FITZ!

It’s inconceivable that Karl Rove isn’t up to his neck in this Libby mess. Of course, this, in the end may well be the least of Mr. Rove’s concerns.

OOH, the coveted zed.

G’mornin’ all!

Go get ‘em, Fitz!

Some say Karl Rove’s little patchouli-scented hippie microbus got rear-ended by a speeding tractor-trailer loaded with 40 tons of reality on November 7th while he was smoking a kool-aid ‘doobie’ and grokking his own cosmic grooviness…Some say.

;>)

“Some say” that Rove was granted immunity from the prosecution to testify against Scoots….is that true??? There was something in the filing last week about a prosecution witness “in the government” who has immunity. Any ideas?

Not to mention that there is no way of telling in a “Some say …” line if anyone, in fact, actually said this.

Question for the lawyers: Libby’s team seems to be (understandably) going after potential jurors who say they trust Cheney less than the average witness. Can Fitz challenge potential jurors who say they trust Cheney MORE than the average witness?

When Bush says “Some say,” it’s crystal clear who’s talking: The Straw Man.

“Some say”

perhaps they are perusing the wingnut blogs and citing those “some”…

any ole excuse will do for these folks, you know. EXCEPT the truth.

WATB, all.

jmba @
9

“Some say” that Rove was granted immunity from the prosecution to testify against Scoots….is that true??? There was something in the filing last week about a prosecution witness “in the government” who has immunity. Any ideas?

This is the second comment I’ve heard about immunity, and it’s news to me. Can someone post a link to a primary source?

Peterr @ 12

When Bush says “Some say,” it’s crystal clear who’s talking: The Straw Man.

Not true, Peterr. I’ve never spoken to the man.

ack! Blamo attack!

Scarecrow @ 15

Peterr @ 12

When Bush says “Some say,” it’s crystal clear who’s talking: The Straw Man.

Not true, Peterr. I’ve never spoken to the man.

My mistake. That should have read “a straw man,” not The Straw Man.

My apologies.

jmba @
9

“Some say” that Rove was granted immunity from the prosecution to testify against Scoots….is that true??? There was something in the filing last week about a prosecution witness “in the government” who has immunity. Any ideas?

You are referring to the information found in the “REPLY OF I. LEWIS LIBBY IN SUPPORT OF HIS LATEST JURY INSTRUCTIONS” filed on January 3rd”

Let’s Play…
FIND THE IMMUNIZED WITNESS

I’ve got a post up at HEP (click my name) about the candle page I set up for Jane.

“Clinton on PR blitz day after Obama’s announcement”

are those spambot comments sneaking in above?

Egads! Novak makes Rove look like a stud-muffin by comparison.

I feel corrupted just looking at that photo of the twin evils. All that’s missing is Richard Perle to make it a flabby, grey n’ pasty, unholy trinity.

“Fitzgerald’s investigation hurt the White House, experts say, as Libby quit and top political adviser Karl Rove faced intense scrutiny by prosecutors before being cleared in June.”

Memo to AP: Unless Rove’s lawyer finally coughed up Fitz’s letter, there should be an “according to his lawyer” at the end of this sentence.

Completely OT.
I went home early yesterday on account of the weather and missed Janes post about the LAST recurrence she is going to have with breast cancer.
The comments are closed on that thread.

(((((((JANE)))))))))
I fully expect to read in a soon to be published medical journal of the first ever case of cancer being clinically erradicated by something called “SNARK”.

My very best to you dear.

Busted.
XOXOXOXO Hugs.

for Irving:

Bartender asks me, Say son, what’ll it be?
I want a shot o’ that redhead yonder looking at me.
The dance floor’s hoppin, and it’s hotter than the fourth of July.
I see outlaws, inlaws, crooks and straights, all out makin’ it shake
Doin’ the boot scoot boogie.

Yeah, heel toe, do si do, come on baby let’s go boot scootin’
Ohh, cadillac black jack baby meet me out back we’re gonna, boogie.
Get down, turn around, go to town, boot scoot boogie.

http://www.uppercutmusic.com/a…..yrics.html

Peterr — I worry more when he claims to talk to his God. We should have asked for links.

time to go, Karl: pack your Some-Say-nite suitcases.

“Some say” is useless to the reader. If I were an editor, I would insist that the reporter at least characterize “some” a little further, e.g. “Some of the people sitting at the bar with me said …”

Then the reader would at least know that it was people who were saying whatever the reporter repeats. You’re right. Somebody is hiding behind “some say …” It’s probably a liar. It might be the reporter quoting him/herself.

A cautious reader should construe “some say” as “nobody says.”

jmba @ 9

“Some say” that Rove was granted immunity from the prosecution to testify against Scoots….is that true??? There was something in the filing last week about a prosecution witness “in the government” who has immunity. Any ideas?

Could this be the reason why we hear Fitz has to come up with an answer tomorrow? I can’t remember the right words (old age syndrome? bypass surgery damage to the brain?) but the filing referred to yesterday.

snapshot of immunity filing (paragraph)

mandrake @
19

Egads! Novak makes Rove look like a stud-muffin by comparison.

I feel corrupted just looking at that photo of the twin evils. All that’s missing is Richard Perle to make it a flabby, grey n’ pasty, unholy trinity.

have you seen the muffin, man?

Sanctuary ! Sanctuary !

am I really here ?!? can I really post a comment ?!?

22 degrees here – snow flurries, freezing rain – so local toobz done lost they mind –

can read the posts – Thanks ever so Pacha & Christy

((((Jane))))

punaise @ 27

time to go, Karl: pack your Some-Say-nite suitcases.

Which reminds me of Jeff Gannon – and issues of pillow talk in the outing of Plame. Any chance Gannon/Guckert will come into play in this legal case. Now that would be fun, if for nothing else the photo illustratons (yuck, ouch).

Hi Christy!

This is OT but I just read Jane’s post from yesterday and TRex’s heartbreaking piece. I left my comments of support for Jane on the TRex thread but just wanted to convey to Jane that I am sending positive thoughts her way – and she is in my prayers.

