JUST right after I read the comment

and while I was mousing over to delete it, I thought, "guaranteed under 100 posts person" ---

shocking.

you want to point out the president was in bounds legally to do this -

no shit sherlock!

the point is - when grave crimes against a country are committed you don't use your power for wrong and your lack of anger says all we need to know about the author of the statement

[AandP]

463. You act surprised

That Bush would do something like this, after all the shit he has pulled? I merely stated the obvious.People are yelling and screaming for impeachment...using your power is not a crime...stupid in this case but not an impeaceable crime.I understand that you are pissed off but don't take it out on me, I haven't done anything...

[Divine Discontent]

478. you just don't realize yet how many new accounts are set up for a flurry

of slanted "i don't really like the president, but they are doing....." filled in with apologist comments... if you're not one despite the same pattern - I take back my words.

[TwilightGardener]

469. Yes, it was legal--what I MEAN by "the rule of law is dead" is that

a President's crony can be excused from a prison sentence, simply because he's a crony. This man was tried and convicted, appealed, and lost. How many of us would have been able to avoid jail under similar rulings? You? Me? This goes far beyond "unpopular". Libby did not just commit crimes related to the investigation, he was a major player in the crimes of waging war under false pretenses, and of outing a covert agent so Cheney could exact revenge. The commmuting of the sentence is yet another "fuck you" from the disgraceful, lawless cabal we live under, whom we are powerless to stop or bring to justice.

[countmyvote4real]

8. Time to impeach these bastards.

[Name removed]

Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[TechBear_Seattle]

15. Tell that to Nancy "Impeachment Is Off The Table" Pelosi

Do you think NOW they House will do something? I'm not holding my breath.

[pokercat999]

74. I wonder if they took impeachment off the table because

they were afraid the MF'er would declare martial law and eliminate the congress?

[SammyWinstonJack]

262. Think the MF'er won't find a way too do that even without the threat of Impeachment?

Just wait. After six + years, Nothing Shocks Me Anymore!

[leftchick]

80. hell no they won't!

I am so fucking infuriated by the completely complicit democrats in congress.

[murielm99]

194. I just called my brother

who lives in her district. He had not yet heard. I told him to call her office, which should still be open. She may listen better to people who are in her district.

If you have friends and family in her district, tell them to call.

I am sure San Francisco is going to be furious about this.

[TechBear_Seattle]

9. Commuting a sentence

If I remember correctly, that means Libby still has a felony conviction and a criminal record, but he does not spend any time in jail? (A pardon would wipe the conviction.)

[MADem]

48. Yes, he is still guilty. He still pays the quarter million dollar fine, he is still on probation,

and as a convicted felon, he loses his law license.

This is not a pardon. It's a way for Bush, though, to keep Libby's mouth well and firmly SHUT.

He'll hand him the full pardon on his way out the door in 2009.

[Spazito]

54. The average Joe and Jane America will not differentiate between

the term "commute" and "pardon" It will be a pardon to them, no doubt about it.

[TechBear_Seattle]

64. And that confusion *should* work to the Democrats' advantage

Assuming that the candidates actually use this. I have a very sinking feeling that Clinton et al. will instead chose to "play nice" and not make political hay on this very bright, clear day.

[Spazito]

81. I don't think the Dems even have to do more than...

point out the hypocrisy of this, the continuation of the cover-up by the bush admin, that kind of thing. The ads for the 2008 election should be VERY interesting though!

According to the results of a poll CNN had previous done on the question: Should Libby be pardoned

72% NO

19% YES

[LiberalFighter]

92. Serves no jail sentence...

Don't forget that Fred Thompson gave money to Scooter's defense fund. Don't know who put it together but wouldn't they use that money to pay his fines too?

Not much in the way of punishment

[MADem]

82. Yep...they'll get to scratch their heads or balls or butts about it in Jan 09, though

That's when the Monkey will give Scooter the FULL PARDON, so he gets his law license back....

[Spazito]

140. The repercussions will not be toward bush but toward the

republicans up for election/re-election in 2008. The repubs tied themselves to bush tighter than superglue to skin and they will not be able to fix that even with radical surgery.

In the public's eye Libby was pardoned today, it is as simple as that.

[leftynyc]

178. I agree

Pukes up for re-relection and those seeking presidency will answer for this. Everyone can relate to this - special treatment and all that.

[bamacrat]

253. Wouldnt thant be great if the Congress could actually override a veto if they wanted.

Wouldn't be nice to have a Dem in the White House, 60%+ in the Senate and House. Im a dreamer though.

[Throwing Stones]

269. I think every candidate needs to be put on record right now about whether the believe it was right

to commute scooter's jail time. On tapes that can be played over and over again until election day.

[MADem]

185. Yep...22 GOP Senate seats are UP FOR GRABS in 2008... nt

[GOTV]

201. The corporate media will spend a lot of time making it clear to them....

.... on this there will be no confusion.

Expect to hear 2 points alot

1) Libby was not pardoned and his conviction stands.
2) Bush has pardoned fewer people than any president in the last 100 years.

This will NOT work for the Dems.

[Spazito]

234. It won't work this time

The average American knows people who are convicted go to jail, Libby isn't going to jail because bush pardoned him. It is as simple as that.


The media, the talking heads can try and "explain" it all they want, it will not change the facts as the public will see them:

Libby was convicted and sentenced to prison
Libby is not going to prison because bush pardoned him


72% of the public said NO to any pardon, 72 % of the public doesn't care if you call it a "commutation" or a pardon, it will be seen as a pardon.

There is an irony here, regarding all the high-profile, very public calls for a pardon and that is:

Because of that very public call covered exhaustively by the media, the public have had time to decide whether they think it is right or wrong to do so, 72% think it is wrong.

If the libby supporters had been much quieter about this, the public would not have thought it through yet and, therefore, be more vulnerable to the sales pitch regarding bush's decision and then, maybe, your scenario might well have been the result.

Edited to improve my phrasing.

[GOTV]

259. That's what we ALWAYS say. n/t

[customerserviceguy]

240. And it cannot work for Hillary

because of all the pardons given at the end of Bill's term. She ducked the question a couple of weeks ago with Chris Matthews when he mentioned a pardon for Libby.

Just another reason to nominate Obama, in my opinion...

[silverojo]

260. But Obama said impeachment is NOT the thing to do

So Obama's not going to be much help.

[PurpleChez]

405. You do tasmanian devils an injustice.

likening them to that ****, Ann (the ***) Coulter.

[Throwing Stones]

280. you're probably right

but as far as point number 2, I suspect that the majority of a President's pardons are issued in his or her final days in office.

[GOTV]

526. That may be true, I don't know, but don't expect the corporate media to differentiate n/t

[ruralmom]

453. Bush has pardoned fewer people than any president in the last 100 years.

http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pardonchartlst.htm

[Wheezy]

477. Welcome to DU, ruralmom. What is your point? n/t

[texastoast]

540. Well, he pardoned his little

take-it-in-the-ass-for-the-big-boys suckup, didn't he?

[leftynyc]

489. The fact it's not a pardon is the point

Commuting the sentence of a crony - one that was prosecuted by a republican, sentenced by a republican, lost an appeal on grounds by two republicans - is the point. Everyone can relate to special treatment. I'm listening to TV right now and I hear the point you're trying to make (not a pardon)and it's being slammed for the farce it is (and more than one is saying he'll pardon at the end of his term). It's this administration, once again, thinking it's above the law. I disagree, this will work for the Dems

[GOTV]

527. I hope you're right., but I'm afraid I am right...

... and I've rethought the issue some since yesterday. I think if it is going to work for the dems, the point to be made is, Bush has interfered in the workings of the law with this commutation to a degree other presidents have not.

A pardon is supposed to come at the end of a judicial process. After the wheels of justice has stopped turning. By commuting his sentence before the appeals had run out he has circumvented the process. We don't know what other facts would have come out had the process continued

- and that's the exact point of the commutation -

It might b e too complicated to be explained to the public, especially with a media dis-inclined to expose the president, but I think it's the angle with the best chance of success.

[leftynyc]

554. The American people can be counted

on to have the distate of special treatment color their views. Look at the bloodlust for Paris Hilton. They didn't just want her in prison, they wanted her put in a pit with snakes. When they see the "elite" getting something they know they would never get, they see red.

[shanti]

390. elections?

they've got that covered too!

[disndat]

507. Mary Matalin & husband,

James Carville, gave a legal fund raising for Libby in their home and raised several million $$$. Libby will be a wealthy man with all the taxpayers money, via neocons,RW, etc., money pouring into his bank account.

[Canuckistanian]

118. Good point

Trying to explain that decision will cause more than a few eyes to glaze over.

