ThinkFast: July 3, 2007
ThinkFast: July 3, 2007
“For the first time in his presidency, Bush commuted a sentence without running requests through lawyers at the Justice Department, White House officials said. He also did not ask the chief prosecutor in the case, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, for his input, as routinely happens in cases routed through the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.”
The Washington Post reports House Judiciary Committee Chairman John Conyers is “expected to move swiftly to conduct hearings on the commutation, congressional sources said.”
“Seeking a legal path to shutting down the Guantánamo detention facility, senior advisers to President Bush are exploring whether the White House and Congress can agree to legislation that would permit the long-term detention of foreign terrorism suspects on American soil.”
“The U.S. yesterday publicly accused Iran of intervening in the Iraq conflict, claiming that its Revolutionary Guard played a role in an attack that killed five Americans and was using Lebanese militants to train Iraqi insurgents.”
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) responded by beating the war drum. “The fact is that the Iranian government has by its actions declared war on us,” he said. While stopping short of advocating an immediate military strike, he claimed “our diplomatic efforts are only likely to succeed if backed by a credible threat of force.”
Vladimir Putin yesterday surprised the Bush administration by proposing to let the U.S. build a new radar facility in southern Russia. Bush and Putin also said they agreed in principle to involve NATO in any plans for a missile defense system in Europe, but Putin continued to oppose Bush’s plan to anchor the missile defense system in Poland and the Czech Republic.
Although gas prices are currently lower than in May, analysts believe that “the price relief may have run its course.” “‘Gas prices will be going up like the fireworks,’ said Phil Flynn of Alaron Trading Co. in Chicago, adding that prices nationwide could rise 5 cents to 10 cents over the next month.”
Yesterday, the federal government announced that it would not be accepting any new applications for employer-sponsored green cards, affecting “tens of thousands” of legal immigrants.
And finally: Within the first half-hour of the new Transformers film, “as a miniature Decepticon (one of the bad Transformers) makes mischief aboard Air Force One, the camera zooms in on the feet of ‘the president,’ who is lying down in bed. Only his bright-red socks are visible as he utters — in a faux accent that could only be that of our Texan president — his first and only line of the film: ‘Could somebody go rustle me up some Ding Dongs?’”
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
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The APPEARANCE is that the Bush Administration has declared war against the CIA. The REALITY is the George HW Bush is running BOTH this White House AND the CIA.
I don’t expect most of you to understand or accept that statement at face value, however it is a factual statement.
In actuality, their goal is to purge the CIA of those who are not “Team Players.” The Team leader is GHW Bush.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:10 amSo no Amnesty for poor brown illegal Mexicans (civil offense) but Amnesty for rich white felon. I beginning to like right wing nuts.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:11 amThe Plame outing was not about Plame or Wilson, it was about shutting down Brewster Jennings.
Forget about Plame. It was Brewster Jennings that served as the CIA false front that tracked all WMD proliferation in the Middle East. It was Brewster Jennings that had the goods on Cheny, Rice, Bush et.al.- and could put the lie to their claims of WMD in Iraq. Brewster Jennings was the enemy of the Bush Administration and Israel – clearly moreso than was the straw man named “Bin Laden.â€
It was Brewster Jennings, THE MOST IMPORTANT UNDERCOVER OPERATION OF THE CIA, that was put out of business by the outing of one of its covert agents. Why don’t we know the true status of the WMD development program in Iran today (they are ten-years away from having a nuke)?
It’s about BREWSTER JENNINGS. This administration took offensive steps to blind the CIA with respect to WMD proliferation in order to enable their confiscation of territory and resources on behalf of the defense industry, big oil and Israel. It was Rove’s idea to send Wilson to Niger, with the intent of shutting down Brewster Jennings.
This is criminal conspiracy. This is Treason. Martial Law is next.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:11 amIf only Clinton had to pay a fine and probation when he perjured himself maybe the dems would not have lost the white house. If when dems are found to be corrupt you should all cry as loudly maybe you would have more credibility.
But again this demonstrates government is the enemy.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:11 am“The U.S. yesterday publicly accused Iran of intervening in the Iraq conflict, claiming that its Revolutionary Guard played a role in an attack that killed five Americans and was using Lebanese militants to train Iraqi insurgents.”
So, when are we going to read an article about the Saudi’s giving material and military aid to the Sunni’s? The USA can public accuse Iran all they want. Until they show me some solid proof, I’m not going to believe them.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:12 amPelosi on Impeachment and Defending the Constitution: It’s Just Not Worth It
2007-07-02 15 By Dave Lindorff
http://www.afterdowningstreet.org/?q=node/24226
In a fascinating interview with House Speaker Nancy Pelosi,
bloggers Mike Stark and Dave Johnson offer us a conversation in which Pelosi tells them she had decided “at least a year ago,†before Democrats had even taken control of the House and Senate, “that impeachment was something that we could not be successful with, and that would take up the time we needed to do some positive things to establish a record of our priorities and [Republican] short-comings.†She adds, “The President isn’t worth it…he’s not worth impeaching. We’ve got important work to do.â€
Stark, in marked contrast to the limp interview techniques of MSM “journalists,” then says, “Respectfully, the question is whether or not the Constitution is worth it,†to which he says Pelosi responds, “Well, yeah, the Constitution is worth it if you can succeed.”
