Patrick Fitzgerald:
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.
As Marcy points out, the idea that the President who is currently pushing to restore minimum sentencing guidelines would give a happy hootie about an “excessive” sentence for Scooter Libby or anyone else is laughable. (He is, after all, the man who openly mocked Karla Faye Tucker before putting her to death.) By commuting Libby’s sentence rather than pardoning him, Bush insures that Scooter will remain silent and be able to invoke the fifth before before Congress and not risk being cited for contempt. This president’s contempt for the rule of law is thorough and complete.
Fitzgerald is an honest prosecutor who worked like a dog for this conviction and got mocked by pissy members of the beltway entitlement set for his efforts. Now his work gets swept away by the chief crook seeking to obstruct justice. I’m gonna guess he’s righteously pissed. I know I am.
Related posts:
Spotlight
Support this site!
Subscribe to the newsletter
Advertise on Firedoglake
Send
us your tips
Make us your homepage
About Firedoglake
Advanced search
FITZ! JANE! Dog help the US
FITZ
Fitz (now more then ever!)
JUSTICE!!!
Outrage!
Is anyone really surprised?
yo
and I’ve reconsidered my reconsideration. I do think Walton should resign in protest. While the next judge might well be worse, I think it would be worth one judge for the impact and importance of the act.
I’m trying to digest this news, just received on coming out of teaching. One of my Saudi students just asked me to explain the word “politics” and I was trying to keep my temper under control. When I was back in the States, I was told that things are turning around. I don’t think they will turn around without a fight to the death.
FITZ!
PJF! Thank you for doing your job with integrity.
EPU’d
Posted just now on CNN, from Lea Anne McBride, spokeswoman from Vice President Cheney:
“Scooter has dedicated much of his life to public service at the State Department, the Department of Defense and the White House. In each of these assignments he has served the nation tirelessly and with great distinction. I have always considered him to be a man of the highest intellect, judgment and personal integrity — a man fully committed to protecting the vital security interests of the United States and its citizens. Scooter is also a friend, and on a personal level Lynne and I remain deeply saddened by this tragedy and its effect on his wife, Harriet, and their young children. The defense has indicated it plans to appeal the conviction in the case. Speaking as friends, we hope that our system will return a final result consistent with what we know of this fine man.”
Fitzgerald’s statement is a beautiful piece of elegance, restraint and dignity.
Revdeb…
stuck boat metaphor. is Keith reading us or…I know…collective consciousness. :)
Jane! Fitz!
Just another case of George flipping us the bird.
“Is anyone surprised?” Nope- he delivered for the wingnuts- let’s see if it costs him anything- hope the hell it does. Clusterfuck is forced to show himself for what he is!
Hosea 8:7
For they sow the wind, and they will reap the whirlwind
Is there a Presidency left to damage? Dana Milbank says this helps Bush, because he’ll regain a couple of points from the wingnuts.
the toobz is rather sticky…
rwcole @ 19
Perhaps more importantly: Will it cost the *GOP*?
I wonder how the folks in the office of the Pardon Attorney think about Bush ignoring their work and system. Might there be some folks with conscience there who would tender their resignations?
Guiliani – “A reasonable decision”
*xyz @ 20
If you plant ice, you’re going to harvest wind.
Jane says
“I’m gonna guess he’s righteously pissed. I know I am.”
me too
you can vote on Bush’s decision here
On MSNBC Crawl: Sen Clinton: “This administration considers itself above the law.”
KO sign around the rep nominee neck
“Kick Me. My party pardoned Scooter Libby.”
or something like that.
daninmiami says
July 2nd, 2007 at 5:34 pm
Is anyone really surprised?
demi @ 14
Keith shares our wavelength. That’s why we are his audience.
Are we surprised. Sadly No.
They had an exit strategy for this from day one.
They didn’t bother with an exit strategy from Iraq.
That’s the real tragedy.
Excessive sentence? There are 500 men at Guantanamo that served longer than that, without having been convicted, or even accused, of anything.
jayt @ 8
No! Rove will definitely put in someone worse.
Clinton statement available. On KO.
FITZ HELP TREASON!
Isn’t it about time to take to the streets?
Hillary statement on KO.
Clinton obviuosly got the word that she better get out there.
John Dean says there are things Mr. Fitzgerald can do.
GeorgeSimian @ 32
Yes, but what have they ever done for Dubya?
I am disconsolate.
Hillary slow, but good… surprisingly good…
So, while everyone is outraged at this Bush is going to be busy preparing to bomb Iran. Unfortunately, even with massive push back from the military, this is the next big step and nothing we can do at this time is going to stop it.
I am way past jaded….
egregious @ 31
Big whoop.
Dana Milbank says?, WHO GIVES A SHIT what that guy says? Like he knows what the country thinks or how we are reacting. I am so sick of guys like him who have watched our country tank while they ask insipid questions of the biggest group of bullies in the world. Geeeeezzzzz.
sigh.
when i first heard, i thought my head would explode.
then i thought, where’s a cone of silence so i can scream?
then i thought, time to do some heavy drinking.
now, i’m back to sigh.
which i know is not a particualrly useful response. but right now, it’s all i got.
i’ll be in a better state tomorrow.
Perhaps more importantly: Will it cost the *GOP*?
I think so. There were, at bottom, only a few of the Washington Beltway crowd pushing for Scoots’ pardon. While that little group is now happy, the average Repub who thinks that respect for the law is a *good* thing might be a little pissed off too.
Clinton finally speaks! Nothing about equal justice, or obstruction, or not telling the truth. She thinks the issue is cronyism and incompetence.
Who are the morons who advise this woman? And why does she listen to them?
Loo Hoo. @ 34
Yes. ;0)
AnnieW @ 38
Is Peter Daou still working for her? He must be one of the most exasperated people on Earth…
If you live in or near D.C., please go be a presence somewhere near the (formerly) White House.
Eli @ 21
eggzactly. The only possible silver lining in this dark dismal cloud of evil is if it FUCKS THEM OVER in 2008.
(sorry for shouting)
with americans short attention span – i dont think this’ll remain in our memory and repugs will be elected – but i hope i’m wrong…. god do i hope i’m wrong!!
OldCoastie @ 40
What did I miss?
klevenstein @ 26
26 per cent agree with Bush. That’s about his approval rating, right? Obviously a hard core bunch of idiots.
Scarecrow @ 44
a guy named Penn who is a union buster. So are you surprised?
RevDeb @ 29
They didn’t think they needed an exit strategy. They didn’t and still don’t plan to exit. That’s Not The Plan.
In the immortal words of our beloved Vice President, “Go Fuck Yourself!” I didn’t say it, he did.
