I saw this over at Salon.com the other day:
I once interviewed a retired B-52 driver who said that, at the depth of the cold war, Strategic Air Command pilots took comfort in knowing that if they ever received the “go-codes” they could be certain of one thing — their country had been horribly damaged by an attack. “Because we knew,” he said, “that the United States would never start a war. We knew we always had the moral high ground.”
“The moral high ground.”
Jesus, how long has it been since the US could honestly say that? (I know: About six and a half years.)
We used to be proud of how we didn’t torture and rape political prisoners — how in fact we didn’t HAVE any political prisoners. And now?
Now, as Glenn Greenwald documents in exquisite detail, we do all that and more.
Which is why we have to please keep making those phone calls on behalf of the bill to restore habeas corpus (H.R. 2826 is the current House bill; in the Senate, it’s S. 185 ):
1 (800) 828 – 0498
1 (800) 459 – 1887
1 (800) 614 – 2803
1 (866) 340 – 9281
1 (866) 338 – 1015
1 (877) 851 - 6437
You know what to do. Thank you.
Related posts:
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- The High Price of Snowe
- Jobless Rate Hits 26-Year High: Does Obama Have an Economic Team? Where’s Their Jobs Program?
- Late Night: But Will This Solve Those High School Lesbian Bathroom Attacks?
- CBO: Public Option Would Do Too Good A Job Of Providing High Quality, Low Hassle Health Insurance
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First!
2nd
Lots of letters and phone calls to make tomorrow!!!!!
And letters to the Editor, too!
Bob in HI
Bush 2000 Flashback:
“So when I put my hand on the Bible, I will swear to not only uphold the laws of our land, I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God.”
“In my administration, we will ask not only what is legal but what is right. Not just what the lawyers allow, but what the public deserves.”
For the history, see:
“Neither Right Nor Legal: Libby and the Bush 2000 Standard.”
It’s been a whole hell of a lot longer than six years.
Maybe Bush could just commute all the detainees’ sentences.
Well, if they *had* sentences…
second?
ImpeachBush.com
Help support the September 15th march in Washington
Wasn’t going until I heard about Scooter.
Going now. Anyone else?
Time to hang the flag upside down and signal the country’s distress. Read the Declaration of Independence at every 4th of July picnic, fireworks display, and in front of every courthouse. It’s time to take the country back, while there is a country left.
The clock is ticking, and the fuse is lit on this time bomb that is aimed straight for the Constitution. There is nothing that will stop these madmen save impeachment and conviction. it is the duty of patriots and citizens to protect and to defend the Constitution.
Poor Phoenix Woman. Forever saddled with the ‘first non-Scooter post on 7-2-07′ tag.
I still love you PW.
The entire declaration of Independence will be read on air at the HORN at 6pm tomorrow.
I think it’s been a lot longer than 6 and a half years. Has the US ever really held the moral high ground? There have been some great moments — emancipation, desegregation, the New Deal and Great Society — but in general we’ve been as free of morals as any other imperial power.
Balrog @ 10
Heh. I think I had the first non-Scooter post after he was convicted. I feel her pain…
use the same numbers to protest the Libby commutation — and urge impeachment, if you believe in that.
multiple years for Padilla without a lawyer, accompanied by extensive torture? No Problem.
30 months for four felonies found by a real-live jury, imposed by a real-live Republican judge within the courts of the United States – *way* too harsh.
Yeah, I get it.
TexB @ 10
They do this on the 4th from the balcony next to Faneuil Hall in Boston. It will have special meaning this year.
Thanks Phoenix Woman. I need to get to bed it is nearly 2 AM and withut your transition I would hang on longer.
Ok Did Scooter say, this is it…either keep me out of jail or I’ll talk.
snowbird42 @ 18
Of course.
snowbird42 @ 18
I suspect he didn’t need to.
Swopa’s reaction:
The most conservative federal appeals court, three judges, ruled that Scooter had no reasonable cause for appeal and must go next to jail.
He was gonna talk. They fixed it.
Fuck that Shit. Fuck fuck fuck.
David Axelrod, Obama chief media strategist doing a decent job on Hardball.
I’m reposting this from the thread below.
Once again from the depths of Hell, the Dark Lord sitting in his Fourth Branch Office {The Dictatorship Branch}, has his puppet Bush commute the sentence of his Arch Angel I. Lewis Scooter Libby.