[Spazito]

168. I don't know if you recall the total decimation of the B.C. NDP

party when they were led by Glen Clark and were in government but, imo, it is, in a sense, a mirror image of what is going to happen to the repubs in 2008.

Clark was Premier when he became embroiled in scandal:

Clark found in conflict over casino scandal

http://www.cbc.ca/canada/story/2002/11/19/clarkconflict...

Clark was found not guilty in a court of law but the public could differentiate and see Clark's ethics were sadly lacking.

This scandal was, for the public, the proverbial straw for the public and, even though Clark stepped down as Premier, in the next election the NDP party went from the a majority government to holding only TWO seats. The party is still trying to recover from this, I think it will quite a while before the voter will trust them enough to put them back in power.

[Canuckistanian]

305. Of course I remember that

Clark deserved it. And I'm saying that as a lifelong NDP supporter.

Justice was done there. Too bad the party had to suffer the consequences as well.

[Spazito]

311. I agree, I voted for Clark and the NDP in the election that

brought them to power, I didn't, however, vote for them in the next election, they had already been caught lying about the finances of the province.

I think the repubs will pay the same price, in the 2008 US elections, as the NDP did in that election. It has the same feel, imo.

[GOTV]

256. The corporate media will take great pains to explain it ot them n/t

[PurpleChez]

402. But most of them don't give a damn...

...not so long as there's new footage of Paris Hilton home from prison. It won't matter to Reid and Pelosi--why should it matter to Joe and Jane?

[Spazito]

414. I don't think so this time....

bush's poll numbers are very bad, the public IS paying attention and, thanks to all the public, high-profile republicans calling for a pardon for Libby and the media giving them their full attention, the public has already digested this and 72% said NO to a pardon BEFORE bush actually moved on the issue.

They have already made up their minds and it is not in bush's, libby's or the republicans favor.

[PurpleChez]

419. "I don't think so this time...." -- that's what we say every time....

Bush gets caught drinking unicorn blood, everybody says "THIS time it's gonna stick," but it doesn't stick, and a new runaway bride comes onto the scene to amuse the rabble

[Spazito]

423. Ahhh, but the difference is bush's poll numbers and the

poll numbers supporting the libby pardon, they reflect the 20 - 30 % of die-hards, the rest of America know what bush is now and, by extension, the republican politicians as well. There was an anger building BEFORE this decision by bush, his pardon (commutation) of Libby isn't going to diffuse that anger rather it will further inflame it.

[PurpleChez]

431. Don't get me wrong...I certainly hope you're right....

but in the past it hasn't mattered how unpopular he was, or how unpopular an idea was...he'd do whatever the eff he wanted, Dem politicians would huff and snort for a few minutes, and then the issue would disappear. Chick on NPR (when I first heard the story) was saying that he's already so unpopular that it's not like this is going to make anybody new hate him. It has certainly inflamed you and me, but my suspicions are that our congresscritters will probably fuss for a day or two and then they'll all bend over for Big Daddy Bush's next edict.

[Spazito]

444. I don't disagree with what you are saying, it will not affect bush

he is already done and, in a way, that will make those 72% who voted NO re pardon more likely to vent their anger at those who helped him all along the way, the republicans running for election/re-election in 2008, not to mention the Presidency itself.

This action will NOT help the successful republican candidate for the Presidency at all nor will it help republicans running for seats in the Senate and the House.

I have seen this happen twice under very similar circumstances in Canada, in both cases the public had finally had enough and the government was not only thrown out, they were decimated, they won very few seats.

The first case involved a Conservative government nationally, Brian Mulroney (a buddy of Reagan and daddy bush) was the Prime Minister until near the end, he stepped down but that did NOT diffuse the public, they went to the polls and threw out the Conservatives and the party died. We now have a party called the New Conservatives, an extreme party with little connection to the party that was.

The second case was a Provincial, like a State, election, the same thing happened the NDP(left) party was in government and public anger grew to the point, during their second term, that they not only lost the election, they went from being the government to holding just TWO seats.

I am getting a very strong sense that the palpable anger that caused the two above cases is also seething among the American public right now.

[PurpleChez]

451. I hope you're right...

I think people should be marching on the White House with pitchforks and torches right now.

[leftynyc]

490. bush is irrelevant at this point

It's tying the candidates to him as tightly as we can. Even the people who used to support bush are tired of him and are tired of defending him. It's using the "same old, same old" argument. Just more of the same, no accountability for anyone. That's something people "get". And will not support. Perjury and obstruction are not traffic tickets.

[Virginian]

470. The pardon will come when the appeals process is finished.

Scooter was acting under orders, he will be saved. He will be rewarded for his loyalty to the administration.

I guess the sentence was commuted to time served -- by Judith Miller. Has she been interviewed? It might be interesting to hear what she has to say. That was real nice of her to go to jail for Scooter so he wouldn't have to.

We knew this was coming, Bush told he he would "take care of" the person who leaked. Now he has done just that -- taken care of Scooter.

[TexasLinda]

50. That's correct.

Just saw it on Hardball. Libby's still a convicted felon, still has to pay the $200,000+ fine, and still loses his law license. Of course, the conviction could also be overturned on appeal. And if it isn't, Bush could still pardon Libby later.

[TechBear_Seattle]

77. $200,000 fine? Barely counts as pocket change

Loses his law license? The Repugs haven't practiced anything resembling law for a very long time, and who needs to be a lawyer when you can become an extremely well connected lobbyist or a public speaker travelling the conservative circuit talking about how he was almost sacrficed by "activist liberal judges" out to imprison true patriots?

I think Spazito is more correct than he realizes: For all intents and purposes, this is a pardon in all but name.

[KatyaR]

247. It might as well be a pardon--the average citizen will see it the same

either way.

Sorry, Scooter--you're being hung out to dry. Hope you get the full pardon as * walks out the door . . . .

It's a sad day for America. Do we have any rights left at all?

[silverojo]

261. Pretty sick

Even Paris Hilton had to spend a FEW days behind bars. But it's not like you couldn't see this (and Bush's future pardon) coming a mile away.

[Throwing Stones]

284. "The Repugs haven't practiced anything resembling law for a very long time"

Thanks for the laugh on this otherwise dark day.

[TechBear_Seattle]

462. Glad I could help

[LiberalFighter]

99. Can Libby's defense fund be used to pay the fine?

[mitchum]

156. Hell, his fine will be paid with tax $$$$$$$$ funneled to him (n/t)

[dysfunctional press]

183. well- it's his money now...i imagine he can do what he wants with it.

it's not like he was an elected official or anything.

[Reciprocity]

121. So they say.

He will have to pay a fine and this will stay on his record. That's it.

[Name removed]

179. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[dicknbush]

237. tHE PARDON WILL COME ON DECEMBER 25 2008..TRADITIONAL BUSH PARDON SEASON

I SO CANNOT WAIT FOR THESE CREATURES TO BE GONE GONE GONE GONE GONE GONE GONE!

[Seabiscuit]

472. You indeed remember correctly...

And he still has to hand the bill for his $250K fine to Halliburton for payment out of the $10 billion in taxpayers' money the conveniently "lost".

And he's still going to be disbarred (if that hasn't already happened).

[onecent]

10. This is total bullshit. I hate Bush...hate him hate him hate him

[librechik]

11. we just heard this in our office too

Go Bush! And take Libby with you...



And there goes the AP ALert buzzer!

[Lugnut]

12. Can we impeach now?

[Mugsy]

13. I said he'd do this.

I'd be interested in finding out if it's true. I predicted this is exactly what he'd do months ago... "commute" his sentence down to "a small fine and time served" rather than pardon him.

[autorank]

56. What do you think about this.

After I saw this, it occurred to me that Libby made a deal before the trial -

"No or no extended time and I'll take the fall. You can figure out compensation
for the fine later, a bag of cash maybe."

So when Judge Walton said, "It's off to jail sport" that nixed the deal since they figured he'd let
him stay out on bail while the appeal wound on. That would let * finish his term and after the election
he'd give a full pardon.

I'm sure this was planned out. That's the only thing these guys can plan, sleaze. Wars, environmental
policies, nah but sleaze and stealing elections, they're good to go.

Let's see what Fitzgerald does. He did include Roves name in that document.

Maybe he'll go after * for conspiracy to defraud the courts or something. It would be great if he had
them on that.

[stevedeshazer]

162. Yup

There has to be a payoff for Bush to do this, and that payoff no doubt is the guarantee that Scooter keeps his mouth shut about Shooter.

Fitz must be pissed.

[leftynyc]

181. And that's exactly how the dems should play it

Scooter protecting cheney from prosecution - what is he hiding....special treatment that nobody else would get....all while some innocent people are rotting down in Guantanamo.