Peace!
damn. scarecrow. I wish you were here so we could scream together.
I want action from my party. Time is getting short. Talk, talk, talk. I want a good deal more than talk.
Eli @ 46
Or else he’s just part of the Borg now. The fact that he works for Hillary means his judgment is suspect to start with.
jayt @ 45
Yep. I just hope that the Republicans don’t get away with claiming that Dubya was just some freakish aberration, nothing to do with them, and he’s gone now (in 2008) so it’s safe to vote for Republicans again.
Scarecrow @ 51
KO read her press release – it was pretty darn good…
Madness, Madness, Madness!!!!!!!!!!!
Fitz and Jane together, I feel better about the world!
They will suspend the Constitution and remain in power indefinitely, until the people rise up.
I’ve said before and will say again, it is a sad day when Paris Hilton shows more respect for the law and judicial system than is shown by the President of the United States.
Loo Hoo. @ 34
yes!! anyone want to organize something here in the first circle of hell (i.e.., the nation’s capital)?
I saw (heard) Marcy on Hardball! great coverage from MSNC.
psychohistorian @ 40
I agree. This was timed to sneak out because tomorrow there’s going to be some Iran news that wipes it off the front page. If not tomorrow, soon.
RevDeb @ 55
Like this?
You know, it hurt when Ford pardoned Nixon, but AT LEAST WE HAD GOTTEN RID OF THE SLUG.
This feels so much worse. I am sad for what used to be my country. My ancestors came here almost 380 years ago and one lived in a hole in the ground with a door in the ceiling; one day the natives opened the door and looked in, then went away. Another day, he had to run for his life, what, 15, 20 miles to the nearest town. My cousins still have the farm, what’s left of it. DAMN, I AM SO BETRAYED BY THIS!
dakine01 @ 64
She should have given more money to Republicans.
Scarecrow @ 44
Exactly my reaction. HRC entirely missed the point. Who writes her stuff? Who thinks up her stuff?
PS Jane — you were great on Rachel!
Bob Geiger has compiled links/quotes to those Dem candidates who have reacted to this.
snowbird42 @ 12
Cheney can go Cheney himself!!
OldCoastie @ 20
The toobz is ON FIRE today. Can you guess why?
Bob in HI
KO did say when he went to his last break, “Three guesses who one of the picks for WPITW will be.” Said with the snark.
juslin @ 49
I’m afraid you’re right…
I’m making an “Impeach Already” sign for this week’s Fourth of July block party, I suggest everyone do the same, maybe with a picture of Scooter. Also, hang the American flag, upside down.
See freewayblooger.com for other good ideas. Let’s not let this fade away, action required. Flood the White House, your reps emails, whatever it takes.
So much worse than watergate…..
Do you really believe that there will be elections in 2008?
RevDeb @ 55
3 . . . 2 . . . 1. . . .
Aaaaarrrrgggghhhhh!
I just found out about this a couple of minutes ago & am so angry I am shaking.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 36
He’s planning on appealing it, definitely.
Which is the ray of hope here — Bush wanted to make sure Scooter could still plead the Fifth without actually putting him in legal jeopardy, but if the commutation is appealable, there still is a shot at justice.
This whole matter is over *unless* Fitz and his team resigns. Tomorrow, or next Monday.
ha HA! A thumping good victory for the royalists, eh, what?
One would think this would teach the common rabble to mind their own affairs and allow the monarch to rule as God intended.
(Ahem) Ah well, doubt it, sir. Doubt it very much – ruffians. Might one trouble you for a pinch of snuff?
(overheard from David Broder on news of Libby)
GeorgeSimian @ 51
Not really. 74% are a soft core bunch of idiots for tolerating this again and again and again.
gonna lurk now and try to eat some supper now that my pressure has come down – keep the outrage coming! somebody draw up a plan of action plz ;o)
OldCoastie @ 56
I think he prolly heard it, just didn’t think it was pretty darn good.
(sorry to speak for you caw caw.)
lolo @ 69
Ooh! Can’t wait for the link!
Can we impeach now?
George A. @ 77
NO!
Nothin Fitz can do about the sentence that was commuted- you can’t appeal a presidential action. That one’s all over. Fitz could go after Scoots again on another charge I suppose- but the prison term thing is over.
Frank33 @ 33
He could be re-nominated by the next Democratic President. I don’t see the Repubs voting against a Republican judge, nominated by Democrats, who was originally appointed by GWB. I think that he should resign; it would be a monumental statement and an incredibly patriotic thing to do.
Suppose we had put an impeachment investigation on the table weeks ago. Would the President have paid a heavier price for today? Would he have hestitated? If he had gone ahead, wouldn’t we be in better shape tonight, knowing that this would help move the country along?
Missed opportunity?
Is Bush in the White House tonight or up at Kennebunkport?
RevDeb @ 52
you might also recall that she dodged answering the question chris matthews tossed her during the dem debates about pardoning libby.
so she has been very beltway about this from the getgo.
Scottir @ 85
I’m looking forward to Broder and Cohen’s columns on how this is a great day for America and democracy…
psychohistorian @ 40
Sorry, it’s the Democrats who want to attack Iran … Clinton, Biden, etc. Bush just wants to finish out his term without getting impeached.
Eli @ 59
don’t think they can get away with that, at least on this particular issue…….given that they all to a man (?) said they thought the sentence was “excessive”
dmg @ 43
Wow that is pretty much the same progression I experienced. After failing to find the cone of silence I did go kick some rocks while taking deep breaths of fresh air. Now I’m just sighing but think I will still have a beer.
kemo @ 81
It would be madness for the only sane voice left in government to resign… learn from these a**holes, never resign, never quit!
barbara @ 66
That’s not rabid enoughl I’m MUCH angrier than that.
They knew Scooter would talk to prosecutors.
That’s the only reason for the massive campaign of talking heads, the defense fund, and now obstruction of justice by the president:
They knew Scooter would talk if he really was going to the tank. They could not afford to wait even one day after the court decision.
They are acting really scared.
egregious @ 31
So the spin cycle on the triangulation machine came to a halt in time for for Hilliary to fluff and fold.
George A. @ 79
If no elections in ‘08 gets people out in the street protesting with torches and pitchforks, i’ll take that trade. I’ll be out in the street.
Thank God the Matalins and the Toensings have already raised that $250k. The Felon Scoots is home free, as long as he doesn’t drive drunk or accidentally expose himself to children at the park or get caught with meth. Or lie again to a grand jury.
juslin @ 88
Fitz is going to appeal it. Unlike a pardon, this is appealable.
KO says Lieberman is right, it is partisan politics on the illegal wiretapping.