So much for the Rule of Law as we have now been awakened to find that we indeed are under a Dictatorship.
So as you speak out against this Evil Regime remember that under the Military Commissions Act you can now be arrested for committing Hostile Actions Against the United States of America by your speech during a time of war and be labeled an Enemy Combatant.
Don’t you miss the right to Habeas Corpus? Both Houses are no longer relevant and they may as well stay home.
And don’t forget to get ready for War in Iran as they push the envelope to take us there.
Goodbye America you will truly be missed.
Scarecrow @ 23
Good, because Obama’s statement on the commutation flat out sucked.
Republicans: the party of law and order. /snarkoff
Jenny ___, Hardball guest is nailing it.
Scarecrow @ 21
My reaction;
http://ornerybastard.blogspot……s-bed.html
*xyz @ 25
Obama is not our kind of guy.
Never was.
Well camouflaged.
Vote on Bush’s commutation decision:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19570520/
RevDeb @ 28
Yep.
Scarecrow @ 23
Except that he left out obstruction of justice!
I think our Dems are doing a decent job but when will they be hero’s? Really use more than letters and words and rally those who have worked so hard?
Get beyond politics and really rise up in support of the American people.
Apologies to Phoenix Woman — but lying about the war is why they had to suspend habeas, so it’s sorta on topic???
Go HERE now.
*xyz @ 29
Just under 11,000 votes, and 83% are against the decision.
*xyz @ 29
Flood it.
Jane made the point so well on Rachel’s show: this is worse than a pardon! A commutation allows all the continuing appeals and attendant “we can’t talk about it” bullshit until it’s time for a pardon on 1/20/09.
Kelly O’Donnell on Hardball said earlier that the Vice President — no, um — sources close to the Vice President told her that the Vice President encouraged — no, um — the Vice President supports this action today. She was all tied up in who told her what, and why. I think they are pissed that their holiday plans were ruined by this, missing the planes home to report on the stupid Irve Commutation.
We may learn something from the irate WH press corps, now that their family holiday plans are thrown hither and thither by this Pissypants Pardon.
Teddy,
I’m gonna re-post your words, again, because this is all speeding along so quickly, new readers need to hear your words and share them.
It’s easy to get your Senator and Congressmember’s email addresses off their sites.
Teddy’s words work because they are succinct, civil and strong.
Oh, who’s going to be outraged (as some asked earlier today)…We Are.
Take five or ten minutes and send an email.
And thanks again, Teddy.
But wasn’t it obstruction of justice when Bush I pardoned one of the Iran-Contra people so he wouldn’t rat him or Ronnie out? It seems that pardons (and presumably commutations) are somehow exempt from consideration as obstruction, although for the life of me I don’t know why…
Great link there RevDeb.
Scarecrow @ 26
Jenny Bakus
I hope that perris is right from an earlier thread to say that the spooks will not take this silently. GO SPOOKS!
The Libby pardon (commutation). And the noose gets tighter on the GOP. Actually, I’m liking this whole Libby deal. The Republicans are just digging a deeper hole for themselves. Now… my party needs to take advantage. Full advantage.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 43
This is only true if we get to vote in another election.
Helen @ 41
Thanks Helen — I should know her name, but it just flew away.
Millineryman @ 40
Yes. It is time to impeach.
You know – our representatives are all home visiting their constituents over the holiday.
Make sure to visit their offices and tell them in person that they need to begin impeachment proceedings immediately.
BREAKING: Bush commutes Libby’s prison sentence.
RevDeb @ 34
So Chimp and Darth get a time-out? How does that work exactly, and who implements it? Because the circumstances absolutely warrant it, right now!
Those bastards have ruined this nation.
Fucking sons of bitches.
Pelosi’s Response to Libby’s Commutation
from her webside
Oklahoma kiddo @ 43
Hosea 8:7
For they sow the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.
Millineryman @ 40
Yes, indeed. But does it carry any legal weight?
Oklahoma kiddo @ 43
I agree..and that’s the rub isn’t it..if the Dems stopped calculating and did what’s right, it might all work out. I ain’t holding my breath
Who is the repub stuttering on CNN?