[ProudDad]

190. And a WHOLE SHITLOAD

of innocent people are rotting away in the jails and prisons of the good ole' U.S. of fucking A.

http://www.innocenceproject.org/

[leftynyc]

491. I just clicked on your link

These people are doing great work - kudos to you for being involved in it. Perhaps a spokesperson could make a statement about this?

[MADem]

208. I'll bet Fred Fielding had that commutation document written for quite some time.

When Bush got back to the WH, he made a BEELINE for the OO and signed the thing. He probably didn't even stop to proofread it, because he'd already read it a week or two ago.

[Throwing Stones]

292. In light of last week's WaPo series,

I suspect Darth was sitting behind *'s desk in the OO with his feet up on *'s etch-a-sketch holding a blue folder embossed with the prezdidental seal and just barked at his boy "sign this!"

After * crapped his pants, he got out his fancy Crayola Veto Pen, signed the commutation and proceeded to fellate his dark Lord.

BTW, that was a good one - * proofreading.

[Duppers]

14. SHIT!

!

[LiberalinNC]

16. I'm not surprised at all!!!

[proud2BlibKansan]

17. Oh fuck

Will the president now give Valerie Plame her career back?

[Name removed]

19. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[autorank]

39. Welcome to DU!!!

You have a point

[Greyskye]

20. TANJ

There Ain't No Justice.



IMPEACH NOW!

[angryxyouth]

298. I love your animation, it is how I feel too.

[leftynyc]

492. I laughed so hard at your animation

my cat ran over to see what was going on.

[Debi]

21. Disgusting n/t

[zabet]

23. &@#%!!!!!!!!!!

&#%$!!! *@#%$^&*@!!!!!!!!

[Spazito]

Holy shit! I guess saner heads did NOT prevail

This is not going to go over well with moderate, real Republicans at all.

Edited to add: This certainly affirms to me Libby could destroy the bush cabal if he talked and that was his promise if he had to spend a day in jail.

CNN just talked about a poll they had previously done asking if Libby should be pardoned and the result of that poll was:

72% NO

19% YES

There are going to be political repercussions for this in the 2008 election and it is not going to be against the Democrats.

Edited to correct spelling error.

[PurityOfEssence]

24. Like a thief in the night

Remember how he said he'd get rid of anyone ratting out a CIA operative?

He'll pay for this, but not enough.

Criminals, every one of them.

[tularetom]

25. The dick told him to I betcha

and I also believe it was because scooter threatened to blow the whistle if he had to go to jail.

Had enough yet Nancy and Harry? Impeach right fucking now!

[shanti]

393. of course the dick told him to do it

just like everything else! sticks a piece of paper and a pen in front him and he signs automatically. that goddam motherfucker!!!!!

[DS1]

26. Unsurprising, and it only makes him look bad

[L. Coyote]

27. Nothing says co-conspirators like this. The end is now upon these guys. IMPEACH.

[MADem]

42. For what?? It SUCKS, but it's within his rights. He only commuted the JAIL portion of the sentence.

Not the fine, not the conviction itself, not the probation.

Scooter is still guilty, he just doesn't have to go to jail. He didn't pardon the guy.

It sucks, but it's Presidential perogative.

[cui bono]

There's plenty to impeach him...

I had the same reaction. It's not about impeaching him for this, it's about he needs to be out of office so he doesn't keep this shit up.

But... I actually think I'm in the impeach Cheney only camp now even though I don't see how his crimes against this country can be ignored.

[ProudDad]

199. HOW ABOUT IMPEACHING FOR THIS???

http://www.impeachbush.org/site/DocServer/NYT_IMPEACHBU...

Illegal war of aggression against Iraq -- Hundreds of thousands of Iraqis and tens of thousands of Americans killed or wounded

Setup worldwide network of secret prisons where torture has become the norm...

Gave himself the power to wiretap, open the mail of, search and indefinitely detain any American he wishes to -- Against many Federal Laws.

Has confessed to the above in public forums.


and you're WAY OFF BASE:

He may have the POWER to perpetrate this type of perversion of justice but he sure as HELL doesn't have the RIGHT!!!



Get on board or get out of the way!!!

[MADem]

245. None of that is "evidence" of a high crime or misdemeanor.

An ancient flyer for a protest is certainly not "evidence."

That "illegal war" was rubber stamped by Congress. In fact, the Congress recently agreed to continue funding it, including sixty one VERY LIBERAL (the most liberal) progressives in the House. So you can draw a line through that justification.

Those world wide secret prisons break no US law. He made sure of that--it's why they aren't US secret prisons. Strike two.

All that spying and wiretapping? Signing statements paved the way, with a national security justification. Strike three.

Every time he did anything, he either got Congress to give him the thumbs up, or he attached a "signing statement" to laws to make what is illegal, legal. You might not like that, but that IS what he did. He wasn't stupid that way--he covered his tracks brilliantly, and when he couldn't do it that way, he got someone else, like a Scooter Libby, to do his dirty work for him and take the fall for him if needed.

If Articles of Impeachment by some miracle appeared in the well of the Senate, how long do you think it would be before Bush found a way to insist that the Supreme Court stop the proceedings, based on some arcane interpretation of the law? And what do you suppose his Supreme buddies would do for him?

Absent that, and assuming the impossible happens, and Impeachment Articles DO make it to the Senate, who's your trial judge in an impeachment that won't happen? Chief Justice Roberts. I can just hear his favorite phrases now: "You're "OVERRULED."

"NO, you may NOT admit that into evidence--the defense's objections are SUSTAINED."

Now, unless Roberts gets a brain tumor that causes him to deviate from character, he's not going to bite the hand that feeds him, but let's just suppose he does. You think the GOP Senators are going to bite the hand that feeds them, either? The votes just aren't there to impeach the guy. And the purpose of impeachment isn't punishment, it's removal from office. Nothing more. So no matter what way you slice it, the end result is failure. He will not be removed.

I really understand your frustration, but getting mad at me and falsely insisting that I'm "way off base" because you don't like the realpolitik of the situation isn't going to change the facts on the ground here. So please don't insist that I go along with your pipe dreams or "get out of the way." I have a right to a differing view, and I will wager that my view is far more realistic than yours. You are free to disagree, but you aren't free to order me about...

[ProudDad]

296. I know we've had this conversation

(argument?) before, my friend.

The main point of disagreement I see between us is what I perceive as your insistence that "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" must rise to the level of a Criminal Offense and therefore must be against statute and provable "without reasonable doubt".

I believe that history and practice shows us that that is NOT the case. Impeachment is a political remedy that removes someone from office for "crimes" against the Constitution.

----------

For one precedent that's VERY applicable to shrub's "crimes" against the constitution, "High Crimes and Misdemeanors" are admirably defined and that definition well applied in this wonderful speech by Barbara Jordan, one of Tricky Dick's inquisitors:

http://www.americanrhetoric.com/speeches/barbarajordanj...

"The subjects of its jurisdiction are those offenses which proceed from the misconduct of public men."¹ And that's what we're talking about. In other words, from the abuse or violation of some public trust."

"it is a misreading of the Constitution for any member here to assert that for a member to vote for an article of impeachment means that that member must be convinced that the President should be removed from office."

"It is designed to "bridle" the executive if he engages in excesses. "It is designed as a method of national inquest into the conduct of public men."² The framers confided in the Congress the power if need be, to remove the President in order to strike a delicate balance between a President swollen with power and grown tyrannical, and preservation of the independence of the executive."

<and the big finish>

"James Madison again at the Constitutional Convention: "A President is impeachable if he attempts to subvert the Constitution." The Constitution charges the President with the task of taking care that the laws be faithfully executed, and yet the President has counseled his aides to commit perjury, willfully disregard the secrecy of grand jury proceedings, conceal surreptitious entry, attempt to compromise a federal judge, while publicly displaying his cooperation with the processes of criminal justice. "A President is impeachable if he attempts to subvert the Constitution."

"If the impeachment provision in the Constitution of the United States will not reach the offenses charged here, then perhaps that 18th-century Constitution should be abandoned to a 20th-century paper shredder.

"Has the President committed offenses, and planned, and directed, and acquiesced in a course of conduct which the Constitution will not tolerate? That's the question. We know that. We know the question. We should now forthwith proceed to answer the question. It is reason, and not passion, which must guide our deliberations, guide our debate, and guide our decision."

------------------------

This interpretation of the process and of the meaning of "High Crimes and Misdemeanors", that furthered the resulted of the Articles of Impeachment against r.m.nixon, would surely be applicable to the shrub's actions against the Letter and Spirit of the Constitution.