Partisan who support the constitution, and people like Lieberman.
Slothrop @ 94
WH.
Do you think that there could be other perjury charges that haven’t been exposed yet by Fitz?
Perjury charges toward Libby they held just for this reason?
jayt @ 44
I think you’re right. The Republicans have been lazy and have let the minority run with the issue. I think they’re in for a rude awakening.
Joe Lie the bronze for his comments on London yesterday as excuse for spying.
Sean Insanity the Silver for his flag waving concert coming up – sponsored by Hong Kong tourism board.
Chimpenfuhrer the Gold for commutation by press release. WORST PERSON IN THE WORLD! (he should retire the award)
Special comment tomorrow night calling on Bush and Cheney to both resign.
Scarecrow @ 92
NO! A new opportunity. But it has to happen in a hurry. Cause and effect (finally). Consequences (for a change). Fed up and rising.
W worst person in the world.
Special comment tomorrow night, calling on both Cheney and W to resign.
KO Special Comment tomorrow to call on W and Darth to resign.
KO just said he’s doing a special comment tomorrow night asking for Veep and Pres to resign! Woo hoo!!!!
back for a sec – KEITH ROCKS!!!
Chimperor
W.P. I. T. W.!!!!!
“In the name of God, Go.”
Special comment tomorrow calling on the two to resign.
rwcole @ 94
Fitz’ statement says straight out that he intends to “preserve” the convictions through the appeals process. Not get new ones, but preserve the original ones.
Keith just said he’ll have a special comment tomorrow night: calling on Bush and Cheney to resign.
…as in a travesty of a mockery of a sham of a mockery of a travesty of two mockeries of a sham…
Special Comment asking the Pres and Cheney to resign…tomorrow
Go KO
DrenchedOtter @ 108
Is this something that could turn off their stalwarts in the Christian Right?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 57
Amen, brother.
Olbermann just said on his show that he will have a special comment tomorrow night calling for Bush and Cheney TO RESIGN. Should be interesting.
KO with a Special Comment tomorrow. Calling on the Prez and VP to resign!!!!
Wowser!
Slothrop @ 92
kennebunkport.
you were expecting something else from our coward-in-chief?
Slothrop @ 92
He’s back in D.C. Martha Raddatz said he fled to D.C., then announced the commutation, leaving all the White House press corps up at Kennebunkport scrambling to get the details. Big surprise there.
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 102
It won’t be torches and pitchforks. It will be guns and mace.
Yep. I just hope that the Republicans don’t get away with claiming that Dubya was just some freakish aberration, nothing to do with them, and he’s gone now (in 2008) so it’s safe to vote for Republicans again.
I can certainly see that happening here in Indiana, where i get the impression that any anti-Republican sentiment is very Bush-specific.
We just ain’t all that bright ’round here.
KO promises a special commentary — torrrow??? — calling on Bush and Cheney to resign. hell, I did that months ago. They had their chance. I want them removed against their will. None of this honorable thing any more.
dakine01 @ 64
I love it, great comment!
KO. Special comment tomorrow. The President and G. W. Bush should both resign. Keith, be careful. Especially,do not eat weenies with Broder or Cohen.
Ahgoo @ 98
oh believe me, the beer helps.
snowbird42 @ 12
Dick Cheney: Go Cheney yourself you absolute criminal bastard! I am just too upset by this to think straight and I’m not usually one to want revenge, but I feel that we must work even harder to impeach this SOB.
Join dailykos-IMPEACH discussion group at Yahoo.com.
Let’s not give up.
PW
Yes- He will preserve the convictions- but part of the punishment is off the table now. Scooter will NOT go to jail. If Fitz wins the appeals- then scoots will have to pay the fine, lose his law license and got through probation- but the jail is now off the table and there’s nothin Fitz can do about it.
Phoenix Woman @ 104
No – this is not appealable. Fitz meant that Libby is going to continue his appeals to be completely exonorated and he (Fitz) will fight those appeals.
Keith Olbermann just announced on Countdown that tomorrow’s show will feature a Special Comment by him, calling on the president and the vice president to RESIGN.
Frank33 @ 132
And stay away from small planes…
b>DON”T PANIC
We all know that Bush is a complete incompetent extraordinaire. We’re also aware that everything he touches is an utter disaster. So this commutation folly will end up blowing up in his face. Given enough time, it’s very likely Pelossi while have to change her mind about impeachment.
KO just announced a special comment for tomorrows program, he will call for Bush and Cheney to resign
Jane you are an American treasure, I admire your courage and strength. It is at times like this that the Lake shines and the truth triumphs. I recently contributed to the Lake and will continue to do so on a bimonthly basis.
Phoenix Woman @ 106
Is that true, is commuting a sentence appealable?
TeddySanFran @ 115
In a just world, Keith Olbermann would anchor the CBS news, Rupert Murdoch would run a porn theatre, and Bill O’Reilly would be flipping burgers at a Jack in the Box.
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 102
Remember were paying mercenary’s in Iraq and they are loyal to Bush and Cheney. Also the new DOD bill gives Bush the right too use the National Guard against American Citizens.
We all may have too take to the streets.
Hence the smirk.
The jailer must have been knocking at the Scoot-man’s door or Karl would have waited until the Friday News Dump..
PW: I don’t read that to mean Fitz will appeal anything. He will just be there to defend against Libby’s appeals…
Reading these posts:
Our anger is palatable.
Our outrage is bone-deep, but,
Our spirits are strong. Stronger than anything they throw at us.
We are the People. This administration and its supporters have broken and spat upon our laws. What they do not understand is that they cannot and will not break our spirit, thus, the spirit of this country.
No- commuting a sentence is not appealable.
It’s Libby who is appealing his conviction- he’s STILL a convicted felon- and he would like that judgement reversed.
They’ve been dumping and resigning so much on Friday night that it’s expected these days. The new Friday dump is the Monday dump…
neurophius @ 134
If only…(sigh)
rwcole @ 136
How about boosting the fines and making the law license loss permanent? Is that possible?
Slothrop @ 146
It’s all a dump. Do you think we can get a BFI truck to haul off the dumpster that is the WH?
KO making mel augh. People are playing the Larry King/Paris interview backwards for clues. BWA HA HA
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 73
I think that Cheney statement is fairly old. I believe it was released either when Scooter was first convicted or at his sentencing. I’d wager that Cheney is going to be extremely undisclosed for the rest of the week. Fuck’im.
Everyone’s been posting MSNBC’s poll about Libby, CNN now has one up too. That one’s only at 80% against. Go vote.
I got EPU’d downstairs. My ? was: Can anyone direct me to TeddySanFran’s tutorial on letter writing? teddy?