That the leading Democrat in the House, and one of the most powerful people in the Democratic Party leadership, could be so dismissive of the Constitution, so seemingly ignorant of the workings of the impeachment clause, and so openly pessimistic and negative about the power of her opposition party is simply astonishing.
…Pelosi made another important admission in her interview with Stark and Johnson, confirming something I have been saying for some time now. That is, she admits that she and the Democratic leadership have known all along that they couldn’t pass any significant legislation. Rather, they are simply hoping to use their legislative ability to pass bills in order to “establish a record of our priorities†and of the Republican Party’s “shortcomings.â€
Talk about setting the bar low!
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:13 amBush giving amnesty to Libby!! its all Clinton’s fault!!!
GOP – don’t blame us Clinton did it too!!!!
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:13 amVideo: Watch Joe Wilson Slam The Hell Out Of The Bush Administration ‘Traitors’ Etc. Etc.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:14 amAre you thinking that there will actually BE another election?
Why would King George allow it?
We’ve seen the tricks they use to manipulate the process, and create their own reality.
Dick Cheney has already told you that “Another 9/11″ is coming, and when it does, he will nuke Iran. Do you really think that when this telegraphed event occurs, King George will pass up the opportunity to launch into a fake bird flu pandemic in order to justify a declaration of Martial Law?
Elections? As quaint as the Geneva Conventions.
The Dictatorship is here…NOW.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:14 amIf Bush sincerely thought that the prison term was “excessive,” why didn’t he just let Libby sit in jail until the end of Bush’s term and then commute? Eighteen months in jail would have fallen neatly within range the time recommended by the probation office that Bush cited.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:15 am“If when dems are found to be corrupt you should all cry as loudly maybe you would have more credibility.”
Hey, troll, if you remember the Democrats have been crying loudly about their corrupt congressman Jefferson. Unlike the Republics who reward corruption, the Democrats condemn their corrupt members and take away their power. And if you are trying to call Clinton corrupt because he lied about a blow job as opposed to all the crimes the Bush Crime Family has committed, you are seriously in need of a new brain.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:15 amThe Republican Party: Executin’ innocent folks and lettin’ our criminal buddies off easy since 2001.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:15 amPelosi – like Lieberman and other wolves in sheep’s clothing, doesn’t work for you.
She works for Israel.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:15 amBush Legacy – giving amnesty to a felon
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:15 amGOP legacy – No amnesty to brown people but to a white felon no problem!!
““For the first time in his presidency, Bush commuted a sentence without running requests through lawyers at the Justice Department, White House officials said. He also did not ask the chief prosecutor in the case, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, for his input, as routinely happens in cases routed through the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.—
It is obvious that the President was fully within the law in commuting Libby’s sentence. But he has hung an albatross on his party that will be there through the ‘08 election.
Now, they are not only the hypocritical party when it comes to fiscal conservatism, (They are the borrow and spend party now.) but they are now hypocritical on being the law and order party as well.
It’s that simple. They hypocrites of the highest order. They have abandoned their two of the core principles of there platform completely.
And it doesn’t matter that Clinton did too. Wasn’t it George Bush Jr who ran for office as the Anti-Clinton?
Two wrongs don’t make it right.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:17 amCommuting Scooter’s prison sentence was a stroke of genius. In that way, the President still upholds the conviction, probation and fines – respecting the courts – but sends a clear message that Scooter shouldn’t serve time based on this witch hunt. Valerie Plame can enjoy her free time by doing something other than playing victim for the Democratic Party – after all, Dems don’t have policies, just causes, and they are always dredging up a fresh set of victims to foist upon the voting public.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:18 amTroll
“If only Clinton had to pay a fine and probation when he perjured himself maybe the dems would not have lost the white house. If when dems are found to be corrupt you should all cry as loudly maybe you would have more credibility.”
SEE!! You have no other argument. You know this was wrong.
Two wrongs don’t make it right
Perhaps you should ‘cry’ loudly now so you can have some credibility eh?
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:19 amGuantanamo is where we continue the long-term detention of foreign terrorism suspects without charges or rights.
The republicans want
Long-term detention of foreign terrorism suspects without charges or rights on American soil.
The torture and imprisonment without any due process (yes even for suspected terrorists) is the problem with Guantanamo. American citizens have already suffered under this unjust system as well as “secret” number of Iraqis and citizens of countries all over the world. Many have already been found to have been arrested in error or to have no connection whatsoever to terrorism or any attacks on US troops. Many of those individuals known to be innocent remain imprisoned.
The address is not the problem.
The absence of law is the problem.
Bringing the absence of law to the United States is just what George Bush is all about.
Just ask his favorite purjurer.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:20 amPoor Harry Reid outsmarted himself. I have no doubt that his intention with the immigration bill was to divide Republicans ahead of the September Iraq showdown, but he failed to pass a bill. The funding for our soldiers starts in the House of Representatives, not the Senate, and since Harry failed to complete his work, the House won’t be taking up the immigration issue, which would have caused some conflict among Republicans. The only thing Harry Reid accomplished was sinking his own poll numbers to levels below even Dick Cheney.
That’s the thing with fire – the more you play with it, the more likely you are going to get burned. Harry Reid is no Houdini, like Clinton, who can bathe in fire and not get burned. Every other mamby pamby Democrat who tries to get cute like Bubba always looks like an ass.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:23 amJason M. Hendler still lying the same old lies.
No shame Jay? No embarrassment?
No morals Jay. No decency.