------------------------

Thanks for replying. You are correct that letting scooter off the hook is probably not a "High Crime or Misdemeanor" in itself but added to *'s pattern of willful abrogation of the Letter and Spirit of the Constitution during his lamentable career as pResident would be one more brick in the wall.

[Throwing Stones]

301. Is there anything you wouldn't give this administration a pass on?

How much more flagrantly must they abuse their positions? Prerogative or no, there are limits to decency (at least, I used to think so).

[MADem]

310. I'm not "giving the administration a pass" I'm just acknowledging reality

Our system of government permits the President to commute sentences and grant pardons.

There is NO 'evidence'--yet--of any high crimes or misdemeanors to impeach the Monkey. We know the guy has pulled some shit, but if Patrick Fitzgerald, who is no moke, couldn't get past Scooter Libby to the VP or the Oval Office, do you think anyone else is gonna, absent a smoking gun or two???

It's not really fair of you to shoot the messenger. I'm not thrilled that this asshole is getting away with this crap, but he IS getting away with it, and to pretend that he isn't doesn't help the situation.

We will see if Pat Leahy can get to the bastard by way of Dick Cheney. That looks like the only open avenue at this point in time.

[Throwing Stones]

332. NO evidence of an impeachable offense?

Wow, I'll have two of whatever you're on.

Articles of impeachment require nothing more than probable cause that an impeachable offense has been committed. Once the House has passed a resolution, the REAL investigations begin as the House "prosecutors" develop and build a case to be presented to the Senate (jury). As in most civil litigation, the "good stuff" comes out in depositions and sworn statements during discovery.

Yes, I know that, like the Clenis debacle, the alleged jurors will likely vote along party lines, but regardless of whether there is removal (conviction), all of the *co dirty laundry will have been aired.

[MADem]

498. I'm not talking about what pundits say, or what you've read in an opinion column

You don't even have PROBABLE CAUSE, if you want to get down to it that way.

That "illegal war" business--Congress APPROVED that war. Gitmo or anything that happened offshore, that's WHY it happened offshore, to get around US law. And illegal surveillance and wiretaps--this Monkey isn't stupid, and neither is that bastard Gonzales (the Harvard Law degree was NOT wasted): that's why he ginned up all those signing statements, to make the illegal, legal.

Pardons and commutations aren't new to BushCo. Monkey learned this at Daddy's knee, ask Cap Weinberger, who demanded and received a pardon from Poppy while he was UNDER INDICTMENT. He threatened to sing, sing, sing if he wasn't let off the hook. And Poppy did it. And everyone cried foul, and after awhile, everyone forgot about it. Except me, maybe--I was around when that went down, and found it appalling.

How soon we all forget. I don't like it either, but our only hope of any real action is if Pat "Go Fuck Yourself" Leahy can make any headway on the subpoena business. What Bush did, like it or not, with Libby, was well within his perogative. I'll bet it gives him a short term bounce in the polls with his rabid base.

[Throwing Stones]

534. I hope you're not a lawyer

Because if you don't think there's probable cause, you should hand in your bar card.

It doesn't matter where torture takes place, US treaties (e.g., the Geneva Conventions) are the supreme law of the land. See Article VI, US Const. Additionally, signing statements are more than likely illegal, but at the very least they do NOT change congressional intent nor the actual words of the legislation. They are meaningless - they do not make that which is illegal legal.

[fightthegoodfightnow]

560. Lies

You write: You don't even have PROBABLE CAUSE, if you want to get down to it that way.

Was the Iraq war based on a lie or not?

[davekriss]

530. Respectfully

Your statement that there is "NO 'evidence'--yet--of any high crimes or misdemeanors" is sheer lunacy. This administration has committed war crimes in our name, eavesdropped on American citizens without warrant, tortured detainees subject to the Fourth Geneva Convention, criminally neglected to death citizens trapped by Katrina, lied about imminent threat as cover for a crony-profitable war, lied about the huge costs of the medicare pharmacy bill that funnels U.S. treasure into the hands of board room friends, tolerates the lack of justice in the outting of Valerie Plame, obstructed and stonewalled the investigation into 9-11, the list of political crimes and abuses of power go on and on.

A criminal offense is not required for impeachment. An abuse of the public trust is. The Bush administration is an abuser run amok. The absence of impeachment proceedings amounts to acceptance and complicity. America is betrayed.

[The Backlash Cometh]

308. It's a power play. They're saying they are better than we are.

[MADem]

312. You are right -- this is Monkey saying "Who cares what YOU think?" once again! nt

[The Backlash Cometh]

329. You know, I have teasingly said that if it wasn't for my liberal arts

degree, I'd be a peasant, but you know, tonight I really feel like there are peasants in America, and we are it.

[provis99]

552. it is NOT his right to use this power to obstruct justice

as I suspect was happening here. It is abuse of a constitutional power for illegal ends, as far as I am concerned, and Fitzgerald should be after the administration with obstruction of justice charges like a harpy screaming for vengeance.

[flamingyouth]

28. I'm not surprised at all.

In fact, I'm rather shocked it took him this long. Asshole.

[Dudley_DUright]

63. The only thing that suprised me is that he did it on a Monday

and not the usual late Friday afternoon doldrums.

[SeattleVet]

110. It's a holiday week, so they figure that *every* day is Friday.

Lots of people of vacations, taking time off from work with the mid-week holiday, so they get a free pass with so few actually watching what's going on.

[MADem]

248. Everyone is on vacation for the 4th, no one is watching TV

It's why we got treated to Rev. Sharpton on HARDBALL as host today. Tweety's off on vacation.

[Centered]

128. yup

honestly raise your hand if you didn't see this coming...



/crickets....




look for the pardon at the end of term so he can practice law again. What really infuriates me is how much money did the US spend on all of this just to achieve such a predictable result. I am tired of this kind of stuff... throw them ALL (both sides) out and let's get some term limits on every political position in OUR government!!!

[Misskittycat]

30. So I guess Scooter didn't squeal after all. n/t

[superconnected]

31. Bush CRIME FAMILY steps in.

Fuck.

The truth is, it's George Bush who needs to be in prison anyway.

[RamboLiberal]

32. The Bastard!

Impeachment Now!

[ixion]

33. Treason: IOKIYAR

[libnnc]

34. Well, now what do we do?

Besides tear our hair out and toss our tee-vees out the window.

[Cobalt Violet]

Grease up and bend over?

I just don't know anymore.

[MADem]

35. He's only commuting the PRISON SENTENCE, not the quarter million dollar fine.

He is on probation and he loses his law license.

Bush frigging sliced the baby down the middle.

He is keeping him out of jail.

[libnnc]

72. The money is nothing to him

...drop in the bucket. None of this, outside of jail time, is proper PUBLIC punishment. The jail time would be a public humiliation.

This "compromise" is unacceptable.

[MADem]

104. Oh, it's something to him, make no mistake. But what do you want to bet that Scooter's legal

defense fund swells to pay that fine and the million bucks or more he's racked up in legal fees now?

Whatcha wanna bet Scooter gets a decent-paying gig while he's on probation?

And whatcha wanna bet he gets a full pardon after the NOV08 elections?

And the sad bit is, it is ALL LEGAL. Bush is within his legal authority as President to do this.

And why did Bush do it?

Libby has a trophy wife and young kids. He needs money, he did not want to go to jail and not see his kids, and he was probably ready to open his mouth and SING to either shorten his sentence, or avoid it entirely.

Bush commuted to keep Libby's mouth well and truly SHUT.

[MetaTrope]

374. Really the money DOES mean nothing to them

$8.8 billion in cash went missing in Iraq. You don't think some loadmaster just wandered off with it?

[MADem]

502. No, that went for tribal bribes and the obigato palm crossing of corrupt goverment officials and

contractors in-country.

Our BushCo government doesn't steal from the money that's in Iraq. They take it here, in the US, from the corporations and contractors who deal directly with the Pentagon...no need to go all the way to the Middle East for that dough. Ask Dick Cheney, or Bill Frist....

[Truth2Tell]

439. One months worth of consulting fees

from Brown & Root. Utterly insignificant.

[ProudDad]

200. He'll be pardoned

in Jan of '09 -- and well paid off in the meantime and thereafter by his and your corporate masters...

[MADem]

257. Oh, no doubt. And the excuse will be that he was a model citizen for the entire time

he was on probation. Hell, they'll probably gin up some bullshit little job at a charitable outfit so he can use that as a justifier in his application for pardon!

They gotta keep him happy, and loyal, after all. He needs money to keep that young wife and kids in the lifestyle they're accustomed to ...

[ProudDad]

278. And to keep his mouth shut (n/t)

[MADem]

287. Well, certainly--that will be the REAL reason!

But you can't trade pardons or commutations for silence. It's illegal. Why, BushCo would NEVER do such a thing!!!!!