Assessing the tone of Mr. Fitzgerald’s statement, the view here is that he is upset. Smarty pants Rove and the smug Dick may have made a mistake today.
lolo @ 68
lolo!!!! I’ve been missing you, sweets!
Hope there’s a clip of Marcy, I missed it. What did she say?
Well, NARAL just called asking for money at exactly the wrong moment. I managed to (politely) get some of my anger at what happened today out of my system by explaining all about Joementum to the very nice man who called (I told him all about “short ride” to explain exactly why I was no longer donating to NARAL). He kept saying “wait a minute – what did Lieberman say? And the national office supported him?!” And by the end of the call he thanked me profusely for all of the information. I don’t think he’ll be working with them again.
PW—The punishment part of the trial is over- the punishment will stand as the judge declared- except for the prison term that just got erased. The Law license issue is a state matter. It will be done according to Virginia procedures. If Libby wins on appeal, of course, then he would certainly retain his law license.
Please, divine grace, let the next President appoint Fitz as Attorney General.
utahgirl
All that ‘no underlying crime’ bullshit narrative has served its purpose, this action by Bush fits perfectly within that.
As long as the NeoCons can craft a ‘narrative’ that provides cover for their actions they will continue to break every law,
so long as they can ‘create their own reality’ as justification.
George A. @ 139
Remember were paying mercenary’s in Iraq and they are loyal to Bush and Cheney. Also the new DOD bill gives Bush the right too use the National Guard against American Citizens.
We all may have too take to the streets.
Which DOD bill???
My mom is in jail for 9 years for selling drugs. She never outed a CIA operative or put CIA agents at risk or lied to the FBI or obstructed an investigation.
Whose sentence is excessive?
pwrlght @ 137
No it’s not. Right now Scooter is still a convicted felon. He is still under a sentence of 2 years probation and a fine of $250,000.
Libby is appealling his conviction. PatFitz is saying that he will not lay down and play dead for the appeal.
I will be in Christy’s area tomorrow afternoon and I am going to see if I can round up a couple of old friends to drive to DC and stand in front of the People’s House and protest this mockery of justice. Since I’ll be flying tomorrow I will be hopeful that someone with more wherewithal than me organizes something more meaningful and I will gladly join in.
Zee @ 147
y’know, I love to see that as a good thing…….but I don’t. I see it as a ludicrously futile gesture. Like in Bush Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, when they are totall screwed and surrounded, and one of them says something like, there’s gotta be some way out of this…..and the other says, “Well, they could surrender to us, but I wouldn’t count on that.”
Bush just welded himself to Libby. He’s basically confirmed that it’s a crime family, not an administration.
Fitz has to be blowing steam out his neck. I think I can hear Walton screaming from over here, too. Bush has pissed upon the justice department and the judiciary from a very great height, only it’s no longer a metaphor. Libby hasn’t even had his appeal start. This goes against all sorts of codified commutation procedure.
Quite a change from when he said that he was going to spare no effort to get to the bottom of the Plame outing, and whoever bore responsibility would be turned out of the administration.
If it had been Clinton doing this, Buchanan’s americans would have been out in the streets with their pitchforks and torches, looking for a little rough justice.
I thought Bush would wait until after the election for the pardon. Maybe he was giving Putin an object lesson in how real democracy practice justice.
But this is up there with the wisdom of Solomon. Apparently, Libby can still claim the 5th for other court proceedings, so Bush can stay insulated. Expect an ‘attaboy’ from the WSJ in about 10 seconds.
So, now the task is to weld this act to every last republican running for office. Any questions remaining about the impact of elections?
Oh, yeah, we’ll also have to put down the palace coup when they decide to pull a Reichstag, expand the war to Iraq, or decide that just because any democrat that can fog a mirror will sweep the election, they just don’t feel like leaving the White House. The mask has slipped and Bush just signaled that he’s happy to fight a ground war, retreating right up to the last bunker, surrender’s not an option. He’s been concerned about his legacy – I hadn’t thought that he intends to outdo Nero.
February, 2009 is just too long to wait.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 128
And this very flipped off press corps will continue to do his bidding.
Just got in. Cowardice. Bush is a coward of the deepest and most despicable kind. He shows once again that the law is for chumps. IOKIYAR. This was the tough guy. The governor who never saw a death sentence he didn’t like. Drug offenders? He threw away the key, this despite his own dubious history of substance abuse.
The Constitution he has kicked around for six years. Habeas corpus, torture, kangaroo courts, illegal wiretapping, and illegal wars, he never hesitated from any of these. But lying and obstruction in a good cause like protecting Cheney’s ass, well that’s OK. That’s alright because this country is not about democracy or justice anymore. It is about the haves and have mores. The rest of us are serfs. We don’t count.
So Libby the meticulous lawyer, Libby the national security expert outs a covert agent, knowing it is against the law, knowing that it damages national security, but it’s OK because Libby is a Republican and as we are all coming to learn Republicans are not like the rest of us. If any of us had done what Libby did, we would already be in jail. Bush, Cheney, and Republicans everywhere would be calling us traitors and demanding the harshest punishment possible. But Libby is a Republican so he gets the best defense that money can buy courtesy of his rich protectors. He gets a get of jail card from Bush or at least the sock puppet version of Bush that Cheney uses. He gets a future of wingnut welfare. And he gets to act the victim, the martyr, for the country, for the cause.
I would love to hear Pelosi say that impeachment is back on the table. It is the only way we are going to stop them from trashing our country, our values, our Constitution, and our laws.
That’s not worth Fitz’s time. Anyone could do that. He must walk away from this, or this just fades.
for those of you who remember, the rage that came swarming across the dark fields of the republic after the saturday night massacre were enough to spell the end of the nixon administration.
it’s too early for me to tell — especially as juiced as i am — but it feels like there
might be the spark of something like that here. in some way, perhaps the dems will get spines, repubs will get disgusted, the people (those not on vacation or out to lunch) will voice their disapproval, and maybe you finally see some traction against the bushites.
on the other hand, as ko noted, this came at the start of an extended july fourth holiday, giving outrage time to dissipate into yesterday’s news when people finally start returning from wherever they’ve been.
my money says nothing happens. but my heart, so pained, aches for something big.
dmg @ 125
I thought I heard he left Kennebunkport, his statement was released (while he was in the air) and then he snuck into the WH, avoiding the press.
A drive-by comment:
I’ve been working very long hours lately and have not read a blog or listened to news for 2 weeks. I am utterly disgusted to read this turn of events tonight. But what can I expect from a bunch of certified crooks, war profiteers and liars!
Thank you Fitz for fighting for the American people!
Please FDL, et al — keep up the good fight for us!!!