Your a good republican liar.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:23 amPelosi responds, “Well, yeah, the Constitution is worth it if you can succeed.â€
My grandmother used to tell me “you will never succeed at anything if you don’t at least try”. That’s good advice for Nancy Pelosi. I can’t even say how disappointed I am in her leadership. It’s time she steps down and gives the job to someone who is up to the task.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:24 amWow! All I can say is…..wholly f’ing $hit! I spend one evening disassociating myself from any news information, and literally, the poop hits the fan.
After scanning the previous threads this morning, I’ve pretty much summarized the right’s rebuttal…
“Well, Clinton did it, too!”
Great argument trolls. Notably Happy Dude, Jake the Fake, and Mr. I- Keep -Changing- My- Post- It- Name- Because -I’m- A- Salad- Tosser President, have offered nothing to the discussion.
Such as…
How do you feel that a player of significance in the outing of a CIA agent, who lied at least 5 times under oath, is not serving time? (No, you can’t use “Bu-bu-bu but Clinton did it)
How do you feel that there may be CIA operatives being tortured right now, due to the “outing”?
Why is it white collar crimes (Libby, Paris) go unpunished?
For the record, anyone not on my Troll List that would like to discuss/debate these points, have at it!
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:26 amI see that idiot Hendler is back.
Commuting Scooter’s prison sentence was a stroke of genius.
Pearls of wisdom coming from someone who predicted a GOP sweep in 2006. That Hendler thinks so is an excellent contraindicator. Look for heavy GOP losses in 2008.
In that way, the President still upholds the conviction, probation and fines – respecting the courts -
Did you read Patrick Fitzgerald’s response? Do you believe that he or Reggie Walton think that Bush is respecting the courts?
I suggest reading the polls for a change. Time to wake up and smell the coffee (again).
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:28 amI was in a waiting room yesterday when this news broke on the Fox Channel that was on the TV. I usually cannot stomach Faux news for more than a minute or two, but I was a captive viewer in that waiting room. I was astonished at the comments by Cavuto and Gibson regarding this case — outright distortions, if not lies, about the facts. Their so-called “democratic strategist” was no more a democrat than Fred Thompson! It went on for a full hour.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:30 amIt is no wonder that Fox viewers are so uninformed — that’s what they get on their TVs.
When the troll brigade arrives here in full force, remember that at least half of the names you see are generated by one individual utilizing Megaphone Software. Megaphone is specifically designed to allow supporters of Israel (and their NeoCON agenda here in the US) to infiltrate blogs and destroy any possibility of reasoned conversation or enlightenment.
Megaphone is a creation of Mossad, and is part of Israel’s “Hasbara” program.
When you see it employed here, in relation to this story about one of their most valuable agents, Scooter, Libby, it confirms the role that Israel and AIPAC play in the present coup.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:31 amI don’t expect most of you to understand or accept that statement at face value, however it is a factual statement.
In actuality, their goal is to purge the CIA of those who are not “Team Players.†The Team leader is GHW Bush.
Comment by ace — July 3, 2007 @ 9:10 am
I work for the government in a very conservative area. I know exactly what you’re saying. Republicans are, by nature, tyrants to varying degrees who think that the patriarch should never be questioned, and that everyone else should be obedient sheep. It’s just their way of life.
It’s why we have to educate the masses and keep them from gaining any authority. They can’t help themselves – they WILL abuse it.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:32 am#22 Let me tell you, DRxJ, yesterday the trolls were moonbats on steroids. The frenzy started up by mid-morning and it wasn’t long before the whole lot of them were scraping bottom hard. I don’t know what set it off, but there will be a lot of laundry for Mrs. Troll to wash today.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:32 amEighteen months in jail would have fallen neatly within range the time recommended by the probation office that Bush cited.
Comment by rollotomasi — July 3, 2007 @ 9:15 am
Exactly. Bush is a hypocrite too. He was all for the death penalty as Govenor, even for someone who was mentally diminished. This was just his excuse. He knew Scooter would start talking if he did ANY hard time, and that’s what he actually considered excessive…
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:36 am#
#22 Let me tell you, DRxJ, yesterday the trolls were moonbats on steroids. The frenzy started up by mid-morning and it wasn’t long before the whole lot of them were scraping bottom hard. I don’t know what set it off, but there will be a lot of laundry for Mrs. Troll to wash today.
Comment by VerbalKint — July 3, 2007 @ 9:32 am
What set it off was the victory for Israel that was represented by the decision of the “Scooter Commuter.”
They are delighted to see the results of their infiltration at the highest levels of our government, and how successfully the have managed to blackmail this administration for its direct role in 9/11 – the proof of which is in the hands of Israel, thanks to the Comverse wiretap system and Kobi Alexander.
Nearly every troll in these threads is an agent of Israel.
Expose the truth of the USS Liberty incident, and watch what follows that disclosure. Their actions prove my point.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:37 amComment by Jason M. Hendler — July 3, 2007 @ 9:18 am
Hitler here is just the lucky monkey who, when he punches the keyboard, actually makes sentences… Too bad they don’t actually say anything coherent.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:38 amBy all means, please keep talking about the commuting of Scooter’s sentence. It is doing Bush a big favor, because Reps love nothing better than a bunch of pissed off Democrats, and we cheer everytime Bush bitch slaps you.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:39 am“The U.S. yesterday publicly accused Iran of intervening in the Iraq conflict, claiming that its Revolutionary Guard played a role in an attack that killed five Americans and was using Lebanese militants to train Iraqi insurgents.