Nudge, nudge...wink, wink.

[ProudDad]

304. Say no more, say no more (n/t)

[autorank]

36. Any Democrat who opposes impeachment after this should be recalled.

This is the beginning of the end of something, don't quite know what but things are going to
explode in our corner of the world and, as we who follow public opinion know, DU is pretty
mainstream (at least on elections and voting rights issues, Iraq, the environment).

This will be one of the most intense and productive periods in American history. We have three tracks
of ultimate truth going:

1) The world is dying - according to mainstream science. We're screwed unless we act in the next few
years and then we're still screwed to an extent.

2) We're monsters to each other and allow each other to suffer vis a vis our health care system - Sicko
is an indisputable argument proving that.

3) NO ONE can now deny this - Bush is utterly corrupt. Those 26% who still support him will dwindle by
20-30% so it will be only the 18% or so who always support the lunatic right (it was about 14% way back
who continued to support McCarthy after he was disgraced thoroughly).

On edit: Not worth the effort to recall them. They just need to be scared into doing the right
thing.

[Name removed]

212. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[LibraLiz1973]

255. I agree

If this doesn't get them to DO SOMETHING, I'm totally fucking done.

B*shco has gotten away with SO MUCH. And we've done little or nothing to stop it.
They are brazen - they don't give a crap!
So unless we stop them, the evil tour continues straight on to hell.
The voices of the people are crying out for action-
will our Democratic representation heed the call?
I pray they do, and soon.

I don't have alot of faith left.

The political system is FUCKED.

[diamidue]

362. Why hold hearings; issue subpoenas?

The Dems are rendered irrelevant. No GOP operative is ever going to go to jail with Bush in power. Just friggin' unbelievable!

[jgraz]

37. Link

http://qurl.com/zdf12

So far, I can only find this on Bloomberg.

[depakid]

38. Why shouldn't he?

The Dems roll over and over for him- and the far right- again and again.

They've shown that they're afraid to do anything about it- and so the bully keeps hitting them.

It's gotten to the point where just have to laugh.

[young_at_heart]

41. This reeks of "special favors, special treatment"

The "Average Joe" goes to jail for small stuff.

[Old and In the Way]

43. It's Iran-Contra all over again.

There was never any doubt that Scooter would be pardoned...they were hoping to run out the clock on appeal and do it going out the door...but Scooter probably was prepared to spill the beans if they didn't pardon him. There is no criminal justice when you are talking about these people.

[Name removed]

180. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[coyote]

44. YAHOO Link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20070702/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/c...

[loyalkydem]

45. Come on guys

You can't sit there and say that you're surprised that the "Decider in Chief" has done this. If Democrats were smart, they used this issue against every Republican in the next election.

Make them pay for everything they put this country through for the past six years.

[Massachusetts]

46. Dem's better begin Impeachment Proceedings NOW!

OR THEY WILL LOSE BIG!

[tenderheart]

230. on what grounds? It was within his power to do it.

They can't impeach him just for kicks, you gotta have a reason. Besides spite.

[Truth2Tell]

442. Yep, like a BJ.

[badgervan]

484. reasons

broke FISA laws. contempt for Constitution and rule of law. lying under oath to fitz ( not sure if he was under oath that time w/cheney ). doctoring intel and lying to American people to justify invasion of a sovereign country. use of torture ( before they changed their definition ). and I can think of many, many more. contempt of the Constitution would be the big one.

[insomnomaniacal]

488. You want reasons?

We got reasons:

Lied in the State of the Union Address
On his watch, his people outed a covert CIA agent
He wire-tapped American citizens illegally
He hired a phony White House press corps member to toss him bananas

Now, do you think any of this is less serious than lying about a blow-job?

[smoogatz]

47. Well, that was predictable.

Can't let little Scooter go to jail now, can we? Because he wasn't going to go to jail--he would've talked to in order to get his sentenced reduced. Bush had three choices: pardon him, commute his sentence, or have him whacked.

[RC]

87. & bu$h still has 1 & 3 left.

[Babel_17]

49. My Senators and Congressperson had better be howling on the floor ......

of their respective chambers over this. It's outrageous and the press had better confront the administration over this.

[frazzled]

51. I hate to say it: it's not an impeachable offense

The Constitution gives the right to the president to pardon/commute the sentence of anyone he damn well pleases: murderers, drug cartel kingpins, perjurers, etc. So charges of high crimes and misdemeanors would not fly here.

It's a huge political negative for him, however. Not that he cares. How much lower could he go, anyway. I totally expected this: just not so soon.

Next step: he'll hire Scooter back in the White House.

[daleo]

115. The presidential pardon essentially puts the president above the law

It can set the stage for tyranny. Impeachment is the only procedure that can counteract that power.

When you get right down to it, what is impeachable is a matter for Congress to decide. I am sure they could come up with some appropriate charge, if they really wanted to.

[rpannier]

214. Except...as one legal scholar pointed out

If he commuted the sentence in order to prevent him from turning evidence against others he's guilty of obstruction of justice and the commutation is null-and-void.

You CANNOT commute/pardon people to give them incentive NOT to talk to prosecutors or law enforcement authorities.

[MADem]

250. He explained his reasoning for the commutation in excruciating detail.

It included unreasonable harshness of the sentence, separation from wife and young children, and an assertion that the substantial fine, loss of law license, and two years of probation were a more appropriate sentence for his offense, in Bush's opinion.

He covered that track pretty well. But of course, he's very good at covering his tracks.

[Rosa Luxemburg]

441. doesn't he understand that he is an accessory?

just because he hs presidential powers it doesn't mean he is off the hook?

[MADem]

501. I know that is what Joe Wilson said, but Bush's reasoning was very carefully justified

I'm not saying that it was SINCERE, but our system of government operates from the standpoint that the President is speaking openly and sincerely, even if he isn't.

Whoever wrote that thing (Fred Fielding, maybe--who USED to be John Dean's assistant, FWIW) dotted the i's and crossed the t's. The justification for commutation was plainly laid out. It's BushCo "compassion" ( ) at it's finest, you see...

[Rosa Luxemburg]

558. It's like the Mafia boss paying the judge

[Exiled in America]

336. You are completely missing that point.

This should be the "last straw" causing them to change their minds AWAY from taking impeachment "off the table" for the SCORES of impeachable offenses this administration has committed and toward impeaching the president for his criminal reign.

Just because this particular act isn't impeachable in and of itself doesn't mean it shouldn't add to the mountain of Bush bad actions that convinces the Democrats to go ahead and impeach him for all the things he CAN be impeached for.

[Christa]

52. He and his cronies are above the law

just underneath God

[Tulum_Moon]

58. They are so fucking ubove the law!

I can't belive this. I feel like bursting out with tears! He get's away with EVERYTHING!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Vinca]

53. This bunch has no shame whatsoever and zero respect for

the rule of law. I'm so sick of them getting away with EVERYTHING.

[WinkyDink]

57. Bush is BRAZENNESS personified.

[tiptoe]

73. not brazen; more a co-opted tool of a desperate VP. nt

[grace0418]

59. Congratulations BushCo! I officially loathe you more than I ever thought possible.

It BOGGLES MY MIND why there is ANY hesitation on impeachment proceedings.

[Trillo]

60. Jail is for little people.

edit: Jail is for "low" criminals.

I wish it was sarcasm.

[DuaneBidoux]

61. This is what happens when you have nothing left to lose. Nobody could think less of Bush now anyway

[humbled_opinion]

103. I bet his poll numbers go up.....n/t

[MADem]

251. You might be right. What are you thinking--a three to five point bounce? NT

[DuaneBidoux]

372. Well it will be the base against everyone else: is there enough downside in everyone else

to offset the rise in his base.

[shanti]

396. exactly

he doesn't give a flying rat's ass what we think, never has, but now less than ever. he's basically flipping the bird at us.

putrid piece of shite.

[Tom Joad]

62. BASTARD! Fucking Bastard.

[XNGH]

65. Mafia

The Bush family of crime strikes again ...

[4dsc]

66. Time to write your congressman

and see if they now will vote for impeachment.. I'll let you know what mine says later..

[The Wielding Truth]

67. MAFIA!!

[Bleacher Creature]

68. As much as I was prepared for this, I'm still floored by it.

If this isn't the straw that breaks the camel's back, there won't ever be one.

[texastoast]

69. IMPEACH THE FUCKING KING BOY!

[Maribelle]

70. Protesters go to jail in Maine ...

while the bush crony, the convicted felon goes free.


Why, didn't this same thing happen when bush was the governor of Texas.

[Kurovski]

71. IMPEACH, INDICT, IMPRISON.

goddammit.