Still No Word From Hillary On Libby Commutation
http://electioncentral.tpmcafe…..ommutation
What a disgrace she is.
JPL @ 54
Don’t know. the place to be is MSNBC. Schuster has taken over live.
Sorry, I had to gag quite a bit to read it.
Deadeyes Statement;
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003587.php
I hope that KO is on KO tonight and has a special comment at the ready.
Steve @ 53
I would love to see the Dems campaign forcefully as the Rule Of Law Party. But that would require them to actually, y’know, *do* something now, or at least make a visible effort.
JPL @ 54
Switch to MSNBC, Joe Wilson to be on Countdown
Keith had better be loading for bear tonight!
MARCY on Hardball NOW
Marcy on Hardball!
Marcy on MSNBC!!
OT: David Schuster is acting host on Hardball. It so refreshing to see real interviews. Oops! Marcy just now came on.
MARCY is on the phone on MSNBC!
Marcy on MSNBC Right Now!
Marcy Wheeler on MSNBC now
emptywheel on Hardball!
Marcy Wheeler on Hardball!
RevDeb, I don’t get MSNBC in the south at least the Atlanta area it’s on the third tier and I refuse to spend more that 55.00 a month for Tv
EW on Hardball!!!!!
emptywheel on hardball now
Schuster: Biden urging Americans to flood the WH with calls. Fred Thompson happy, but Schuster pointing out FT voted to convict Clinton.
Marcy on now!! On Hardball!
Our dear Marcy is on Hardball!!! Interviewed by phone by Schuster.
Marcy on Hardball!!
marcy!!! woot!
From 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.”
Ya, he is really sad.
I’m so jealous. I want MSNBC>>
Marcy!!
Marcy implicating Bush and Cheney with “meatgrinder” quote
omg just heard last bit of marcy
TeddySanFran @ 74
TSF,
Give us the blow-by-blow!
*xyz @ 29
17% agree with Bush on Libby Commute
83% disagree
11,361 votes
So much for saving your base, oh Great Chimpwad.
TeddySanFran @ 74
Did someone mention that Marcy was on Hardball??? 8-O
Keith’s up with Joe Wilson.
Marcy speaking to “obstruction of justice” for Boosh…
Looks like all Libby on Countdown too.
Eli_I don’t know about the legal weight to be honest.
ko on.
good job marcy, Im sorry they couldnt give you more time.
Marcy said it so directly. Let’s hope they didn’t notice and/or can’t track her down.
KEITH!!!!!!!!!!!
“White House in Crisis”
Gotta love Keith’s chyron.
Joe Wilsons statement at TPM;
Wilson:
“From my viewpoint, the president has stepped in to short circuit the rule of law and the system of justice in our country. In so doing, he has acknowledged Mr. Libby’s guilt for, among other things, obstruction of justice, which by definition is covering up for somebody in a crime. By commuting his sentence, he has brought himself and his office into reasonable suspicion of participation in an obstruction of justice. The commutation of (Libby’s) sentence in and of itself is participation in obstruction of justice.”
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/003585.php
Craig Crawford says that W’s polling is so low that he can pardon Libby and bomb Iran and only go down a couple of points.
White House in crisis! And I don’t think KO is going to give DiGenova free air time to lie, as he did on CNN.
Marcy on Hardball with a book plug! That may be the good to come out of all this!
i hope that someone has the clip of marcy
They all looked pretty shocked to hear someone (MARCY) say it so directly. Esp Isikoff.
Millineryman @ 89
Me neither. I suspect it’s pretty much nonexistent if it wasn’t actually codified in the Constitution. But I’m sure it would carry a lot of weight with all those Originalists on the Supreme Court, right?
KO “A president that lied us into war and killed 3,400 of our neighbors family and friends…” Oh, it on!!!
TeddySanFran @ 99
Huh – I wonder why? Could it be because Isikoff is bought and paid for?
“a president who needlessly killed 3,500 Americans…”
my God, I love Keith!
*xyz @ 102
uh, uh, let me thing about that for a minute.
dng.
Bustednuckles @ 94
Thanks you, Amb. Wilson, for providing the basis of Bush and Cheney’s articles of impeachment. Can’t be clearer. Congress should reconvene and introduce them on the 4th. That’s what a patriot would do, to quote Glenn Greenwald.
ahhh i’m feeling a bit better nowwww….blood pressure has gone down some – can think a little clearer now…
OT: Michelle Malkin subbing for O’Reilly on The Factor tonight.