Gee… I wonder why Bush commuted Libby at this particular moment… Couldn’t be to distract from Iraq and his continued warmongering during the already distracting holiday, now could it?
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:39 amScooter will be the anchor BushBaby can’t remove from his neck.
This Ship of State is floundering, and no amount of SS boys will be able to dive down & free it.
This was the last of the Chimp’s political capital. He spent it like a drunken sailor & now has 18 months to try & backtrack.
You can’t take it back, W.
Lies. Cheats. Crooks. Unpatriotic. Fascists. Corporate whores.
Yup, that’s our widdle pwesident.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:39 amMy grandmother used to tell me “you will never succeed at anything if you don’t at least tryâ€. That’s good advice for Nancy Pelosi. I can’t even say how disappointed I am in her leadership. It’s time she steps down and gives the job to someone who is up to the task.
Comment by Katie — July 3, 2007 @ 9:24 am
I maintain that no credible police force, DA, or judge would determine whether or not to pursue justice for a crime dependent upon what they felt a jury would decide.
And that is EXACTLY what the Democratic leadership is doing. They are saying, “Oh well, sure he’s robbing homes and murdering innocent people, but he lives in a red state and we just don’t think a jury of his peers is going to find him guilty, so we’re just not even going to bother to arrest, arraign or try him…”
It makes them accomplices.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:42 amThe U.S. yesterday publicly accused Iran of intervening in the Iraq conflict
Ted Rall put it best.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:45 amIt is doing Bush a big favor
Comment by Jason Misogynist Hendler — July 3, 2007 @ 9:39 am
Where in the wild, wild west do you get your information from?
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 amI read 74% of the country disagree with this commute.
Again, 3 out of 4 people are upset the criminal Libby is not serving.
How does that “favor Bush”?
You know, I’m sure the fantasy world you’ve created is interesting, but I think 40 years of DSBU has finally caused your brain to atrophy, son.
By all means, please keep talking about the commuting of Scooter’s sentence. It is doing Bush a big favor, because Reps love nothing better than a bunch of pissed off Democrats, and we cheer everytime Bush bitch slaps you.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — July 3, 2007 @ 9:39 am
Nah , the horseshit GOP loves nothing more than underage pages ……..And I’m beginning to believe that also applies to you , Jason Chimlicker
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:47 amand we cheer everytime Bush bitch slaps you.
Comment by Jason M. Hendler — July 3, 2007 @ 9:39 am
schadenfreude
(shäd’n-froi’d)
n. Pleasure derived from the misfortunes of others.
[German : Schaden, damage (from Middle High German schade, from Old High German scado) + Freude, joy (from Middle High German vreude, from Old High German frewida, from fr, happy).]
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:49 amIgnore the trolls. They’re not interested in debate. They just want to stir things up.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:51 amCheney is gearing up for his widely advertised false flag attack on US shores to justify the nuclear bombing of Iran.
I expect it to come within the next four days, while all of America is on vacation.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:51 amHow is Iran’s conduct different than when the United States supported the mujahideen who were fighting the Soviet Union in Afghanistan? Were we declaring war against the Soviet Union by our actions?
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:51 amyou must admit, Bush’s over-ruling is a most ironic action, considering this decision came from the former Governor of Texas who (as Governor) refused to grant clemency and review the decisions of death-penalty cases because he had full belief in the system and the decision by the juries in those cases. Think about that line of thinking for a moment: death penalty=trust the juries, 30-months sentence for a millionaire friend=don’t trust the jury. If Justice is blind, she must still like to hear the cling of gold in those scales she’s holding.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:51 amIntent
Trolls can be existing members of a community that rarely post and often contribute no useful information to the thread, but instead make argumentative posts in an attempt to discredit another person, concentrating almost exclusively on facts irrelevant to the point of the conversation, with the intent of provoking a reaction from others. The key element under attack by a troll is known only to the troll.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 amThe “I” by Lieberman’s name doesn’t stand for “Independent”, it stands for “Israel”. He is pressing Israel’s agenda and appears to be representing their interests.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:53 amHow is Iran’s conduct different than when the United States supported the mujahideen who were fighting the Soviet Union in Afghanistan? Were we declaring war against the Soviet Union by our actions?
Comment by croatoan — July 3, 2007 @ 9:51 am
Excellent point. We’re being governed by tyrannical hypocrites of the American Empire.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:54 amI wonder if Lieberman removed the entrails from his teeth before they got that quote…
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:55 amRead anything you can find about Iran written by either Myraw Wurmser or Michael Ledeen.
These are the architects of Israeli/US Administration strategy.
WAR, WAR, WAR.
Wurmser is the wife of Cheney’s top Middle East strategist.
Both are agents of Israel.
Get it?
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:56 amTrolls can be existing members of a community that rarely post
Comment by ace — July 3, 2007 @ 9:53 am
How’d we get the ones with diarreah of the mouth? I wish they posted rarely…
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:56 amIt must be torture to be a Republican right now. How nice.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:56 am#34….Katie & unbelievable…Even if failure was a CERTAINTY, impeachment should proceed. If Pelosi doesn’t want to defend the Constitution she should resign. The equivalent is a cop who says he won’t go into any neighborhood where he might get shot. Or a firefighter who won’t go into a burning building. A Congressperson who refuses to defend the Constitution is a DISGRACE.