[Name removed]

76. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Name removed]

97. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Kurovski]

383. What'd I miss?

Did we have a temp worker from FreepMate get fired already?

[WolverineDG]

75. WHAT????!!!!!

If we can impeach a president for lying about a blow job, this asshole deserves to rot in jail!



dg

[cascadiance]

78. Time NOW for a constitutional Ammendment! NO MORE PARDONS...

... for members of YOUR or past administrations or any entities (U.S. Attorneys, etc.) that you've had the "privilege" of appointing".

We need to get the Rethuglicans on board with supporting a veto-proof majority on this! Tell them if they don't, we will push to impeach Bush and Cheney simultaneously, and make SURE that the voters of the 22 Republican senators up for re-election in states are shown to have voted against apprehending criminals and bringing them to justice for the 2008 election.

The next pardon they issue will also tack ON a trip to the Hague after impeachment for them to "plead their case" against war crimes!

[BearSquirrel2]

281. I believe ...

I believe that either house of Congress should be able to veto any pardon/commutation by a simple majority vote within 90 days. I believe that the executive should be unable to issue pardons as of the night before election night till the end of their term.

[jamesinca]

366. I believe it was Arlen Specter who had raised this idea

The idea of a Constitutional amendment to give Congress some oversight on Presidential pardons after the Mark Rich pardon in January 2001 by President Clinton. Orrin Hatch also had an opinion on this at the time. I am curious it they are of the same mind today?

It is curious that Rudy was the prosecutor and Scooter was the defense attorney on the Rich case back in 1983.

[daleo]

79. Another example of how corrupt the Republican Party has become

Libby will probably have his fine paid by a right wing devotee, and will have a cushy job all ready to go. Bush will pardon him on the way out.

On edit: It reminds me of Syriana - "we need the illusion of due dilligence".

[SoCalDemGrrl]

84. Bush is looking more like NIXON every day

[ProudDad]

209. Aw, Gee

That's a rather nasty thing to say about dick nixon...

* is SOOOOOOOOO MUCH WORSE....

nixon isn't in the same criminal ball park with this bush fuck...

[Penndems]

232. Well, he's got Fred Fielding, Nixon's attorney, working for him

If The Village Idiot hired back every other living Nixon Administration staffer, the picture would be complete. It would be a veritable Nixon redux.

[Kat45]

85. I just heard this on the news.

And just finished cursing at the news story. Will any of these criminals--and I'm referring to members of the administration right up to the top--ever be held accountable for any of the awful things that they do? When? When? When?

[Name removed]

86. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[SalmonChantedEvening]

88. Lame Duck Walking. IMPEACH NOW!!

You damn well better like toast Chimpy.

[RamboLiberal]

90. Chimpy's Statement

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.

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003579.php

[crispini]

91. I'm so tired of this bullshit. nt

[Canuckistanian]

93. That's Bush saying "Fuck you" to justice

Libby was convicted of NUMEROUS crimes beyond a shadow of a doubt.

OMG, the backlash will be severe.

[aquart]

475. I wonder how all those conservative justices feel?

Aside from betrayed.

[edbermac]

94. Paris Hilton spends more time in the slammer than Scooter.

What's wrong with this picture?

[Bleacher Creature]

105. That may be the single most salient line I've heard yet

and it's beyond scary.

[MADem]

106. That's the amusing IRONY of it all. And it's a good talking point, worth repeating. NT

[Name removed]

120. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[Canuckistanian]

132. Everything is wrong with this picture

Not since his daddy has there been a more egregious travesty of justice.

Scooter now joins the illustrious club of convicted felons let off by a Bush.

[GrimReefa]

545. And not only that, but....

...when Paris Hilton got out of jail early, the media (and their sheep, the public) went ballistic. This time, not so much.

In fact, anyone else think it's odd that BushCo would do this right as the Daily Show and Colbert Report went on vacation? Now they know that no one will be paying attention to this story at all.

[xxqqqzme]

95. until these criminal rat bastards are impeached

NOTHING will change and excesses will continue as the norm.

[chiffon]

96. Unfrickinbelievable!!!

Does the madness ever cease?

I mean really, this is so wrong!!

[DainBramaged]

98. It's done, let's just work to get these thieving mother fuckers out and forever

We can't reverse it, but we can damn sure rub it in their faces during the debates.

[Wink]

100. %&#$!!@$ Scumbags

There needs to be a law that a presidential pardon can not include direct subordinates or anyone in the White House staff. It's obstruction of justice, plain and simple.

[Tesha]

191. In a sane world, this actually serves a useful function.

In a sane world, this actually serves a useful function.

Presidential pardons and commutations of the sitting
Presidential staff prevents a political vendetta
from being pursued against that President.

It does presume, though, that the President is acting
in good faith (a presumption that doesn't seem to
always hold true).

Tesha

[PATRICK]

101. Within 15 minutes

after posting that Bush looked calm and reflective(WAPO) means we are about to get screwed.

Don't be surprised if it is about to get a lot worse. The MSM shrugging this off as usual?

[krj44]

107. going free and probably

got about 5 mil. and darth dick is probably involved.

[mod mom]

108. IMPEACH NOW or STEP ASIDE!

[POAS]

109. I called my Rep. (Betty Sutton) please call yours! n/t

[Kurovski]

385. Done at 4:00

and will do it again. I want to hear what my rep thinks on the whole matter.

[libodem]

111. I'm glad that DU exists

When I heard that I Libby was commuted I ran to my computer for comfort to hear all you guys discussing this latest incident. I think it would break my spirit if I didn't have my like minded thinking friends saying what I am thinking. Is this shit designed to feel like a big kick in the guts to the 70% of Americans' who hate everything about the last 7 years? Well, I ran to all of you, for a hug. I want to offer all of you one back. I wish I could have two strong, manly arms, to hold me while I cry about injustice. I offer all of you two, warm, womanly arms, to hold you like a mother. I hug you DU. And pat you on the back.

[deepthought42]

173. Me too...

I'm so pissed right now...but I'm glad I'm here...

[mdelaguna2000]

365. Likewise.

[Jersey Devil]

113. To my right wing friend Mitch at The Swamp

Fuck you!

[NW_BEAST]

116. WTF???

Um....Can I lie to the Feds now too?

[Bluzmann57]

117. Fuck bush, fuck cheney, fuck 'em all

I just called Senator Grassley's office and left a scathing message. I said that while I realize that the Senate or House can't do anything about this, he (Grassley) should still speak out against it, just because he is a "law and order" type of guy. Will he? Hell no. But If I contact the White House,. ol' Bluzmann may cease to exist. This is just horseshit. IMPEACH NOW!

[Catchawave]

119. Yukky night for news....Duncan Hunter called Anne Coulter a great American

...and John Edwards said mean things to Cheney at their debate, so there

(as told to Al Sharpton guest host for Matthews on Hardball tonight)

[cascadiance]

126. He's paying her back for endorsing him earlier...

Which kind of figures! He's got an uninvestigated list of criminal acts longer than just about anyone in congress! It figures that she'd like to get a criminal in as president!

[cascadiance]

122. Very CONVENIENTLY released right after most congress critters' offices were closed in DC!

They KNOW this will bring down their switchboard!!!

[halobeam]

551. when I called the wh yesterday,

that is exactly what I said to the person who answered the phone.. of course I added that this is another way to mute the voices of the American citizens, but that too, was no surprise. I ended by telling her, I'm unemployed and hers would be one of the jobs I'd turn down flat. I like to sleep at night with a clear mind.

[Nothing Without Hope]

123. ***Washington Post link & excerpt:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/20...

Bush Commutes Libby Prison Sentence

By MATT APUZZO
The Associated Press
Monday, July 2, 2007; 5:56 PM

WASHINGTON -- President Bush commuted the sentence of former aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby Monday, sparing him from a 2 1/2-year prison term in the CIA leak case. Bush left intact a $250,000 fine and two years probation for Libby, according to a senior White House official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because the decision had not been announced.

Bush's move came hours after a federal appeals panel ruled Libby could not delay his prison term in the CIA leak case. That decision put the pressure on the president, who had been sidestepping calls by Libby's allies to pardon the former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney.

Libby was convicted in March of lying to authorities and obstructing the investigation into the 2003 leak of CIA operative's identity. He was the highest-ranking White House official ordered to prison since the Iran-Contra affair.

My interpretation: Bush can't let Libby and the other enabling, criminal scumbags who know damning truths about this administration get squeezed too hard. They can't all have airplane or highway accidents or surprise suicides. If they start talking, the dam will break and this administration's stranglehold on the country will become outed for what it really is. Coverups can only go so far.