And I hope she takes the time she truly needs to recover – we need Jane back in fighting form (with no relapses because she pushed herself too hard)

Sorry for the OT but had to comment. And it’s great to have you back, Christy. Hope you enjoyed your well deserved break.

rumi @ 21

seems like…
methinks they’re bein’ handled jus’ fine ;->
good boys’n’girls herebouts, not stoopid neither..

Renee, that candle page is really nice. Thanks for doing that, and all the best to Jane.

“Some say…” is a rotten journalistic construction, as I learned from Professor Walter Spearman at the University of North Carolina back in 1969.

“It’s a shortcut that reduces clarity” is what the Prof used to say.

I don’t think Mervin Block approves either.

It’s great to have a window into the voir dire. The story from yesterday about the woman who detailed WHY she doesn’t trust Cheney… priceless.

I would think that after a day or two of questioning about Cheney, Judge Walton might get tired of that line of exploration. I can imagine him saying:

“Since nobody trusts Cheney, I refuse to strike any more jurors for cause due to their knowledge or opinion of the VPOTUS.”

Distraction? Hardly. He (and repugs) tried to use the same exact lying your way to power Plan A that worked in 2004. Except the bloom is off that weed now – has been for a while, and he had no Plan B b/c he and he and they are incapable of having a Plan B.

For what it is worth, let me be the first to predict that Rover will never again be a feared, let alone wanted, political operative – even amongst most repugs. He might be trying to rehabilitate himself among repugs, but my bet is they’re on to the fact that he had only one trick. Rover’s “math” is obviously not the new “math.”

dab at 30 — Thanks much. It is lovely to be back, although the vacation was a much-needed one and loads of fun. Nothing like the beach in the off-season, I say. :)

And I just got off the phone with Jane, who is in wonderful spirits this morning and awaiting a doctor’s appointment. We were figuring out site money logistics (let’s just say that expenses are NOT what I want to be on Jane’s mind at the moment…so I’ll be putting up a beg post in a bit, in case anyone is wondering.) It was awfully good to hear her laugh over a couple of things we were discussing — including the best way to wear your stylish paper gown. *g*

Rove made sure that Bush was trained on how-to-pardon. I’m sure that he’s also already prepared the papers for Bush to sign, so most legal woes will magically vanish. However, if those legal woes really distracted Rove and allowed the Democrats to take Congress, then Rove actually accomplised one positive thing for all his time in power.

“Some say” in an academic search, is a way to introduce totally illegitimate & largely prejudical comments into the discussion, that the person saying “some say” feels, but can’t really back up. “Some say” she is bad tempered; “Some say” he doesn’t have another book in him; “Some say” he uses his wife to do all his translations. “Some say” means crap, but, alas, is is often very effective in turning people against a leading candidate.

Black Panther Party @ 29

snapshot of immunity filing (paragraph)

Intriguing. Looks like at least one person got immunity. That’s the first I’ve heard of it. Christy? Marcy? Thoughts?

Slothrop @ 36

“Some say…” is a rotten journalistic construction, as I learned from Professor Walter Spearman at the University of North Carolina back in 1969.

“It’s a shortcut that reduces clarity” is what the Prof used to say.

That’s the whole point. Hard to attack the accuracy of the source when you don’t know who the source is. Shame on the AP- by now, they should know better.

Novak is a very bad boy. But he has been willing several times to harshly call out the Israeli government.

My fav line from the AP story linked above:

The vice president expressed support for his former top assistant, calling Libby “one of the more honest men I know.”

Ha ha ha ha! HA HA HA HA HA ha ha *sniff* ha. That, I believe, is known as “damning with faint praise.”

How ironic that Bush and his thugs take full advantage of our legal system which they are working so hard to subvert. Libby’s trial is a good example. It will be maddening for me when they use legalities at The Hague once they are charged with their crimes against humanity.

Badwater @ 39

Rove made sure that Bush was trained on how-to-pardon. I’m sure that he’s also already prepared the papers for Bush to sign, so most legal woes will magically vanish. However, if those legal woes really distracted Rove and allowed the Democrats to take Congress, then Rove actually accomplised one positive thing for all his time in power.

Yes and no. Put yourself in Rove’s shoes. You’ve spent the last 6 years as the kingmaker, but your boy king is going to leave office soon. You need to make a new king. The current Veep is not a good candidate. Who would you choose? Better still, how would you position this person? The best thing to do would be to throw the current Veep under the bus and put your man in his place. That would mean no pardons until Cheney is safely out of office. Far-fetched? Yes. Impossible? Not really. And Rove is certainly weasely enough to try it.

And what about the other article? The one at NYT? Here’s a lucid discussion of how Pinch is trying to make amends for his earlier failures.

As for Libby’s memory, I had the feeling that — regardless of the reporter’s intent — the story will be a GOP talking point about how the NYTimes did a hatchet job on Libby. Anyone who knows poetry by heart or all 79 titles of Star Trek couldn’t forget who said what when about Joe Wilson’s wife. Of course, I don’t know if that’s true. But it may make for some empassioned discussion for a day or so about a slanted, rather than “insightful,” article.

As an aside, I wonder if the prosecutor knows about Libby’s prodigious memory? Would it be admissible as a evidence of a character trait? Is “memory” a character trait? How ’bout as evidence to rebut the defense’s position that Libby just forgot the details of his conversations with reporters ’cause he was so busy saving the United States from Saddam?

Sally @ 46

It will be maddening for me when they use legalities at The Hague once they are charged with their crimes against humanity.

You assume that they won’t just be burned at the stake.

twolf1 @ 31

mandrake @
19

Egads! Novak makes Rove look like a stud-muffin by comparison.

I feel corrupted just looking at that photo of the twin evils. All that’s missing is Richard Perle to make it a flabby, grey n’ pasty, unholy trinity.

have you seen the muffin, man?

Actually, I’ve always suspected Novak and Perle were separated at birth.

I am at a loss to figure out why Bush would not pardon Libby. Or for that matter, Cheney, if that became necessary. Of course I realize that Bush will be long gone, when or if, Cheney ever comes to trial for his various crimes. And what of Rove? Well…

smiley @ 38

It’s great to have a window into the voir dire. The story from yesterday about the woman who detailed WHY she doesn’t trust Cheney… priceless.