What, she’s now a *news anchor*? Has this happened before?
I was out all day so have yet to catch up with the days events at FDL but while driving home I heard.
I feel so sorry for America right now. I am a naturalized citizen but I will say straight out that if this were the time for me to take my vow of allegiance to the US I would not do it. I am bloody ashamed. This (FDL) is the outlet for me to express my anger and I cannot express how angry I am. I am ashamed to be an American.
Mrs. K8 @ 103
“Needlessly”? Don’t you people have *any* idea how hard it is for Dubya to get an erection???
Marcy’s appearance was brief. She essentially said that Libby was protecting both Cheney and Bush, who ordered Libby to leak classified info and Plame’s identity to Judy. Therefore, despite the fact that Bush is authorized to do it, he has committed obstruction of justice.
as usual – keith is definitely ON IT!
Wow – Joe Biden is stepping up. He calls upon americans to “Flood The White House With Phone Calls Tomorrow”
http://electioncentral.tpmcafe…..s_tomorrow
Cheney to W: “It’s time.”
W: “OK Boss, what ever you say.”
*xyz @ 112
They’ve gotta turn the damn phones on for that.
*xyz @ 112
Can you east coasters flood the actual white house with protest?
i’m surprised at daviv shuster – who knew he could do something beside repeat repug tp…..
You’ll FEEL BETTER if you Vote your ANGER!
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19570520/
12599 Votes @ 8:05
83% Against Bush!
KO understands the need to create a firestorm of outrage. And he’s using the right witnesses. Smart.
Beck is on CNN so no news, keep up the updates, please..
I don’t know how often I heard George W say, when asked what he thinks about the trial, that he won’t comment on an ongoing legal process. Guess he has now, that process was still ongoing.
Judge Walton should resign in protest.
Scarecrow @ 118
True! He already said “The president now thinks he’s the judicial branch as well.”
Libby will be taken care of for the rest of his life, but Cheney — David Schuster.
John Dean up next.
TexB @ 115
The White House has turned off their phone lines. Evidently they don’t want to hear what you think. There will still be phones tomorrow, and I don’t imagine anyone who cared enough to drop Dubya a line is going to forget.
jayt at 121 — No. He shouldn’t. Then Bush would appoint his successor and imagine how much worse that person would be.
TexB @ 115
Actually, the fact is that it is totally a waste of time to call the White House.
Call your representatives in Congress – call them over and over. Remember, they are the ones who can investigate and impeach.
Don’t waste your time and energy calling the folks at the WH, who aren’t listening anyway.
jayt @ 121
I thought the same about Fitz – but really, isn’t that what “they” want?
jayt @ 121
NO we need the judges who actually give a damn about the law.
Actually, I think Fitz should quit too…
Scarecrow @ 123
thank you! and more, please.
jayt @ 121
Or find a way to make public what he knows about Cheney’s role. This is obstructing his trial and rulings, and questioning his sentencing. This will not sit well with honest members of the judiciary.
MSNBC poll:
Of course that is how cyberspace feels about this. We’ll have to wait for a “John and Jane Doe” poll.
Judy Miller spent 3 months more in jail than Scooter.
John Dean: “this is something of a travesty.”
On CNN Paula Zahn is not covering the Libby Commutation. In fact it appears that Paula has had a sex change operation.
We’re on the eve of celebrating the 231st birthday of the United States. A sad sad birthday where it proves that all individuals are NOT treated equally under the law. We’ve known this for years and years now but now ALL will have it confirmed.
nomolos @ 108
I am, too. And I was born here. Thank you for your powerful statement.
jayt @ 121
I disagree. He should haul Scooter back in to court like Paris Hilton’s judge, and then revoke the probation and change that to jail. Then force the president’s hand AGAIN.
this white house pays no attention to phone calls – i’d rather flood the dems and force them to take some action – bush keeps pushing dems faces in shit imho
Dean — there is an ongoing obstruction of justice, and Fitz may want to pick up the investigation.
Keep up the KO comments..it’s raining so hard that I’ve lost the sat signal.
Dean – More akin to the saturday Night Masacre.