They need to impeach Gonzo and Cheney and Bush. NOW!!!!!
Oklahoma kiddo @ 155
Here’s the thing about that. Fitz is not going to charge just cuz he’s pissed. He needs concrete evidence. And he has said before that he didn’t have that. Why would he have it now?
barbara @ 47
I think sackcloth and ashes would be appropriate. Maybe torn (”rent”) garments, as well.
Perhaps flags this July 4th should all be at half mast: either for the troops killed in GWB’s hell-hole, or for the rape of our democracy, or both.
Bob in HI
new thread
Can anyone comment as to the significance of Fitz’s statement? IANAL, but it seems to me that he walks right up to the line of saying Bush is a lying sack of excrement.
The issuance of a statement would appear to be discretionary — he could’ve stayed mum. While hated and publicly maligned by the Scooter Defense Forces, he hadn’t bent the rules to persecute Scooter — he’d played it straight, by-the-book. He might not have ever gotten a plum Republican assignment in future, but he probably wouldn’t have been actively harassed for the rest of his life.
Now, that’s not the case. He just painted a big bullseye on his back, and we all know a certain gun-wielding fellow with a bit of a vindictive streak…
Helen @ 23
Guiliani – ‘A deranged nutcase’.
SadieSue @ 157
Good for you. I played that card months ago. Haven’t heard from NARAL since. Good riddance.
Hugh @ 168
The key here is not “Republican” – the key here is “loyal Bushie”. Scooter got convicted of committing a crime on Dubya’s behalf. *That’s* what makes him bulletproof.
Frankly I was surprised that Clusterfuck waited this long to rescue Libby. He was apparently hoping that the courts would take it out of his hands- but they didn’t- so he acted. He had to figure that a holiday week would be the very best time to trample the justice system one more time and rescue one of his own from the righteous legal punishment he had coming.
Has anyone on the Blogosphere proposed a course of action whereby those of us who are outraged can most effectively protest Bush’s abominable commutation of Scooter Libby’s prison sentence?
I have already e-mailed my Congresswoman and posted a comment on a Democratic Party blog. The White House is not accepting comments. I’m working on a letter to the editor of my local paper. What should we be doing to bring more public attention to the Bush Administration’s utter corruption and contempt for our system of justice? Has anyone organized any form of collective action?
So much for “Independence Day” and our democracy. And our ‘elected leaders’ still refuse to put impeachment back on the table. It just really feels like the America we love has been tortuously put to death. If there is a god, may he have mercy upon the soul that was our proud and independent, democratic country.
im4mary @ 184
Today is constitutional memorial day.
Dan Abrams just completely shot down all of the Rethuglican’s ridiculous talking points. Brilliant!
I am not surprised, just disappointed. Extremely disappointed.
And that’s all I have to say about that.
(re GW Gump)
SnarKassandra @ 162
I’m sorry, SnarKassandra. I hope the next administration helps your mom out.
SnarKassandra-it just makes me want to cry.
DrenchedOtter @ 188
Thanks. I wrote a letter to Bush comparing Scooter’s sentence and my mom’s.
I think that the Washington people have ALWAYS had a different point of view on the Libby thing. They thought that Libby was doin what foot soldiers on both sides have always done- taken bullets for the boss- and that he shouldn’t end up in jail for it- cause any of THEM would have done it too had they been in that situation.
People outside DEECEE think that’s total raving bullshit.
It took Jeb Stuart Magruder 30 years to admit that Nixon ordered the Watergate break-in of Democrat party headquarters. I hope it does not take that long to get confirmation Mr. George W. Bush’s criminal actions while in office. I have always thought that Bush is a co-conspirator in the outing of Plame and those who were indirectly outed.
Ultimately, I think this will do more good than seeing Libby in orange. It should solidfy the 30 percent or so of the indepentent or undecidied voting population which currently thinks ill of Bush et al. Provided the 30 percent who are Democrats, don’t split over a divisive primary and stay home or vote for a spoiler, that should mean a Democratic victory in 2008.
There isn’t enough lipstick in the whole world to change the face of this odious move.
Well, George the W. pulled out one of the tent pegs of the Republic tonight. As if we needed any (further) confirmation of his — and Vice-Emperor Cheney’s — abiding contempt for the Constitution and the rule of law.
Let’s hope someone can convince Madame Speaker that impeachment should be slapped down on the table, now.
SnarKassandra @ 190
you go, Girl.
You and other young folks like you are the best hope we have.
I suspect that this really calls for a full blown post, but let me get this out in public right now.
Congress can give Libby immunity and compell his testimony. If Libby refuses to talk, he goes back into the slammer. If he talks and lies, he has new obstruction beef.
Firepups, there are still cards left to play. If Congress can get their shit together in time to play them before Cheney claims all the chips on the p*ker table.
Darlin’s it ain’t over if we don’t quit.
Now, how can we get some guidance to our beloved legislators?
Mary McCurnin @ 161
The 2007 DOD bill that Bush signed. I would have too relook it up, but if you google DOD revision it might come up. I think its also mention under Martial Law google near the bottom.
yellowdogD @ 179
Guiliani, stay in New York. Thompson, stay in Hollywood. Anyone else want to comment?
DrenchedOtter @ 187
We let you down, Cassie. I’m sorry. We’ll have to try harder. Can I use your quote, without the name? It’s the most important thing said tonight.
You know what Cassie? You should have begun your letter with “Dear President Bush, Remember when you used to buy drugs? Perhaps you bought them from my mother”
These guys are fuckin criminals. They know that they have enough power to hide from any punishment that might come their way. They know that they will NEVER be held accountable for anything.
Clusterfuck- the no accountability president.
If he ever mentions the word again- he must be laughed and cursed from the dias.
SnarKassandra @ 162
You speak truth. Who will believe? Never stop.
Scarecrow @ 198
You can use it with the name. But not my city and state.
I send a weekly email to the white house comments@whitehouse.gov and president@whitehouse.gov emails just to register my disgust with the weekly trangressions. I highly recommend it, it’s very therapeutic.
I’ve sent about 25 of them today, just on this topic. Do you think I’m on the no-fly list yet?! :)
SnarKassandra @ 202
Okay.
PMA @ 193
Only if the Democrats nominate a Democrat. If they nominate a Republican like Hillary, they’ll be handing the race to the GOP.
Helen @ 200
The timing is wrong, but OK.
I was driving on the 210 Foothill Fwy. today when I heard this news on the radio. I was’nt surprised. My first thought was poor Jane and Christy. They are going to have a bitter rest of the day. Don’t let it spoil your holiday ladies and be proud of the great work you did covering and analyzing this case.