[Blue_Roses]

124. Sonofabitch!

Dammit! This is pure bullshit

[Nickster]

125. Rule of Law? Anyone? Impeach this monster already!

[huskerlaw]

127. September, 2003

"If there is a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is and if the person has violated the law, the person will be taken care of," Bush said.



Yeah, right.

[marylanddem]

129. outfuckingrageous.

[mitchum]

130. TO HELL WITH THIS ENTIRE GANG OF CRIMINALS...

there are MORE of US than there are of THEM

[Black Adder]

131. This was probably arranged long ago.

Keep your mouth shut regarding anyone elses involvement (e.g. Cheney) and you'll never do time...
Once it became clear that could not be done thru the appeals process, Plan "B" kicked in..

[Name removed]

133. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[kestrel91316]

134. The appropriate response would have the SS at my door within hours,

so I'm just gonna keep my fingers quiet.

Oh, yeah, and this is ONE MORE REASON TO IMPEACH the fucker.

[EV_Ares]

135. No surprise here. He would have done this after the election if the

sentencing could have been delayed but with this situation, he had to act now.

Now it will be interesting what the reaction of our Dem leaders will be.

Bush has been able to do anything with them before this, so lets see what their reaction will be on this one.

[Stop Cornyn]

136. Bush just hit a new low in his approval rating before this. He's really going to challenge Nixon

graphics from pollkatz.com

[pcboss49]

147. How low can he go?

I expect the poll numbers to hit below 20 before he is out of office after this move.

[cassiepriam]

155. Bush could care less about the poll numbers. Why should he?

He doesn't care if he hurts his party, or any one else.
And he loves being hated, it makes him feel noble and misunderstood.

[Stop Cornyn]

186. Nixon got into the low 20s. I think Bush will equal that "accomplishment" if not exceed it. Graph:

[Doc Martin]

224. A vivid picture!

Thanks.

[diva77]

482. yah, but the fairness doctrine was in effect when Nixon was in office

so the higher numbers for Bush are based on people being given false info. -- would be nice to see a graph that corrects for Fox listeners for example

[Reciprocity]

137. My take is Libby has Cheney by the short hairs and was going to squeal.

The hit he is taking now, is nothing compared to what Libby would have brought to bear.

[mnhtnbb]

138. Bush gives the finger to the American system of justice.

What did we expect? After all, the Constitution is only a piece of paper.

[whistle]

150. Amerikan justice system was compromised when Bush was given

...the presidency by SCOTUS in 2000. Bush just gave the country the finger

[whistle]

139. Now that is allowing a criminal activity to go unpunished to keep

...Libby from talking as to exactly who put him up to the leak. Was it KKKarl Rove? Was it Dick Cheney? Was it George Bush himself? All three?

This is outrageous and most certainly impeachable as a crime was committed.

[L. Coyote]

141. FRAMED BY ROVE?? Former AL Dem Governor led from court in handcuffs directly to jail

FRAMED BY ROVE?? Former AL Dem Governor led from court in handcuffs directly to jail

Why is Libby given such deferential treatment?
How about commuting former Democratic governor, Don Siegelman?

Did Karl Rove and Bush USAs railroad a leading Dem? Compare this:

GO TO JAIL NOW: Former AL Dem Governor gets 7 years despite ROVE frame-up claim.
http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[murielm99]

142. Oh, I'll call my senators and my rep.

I'll call. But I am so sick of calling, and so angry I am crying.

I knock on doors. I make phone calls. I raise money. I vote. What do they do for me and my country?

I am going out to the corn crib to get a pitchfork and a torch. I am going to Washington if I have to go by myself.

Hey Agent Mike: I won't torch anything or poke anyone. My protest will be symbolic. But I can't answer for some of my countrymen. We are up to HERE.

[mikelgb]

144. damn

[Az_lefty]

145. can't afford to have scooter singing like abramoff....

total fucking crime family. F U George W. Bush !!!!!!

[KoKo]

148. Fucking SOB's and Tucker Carlson SOB Your DAD Paid THIS...and YOU ASSHOLE ARE THERE ON MSNBC

REPORTING...WITH NO DISCLAIMER! FUCK YOU SOB'S! RULE OF LAW! RULE OF LAW ONLY APPLIES TO PAY OFFS TO REPUGS.

[bkcc]

149. Dare I say IMPEACH?

If people don't see Bush for the shithead he is now, they never will.

[Juan_de_la_Dem]

151. Enough

I never chime in but enough is enough.  What could possibly
next?  Saving the word "Pardon" for the VP I
suppose.  

[annabanana]

221. Welcome to DU Juan_de_la_Dem. .

I wish we could've met under happier circumstances!

[maggiegault]

152. And why shouldn't * commute Libby's sentence? * is teflon. * can do anything, and Dems just sit.

Oh, RIGHT. This is one of those situations where we Democrats are supposed to have PATIENCE with the Beltway Dems and the status quo and the pansy-ass making nice-nice.

[Canuckistanian]

153. Just heard from Rachel Maddow

A commutation cannot be challenged by any court.

Scooter will never see a second behind bars for this sentence.

Ever.

[Hawkeye-X]

300. Then all Fitz has to do is prepare to unseal new indictments

to include Scooter, Rove, Cheney and Chimp.

They will all go to the Hague.

[pcboss49]

154. Maybe this will force more senator's on the impeach Cheney bandwagon.

[Canuckistanian]

161. Yes. You KNOW Cheney is behind this

Impeach the bastard. God knows there are enough charges now.

[cui bono]

157. Now Bush is part of the cover up.

Not that it matters.

[seemslikeadream]

158. please come by and post in the IMPEACHMENT thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...





HOW MUCH MORE OF THIS CRAP ARE WE SUPPOSED TO TAKE!!!!!!!IMPEACH NOW

[orleans]

159. i called my senators; couldn't leave a message for durbin

but i did for obama

a tearful message

asking him if we can IMPEACH THESE ASSHOLES NOW?? ASKING HIM IF HE CAN SAY THE "I" WORD NOW???

[LiberalFighter]

160. freepers are so happy that Libby was commuted

[Gman]

163. He fucking did it

the mother fucker did it.

[rodeodance]

164. I just heard on the abc evening news. damm!

[kevinbgoode]

165. IMPEACH NOW

It is time to remove tyranny.

[eagler]

166. It's a good thing Bush isn't still texas gov

Libby would've been executed.

[Lost-in-FL]

167. Are U SERIOUS???????????

The fuck is going on???

[bear425]

169. I am sick over this.

Just add it to the list of things to be sick over.

Where is the rule of law? Obviously, laws are meant to be broken by those who have connections in high places.

Argggggh!

[LiberalFighter]

170. Bush argues that the sentence was too harsh??? 30 months with good behavior

would be a piece of cake.

[Joanne98]

172. Is there anybody left who doesn't think Bush HAS to be IMPEACHED!

[EV_Ares]

187. Our Dem leaders, or most of them yet. Do you think this will change

any minds of the Dem powers that be?

[texastoast]

188. The dumbfuck freeps are stupidly happy about this

They are too brainless to understand the ramifications of a president who says fuck you to the entire country and justice system.

[Megahurtz]

276. The Freeps Are Celebrating

because their Fearless Leader has given them numerous examples that it's okay
to be cheats, liars, thieves, and con artists. That way they can all continue
to treat people the same way and get off scott free.
Get wealthy by conning, cheating, stealing and lie your way out of it
while leaving helpless victims in the dust.

Or better yet just become an Iraq War contractor and make Billions off of killing people.

What a great example for America.

[Orangepeel]

174. Meanwhile, the former (D) Governor of Alabama has to spend 7 years in prison

for asking a crook to donate to a state educational lottery fund.

[spoony]

175. Why should a president be allowed to ever interfere like this?

Doesn't seem like a proper system of "checks and balances" when one man can step in and overrule any judgement. That's supposed to be what appeals courts are for, and they already told Libby to piss off.

[ohio2007]

384. Presidents have always had the power to pardon. not sure how many people have been

pardoned in the last six years but others have wielded the pardon pen early and often.

http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/clintonpardon_grants.htm#ja...

[RamboLiberal]

176. Conyers: Bush Decision "Inconsistent with Rule of Law"

Just out from House Judiciary Chairman John Conyers (D-MI):

"Until now, it appeared that the President merely turned a blind eye to a high ranking Administration official leaking classified information. The President's action today makes it clear that he condones such activity. This decision is inconsistent with the rule of law and sends a horrible signal to the American people and our intelligence operatives who place their lives at risk everyday. Now that the White House can no longer argue that there is a pending criminal investigation, I expect them to be fully forthcoming with the American people about the circumstances that led to this leak and the President's decision today."
Update: According to a senior aide at the House Judiciary Committee, the committee is planning a hearing on the commutation, "as early as next week."