I would think that after a day or two of questioning about Cheney, Judge Walton might get tired of that line of exploration. I can imagine him saying:

“Since nobody trusts Cheney, I refuse to strike any more jurors for cause due to their knowledge or opinion of the VPOTUS.”

Wouldn’t that be lovely?

mandrake @ 48

twolf1 @ 31

mandrake @
19

Egads! Novak makes Rove look like a stud-muffin by comparison.

I feel corrupted just looking at that photo of the twin evils. All that’s missing is Richard Perle to make it a flabby, grey n’ pasty, unholy trinity.

have you seen the muffin, man?

Actually, I’ve always suspected Novak and Perle were separated at birth.

they were not separated far enough.

Black Panther Party @ 27

snapshot of immunity filing (paragraph)

Thanks for posting that…I have been googling for the past half hour trying to find a source.

mandrake @ 51

twolf1 @ 31

mandrake @
19

Egads! Novak makes Rove look like a stud-muffin by comparison.

I feel corrupted just looking at that photo of the twin evils. All that’s missing is Richard Perle to make it a flabby, grey n’ pasty, unholy trinity.

have you seen the muffin, man?

Actually, I’ve always suspected Novak and Perle were separated at birth.

Probably so, but just not far enough.

It has never been explained to my satisfaction why KKKarl is not under several indictments.
I have seen several theories but none satisfactory.
His is the ass I want to see with grill marks on it.

If Libby is pardoned, he could be forced to testify about all matters for the time frame his pardon is listed for, w/no 5th rights, correct?

zig alert

Frank Probst @ 44

You may be right, but I think that Rove will retire to the conservative lecture circuit or Fox News after Bush. I’m sure that Rove has cashed in nicely on the war’s corruption.

Smiley @ 47, I am lusting for blood but tried to clean up my remark so as not to offend our FDL attorneys.

OT – ‘Doomsday Clock’ moves nearer midnight

Capeman @ 54

If Libby is pardoned, he could be forced to testify about all matters for the time frame his pardon is listed for, w/no 5th rights, correct?

George H.W. Bush pardoned away Iran-Contra with no side effects.

The vice president expressed support for his former top assistant, calling Libby “one of the more honest men I know.

jeebus, these hacks can’t even get their cliches right -

Raymond ShawScooter Libby is the kindest, bravest, warmest, most wonderful human being I’ve ever known in my life.

Badwater @ 59.

Yes, people forget that. He pardoned C. Weinberger on Christmas Eve!!
(pretty sure on that)

twolf1 @ 59

OT – ‘Doomsday Clock’ moves nearer midnight

When they move the hands on THAT clock, it is NEVER off topic.

OT – very (and proud of it). Hate monger, repuglithug Glenn Beck has been hired as a regular participant on ABC’s Good Morning America – hat’s off to Diane Sawyer (courtesy Americablog). Well I guess we really showed ABC and their owner Disney about the need to show more balance on their TV and radio stations. NOT!!! When will the Dems be able to do something on FCC. Give every 5 year old kid 1000 glimpses of Whitney Houston’s wardrobe malfunction rather than this spewing of vitriol, hatred and prejudice.

U.S. officials: Cheney was kept in the loop on Israel-Syria talks

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/814534.html

I am beginning to get the impression that Cheney, not Rove is the real Wizard of Oz.

mandrake @ 50

Actually, I’ve always suspected Novak and Perle were separated at birth.

This greatly presumes that birth was involved in their creation…. :)

Ed*ard Teller @ 63

twolf1 @ 59

OT – ‘Doomsday Clock’ moves nearer midnight

When they move the hands on THAT clock, it is NEVER off topic.

That’s right.

“While we’re at it, what’s with this “Some say…” attribution? That is an awfully large hole to hide someone’s identity in, isn’t it?”

Sure it’s a large hole. But let’s not be too harsh here. It appears that “some” is being used as a synonym for “a high official”,”White House source”,”anonymous staffer” etc.. Journalists are wannabe “authors” and are,perhaps,practicing tell all book methodology.

So why not a preemptive pardon? They can’t think that a DC jury is a sure thing, can they?

montag @ 68

mandrake @ 50

Actually, I’ve always suspected Novak and Perle were separated at birth.

This greatly presumes that birth was involved in their creation…. :)

You mean birth from a human female, I think ;-[

Halutz resignation spurs calls for Olmert, Peretz to quit too

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/814563.html

OT – White House counterterrorism official dumps Bush.

Todd Hinnen, a counterterrorism adviser on the National Security Council staff, is leaving to become chief counsel on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE), where he will head oversight of the administration’s national security policies. A White House ally remarked: “Once again, people on the Bush White House staff turn on him while our soldiers and Marines fight to protect the rest of us.”

Has anyone ever seen Mary or Lynne Cheney defending Libby? Reading the article about the “family man” and all that jazz brought that to mind. Both of them do the looong spiel about what a wonderful, close personal friend he is and blah, blah, but when you ask them about the charges, they just clam up and say “I don’t know anything about THAT.”

Of course, we shouldn’t be surprised by their responses (except they could have just said “no comment” instead of all the BS hype), but here again, is an msm cop-out when they don’t even have the balls to ask them why, if he is such a close, personal friend, they are not least bit interested in his case?

I don’t know about you, but if I had a close personal friend who had been indicted, I sure as hell would find out something about the case.

o/t

for Darkblack,

though something tells me you’ve seen it*g*

http://www.thepoorman.net/2006…..resents-9/

Oklahoma kiddo @ 73

Halutz resignation spurs calls for Olmert, Peretz to quit too

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/814563.html

Would that this could have happened here after Rummy and then Casey et al left service. Corruption and misguided governance all the way around.

Richmond, didn’t Diane Sawyer get her start with Nixon? She and Mike Nichols may have a Matalin/Cajun relationship. (I may be wrongly assuming Nichols is not a Repug.)

CNN – biden, levin and hagel issue non-binding iraq resolution…

o/t

they really do eat their young# 79541

Bush appointed Mel Martinez as RNC Chair – fait accompli ??? – not so much:)

http://www.thecarpetbaggerrepo…../9637.html

Sally @ 79

Richmond, didn’t Diane Sawyer get her start with Nixon? She and Mike Nichols may have a Matalin/Cajun relationship. (I may be wrongly assuming Nichols is not a Repug.)