DrenchedOtter @ 186
Yes and your mother never put probably 1,000s of informants at risk who live in countries where there’s summary capitol punishment or endangered an operation that took years and money to put into place. Or compromised this country’s national security re: WMD
I am very, very disgusted. This country has been betrayed once again. I am sure Chimpy’s texas administration sent people to jail for more time on less account.
Now that the NeoCons/A*P*C have taken care of Libby they can move on to their top priority…bombing Iran. They have already started the campaign of disinformation.
~~~ModNote: Edited for content to clear filters.~~~
valletta @ 203
Do you use your real name and your address and stuff?
Fuckin shithead president- pathetic excuse for a human being- “Lord Lord” shoutin- Jesus flingin pissant and hypocritical bastard- Cursed be the womb that bore thee and the teats that gave thee suck.
Black arm bands for the fourth?
Eli @ 180
It’s not just Bush. To say it is is to let so many off the hook for what has been happening in this country the last 6 years. It’s not just Bush or his Administration. It’s the Republicans in the Congress. When they were in the majority, they refused to conduct any oversight and rubberstamped every piece of legislation that Bush and his diseased minions came up with. Now in the minority they continue to obstruct at every turn. It is their loyal shills in the media who continue to flog whatever manure this Administration is shoveling. It is not just Bush and the Bushies.
Ya think Kucinich’s Cheney impeachment resolution might be getting a few more cosigners?
SnarKassandra @ 162
I am sorry for you Kassandra. It is difficult to be young and not have your mother but selling drugs is illegal. Just because Libby is getting away with his crime is not a reason to excuse other crimes.
SnarKassandra @ 206
By the way – I loved your letter. Like I’ve said to you before;l I wish I was half as smart as you when I was your age.
So the rich powerful bastards break the law of the land and not a drop of shit sticks to em- again…Makes ya wanna PUKE!
Ed Deevy @ 209
That’s already started for more than a year now.
gbear @ 152
Youre right — this comment is on the whitehouse.gov site under “vice president.” … I guess he was confused and thought when the verdict was handed down that he still was part of the executive branch… or they just had a spiffier web site than the legislative gang.
jon @ 213
Had only 11 this morning. Looking for a bump!!
Hugh @ 213
My point is that Dubya would only pardon a “loyal Bushie”, convicted in the line of loyal Bushieing. Not, say, an Abramoff or a DeLay or Doolittle, even if they are loyal Bushies.
Kucinich dances a lonely dance- in the moonlight,
pwright @ 212
I know she has a problem and I know it is illegal, but she had a parole hearing and we asked the court if they can send her to a psych hospital or a rehab or someplace where she can start to get better instead of just being angry all the time in jail.
Just curious if anyone on the net has tagged Dick Cheney with the obvious moniker President of Vice?
pwright @ 214
I think the talk is about double standards. Two sets of sentencing. One for the little people, like us and Snarkassandra’s mom, and then one for the Scooter Libby’s.
And let’s not forget that the underlying cause of Scooter Libby’s sentence is actually treason.
infoshaman @ 210
Sounds right. And inverted flags.
Oilfieldguy @ 225
ooo that is obvious
I sent this to my Congressperson, Chris van Hollen, with the comment that while I can think of a hundred reasons not to impeach Bush & Cheney, I have two children who deserve to live in a nation that respects the rule of law and have changed my mind:
Thanks to Kagro X for sharing this at Daily Kos.
Is my comment way up in the middle stuck in moderation because you guys are anti-prayer or something?
IMPEACH!
REVOLT!!
PROTEST!
DO SOMETHING.
DO IT NOW, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!!!
Oilfieldguy @ 227
I believe Maureen Dowd is just calling him “Vice”. (Because he was claiming not to be part of the Exec Branch, therefore excising the “President”…)
Sparkles the Iguana @ 230
Your comment exceeded the policy of FDL concerning violence and was rejected in moderation.
Sparkles the Iguana @ 232
I like mine mo’ betta.
President of Vice Dick Cheney.
The Lurking Mod @ 233
Right-o, Justice Roberts.
pwright @ 212
Ummm. Before you get jumped on …
Kassie’s perfectly valid point is, I think, not that there should be NO consequences for selling drugs, but that
9 years for selling (I am guessing that Kassie’s mother was not a major node in the traffic) what harmed a small number of people who were making their own choices to buy
versus
30 months (and now 0 months) for multiple felonies obstructing an investigation into a case with national security implications and all kinds of collateral damage AND is called “excessive” by POTUS
does certainly raise the question:
is 30 months really excessive for the second crime, and why are the yardsticks so very different?
Many of us have been here for a LONG time- straining at every detail of this case. Cheney was dead in the sights- but he got off scott free. Rove outed an agent and lied about it- and got off scott free- only Libby, Libby, Libby remained- until he got off scott free….
As cynical as I am. As disgustingly human hating cynical- I was not cynical enough for this situation.
behindthefall @ 236
Right on!
Oilfieldguy @ 224
Pogo from the mid-50s: “I’m for President! Who’s for Vice?”
rwcole @ 237
John Dean seems to think that both Congress and Fitz can still investigate that “cloud.” And should.
mui @ 225
I agree mui that the damage Bush and his band of co-conspirators by the blatant special treatment given to Libby in immense and unfair. If I had lied to a grand jury in 2004 I KNOW I would be in jail right now but I don’t think that is a reason to excuse others illegal activity.
I also say that as someone who thinks many of the drugs laws in this country are crazy. I have yet to figure how marijuana is so much worse than alcohol.
So, a Firepup cogently pointed out earier that Bush can merely commute the sentence now, and then also pardon Scooter in 2009 upon leaving office. So, he can posture for now about having “let the conviction stand.” How fucking Noble of him.
Sux. Totally sux.
Cheneymail at work here. Shooter surely has major dirt on Presidunce Dodo. The conspiracy to obstruct justice here is seamless. Nice work, Dick.
Libby will be sharing offices with Paul Wolfowitz at the AEI by next week.
Fortunately, he should not be back in a law firm or in govt. His convictions stand; they relate to lying and obstructing justice, so his bar admissions should be revoked or suspended. For the same reason, no rational govt would allow him a security clearance.
Doesn’t mean the AEI and speaking fees won’t keep him in the millions he intended to become accustomed to after his govt service. No doubt, he’ll also pick up substantial consulting fees for helping Big Dick and Shrub write their memoirs. (Though even that should be restricted, since much of the material will be still be classified before publication.) But he should no longer be able to practice law or advise govts.
BEWARE Bush curing even these liabilities of Libby by pardoning him before he leaves office. Rumor has it Shrub’s pretty good at the ole Texas two-step.
mui
I love Dean- but he’s been giving us perfectly fine fine legal theories for years- that never amount to one piece of shit.