July 3rd, 2007 at 9:56 amA Congressperson who refuses to defend the Constitution is a DISGRACE.
Comment by Larry from C — July 3, 2007 @ 9:56 am
Agreed… And it only confirms suspicions about them all being nothing more than two sides of the same coin – owned by Corporate America.
These people DON’T represent us…
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:00 amThe commutation decision was a good one. If “Scooter” deserves jail, then so are ALL those who leaked the identity of Valerie Plame to begin with!
http://osi-speaks.blogspot.com/2007/07/though-premature-bushs-commutation-of.html#links
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:01 am#15 crump’s brother –
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:01 amwell said.
It’s why we have to educate the masses and keep them from gaining any authority. They can’t help themselves – they WILL abuse it.
Comment by unbelievable — July 3, 2007 @ 9:32 am
UB: they HAVE abused it — for over 6 years now… We just have to remember that true authority is conferred by the PEOPLE in a democracy.
So rather than just sitting here and arguing with trolls, we need to get out there and start to take back this country. A good start would be for each of us to spend a few minutes tomorrow, on the birthday of the USA as we used to know it, spreading the gospel of progressivism and telling the lemmings out there why BushCo’s raping and pillaging of the country, supported by the arrogance of FauxNews and the troll enablers, has destroyed the principles on which the country was founded and which make July 4th a holiday.
Either that, or we can sit in the pool together tomorrow drinking beers and telling Jake the Snake, ValiantIgnoramus and Jason Man Handler jokes (as if they weren’t big enough jokes already)…
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:07 amin a faux accent that could only be that of our Texan president — his first and only line of the film: ‘Could somebody go rustle me up some Ding Dongs?’â€
What did we miss? Let us know in the comments section.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:10 am—- Nope, I think that covers it, thanks! LMAO
Bush Commutes Libby’s Sentence?!
Tuesday 3rd of July 2007
by Jay Randal
President George W. Bush commuted Scooter Libby’s 30 month prison sentence to 2 years of probation, plus a fine of $250,000, so he avoids serving time in prison.
Bush did not fully pardon Libby, but in effect did the closest to it by reducing his sentence to probation only, and paltry fine most likely will be paid by his friends.
Most Americans expected Bush to pardon Libby as he left office in January 2009, but also expected Scooter to serve at least 12 to 18 months in prison before 2009.
This reduction of sentence is an outrage, a travesty of justice, so a miscarriage of the Judicial system in US, and represents unethical behavior by President Bush.
It’s bad enough that Libby took a dive to protect Dick Cheney from being indicted for outing Valerie Plame Wilson and diverting Fitzgerald from indicting Karl Rove.
So this whole affair reeks of obstruction of justice, so a stick in the eye to every decent law-abiding American, and it demands the impeachment of Bush and Cheney.
(Jay Randal, political activist and writer in Georgia, USA.)
PS: Demand that Rep. Pelosi & Sen. Reid impeach Bush & Cheney.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:12 amHey TP!
YOU’RE CENSORING VALID POSTS AGAIN. YOUR SPAM / TROLL BLOCKER IS DELETING PERFECTLY GOOD POSTS.
Please remove whatever flag, block, overactive mouseclicker you have in place re: my screenname.
p.s. get a registration system already to help control content. arbitrary deletions by the system or people only hurts your site.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:13 am#51…Agreed… And it only confirms suspicions about them all being nothing more than two sides of the same coin – owned by Corporate America. – unbelievable
Lets not forget to consider a couple other possibilities:
(a) They fear getting a letter full of anthrax
(b) They fear a “mysterious” plane crash like Paul Wellstone
(c) Rove may have obtained a secret on them thru illegal eavsdropping and is using it to silence them
My “gut” feeling with Pelosi is that she fears something. However, this is no excuse. Many people risk their life/health in their jobs. Police, Firefighters and Soldiers.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:15 am#52
That’s your logic?
By that logic a few guys bust down you mothers door and kill her.
When only one murderer is caught, arrested, tried and convicted he should then be released.
It’s just so unfair to him knowing his other murdering buddies are free.
We sure wouldn’t want to hurt your mothers killers feelings.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:18 amFor the first time in his presidency, Bush commuted a sentence without running requests through lawyers at the Justice Department, White House officials said. He also did not ask the chief prosecutor in the case, Patrick J. Fitzgerald, for his input, as routinely happens in cases routed through the Justice Department’s pardon attorney.
I don’t know how, and I don’t know why, but I have a feeling this is the slippery slope we’ve been looking for with the King — he’s always wrong when he follows his gut or acts on impulse…..
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:26 amSeeking a legal path to shutting down the Guantánamo detention facility, senior advisers to President Bush are exploring whether the White House and Congress can agree to legislation that would permit the long-term detention of foreign terrorism suspects on American soil.
Yes…..please do that. :)
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:27 amThe commutation decision was a good one. If “Scooter†deserves jail, then so are ALL those who leaked the identity of Valerie Plame to begin with!
Comment by KYJurisDoctor — July 3, 2007 @ 10:01 am
For a Juris Doctor, you sure don’t display much respect for the process of jurispudence.
No one argues that Libby was not tried fairly by a jury of his peers and found guilty of perjury and obstruction of justice. No one argues that the sentence handed down was excessive for the guidleines established for these charges.
The only argument is that poor Scooter has served his country and doesn’t deserve such ill treatment. The fact his, poor Scooter has not served his country — only his party, and his party turns it back on the Rule of Law with this commutation.