I dunno but I just read about how she courted Glenn Beck to co-host GMA.

Gag alert: read the linked the Sun-Sentinel article at your own peril.

Oklahoma kiddo @ 71

Halutz resignation spurs calls for Olmert, Peretz to quit too

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/814563.html

they lost the war and ergo, a purge. (not enough dead Lebanese, not enough damage to Lebanon?)

we lost and ergo, a surge.

go figure…

twolf1 @ 77

CNN – biden, levin and hagel issue non-binding iraq resolution…

non binding bloviating, imho, and no solution at all.

It has no teeth except to protect the incumbents…

Love is all around, lets all around the world to play

Sawyer was assistant to Zeigler from ‘70 and then helped Nixon write his (revisionist) memoirs after the resignation.

twolf1 @ 72

OT – White House counterterrorism official dumps Bush.

Todd Hinnen, a counterterrorism adviser on the National Security Council staff, is leaving to become chief counsel on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee under Sen. Joseph Biden (D-DE), where he will head oversight of the administration’s national security policies. A White House ally remarked: “Once again, people on the Bush White House staff turn on him while our soldiers and Marines fight to protect the rest of us.”

Bullshit! Biden is being a sucker and just let a wolf into the hen-house.

Hi all. Long time lurker. Thanks for the live blogging on Fitzmas.

Best wishes and prayers to Jane. Kick Ass!

BTW, what has happened to FDL denizen *ilson?

Bustednuckles @
54

It has never been explained to my satisfaction why KKKarl is not under several indictments.
I have seen several theories but none satisfactory.
His is the ass I want to see with grill marks on it.

“Truthout reported that Rove was indicted last May and later struck a plea agreement with the prosecutor based on conversations with high-ranking government sources. Rove’s attorney, Robert Luskin, vehemently denied the report and, in June 2006, said he had received a letter from Fitzgerald exonerating Rove. However, Luskin has not publicly released a copy of the letter he claims Fitzgerald sent him nearly nine months ago. Fitzgerald has not publicly confirmed or denied Luskin’s assertions regarding Rove’s legal status.”

He squealed.

cbl @
74

o/t

for Darkblack,

though something tells me you’ve seen it*g*

http://www.thepoorman.net/2006…..resents-9/

Gore: “The NASCAR season has been cancelled. it is replaced by all-male ballet. In French, naturellement.”

Together, the Israeli government and the U.S. government are the biggest threat to the survival of the planet.

Badwater @ 61

Capeman @ 54

If Libby is pardoned, he could be forced to testify about all matters for the time frame his pardon is listed for, w/no 5th rights, correct?

George H.W. Bush pardoned away Iran-Contra with no side effects.

Ah, but the big difference in this case is that there’s a beautiful blond white woman with a civil suit here. A pardon implies guilt. And the burden of proof is lower in civil suits. A pardon now almost ensures a civil suit loss. Not to mention the fact that the Democratic House would slap Libby with a subpoena as soon as the pardon came down.

Man, I go away for a couple of days and the world changes.

Jane, I wish you a speedy and complete recovery. I just read your post from a couple of days ago and, as always, you astonish me with your grace, wit, good humor, and bravery.

Some say everyone says it takes incredible strength and courage to face cancer. But to face it repeatedly…

Much love…

Oklahoma kiddo @ 87

Together, the Israeli government and the U.S. government are the biggest threat to the survival of the planet.

Damn, I agree with you there. Do they not care if the spoils of war will be radioactive?

Gonzales: Judges unfit to rule on terror policy
Attorney general says federal jurists should defer to president’s will

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16668110/

Badwater @ 60

Capeman @ 54

If Libby is pardoned, he could be forced to testify about all matters for the time frame his pardon is listed for, w/no 5th rights, correct?

George H.W. Bush pardoned away Iran-Contra with no side effects.

What’s different now is that there is a civil suit in the wings, the Wilsons’, over the leak that Scooter could be be called to testify in. Also there is more appetite for congressional investigation then there was when the Clenis had his impeachment. (chorus: HENry WAXman! HENry WAXman! Henry Waxman, Henry Waxman, HE-ENRY WA-A-AXMAN! — sorry, Herr Haendel)

Although, if memory serves, Dems had a majority in both houses at the time of Iran/contra.
The point about the civil suit resonates, although with the money being spent on his defense here, seems would make a big down payment on any civil judgement.

Hotflash — you are crackng me up with the Waxman taunting. *g*

Maybe that is the Machiavellian play at hand, plug in politicos as Federal prosecutors around the country and threaten (or start) investigations into Dem Senators and Congressmen if the investigations by Congress start.
Or should I say Rovian play…

Oklahoma kiddo @ 87

Together, the Israeli government and the U.S. government are the biggest threat to the survival of the planet.

and these are the 2 governments that are constantly hollering that others want to destroy them.

Two of the most powerful military forces in the world…

Thanks to Pach if he stops in here after lunch. I’m intrigued that TradMed has given us no insight into the reality-based (excused) juror candidates who stopped trusting BushCo long ago. There’s a story there, ink-stained wretches, and the digerati Pachacutec is telling it all alone.

Take a bow, Pach, you so rock this voir dire.

Welcome back from vacation, Christy — hoping we’ll get some exciting bird pictures from Hilton Head when FDL “slows down” this weekend hehe.

…oh, and:
Troops
Home
NOW

Watch Libby fake a heart attack and throw the trial into turmoil. Watch the stonewalling to obtain the doctor’s report. Watch the trial be delayed interminably-

Oklahoma kiddo @ 91

Gonzales: Judges unfit to rule on terror policy
Attorney general says federal jurists should defer to president’s will

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/16668110/

God, every day I find my country edging closer and closer towards totalitarianism! Where is the ABA??

Yes I am aware of the threat to Russian air and rail transportation, yes I’m still going, and no I’m not afraid. God is in charge of every molecule of the universe, and whatever the outcome I know it is within His will. Even if I have some big ol’ angry questions for him sometimes. I’ve got a list :)

Rebel Yell @ 98

Watch Libby fake a heart attack and throw the trial into turmoil. Watch the stonewalling to obtain the doctor’s report. Watch the trial be delayed interminably-

Growth opportunity: organic popcorn in 10 lb cartons. Order on-line, delivered to your door.