KO – Can Fitz charge Obstruction of Justice?
Dean – He can put Libby in fron of a GJ and immunize him
RevDeb @ 128
NO. Judge Walton bent over backwards to make it clear his ruling was based on an impartial reading of the law. It’s not his fault that he was overturned by executive authority.
dreamcatcher @ 132
John and Jane already proved to be hugely against a pardon (in spite of the corporate talking heads, like Andrea Mitchell, telling you otherwise on your teevee screen). John and Jane will be even more pissed now.
*xyz @ 126
Unfortunately, Cornyn, Hutchison, and Lamar Smith are not going to be any more responsive to pressure than the WH. Although I have already contacted them and called them hypocrits. Politely even.
Dean – Good possibility that Fitz wants to pursue this. he’s got lots of room to move and may do so quickly
Scarecrow @ 139
That would certainly be interesting. But I don’t think it’ll happen.
That cloud over the VP sure did get a whole lot darker, tho.
juslin @ 139
I plan to do both. No reason not to spread my outrage all around.
Dean — Fitz can immunize libby, and can obviate taking the 5th Amendment. Good possibility that Fitz could pursue this if he wants to “remove the cloud” wrt to Cheney.
Congress could do something comparable. Bush would dig hole if he claimed exec privilege against Libby testifying.
Local pundit on PBS: “The President has subverted the system”.
I like it…very elegant.
ref:
American Heritage Dictionary – Cite This Source sub·vert (səb-vûrt’) Pronunciation Key
tr.v. sub·vert·ed, sub·vert·ing, sub·verts
1. To destroy completely; ruin: “schemes to subvert the liberties of a great community” (Alexander Hamilton).
2. To undermine the character, morals, or allegiance of; corrupt.
3. To overthrow completely: “Economic assistance … must subvert the existing … feudal or tribal order” (Henry A. Kissinger). See Synonyms at overthrow.
and the irony of a Kissinger quote? Sa-WEET
dakine01 @ 145
They NEED to hear outrage from THEIR constituents. Call them anyway.
TexB @ 138
Too late for that, I fear. The sentence is gone. But, If Walton knows something that he hasn’t been able to share before….since this is also a slap to him, can he share information that previously was protected?
Dean thinks Fitz may want to purse, Congress could do “use immunity” and compel Libby to testify.
Dean is giving the “American Public” way too much credit.
Helen @ 145
I really do hope so. I can think of nothing more poetic than Dubya being undone by his own attempt to make this go away.
It’s a cover-up.
So. What kind of mood do you have to be in to do such an incredibly (stupid OR gutsy) thing?
Very high after getting the go-ahead from the Russians on the Iran caper?
or
Lashing out at whatever because your favorite toy just got taken away, i.e., no Iran action?
I got a little encouragement over at DailyKos when I made a comment that we shouldn’t expect the Press to do our heavy lifting for us; we should write letters to the editor.
Someone suggested that would make a good diary. Well, we aim to please, so I did so, with a h/t to Peterr downstairs @44. If I may be so bold, I’d appreciate any Kossacks around who would go there and “recommend” my diary.
Thanks, Peterr, for the quote from Archie Cox!
Bob in HI
Dean — public understands this is about lying to GJ; not fooled by “no underlying crime.”
Impeachment? Dean: donn’t think so, because pardon/clemency etc is within Prez powers. However, it is a political issue for 2008.
Oklahoma kiddo @ 155
No, how did you figure that out!
behindthefall @ 155
Everything Dubya does is a fuck-you, it really doesn’t matter what his mood is.
Eli @ 154
Me too. I actually have zero faith at this point but typing this makes me feel better!!
The ball is in Fitzgerald’s court.
So, Phoenix, whazzup?
kemo @ 129
I can understand if he did, but I hope he doesn’t. People like him I want on our side.
Christy Hardin Smith @ 125
jayt at 121 — No. He shouldn’t. Then Bush would appoint his successor and imagine how much worse that person would be.
Ok. Then how about we write some letters to His Honor encouraging him to very publicly pitch a bitch? He’s got the job security for that.
Dreamcatcher at 131
Poll results get reported periodically on msnbc television – so, it’s a transfer of cyber-opinion to the TV screen, which is a way to express how we feel to John and Jane Doe.
13473 votes at 8:15
83% Against Bush!