Schumer on Bush Commutation of Libby Sentence
By Paul Kiel - July 2, 2007, 6:32 PM
From Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-NY):

“As Independence Day nears, we are reminded that one of the principles our forefathers fought for was equal justice under the law. This commutation completely tramples on that principle.”

http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003581.php

[EV_Ares]

182. Does Conyers really believe what he said here? "I expect them to

be fully forthcoming with the American people about the circumstances that led to this leak and the President's decision today."

If he really believes that, then he is more naive than I thought.

[Maven]

460. It's that veneer of professionalism

They still don't get that this is a fucking 8-year coup.

[Throwing Stones]

319. Althought the power of the pardon is almost absolute, I think this should be investigated

For a good read on the procedures regarding pardons, check out http://jurist.law.pitt.edu/pardons3.htm

Sadly, though, the procedures are merely "advisory". According to that site, Clinton also ignored the "advice" of 18 CFR 1.1-1.10.

[rodeodance]

177. abc said he did it a moments he stepped off the plane from K. Maine.

[senseandsensibility]

184. WHAT WILL THE DEMS DO?

Sorry to scream, but that is the question.

[neuvocat]

195. I have the same thought.

Just wondering if "impeachment is off the table" still.

[PurpleChez]

189. IMPEACH! IMPEACH! IMPEACH!!!!!!

[cascadiance]

468. The Turks agree! :)

[old guy]

192. What effect if any will this have on the 08 election?

Will people just ignore this because technically it is legal or will they see it for what it obviously is? Is the election too far away for it to matter?

[NMMNG]

193. Too bad Libby didn't have a dime bag on him

He would have gone away for much longer with no chance of parole. Breaching national security is of no concern it appears.

[TommyPaine]

398. So true that - minor drug possession vs. treason?

Well, I expected no different. You make a good, and very sickening point though - a treasonous offense vs. a minor drug offense, which is worse? Our government is rotting from the inside. We're a nation run by thugs. I trust your garden-variety street corner drug dealer more than our executive branch.

[LuckyLib]

452. I just posted this earlier -- what our justice system does to those nailed for a pot offense.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...

[Jack Rabbit]

196. Impeach. Indict. Imprison.

And then send them to The Hague.



The Palace of Peace
The Hague
Home of the International Criminal Court

Photo from the Dossier Nederland (Holland)

[sandrakae]

197. IMPEACH - WRITE YOUR CONGRESSMAN NOW. SEE LINK BELOW

Find you elected officials.

http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/officials/?lvl=...

[BrklynLiberal]

364. Thank you so much for that great link. I sent notes to eveyone who is

supposed to represent me.
I started each note with "Impeachment NOW"!!!

[tomjetland]

531. Write to whom?

What do I do now that I live in the gerrymandered congressional district of one F. James Sensenbrenner (R-WI)? Write to representatives from different districts? Write him, tell him I didn't vote for him and that I think he's a dunderhead, and then tell him to impeach?

[antonialee839]

198. Impeach

this rat bastard now. What a disgrace to our country!

[DemoTex]

202. Free Alabama former-Governor Don Siegelman. NOW! TONIGHT.

Framed by Rove.

[Doc Martin]

203. Now I understand... it's Compassion for Conservatives

IMPEACH.

Another year and a half of Bush and Cheney is the excessive punishment.

[Connonym]

205. someone help me pick my jaw up off the ground?

I can't even think of a word to describe how pissed this makes me. What a goddamned mockery. I know Scooter wasn't convicted of leaking Plames name but can you fucking imagine if it had been someone in a Democratic White House who leaked a covert spy? There would be executions I'm sure of it.

[rpannier]

206. Once again...Prison time and Obeying the Law do NOT apply to the politically powerful

On edit:

The 250,000 dollar fine is negligible. He's raised millions for his defense. He already has the money to pay the fine and even if he didn't have the money, he has enough friends to pay the fine for him.

[classysassy]

207. The toothless,tigress/tiger

if Nancy and the rest of the dems let that lawless,criminal get away with this pardon,all of you are cowards.

[emilyg]

211. That Stupid Bastard.

[Penndems]

213. That son of a bitch

Libby's sentence was "too excessive"? It wasn't excessive ENOUGH!

[rodeodance]

217. Reid: "Disgraceful. The Libby conviction was one small glimmer of justice which has now been undone"

Forum Name General Discussion
Topic subject Reid: "Disgraceful. The Libby conviction was one small glimmer of justice which has now been undone"
Topic URL http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.ph...
1232013, Reid: "Disgraceful. The Libby conviction was one small glimmer of justice which has now been undone"
Posted by Bluebear on Mon Jul-02-07 05:43 PM

[ronnykmarshall]

219. and this comes as a shock??

[ProudDad]

220. It was CLINTON'S FAULT

He must have left some of those "get out of jail free" cards lying around when he left.


DAMN CLINTON!!!!

[ohio2007]

386. be careful what you say

http://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/clintonpardon_grants.htm#ja...

as you can see, pardons are a rubber stamp

[ProudDad]

542. What's your point? (n/t)

[a la izquierda]

222. heard this way down here in Guadalajara, MX.

Bullshit, says I.

[wordpix]

223. where is H2Oman, our Libby guru? We need his talking, er, blogging head

[TheCowsCameHome]

225. Bush is an arrogant, no-good bastard.

How I hate that man.

[Name removed]

226. Deleted sub-thread

Sub-thread removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[moondust]

227. Ohhh noooo!!! Can't the Attorney General do something?

[dicknbush]

239. WHY YEST I THINK HE CAN...HE IS DROPING TROU AND BENDING OVER...

AS WE RANT!

[browndog]

228. Fed Up In the Military

For security reasons I won't say which service, but what I can say is that I'm on active duty and am terribly ashamed of this belligerent commander-in-thief. He's stolen the hopes of so many, and without so much as a hint of remorse moves forward with wanton disregard for the very bedrock of human dignity and our justice system. You will be held accountable sir...

[Penndems]

252. Welcome to DU, Soldier

[TexasLawyer]

yes, a big welcome to you

thanks for your comments

[janx]

334. HEY!

Thank you for your service, browndog.

History will hold him accountable, though it may take awhile.

[OzarkDem]

229. Will Bush do the same for everyone else convicted of perjury?

Of course not, typical GOP hypocrisy. Laws are for other people.

[TheWatcher]

231. It should be quite clear to most Free Thinking Americans

That we are living under a burgeoning Mafioso Rule, and a blossoming Police State.

No Rule Of Law, No Justice, No Accountability for crimes.

Our government is completely out of control and the Interests of the People, hell The People THEMSELVES are no longer being represented, we have no voice, we have no choice, and this is merely the latest example of insanity run amok.

Please, all of you, wake up to the reality of what you are facing.

Bush and his cabal are not going to be Impeached, and no one is going to come to our aid.

NONE of our leadership from either party are listening to us.

I know many at DU do not care for me, or people who make statements like this.

But I DO love this country, and we must come to grips with what is unfolding.

This is NOT about Democrats VS. Republicans.

OUR ENTIRE GOVERNMENT HAS FAILED US. Both Parties.

Something needs to be done.

There is nothing wrong with holding out hope that somehow, somewhere, someway, that some entity within this out of control government will rise up and do the right thing.

But with each passing day, the atrocities and the trampling of the Constitution and the fabric of our Nation continues unabated, and there aren't really any signs that it is being resisted.

Even if you think this Post is completely full of shit, most of you, if you are honest with yourselves, know something is very, VERY wrong.

The question is simple: What are we going to do?

Because our leaders have left us.

[dweller]

286. i'm listening. and i'm agreeing.

disgusted, beyond words.
dp

[FannieandGladys]

448. scooter

I agree. My American history is a little fuzzy (I think it's in the Declaration of Independence), but I believe we have reached the point that our government is no longer functioning in the way it was intended, and therefore it is the responsibility of We the People to take it back, by whatever means necessary. I am nearly 45 years old and I have never seen our government more broken. No one in Washington is listening. "Of the people, for the people, by the people", Ha!

[dicknbush]

233. HYE PELOSI...YOU BETTER PUT IMPEACHMENT BACK ON THE TABLE!

IMPEACHMENT IMPEACHMENT. THAT SHOULD BE THE ONLY TOPIC OF DISCUSION FORM NOW ON UNTIL THE END OF THIS TRAVESTY. IMPEACHMENT IMPEACHMENT IMPEACHMNET!!!

[emald]

235. ugly ugly miss administration.. nothing worse than this cabal

It is wrong to pardon this crap. It is wrong wrong wrong wrong. Liars. Cheaters.
Ambasador wilson was just on cnn speaking to this followed by some lube job calling him a liar. utterly wrong. wrong.
Our country is