Rebel Yell @ 100

Watch Libby fake a heart attack and throw the trial into turmoil. Watch the stonewalling to obtain the doctor’s report. Watch the trial be delayed interminably-

Or, watch Cheney/Bush sink us into a major, bloody conflict with Iran and others ijn the ME, causing the trial to be closed for national security. The trial beneath the surface is the overlapping investigations/trials of 2 or 3 other groups all concerning war and Iran intel.

People all over the world are not afraid. Scroll down & check out this huge picture library….

http://www.werenotafraid.com/

As per #84-

No one knows what happened to *ilson?

Where is the ABA??

last friday -

ABA Pres. on ‘Cully’ Stimson statements -

http://www.abanet.org/abanet/m…..leaseid=64

and none of these assclowns see the disgusting irony in some guy named Cully in charge of detainees ?!?!?

Frank Probst @ 87
Ah, but the big difference in this case is that there’s a beautiful blond white woman with a civil suit here. A pardon implies guilt. And the burden of proof is lower in civil suits. A pardon now almost ensures a civil suit loss. Not to mention the fact that the Democratic House would slap Libby with a subpoena as soon as the pardon came down.

Good point. A pardoned Libby is a squealing Libby. Better for Cheney to lock the secrets away with Libby. But then, if Libby knows there is no pardon, why not squeal now? Maybe Cheney is pretending that he’ll pardon Libby to keep Libby quiet at the trial. Then at the last moment, oops no pardon, thus keeping Libby quiet in jail.

Does Libby know he’s being played both ways?

AG Gonzales is the nastiest little man. He’s da man unqualified to rule on anything. Hope he likes Paraguay and a lifetime with his clueless Bud.

I think *ilson renamed himself but I don’t know either. I was thinking of that last night.

Feinstein ratcheting up the pressure about the USAttorneys.

This is scary, folks: while we are all focused on the bright shiny Libby trial object, USAttys are being tossed aside under cover of darkness of night. USAttorneys are being replaced with partisan hacks; see TPM for more. Sounds like Spectre slipped this interim-replacement-USAtty provision into the Patriot Act at the last minute — surprise!

Please take a moment to communicate to your Senators about this power grab.

“Some say” Rove is meth-addicted pedophile.

What?

rumi @ 104

Rebel Yell @ 100

Watch Libby fake a heart attack and throw the trial into turmoil. Watch the stonewalling to obtain the doctor’s report. Watch the trial be delayed interminably-

Or, watch Cheney/Bush sink us into a major, bloody conflict with Iran and others ijn the ME, causing the trial to be closed for national security. The trial beneath the surface is the overlapping investigations/trials of 2 or 3 other groups all concerning war and Iran intel.

You’ve got it right Rumi, I’ve been arguing this for a while.

Renee in Ohio @
16

I’ve got a post up at HEP (click my name) about the candle page I set up for Jane.

JANE!

ccmask @ 108

I think *ilson renamed himself but I don’t know either. I was thinking of that last night.

Thank you for your reply. As I said, long time lurker here and have always enjoyed *ilson. I recall questions from commenters as to the whereabouts of *ilson as far back as the Nov. elections. Just curious and a little worried.

FYI – Any DC metro area FDLers, Dan Froomkin will be joining Drinking Liberally at Timberlake’s on January 25.

http://dcdl.org/

I’ve never actually wandered in for one of these yet, but don’t see how I can miss this.

anonyvent @ 113

ccmask @ 108

I think *ilson renamed himself but I don’t know either. I was thinking of that last night.

Thank you for your reply. As I said, long time lurker here and have always enjoyed *ilson. I recall questions from commenters as to the whereabouts of *ilson as far back as the Nov. elections. Just curious and a little worried.

is *ilson the Lurking Mod?

(I miss him too.)

Some say this is the best little bloghouse in the toobz!!

Some say we have people in the white house who would out a spy working on WMD just to steal everything they could get thier hands on.

Some say the AP helped out.

On *ilson. Could it be that *ilson is actually Joe Wilson, and he now posts as same. Just saying, the moniker & name match……

anonyvent @ 104

As per #84-

No one knows what happened to *ilson?

I’ve been gone awhile, but last I saw *ilson, he was gleefully buying up all the web domaines that Joe Liarman’s people had so competently forgotten to secure. He even said, “Someone stop me…”
I’ve been missing him since!

TeddySanFran @ 111

Feinstein ratcheting up the pressure about the USAttorneys.

This is scary, folks: while we are all focused on the bright shiny Libby trial object, USAttys are being tossed aside under cover of darkness of night. USAttorneys are being replaced with partisan hacks; see TPM for more. Sounds like Spectre slipped this interim-replacement-USAtty provision into the Patriot Act at the last minute — surprise!

Please take a moment to communicate to your Senators about this power grab.

Didn’t Congress give Bush that power? I don’t mean to be rude but this has been going on for 5 years now. I would hope the elected officials don’t need to be told about these developments, unless they’re too busy with 08 election fundraising.

…remember Alito?

Christy Hardin Smith @
37

dab at 30 — Thanks much. It is lovely to be back, although the vacation was a much-needed one and loads of fun. Nothing like the beach in the off-season, I say. :)

And I just got off the phone with Jane, who is in wonderful spirits this morning and awaiting a doctor’s appointment. We were figuring out site money logistics (let’s just say that expenses are NOT what I want to be on Jane’s mind at the moment…so I’ll be putting up a beg post in a bit, in case anyone is wondering.) It was awfully good to hear her laugh over a couple of things we were discussing — including the best way to wear your stylish paper gown. *g*

please, Christy, include a snail mail address we can send $$ to. i never saw one for the libby trial venture (maybe it was in some post somewhere but i didn’t see it.)

Did you know we’re buying Iraq for f$1.2 TRILLION?

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01…..ref=slogin

ccmask @ 108

I think *ilson renamed himself but I don’t know either. I was thinking of that last night.