He does not do sober practical analysis.
Slothrop @ 13
Yes indeed.
I was able to see Pat and his team in action almost every day of the trial as they worked to provide justice. They and Judge Walton were truly impressive. Their belief in the law was clear and shining. Bush has exposed himself, and most Americans are sickened by his arrogance.
I was going to quote Pat in a comment, so even though Jane beat me to it, here it is again—
“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….Mr. Libby remains convicted by a jury of serious felonies, and we will continue to seek to preserve those convictions…”
That’s the basic principle, the article of faith, the on-going struggle to provide equal justice. No justice, no peace.
On my letter, I just attached a photo of Bush burning the constitution.
pwrlght @ 241
Noone’s excusing illegal activity. We’re just not buying dbl-standards.
I too have a problem figuring out how marijay is worse than alcohol. I’m not a smoker, but I’ve heard of harsh sentences handed out in parts of the country for that too.
rwcole @ 244
He’s a good cheerleader. That’s worth lot. Don’t know if I agree that his analysis always amounts to one piece of shite though.
I think Fitzgerald took a walk on this.
His statement speaks to me of a man whose boss commits a murder, upon which he tells the boss that killing is wrong just so that he can keep the pretense of dignity.
He should be calling the cops.
jon @ 215
Do not think so.
SnarKassandra @ 247
Not bad I’m wondering if you should include bullet points. Like “my mother did not:
–compromise the security of this country by outing an agent heading investigation into WMDs in Iran.
–Compromise the lives of informers and agents who might have lived in places where there is summary capitol punishment.
&tc. And compare crimes, motives and sentences. It would be devasting. Hard to do. My sympathies for you and your family Snarkassandra.
Charles @ 249
What police??
What does “take a walk” mean?
rwcole @ 244
Yeah – I quote him all the time, but mostly cuz he makes me feel better, not because what he says may come true.
Here’s the “freewayblogger” sign that I’m making this week:
US Dead: 3584
US Wounded : 25,830
Cost of War: $439,737,201,375
Impeachment : Priceless
And I’m putting it up at the end of my street on the Fourth, just in time for the block party.
Charles @ 249
And the cops are who?
correction at 254:
Iraqi Dead: ?
I got an e-mail from Ramsey Clark earlier this evening. Impeachbush.org is doing a march on September 15 in DC. They’re trying to raise money for it now. The e-mail didn’t mention any other groups. I’m sure this will grow.
mui @ 251
I did. Looks better. Thanks.
Now THIS is excessive:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19187950/
I am so fucking tired of the authoritarian assholes in charge.
Scooter free, mom in jail. Welcome to your new America.
SharonRB @ 257
September is REALLY far away. What are we doing in July?
of course, as dan abrams noted on msnbc, if Bush was concerned about an “excessive” sentence, he simply could have reduced it, rather than tossed all of the jail time.
Cassie, I admire your letter. Thank you for that.
Nixon broke the fuckin law- Ford pardoned him.
Ronnie and half his cabinet broke the fuckin law- Bush the elder pardoned their asses…
Cheney, Rove, Libby, and Bush himself broke the law- Bush hid em- made excuses for em- and in the end, pardoned the only one who got nailed….
Fitz is no fuckin hero- he knew who the fuck he was up against- there was no way he was going to win unless he aimed high- hit hard- and kicked the shit out of these fuckers. If it were Cheney who Bush needed to pardon- or Rove- then there would be shit all over him- but NO- Fitzy played it safely- Fitzy didn’t go for any BIG charges- Fitzy didn’t try to indict Rove or Cheney- Fitz played it safe and close to the vest – and got the shit kicked out of him for his troubles…”The Untouchables”—Just like a WOP bringin a knife to a gunfight”
I have no confidence in any of these fuckers. It’s a game- a big fuckin game- and whether the blue shirts or the red shirts win—no one really loses.
SnarKassandra @ 258
You rock!
I’m shaking with rage at Bush letting Scooter skate.
I served in the U.S. Air Force Security Service years ago, top-secret clearance, reporting to DIRNSA (Director, NSA), and saw a whole lot of top-secret materials while serving overseas during the Vietnam War.
If I’d disclosed the identity of a covert CIA agent, blowing her cover and her front-company cover, leading to the outing of a whole slew of other covert CIA agents and their contacts (besides endangering their families), I’d have either been shot by a firing squad or would still be serving time in Leavenworth.
But Scooter skates, after participating in a major national security breach, causing irreparable damage to our country.
He lied and obstructed justice to hide the criminal conspiracy that originated in the inner, corrupt bowels of the White House, attempting to cover for his criminal co-conspirators, like Dick Cheney, Karl Rove, George W. Bush, David Addington, Ari Fleischer, and a whole lot of other Republicans in the White House who participated in this criminal act.
Of course, Bush will pardon Scooter after the November 2008 elections, along with a whole lot of rotten Republican officials in his administration. These will preemptive pardons, kind of like the corrupt Kentucky Republican governor did several years ago.
And this will be the ultimate Bush legacy…getting his name into the Guinness Book of Records for having pardoned more people than any previous president, serving as a testament to how much corruption there actually is in the Bush mal-administration.
Nighty, night everyone.
rwcole, do not be too hard on John Dean.
Snarkassandra. Your letter’s brilliant.
Now it really seems appropriate that Captain America is scheduled to meet his doom this week! Happy 4th of July America!
I am spitting nails… just emailed every news outlet I could; emailed Pelosi telling her that bush & cheney have to go; also emailed Conyers telling him to keep investigating!
Hell of a thing!
mui @ 266
Good night.
valletta @ 204
Best you hope not. Paul Wellstone was.
The Anonymous Liberal:
http://www.anonymousliberal.com/
Sparkles the Iguana @ 268
Our country has become a banana republic. What else could it be with a chimp in charge?
Ok. So my sister called me at 5:45 to tell me. I am physically ill from hearing the news.
I have said it once and I will say it again. Nothing short of impeachment for this administration. We cannot let the world think this is acceptable. Period.
The only silver lining is the mud that Bush’s actions also splashes over the whole stinking heap of Rethuglicans who kept this maladministration propped up so long. Let’s help the Democratic candidates keep the memory of today alive as they stomp the pitiful remnants of the GOP into smithereens in ‘08…THEN we’ll pray the new batch of Dem leaders has the principle and honesty to keep this damn cycle from repeating and reversing in ‘16.
Priscilla, Queen of the Beach @ 164
I recommend sackcloth and ashes as the appropriate garb.