Vote! your ANGER!
raven @ 159
It was hard ’cause I’m just not very bright. ;0)
Amb. Joe Wilson next on Countdown.
Scarecrow @ 158
thanks
Helen @ 147
Fitz!!! I certainly think He will take action very shortly!!! I think he’s a wee bit miffed with the WH!!! ;-)
kemo @ 129
No way. Stay, and reopen the investigation. On Keith, John Dean essentially called Fitz out: “He has a lot of room to maneuver here.”
C’mon Fitz do the right thing!
Oklahoma kiddo @ 167
Welcome to the club!
John Dean is wrong. Fitz can’t start all over again w/Libby – double jeopardy.
edit
Never mind – I misunderstood what he was saying.
behindthefall @ 156
Putie no greenlight…Junior’s spitting the dummy, IMO.
jayt @ 173
Dean was talking about Obstruction by Bush and Cheney
Amb. Joe says the administration is corrupt from top to bottom
jayt @ 173
He wasn’t insinuating Libby imo. Saying those higher up are “obstructing” by their actions today. It’s a conspiracy, though I don’t think Dean used that word.
Joe Wilson: “This administration is corrupt from top to bottom”.
Wilson on KO,
There is nothing this admin can do to surprise us any more. Corrupt from top to bottom.
Americans should be outraged.
LoudounLib @ 176
gee, can’t argue with that
So, are there *any* Republican bloggers, pundits, or congresscritters saying that this is an embarrassment to the ideals of the Repubublican Party?
Yeah, I expect the Kool-Aid drinkers to be all thrilled, but I’m wondering if any of the more thoughtful ones are thinking that maybe this is not so great for the Republican brand.
KO, where do we turn.
Wilson, president owes answers. He should release all records. He won’t, so congress should investigate.
jayt @ 173
He meant wrt to Cheney; not Libby. But question Libby to get to Cheney.
Must be some clinical term for someone whose every action is a f*ck-you. Besides “politician”.
Will someone please get this person’s hand away from the nuclear button and command of the military? PLEASE?
Joe Wilson “Corrupt to the Core.”
KO, timeline about what VP has done?
Wilson would expect Cheney to come clean through the civil suit.
Scarecrow @ 182
He already lied once *without* the protection of double jeopardy – why wouldn’t he just lie again?
behindthefall @ 183
Is “asshole” a clinical term? If not, I think “sociopath” is probably as close as you can get.
KO playing the spook card
Fitz speaks:
http://thenexthurrah.typepad.com/the_next_hurrah/
rat bastahd @ 171
That’s an awful lot to ask from someone who worked their guts out and had the rug pulled out from under them by their own boss. It seems to me it’s up to Congress now to stand up and start holding the administration accountable. Let’s hear some action from our elected representatives.
amb wilson – you’re on it – i hope you get your day in court – with this bunch who knows?
darkblack @ 174
No do cards. (Guessing it’s a term from cards …) What does that mean? Sounds interesting.
http://thenexthurrah.typepad.com/the_next_hurrah/
Fitz speaks
Wilson: Bush interfered with investigation, and now he owes the American public an explanation.
“Administration will betray its covert officers, will engage in treason”
I hope someone at the CIA has “paybacks are a bitch” tattooed on their arm…
This is the scenario, perhaps: The Speaker calls for impeachment hearings on Cheney and Fitzgerald cranks it up. Would this be sweet?
Eli @ 187
Remember that Libby had a right not to testify at trial; but Fitz could force him to testify now, not to get Libby, but to go after others. And if Libby lied during that testimony, that’s another crime.
uh ohhh fitz is pissed…
KO quoting Fitz. Fitz calling the President a liar re: the sentence. GO FITZ!!!
STATEMENT OF SPECIAL COUNSEL
Statement of Special Counsel Patrick J. Fitzgerald regarding today’s decision by President Bush to commute the 30-month prison sentence of I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby:
“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.”
My apologies if this has already been posted.
Fitzgerald not commenting on commutation. President has this right. It is fundamental to the rule of law that all people are treated fairly. He will appeal to make sure the charges stand.
Wow. Statement by Fitz: sentence was justice and within the guidelines. He’ll soldier on. Too fast to get all he said. He’ll continue to seek upholding the convictions through appeals.