As I recall *ilson had low tolerance levels for contrarian views….no matter how fact based….

Oklahoma kiddo @ 42

Novak is a very bad boy. But he has been willing several times to harshly call out the Israeli government.

Would that have anything to do with his Lebanese ancestry?

Some say a lot of the MSM hang out here and some say they get jealous that they have to put their real names on their articles. But I have a feeling if they used the name fluffy1234 they would still back Busco.

Last I heard of *ilson was he was working on a campaign for someone close where he lives.

TeddySanFran @ 109

Feinstein ratcheting up the pressure about the USAttorneys.

This is scary, folks: while we are all focused on the bright shiny Libby trial object, USAttys are being tossed aside under cover of darkness of night. USAttorneys are being replaced with partisan hacks; see TPM for more. Sounds like Spectre slipped this interim-replacement-USAtty provision into the Patriot Act at the last minute — surprise!

Please take a moment to communicate to your Senators about this power grab.

Can this be called another tawdry little conspiracy engineered by Rove, or whoever?

Larry @ 124

ccmask @ 108

I think *ilson renamed himself but I don’t know either. I was thinking of that last night.

As I recall *ilson had low tolerance levels for contrarian views….no matter how fact based….

Well, he posted one time about some shootings near his house and the police door-t-door going on around him – so I know where he is within a square mile or so (and it’s real close to me) – but that’s about it.

Maybe he’s just being quiet. I do hope he’s ok.

oxide @
106

Frank Probst @ 87
Ah, but the big difference in this case is that there’s a beautiful blond white woman with a civil suit here. A pardon implies guilt. And the burden of proof is lower in civil suits. A pardon now almost ensures a civil suit loss. Not to mention the fact that the Democratic House would slap Libby with a subpoena as soon as the pardon came down.

Good point. A pardoned Libby is a squealing Libby. Better for Cheney to lock the secrets away with Libby. But then, if Libby knows there is no pardon, why not squeal now? Maybe Cheney is pretending that he’ll pardon Libby to keep Libby quiet at the trial. Then at the last moment, oops no pardon, thus keeping Libby quiet in jail.

Does Libby know he’s being played both ways?

If Libby gets double-crossed, why shouldn’t he squeal in the slammer? Time off for good bhvr, etc, etc. If that happened to me I’d be mad enough to want revenge.

But if Geo’s heart was in it and everyone was in agreement, Scooter would have pleaded guilty, been pardoned, and no further investigation. Instead we get this circus and *something* is bound to come out, if only the way that the OVP works.

Much here does not compute.

Therefore, I suspect that whatever they are covering up is *much* nastier than whatever will come out at trial. And/or, we are seeing internal politics. Are we seeing somebody hanging Dick out to dry? Why isn’t Geo pardoning? and where is Karl?

Richmond @ 113

rumi @ 104

Or, watch Cheney/Bush sink us into a major, bloody conflict with Iran and others ijn the ME, causing the trial to be closed for national security. The trial beneath the surface is the overlapping investigations/trials of 2 or 3 other groups all concerning war and Iran intel.

You’ve got it right Rumi, I’ve been arguing this for a while.

These latest moves of the escalation, naval command moves, hostilities toward Iran/Syria …the list goes on. BushCo has a pattern of pushing into a situation and getting away with it until it’s too late to change or undo the damage. We can’t leave Iraq because we have 3,000 troop deaths to honor, so he creates a situation where multiples of that number will likely be sacrificed to cement our commitment for years to come.

Bustednuckles @ 128

Last I heard of *ilson was he was working on a campaign for someone close where he lives.

I remember that too. I always thought taking the ‘W’ out of his name in protest was genius.

IIRC, all these late nite lawyer sackings has to do with the ones investigating corruption etc.
I see one got replaced by a former Rove aide who used to dig up shit on Democrats.

The culture of corruption is alive and well for these people, it just went back underground to feed.

Oklahoma kiddo @
65

U.S. officials: Cheney was kept in the loop on Israel-Syria talks

http://www.haaretz.com/hasen/spages/814534.html

I am beginning to get the impression that Cheney, not Rove is the real Wizard of Oz.

Bilmon didn’t call it “The Cheney Administration” for nuthin’ …….

Frank Probst @ 8

Question for the lawyers: Libby’s team seems to be (understandably) going after potential jurors who say they trust Cheney less than the average witness. Can Fitz challenge potential jurors who say they trust Cheney MORE than the average witness?

Where are you gonna find someone to say that?

looseheadprop @ 136

Frank Probst @ 8

Question for the lawyers: Libby’s team seems to be (understandably) going after potential jurors who say they trust Cheney less than the average witness. Can Fitz challenge potential jurors who say they trust Cheney MORE than the average witness?

Where are you gonna find someone to say that?

The American Enterprise Institute comes to mind…

looseheadprop @ 135

Frank Probst @ 8

Question for the lawyers: Libby’s team seems to be (understandably) going after potential jurors who say they trust Cheney less than the average witness. Can Fitz challenge potential jurors who say they trust Cheney MORE than the average witness?

Where are you gonna find someone to say that?

I answered that one down below. Bias is bias – challenge-able by either side. But some questions as to sanity might be in order first…

*ilson is missed. he went offline to work on an Indiana congressional campaign; not sure if he’s been back since. I have a vague recollection of hearing second-hand that he left in a huff of sorts (?)

Good one Mack!

Christy Hardin Smith @ 37

dab at 30 — [snip]…And I just got off the phone with Jane, who is in wonderful spirits this morning and awaiting a doctor’s appointment. We were figuring out site money logistics (let’s just say that expenses are NOT what I want to be on Jane’s mind at the moment…so I’ll be putting up a beg post in a bit, in case anyone is wondering.) [snip]

May I suggest a more forthright permanent beg at the top of the blog? It’s a little confusing right now to have the paypal button and the other button right under “Advertise Liberally.” Maybe confusion about whether you are trying to raise money for Advertise Liberally.

How about instead, in caps which I will spare you here, Help keep the blog going, or what I use in my fundraising letters, We need your help. It’s true and it’s a nice way to ask.

You might not guess after egregiousBlue and the Webb campaign and the Russia fundraising and periodically asking people here to kick in for FDL, I actually hate raising money! But it’s important so ya gotta do it. Must ASK.