Bob in HI
MsAnnaNOLA @ 272
I agree. So, let’s get some action going. Something that all firedoglakers, and by extention, bloggers everywhere can do, tangibly, this 4th of July.
Hang the flag upside down?
Impeach sign on the lawn/balcony/front door?
Something that’s easy and visible. A wave of impeachment mojo.
Any other ideas?
Jane has a new one up.
Firedoglake should go after Tucker Carlson until he publicly admits on air that his father, Ambassador Richard Carlson, is an active member of the Scooter Libby Defense Fund who will in effect be writing the check to pay off the $250,000 fine for Scooter Libby. In the interest of public disclosure and fairness in reporting, Tucker should come clean as to the real reason Tucker said this is all “Bullshit” to David Shuster after he clearly and plainly explained why Scooter Libby was convicted of several felonies and deserved to serve his jail sentence. I watched the segment again at MSNBC.com and was apalled at the way Tucker reacted to Shuster’s straightforward reporting. Tucker should be held to account why he is expessing his apologistic views for Scooter Libby and reveal his family ties to this case that has certainly influenced his views on air.
Anyone else get a whiff of Fitz’s Irish temper coming through his statement?
The entire statement REEKS of rage, and justifiable too. Here’s a man who really BELIEVES in “truth, justice and the American way” and the thug in the White House just told him none of that is true.
Goddamn it. Let’s take to the streets. Let’s fly the flag half-mast on the 4th. Above all, let’s DO something…write your your Congresspeople…about impeachment. Before this, I wasn’t sure how I felt about impeachment…not because I don’t want the criminals out of Our House, god kows. But because I thought it would be an exercise i futility. I have now officially changed my mind.
The American people should be able to grasp the simple concept that Libby was saved from jail so he wouldn’t talk. As in Bush is quilty as sin.
This is certainly no worse than the interminable list of Bush/Cheney criminal acts throughout the past 6 and half years- beginning with the 2000 coup d’etat, and again the theft of the 2004 election, the launching of an illegal invasion in Iraq, the abolition of habeas corpus, Guantanamo violations of human rights, Abu G. torture, outsourcing torture, Schiavo, etc etc.
How come these bastards are still in power?
Bush/Cheney and Co. : unrepentant criminals and traitors! Impeach NOW!
One would hope that the Democrats in Congress would/could do something but appartently the testicle transplant performed at the last election didn’t take. I’m affraid all we can hope for from the likes of Leahy, Pelosi, Reid, Conyers, Waxman et al are more strongly worded letters.
I agree with Julie @279. Please advise as to what concrete measures we can take. It can’t be enough to reiterate how awful it is, we need to do something.
I can tell you I’m getting emails from other military families like myself and they are every bit as outraged as the special prosecution team.
Glad to see such a strong statement, it was greatly appreciated.
Thanks for having Judge Walton’s back, Special Counsel Fitzgerald and team.
Stone-cold fury time. Time to deliver your true statement and what’s left of justice by way of your appeal response – all in good time. Excellent job of proactively standing your ground. We all feel for you after the long, hard slogging of this investigation and trial, as Jane says so well in this post – and I’m sure your DOJ colleagues throughout the nation do so in spades. But you did it, and you do it, not for this corrupt president who appointed you and heads the branch of government in which you serve, but for the American people and our rule of law – and we know it. You are public servants patriotically upholding your oaths of office and the Constitution on our behalf, in difficult circumstances and against great odds, and we are extremely grateful for your dedicated service.
Bush’s sneering contempt for, and refusal to honor, his own sworn oath to “faithfully execute” his office in accordance with the Constitution – especially when, as here, his fellow lawbreakers threaten to turn state’s evidence against him – was flagrantly revealed today as a direct result of the resounding victory for the government delivered by a unanimous Appeals Panel at mid-day. A Circuit Court ruling that reflects the excellent work of Judge Walton and his staff, and the content-loaded motion response delivered under the duress of a very short timeline by the government. That hard-won ruling, denying Libby’s attempts to assert that an independent DOJ prosecutor is somehow unConstitutional and therefore a ‘close’ question on appeal, stands untarnished by the subsequent abuse of power delivered by the occupant of the Executive Office of the President. The members of the government’s prosecution team have done their job, done it very, very well, and should continue to stand tall in principled opposition to our corrupt Executive Branch leadership.
The ball is absolutely now in the court of our Legislative Branch of government. Independence Day would be a damn good day for our legislators to finally declare and reclaim their independence from the unAmerican, out of control Executive Branch leadership, and to announce that they will now act accordingly by at long last asserting the full measure of the Legislative Branch’s inherent Constitutional powers to check and rein in the now-unrestrained men of bad faith who remain in charge of the Executive Branch and the Armed Forces of this nation.
I haven’t even read all the comments. I’m too disheartened. But I will say that Fitz is the hero in this. He stood tall for the law. We might think it’s a wash, but if nothing else matters, history will prove Cheney evil. And shrub his subservient lapdog. Let’s not let the history books lie, okay?
What bothers me most in this is the idea promoted in the “president’s” statement that Scooter’s reputation is so much more precious than ours that damage to it is punishment enough for him. What about the reputation of every “nobody” who has been imprisoned for lesser crimes? Slap in the face, y’all. To all of us.
looseheadprop @ 196
Well, I heard that Congress is on vaca this week. We can all pay our Congress-people a little visit! Wouldn’t that be nice! Just line up! Everywhere! Sorry, I have to go to Jackson, MS for the 4th of July!
Ford Prefect @ 138
Just swuffed this off to Speaker Pelosi:
More tomorrow
Scooter Libby is a true hero.
He understood that his superiors, Bush and Cheney, are thoroughly unprincipled and unscrupulous men, and he was willing to cast aside his own principles and values and go to whatever lengths necessary to stop in its tracks any investigation that could have uncovered their misdeeds.
That he was caught in his lies and obstruction is a minor failing. His true intent was protecting his dark masters.
One positive step to take:
Support the Wilsons and their lawsuit
http://www.wilsonsupport.org/
I just don’t have enough cuss words for all this.
End the Two Party System.
Fark Scooter and Marc Rich, and Bush_Clinton_Bush.
Ron Paul 2008.
donate. donate. donate.
Isn’t the point that Bush by using the term “excessive” means that Libby did not deserve ANY time in the slammer and therefore Bush’s syntax bears some scrutiny. If one day of slammer time for Libby is excessive as held by Bush then under what basis would the Judge have reached that conclusion under the fed sentencing guidelines. What I suggest is that the wiser heads on this site now analyze how the Judge could have given zero slammer time under the sentencing guidelines.
What Bush actually stated was that slammer time for Libby was “inappropriate” not “excessive”.