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.
If 30 months is “excessive”, I suppose that makes zero days just right.
linda — well done.
We need a statement from Leahy. ASAP.
raven @ 204
KO just read that on the air. Sounds like Fitz is pissed(as only a USA can be pissed).
Instant poll on the commutation:
http://electioncentral.tpmcafe…..ommutation
Note the silence from all the Repubs except Thompson, . . . and Clinton. Time’s up.
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.
KO just read that on the air. Sounds like Fitz is pissed(as only a USA can be pissed).Joe Klein’s conscience @ 208
You KNOW Fitz knew this would happen.
Eli @ 188
We need Kirk Murphy back!
Joe Klein’s conscience @ 208
Yeah, the guy never broke etiquette, never went public unless he had to, but this did it for him.
Maybe George just played into Fitz’s hand.
I haven’t read the comments yet, I’m too livid. Can someone direct me to TeddySanFran’s tutorial on writing letters to my Senators and Rep? Please!
Fitz speaks publicly? Holy crap, he *must* be pissed!
RevDeb @ 207
Leahy on Bush Commutation
re ’spitting the dummy’: Googled and got it; Aussie for ‘throwing a fit’. I sure hope his big shiny toy got taken away over the weekend!
How many people can George piss off inside and outside the government and still survive?
DrenchedOtter @ 191
If I was in Fitz’s position that is all I’d want to do. But yeah, meanwhile Congress needs to put on the full press NOW.
Mary McCurnin @ 214
It is impossible for me as a layperson to determine whether today’s developments help to advance Fitzgerald’s investigation.
What I can say with certainty is that Fitzgerald was fully prepared for this contingency and will leverage it to the fullest extent possible.
That’s how he rolls.
From Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Patrick Leahy (D-VT):
“The President’s muted words and deeds in the aftermath of this conviction pale in comparison to what he said before the investigation was launched.
“The President has the constitutional power to do this. But accountability has been in short supply in the Bush Administration, and this commutation fits that pattern. It is emblematic of a White House that sees itself as being above the law
Scarecrow @ 206
Well done? Amazing…
I got the impression on KO that the Wilsons’ civil case will probably try to subpoena Darth. I hope to g*ddess they do. I hope the Wilsons’ civil case will light a fire under our congresscritters’ asses. Their courage should give Congress more courage to investigate that cloud as John Dean says they should. My sympathies are with the Wilsons completely.
Fitz statement on KO. He cannot fault commutation because that is Chimp’s legal right, but he took Chimp to task for statement about harsh sentence.
Matt Cooper (remember him?) slams Bush commutation of Libby’s sentence.
Matt Cooper of Time on Libby
Revdeb,
Keith just used the same line we did earlier today re: the metaphor of the stuck anchor. Does he read here or is it a case of great minds…
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.”
Leahy speaks.
Jane’s upstairs with Fitz
Jane has a new thread up with Fitz’ statement.
John Dean suggests that we can all try the telephones tommorrow at the Whitehouse.
There is nothing preventing Bush from giving a pardon to Libby. And judging from this prez’s affinity to ‘in your face’ attitude, egomania and elementary school brattisness, the smart money might be on a pardon.
Jane upstairs with Fitz statement
Bob Schacht @ 157
You can thank the late Prosecutor for the quote, and thank me for remembering it!
twolf1 @ 217
He’s got to do MUCH better than that.
*xyz @ 205
As if. As if. I bet ChimpCo’s Texas administration sent people to jail for two years on a lesser offense.
rat bastahd @ 220
Damn this guy Fitzgerald has guts, I would have forgiven him if he just kept quiet, but he comes out with a statement emphasizing the rule of law. I hope whoever gets elected puts him in as AG. Meanwhile, where is Clinton, who considers herself a “leader”? Still putting together a carefully crafted statement that doesn’t say anything?
RevDeb @ 34
Yes, the Madison quote is interesting, and apparently never tried. Would it take both houses? Could it be blocked in the Senate by filibuster?
Even if it could be blocked, there might be good reason to do it anyway.
Bob in HI
RevDeb @ 236
WTF? We need a lot more of the ex-prosecutor Leahy and not the nice guy Leahy.
Keith just said he’ll have a special comment tomorrow night asking Bush and Cheney to resign-Don’t miss it!!!