Earlier in this comment thread I made a comment by way of reporting that, upon review, I did not have solid. So I dumped it. I take reponsibility for this, and apologize.

So who dropped that little-known provision into the Patriot Act that allows the White House to appoint US Attorneys without getting them confirmed by the senate? We’ve been looking into this. And the hidden hand appears to be that of Sen. Arlen Specter (R-PA) — acting at the request of the Bush/Gonzales Justice Department. (Josh Marshall, TPM, 17 Jan 07)

Pachacutec @ 142

Earlier in this comment thread I made a comment by way of reporting that, upon review, I did not have solid. So I dumped it. I take reponsibility for this, and apologize.

Wells didn’t get the soup?

I may be in EPU land and I’m sure it’s already been mentioned but the NYT has a kind of bio up of Scooter Libby:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01…..ref=slogin

What is interesting about this article is that only those who have a positive opinion are quoted or cited. No critics or skeptics were allowed.

But what is even more interesting is that 3 of them Mary Matalin (who is quoted the most), Francis Fukuyama, and Dennis Ross are on the Advisory Committee of Libby’s legal defense fund: the Libby Legal Defense Trust.

http://www.scooterlibby.com/

Naturally, the New York Times identified them as such. Well, maybe not.

Just another sterling example of professionalism in the mainstream media and to give credit where credit is due the article’s author is Scott Shane. Way to go, man. We need more guys like you to show us how it’s done.

jayt @ 139

looseheadprop @ 135

Frank Probst @ 8

Question for the lawyers: Libby’s team seems to be (understandably) going after potential jurors who say they trust Cheney less than the average witness. Can Fitz challenge potential jurors who say they trust Cheney MORE than the average witness?

Where are you gonna find someone to say that?

I answered that one down below. Bias is bias – challenge-able by either side. But some questions as to sanity might be in order first…

Reminds me of a story one of my lawyer friends told me. He was questioning someone who was clearly nuts, and the man came back with, “I’ll have you know that I’ve been found legally sane by a Harris County court. Can you say that about yourself?” My friend had to admit that he had never been found to be legally sane. The witness was quite smug after that, but I don’t think it helped his credibility much.

Frank Probst @
40

Black Panther Party @ 29

snapshot of immunity filing (paragraph)

Intriguing. Looks like at least one person got immunity. That’s the first I’ve heard of it. Christy? Marcy? Thoughts?

Very very good chance it’s Ari.

That’s because some references earlier to an immunized witness or a ex parte affadavit seem to deal with Ari. And in Fitz’ 2004 affy on the case, after Ari’s name he has a qualifier that may well be a reference to his immunized status.

It could, though, be Cathie Martin.

Both Ari and Cathie were in the thick of the response to Wilson. Both were party to discussions of an aggressive response (thus the interest in giving immunity from Fitz’ perspective). And either is a decent candidate to be Pincus’ source (though I’m not convinced that’s the reaosn for the immunity).

Bustednuckles @ 132

IIRC, all these late nite lawyer sackings has to do with the ones investigating corruption etc.
I see one got replaced by a former Rove aide who used to dig up shit on Democrats.

The culture of corruption is alive and well for these people, it just went back underground to feed.

“former Rove aide:” sent to Arkansas.

Gosh, what 2008 Dem Prez hopeful has ties to Arkansas?

Another point to the pessimists who keep saying that this’ll be whitewashed just like Iran/Contra was: Iran/Contra was pretty much over when the investigations were ramping up. The Libby trial is part of the whole “Did the President lie his way into Iraq?” story. Unfortunately, we’re still very much in the middle (if not the beginning) of Iraq. The Senate STILL hasn’t released its report about whether or not Bush fudged on the intelligence. Unlike Iran/Contra, the Libby trial has a lot of relevance to things that are happening today. They are not analogous scandals.

emptywheel @ 148

Frank Probst @
40

Black Panther Party @ 29

snapshot of immunity filing (paragraph)

Intriguing. Looks like at least one person got immunity. That’s the first I’ve heard of it. Christy? Marcy? Thoughts?

Very very good chance it’s Ari.

That’s because some references earlier to an immunized witness or a ex parte affadavit seem to deal with Ari. And in Fitz’ 2004 affy on the case, after Ari’s name he has a qualifier that may well be a reference to his immunized status.

It could, though, be Cathie Martin.

Both Ari and Cathie were in the thick of the response to Wilson. Both were party to discussions of an aggressive response (thus the interest in giving immunity from Fitz’ perspective). And either is a decent candidate to be Pincus’ source (though I’m not convinced that’s the reaosn for the immunity).

I think it’s Ari, too. But I really really hope it’s Cathie. Needless to say, the presence of an immunized witness debunks a lot of the “this is all old news that’ll be on the back pages” theme. Immunity=something to hide. It’ll be front page news when the name finally comes out. And it’ll be another front page story when we hear what that person has to say.

TeddySanFran @ 150

Gosh, what 2008 Dem Prez hopeful has ties to Arkansas?

Are you familiar with the terrible nasty ugly battle of Libby and others from that area back in 200/2001? Waxman (I think it was) ripped him a new one in hearings about comments/accusations that were made. It had a lot to do with the Rich pardon. I can dig some links if anyone wants but I assumed most here are familiar with history. I wasn’t until recently.

Some say . . . and then there’s Dan Froomkin:

President Bush yesterday described the current situation in Iraq as “a slow failure” and derided troop withdrawal as “expedited failure,” while insisting that his new plan to send yet more troops into the fight will lead to success.

Bush is clearly hoping to win back some credibility with the American people by admitting that what he had previously called success he now recognizes as failure. But all this really proves is that he couldn’t be trusted before.

[snip]

So why should he be trusted now? Bush is constantly being asked that very question these days, but he can’t come up with a persuasive answer. He simply says that he believes we can succeed.

(Emphasis added)

Go Dan!

Some say this is the worst administration ever.

cleter @ 153

Some say this is the worst administration ever.

the rest of us know that it is

cleter @ 151

Some say this is the worst administration ever.