It’s a disgrace.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:28 amThe U.S. yesterday publicly accused Iran of intervening in the Iraq conflict, claiming that its Revolutionary Guard played a role in an attack that killed five Americans and was using Lebanese militants to train Iraqi insurgents.
See how the King is trying to inch us into Iran? It will be his downfall…
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:29 amSen. Joseph Lieberman (Traitor-CT) responded by beating the war drum. “The fact is that the Iranian government has by its actions declared war on us,†he said. While stopping short of advocating an immediate military strike, he claimed “our diplomatic efforts are only likely to succeed if backed by a credible threat of force.â€
And you, Joe, have by your actions declared war on the American people.
You are a disgrace.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:31 amYesterday, the federal government announced that it would not be accepting any new applications for employer-sponsored green cards, affecting “tens of thousands†of legal immigrants.
Which will prevent those immigrants here legally from staying here legally, and have no effect whatsoever on illegal immigrants.
*sigh*
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:34 am#63…Zooey…this is the article you want to read to learn how Judith Miller and the NY Times is (once again) pushing us into war with Iran.
http://www.moonofalabama.org/2007/07/gordons-source-.html
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:34 amIs it just me or is Leiberman just Bush with fewer convictions?
PRO domestic surveillance
PRO preemptive military action
Liberman should change his campaign slogan to:
Lets Become a Police State!
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:36 amVote Lieberman in ‘08!
Sen. Joseph Lieberman (I-CT) responded by beating the war drum. “The fact is that the Iranian government has by its actions declared war on us,†he said.
if we went to war every time some foreign power threw inflammatory rhetoric out there we’d be at war permanently…
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:43 amLately, everytime Leiberman opens his mouth he loses votes. He wants war with Iran so bad he can taste it.And since someone else is to do the fighting he can say anything he wants with no personal involvment. He should come out as the Republican chickenhawk he is instead of hiding behind the Independant label.Repulicans are all for the big mouth about fighting but are usually no-shows when it comes to serving. And whose army will he use to fight Iran? The Army this administration has managed to ruin over 4-5 years?
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:48 amComment by Larry from C — July 3, 2007 @ 10:34 am
Thanks for that, Larry. :)
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:50 amLet’s let ‘lil joe start this war himself.
We can drop him off in the Straits of Hormuz. He’ll paddle his way to Iran using those big floppy lips while holding an RPG.
Once ashore, I’m sure ‘lil joe will show the bravery & courage he expects from our troops on a daily basis.
When he conquers Iran, he’ll become a national hero & take the ‘08 Presidency.
How ’bout it, Joe? The ship leaves at 9:00, bring your rubber duckie.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:51 amLet’s go, Conyers! Time to move swiftly toward those articles of impeachment you composed during the hearings some time ago. It’s becoming clear that this is the only way to stop this despot who has again illustrated his flagrant disrespect for our rule of law.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:57 amBig deal. The Constitution gives the President this power, so it is a perfectly legitimate and lawful use of his power.
Oh, and by the way, Democrats have done this too…
Is this another excuse to attack Bush, or are you legitimately upset that the US Constitution grants this power to the President? Don’t toss stones, because we all live in the glass house.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:57 amZooey: I think you’re right. This may, indeed, be the slippery rope or the noose which finally hangs him.
July 3rd, 2007 at 10:59 amhttp://www.usdoj.gov/pardon/clintonpardon_grants.htm
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:00 amI can’t believe that Holy Joe is still out there posturing. He’s a total disgrace of a human being and has definitely begun his personal war against the people of this country. He’s a total pariah.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:00 am#75 – You forgot to point out the Presidents that pardoned more than Pres. Clinton!
Pres. Nixon –> 863
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:04 amPres. Eisenhower –> 1110
Bush did the right thing. Should’ve been a full pardon, though.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:22 amObstruction of justice, lying to Federal investigators and perjury.
Oh, I almost forgot, TREASON with a WAR CRIMES chaser.
THAT’S WHAT THESE DISGRACEFUL UNAMERICAN REPUBLICANS FASCISTS STAND FOR.
Whatever their told to stand for really.
Craven sheep.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:30 amClinton once forgot to pick up his suit from the cleaners.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:32 am“Oh, and by the way, Democrats have done this too…”
Baloney. I challenge you to name one example in which a democratic president pardoned someone to stop an investigation into their own behavior.
This commutation ends any chance for Fitz to get Libby to testify against his bosses. It’s a coverup plain and simple.
Thanks for demonstarting that conservative’s belief in the rule of law is a sham. You have just squandered any right to criticize democrats for anything, you intellectual fraud.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:34 amKaty
I am indeed calling Clinton corrupt not just because he got a blowjob from someone other than his wife but because he lied under oath.
He and Mrs Clinton also sold pardons see
http://www.boston.com/news/nation/articles/2007/02/28/pardons_reemerge_as_issue_in_clinton_run/
I say this not to defend the Pres but to make known the hypocrisy of the left which ma I add seemed to think Sandy Bergers fine was enough.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:36 amBarfly
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:37 amYou can prove this was the presidents motive?
#66 good stuff Larry. Even Michael Ware is drinking the Kool Aid?
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 amComment by Ben
I perused your list. There are no pardons on your list that were done to block an on-going investigation into the Clinton administration’s acts. If you were trying to show moral equivalence between the two, you’ve failed horribly.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:38 amBarfly
You can prove this was the presidents motive?