At least that one is verifiable ;)

TeddySanFran @ 146

Bustednuckles @ 132

IIRC, all these late nite lawyer sackings has to do with the ones investigating corruption etc.
I see one got replaced by a former Rove aide who used to dig up shit on Democrats.

The culture of corruption is alive and well for these people, it just went back underground to feed.

“former Rove aide:” sent to Arkansas.

Gosh, what 2008 Dem Prez hopeful has ties to Arkansas?

Been thinking about this placement and watching local bloggers discuss this as well. Nothing concrete has entered the discussion so far, imo. Maybe they want to be close to Huckabee in this situation, although, he is out of office now and on the campaign / book tour so this is a reach.

cbl @ 74

Some say that as the tangerine-stained digits of freedom march across Dame Fate’s chosen keyboards, leaving multitudes of microblessings (or, in heathenspeak, ‘crumbs’) in their wake…That they need only to drink from the kleansing kool-aid kooler to wash away all burdenful reality-based doubt from their blessed home-forged minds.

Hose, Anna

;>)

I’m hoping the immunized witness is Rove. It would explain the absence of indictment for conduct that appears, on the record, to resemble Libby’s conduct. It would also be a “hot” news story.
If betting, I’d put my money on Fleischer being the immunized one.

Eureka Springs, AR @ 154

TeddySanFran @ 146

Bustednuckles @ 132

IIRC, all these late nite lawyer sackings has to do with the ones investigating corruption etc.
I see one got replaced by a former Rove aide who used to dig up shit on Democrats.

The culture of corruption is alive and well for these people, it just went back underground to feed.

“former Rove aide:” sent to Arkansas.

Gosh, what 2008 Dem Prez hopeful has ties to Arkansas?

Been thinking about this placement and watching local bloggers discuss this as well. Nothing concrete has entered the discussion so far, imo. Maybe they want to be close to Huckabee in this situation, although, he is out of office now and on the campaign / book tour so this is a reach.

Hillary spent some time in AK. Whitewater was in AK. Paula Jones, Troopergate, that was AK. So, why would BushCo want a colleague — and oppo research specialist, no less — in Clinton-land.

US Atty’s are appointed by the Pres, subject to Senate confirmation and serve ‘at his pleasure’, usually the pres’ term of office, unless they die or something.

Patriot Act provides for Atty Gnl to fil a vacancy without Senate approval, and for an ‘indefinite’ term. So now the US Atty’s w/b picked and packed and (it appears) permanent.

This is very, very bad.

rumi @ 149

TeddySanFran @ 150

Gosh, what 2008 Dem Prez hopeful has ties to Arkansas?

Are you familiar with the terrible nasty ugly battle of Libby and others from that area back in 200/2001? Waxman (I think it was) ripped him a new one in hearings about comments/accusations that were made. It had a lot to do with the Rich pardon. I can dig some links if anyone wants but I assumed most here are familiar with history. I wasn’t until recently.

I would be interested if it’s not to much trouble.

Just saw a small bit on MSNBC where Norah O’Donnell asked Jerilyn Merritt of Talkleft whether bloggers belonged in the courtroom.
Smirk

Capeman @ 159, I hope Ms. Merritt asked Noron whether Noron belongs in a newsroom.

Eureka @ 154, I read somewhere it’s all about Huckabee and Hillary.

Secret Court to Govern Wiretapping Plan
WTF?

Sally@159
No, she was nice and explained who was blogging there, including “team FIREDOGLAKE” , and something about a new perspective, etc…

fyi a couple of new threads

Rumi – will check back in case you respond.

Does anyone remember if Bush fired all of Clinton’s US Attorneys when he took office? I don’t mean, “Did the attys submit their resignations?” (I know that O’Donnell was fired in 5/01). U.S. attorneys are appointed by the president, but their terms do not end with an election. And Andy McCarthy over at NROnline has a piece up about Clinton firing all the USAttys in ‘93, except for Chertoff and I’d like to respond.

rumi @ 151

TeddySanFran @ 150

Gosh, what 2008 Dem Prez hopeful has ties to Arkansas?

Are you familiar with the terrible nasty ugly battle of Libby and others from that area back in 200/2001? Waxman (I think it was) ripped him a new one in hearings about comments/accusations that were made. It had a lot to do with the Rich pardon. I can dig some links if anyone wants but I assumed most here are familiar with history. I wasn’t until recently.

Wesly Clark

Stand down, Hillary.

Canadianhoser here….just a simple Canadian here, definetly not up to speed with your American jurisdiction nuances, legally nor politically…nor the pure legal firepower assembled here…

BUT….

What in the ‘Sam Hell’ is going on down there?

Talk about going ’straight to hell in a proverbial handbasket’….

If what I am hearing (from this forum) is correct, concerning the US Attorney office aspect and this Libby trial…

Why haven’t the innumerable (vast quantities)of lawyers (and law students, in an actual battle of their times, in more ways than they can realize yet),

Not got their acts together to stop the frontal assault on ALL of your freedoms and liberties?

Seems like there are many fronts on the war that Bush has been waging backstage in America and it is WAY past time for the whole co-opted mess of you “American lawyers” down there to grow some shiny big ones or grow some hair on pubises, BUT….

GET IT TOGETHER and fight with all your legal talents this scourge of a leader of the co-opted ….

Cuz the way this simple Canadian is seeing things, is that you guys are driving US ALL into the frigging ditch…specially you spineless, silent and co-opted lawyers…

For those offended I apologize for the frankness…another simple Canadian general trait…

BUT PLEASE..

FIGHT THIS GUYS HARD CUZ THE BUSH ADMIN GUYS TAKE NO PRISONERS at all…..

Ummmmm, just a suggestion but has anyone talked to David Boies?…the man is a genius, in my simple Canadian opinion, and i am sure he would have a friggin plan if given the right client…

I am aware that this Canadian missive may sound silly to some because of its simplicity but hey, there is sometimes a reason that simplicity works…..and it sells…

Good Luck….but you guys gotta think about various concerted legal tracks…

Eureka Springs, AR @ 162

I would be interested if it’s not to much trouble.

Here’s one that I think is one that I saw the other day. I’ll drop the others in as I dig them back up. I see too many to keep them all straight :-)

Thanks rumi!