Comment by Troll —
It’s pretty obvious. It blocks an investigation into the admin’s actions. Only a partisan troll could fail to see it clearly.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:40 amHere’s the megaphone software ace speaks of it appears to be real.
I’m wondering if one way to outsmart this stuff is to use different spelling when trashing on Ishreel. What do they have to be so defensive about?
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:41 am#
Bush did the right thing. Should’ve been a full pardon, though.
Comment by Mark Rich — July 3, 2007 @ 11:22 am
#
Of course Marc Rich would feel this way about his own lawyer, Scooter Libby, who had worked so hard to get him free. I do have to wonder though, Mr. Rich, how much did Scooter charge in attorney’s fees?
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:41 am“I say this not to defend the Pres but to make known the hypocrisy of the left which ma I add seemed to think Sandy Bergers fine was enough.”
Comment by Troll
It didn’t hamper an ongoing investigation into administration acts. Get your facts straight next time.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:43 amBush is such a HYPOCRITE. If he commuted Libby’s sentence because it was excessive (like they are now spinning it) without Libby even requesting it first, then he should also commute or pardong Genarlow Wilson’s sentence and let that kid go home.
If you don’t know who Genarlow Wilson is, just google his name. He was a 17 year old honor student who at a party let a 15 year old girl perform oral sex on him (consensual). It was videotaped. Stupid.
He was charged with “Felony Aggravated Child Molestation” and given a 10 year prison sentence. Once released (after losing 10 years of his life) he would be registered as a sex predator. Insane.
The law was archaic. It was changed after his case to a misdemeanor. Doesn’t matter, his case and verdict stood. He has now served over 2 years of the sentence.
Recently a judge ruled that the sentence was excessive and ordered him released. The prosecutors quickly filed an appeal (even though the law had since changed), and the kid was ordered to remain in prison pending appeal. The case goes before the state supreme court in October.
If Bush is into commuting excessive sentences, he should let this kid go home! He was never a threat to society, he was a teenager who did a stupid thing. His life has already been ruined. If they were going to put in prison every teenage kid who got drunk at a party and had sex, then we would have to build thousands of new prisons in order to house them all.
If Bush is really concerned with excessive sentences being served, then he needs to put his money where his mouth is and let this kid go home.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:43 amGee… I wonder why Bush commuted Libby at this particular moment… Couldn’t be to distract from Iraq and his continued warmongering during the already distracting holiday, now could it?
Comment by Technodaoist — July 3, 2007 @ 9:39 am
I think it had more to do with this:
Just when things looked darkest for I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, when prison seemed all but certain, President Bush wiped away the former White House aide’s 2½-year sentence in the CIA leak case.
Bush’s move came Monday, just five hours after a federal appeals panel ruled that Libby could not delay his prison term. His prospects for an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court seemed bleak. The former chief of staff to Vice President Dick Cheney, Libby was just waiting for a date to surrender.
http://www.yorkdispatch.com/nationworld/ci_6282600
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:44 amHere’s the megaphone software ace speaks of it appears to be real.
Watch out ForTruth and ace, you’ll have a burning Star of David on your front yard by lunchtime for that!
Fascinating website though – organized to respond to any rational discussion of Israel with talking points and outright smears…. makes we want to rethink whether the Protocols are really a hoax?
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:46 amIf Bush is really concerned with excessive sentences being served, then he needs to put his money where his mouth is and let this kid go home.
Comment by JG — July 3, 2007 @ 11:43 am
Let me guess — the kid is not white, and has no money.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:46 amBarfly
I am not a republican. I simply question your assumption that you know the motives of the president. The result you state may be true but you and I cannot know the motive. You in your partisian mind may like to believe you know but you do not.
Armitage was the leak. This has been made clear. Go after him.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:49 amFaire > Bush committed obstruction of justice in reducing Libby’s sentence. This is an impeachable offense and fits the Constitution’s requirement of being a high crime. Bush and Cheney instructed Libby and Rove to out Valerie Plame to the press, so their antics in preventing Scooter from going to prison is flagrant obstruction of justice and conspiracy as well.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:52 amI am indeed calling Clinton corrupt not just because he got a blowjob from someone other than his wife but because he lied under oath.
He and Mrs Clinton also sold pardons see
http://www.boston.com/ news/ nation/ articles/ 2007/ 02/ 28/ pardons_reemerge_as_issue_in_clinton_run/
I say this not to defend the Pres but to make known the hypocrisy of the left which ma I add seemed to think Sandy Bergers fine was enough.
Comment by Troll — July 3, 2007 @ 11:36 am
What I find fascinating in all this is the fact that Bush ran as being morally better than Clinton, and this presumably had a great deal to do with his becoming President. Yet every time Bush does something, his supporters cry, “Clinton did it too!”
In other words, it is no longer a matter of being morally better than Clinton, but of using Clinton’s actions as justification for Bush’s misdeeds.
The measure of wrong doing now is based solely on whether or not you can get away with it. If you are successful at obstructing justice, you get away with the underlying crime, no matter how heinous, and it is as if no wrong was committed.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:53 am“It didn’t hamper an ongoing investigation into administration acts. Get your facts straight next time.”
Comment by barfly — July 3, 2007 @ 11:43 am
By “It” I assume you are refering to the theft of documents related to the acts of the Clinton administration which was being investigated by the 9-11 committee, those administration acts?
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:56 amBush committed obstruction of justice in reducing Libby’s sentence.
Comment by Jay Randal — July 3, 2007 @ 11:52 am
Jay, you’re making a conclusion of law not supported by the facts. Is it likely, yes. But unless someone comes forward with tapes of conversations, there’s no proof of anything, just conjecture.
Bush’s commutation sends the powerful message to “Loyal Bushies” that if you continue to be a Loyal Bushie, you won’t do any time.
July 3rd, 2007 at 11:58 amComment by Briseadh na Faire — July 3, 2007 @ 11:53 am
I am defending no one I find both parties corrupt and see no end to it as long as we continue to empower the federal gov. which does not represent us. The beast must be starved instead we feed it with more authory over our lives.
Government is the enemy.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:01 pmMy “gut” feeling is that she has been told that if they put impeachment on the table San Francisco goes bye-bye.
Remember all the insinuendos awhile back about the next terrorist attack coming in the form of a nuclear “suitcase” bomb?
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:05 pmGovernment is the mask the enemy wears. Look behind the mask; what do you see?
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:07 pmComment by Briseadh na Faire — July 3, 2007 @ 12:05 pm
You need to be more responsible with your ridiculous and foolish incinuations.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:10 pmLook behind the mask; what do you see?
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — July 3, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
Evil and fear.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:11 pm“Government is the enemy.”
Yeah Troll, In the warped mentality of George Bush and his minions.
That’s why they’ve done everything in their power to make it all fail. Quite a job they’re doing. Ask anyone left alive in NOLA.
Then, they stand back and say “SEE” the government can’t do the job.
AND THAT’S WHERE HALIBURTON COMES IN, STILL SCREWING UP THE JOB AT 1000 TIMES THE COST.
This is the philosophy of the Conservatives going back to Regan.
George Bush is just the successful implementation of that plan.
By success of course I mean the destruction of our functioning Government FOR THE PEOPLE.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:15 pmPelosi – like Lieberman and other wolves in sheep’s clothing, doesn’t work for you.
She works for Israel.
Comment by ace
BINGO!!!, that beeyotch was bought and paid for before elections!!!!!
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:16 pmZooey – Let me guess — the kid is not white, and has no money.
Right on both counts. His attorney isn’t getting paid to fight for this kid.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:16 pmYeah Troll, In the warped mentality of George Bush and his minions.
Comment by mparker — July 3, 2007 @ 12:15 pm
In the view of the founding fathers who had the wisdom to limit the Government in many ways because they too did not trust it and they understood the tendency of humans to misuse that power.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:23 pmGovernment is the mask the enemy wears. Look behind the mask; what do you see?
Comment by Briseadh na Faire — July 3, 2007 @ 12:07 pm
I see we, the people.
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:32 pmIn other news:
Sandy Berger fined $50,000 for taking documents
CNN ^ | Sept. 8, 2005 | CNN Producer Paul Courso
WASHINGTON (CNN) — Former National Security Adviser Sandy Berger was sentenced Thursday to community service and probation and fined $50,000 for illegally removing highly classified documents from the National Archives and intentionally destroying some of them.
Berger must perform 100 hours of community service and pay the fine as well as $6,905 for the administrative costs of his two-year probation, a district court judge ruled.>p> “I deeply regret the actions that I took at the National Archives two years ago, and I accept the judgment of the court,” Berger said outside the courthouse after his sentencing.
(Excerpt) Read more at cnn.com …
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:32 pm**yawn**
July 3rd, 2007 at 12:33 pmSandy Berger removed copies of classified documents, not originals. Ninety-five percent of the documents in the National Archives are on microfilm or are digital copies. Very few people get to handle original documents. At no time were the originals in danger of vanishing into thin air. What he did was wrong and he paid the price.
What amazes me is that conservatives who see themselves as the party of personal responsiblity have such a knee-jerk response to any criticism. Every question is answered with “Well Clinton did it”.
July 3rd, 2007 at 7:48 pmUnless Conyers is open to putting imepachment back on the table, I fail to see what use this review of commuation will have. The commutation is not reviewable. Conyers can talk until he’s blue in the face: Nothing will change the President’s decision; nothing will change the President’s pardon authority — unless there’s an Amendment; nothing will impose consequences on the President, unless there is impeachment or a funds withhold.
Going into these hearings on commutation, perhaps the Chairman may wish to share with the public what he envisions as an option or outcome: He cannot compel the President to follow or not follow any guidelines. The President, in this case, is not obligated to respond to any request for documents as the commutation was legal.
The President may ignore custom and practice of consultation when the Consrtituiton does not require it. Curiously, the Congrdss says “We have no time for imepachment” yet this review of commuation — arguably a watse of time — “is” something they “have time for.” I would like the Congressman and DNC to explain why there is “no time” to review impeachable offenses with an investigation, but “time” to review something that is not reviweable.
The explanations for not taking action on impeachment — especially in this focuse on commutation — are at odds with the oath copmelling a review. The time spent on commutation shows Congerss “does” have time to review things. Please encourage Members of COngress to focuse their “time” on impeachment, not the issues of commutation. However, if Members of Congress — through the commutation hearings — are supporting of holding impeachment hearings, great. But don’t start the commutation hearing with the decision “we are not going to discuss impeachment”. If you’re not going to discuss impeachment, don’t waste your time talking about commutation — your discussion isn’t going to go down the road to impeachment, as it should.
July 5th, 2007 at 11:27 am