Comments on: Libby Gets What He Deserves — Freedom

National Review Online: A Full Pardon Is Ideal, But Bush's Commutation Is Praiseworthy

[clemenhagen1]

Why commute rather than pardon? Perhaps because double jeopardy prevents Libby from ever being questioned again, thus the underlying crime (Cheney's treason leaking of a covert CIA operative) will remain forever obstructed. Fine: paid by Fred Thompson and the rest of the corrupt GOP. Probabation: Libby never will have to worry about money for the rest of his life after taking one for Cheney and the fascist regime.

[clemenhagen1]

It's fascinating how they simply tell the same lie repeatedly, hoping that the braindead will buy the line of B.S.

"No underlying crime." Valerie Plame, a non-official cover, had a covert status. The CIA has consistently (including George Tenant) testified to her status. To knowingly and wittingly engage in a campaign to blow her cover constitutes a crime.

Fitzgerald did not prosecute Armitage for reasons easily discerned. He knows the identity of the original source of the leaks: he said as much in his statements about Libby. Why did Libby consistently and willfully lie to obstruct the investigation? If there existed no underlying crime why did he try to "throw sand in the face of the umpire" so that Fitzgerald couldn't see? Who was he protecting: the name would be Cheney.

Cheney equals the original underlying crime: Libby prosecuted for clear perjury to obstruct justice in the pursuit of said underlying criminal.

[lhwrites]

The hypocrisy is stunning. Bill Clinton was evasive about his personal life and all the conservatives wanted to lynch him. Libby is convicted by a jury for obstructing justice and Bush and the Conservatives decide that their opinion is more valid than the outcome of a constitutionally mandated trial. Could these people possibly sink any lower?

[jsilver2th]

And where does the buck stop in the administration?

Thanks GW for another nail in the GOP '08 Coffin.

Too bad he won't be able to pardon himself...

[aaabee-2009]

"Libby Gets What He Deserves %u2014 Freedom"
- whatever" Posted by rushlimpdrug at 05:44 PM : Jul 03, 2007

I know, but at least CBS also has Andrew Cohen's The Wrong Message Sent article up as well.

I very much appreciate the balanced opinions on the same site. Let folks agree with what they choose to, at least CBS didn't choose for us.

Kudos, CBS!!

[lawyertom1]

Let's see. Billy lies about his girl friend [some would even say that is so old fashion, protecting her "rep"], and he should be impeached. Libby lies to the FBI about a felony [the outting an undercover CIA operative], and that is just swell. Of course, and red is blue, and green is yellow, and the shrub is not a complete nut. Bovine guano.

[redwilma]

Obstruction of justice is a crime, and it must be a crime for obvious reasons.

Libby obstructed Fitzgerald et al from finding out who the true leaker was and from then trying the true leaker for treason.

Hey - remember when Bush said he would find out who did leaked Plame's identity and they would be severely punished? Pretty funny now.

[redwilma]

I felt a bit sorry for Libby - getting busted for trying not to rat out crazy Cheney. But, Libby chose his alliances, and see how they pay off!! (Poor Martha Stewart had to serve time and she was only obstructing justice regarding stock manipulation - not national security.)

Bush, Cheney and Company are a source of shame for Americans. I hate everything they have done since coming into office.

I think granting clemency to Libby will help keep their icky ilk out of power if we can get a fair election next time. And, that's a good thing! :)

[monty_4]

"...his action ensures that Libby will not go to jail, and that's a good thing." So this is what's it's come to? Criminality is ok to push the agenda? How the h*ll are we supposed to promote ethics to our children when our government, religions, educational system, and MEDIA won't do likewise?

I hope the editors of the National Review remember their stand when some one they DON'T like gets in the same hot water...oh dear, I'm being silly. Fair play is not a part of their vocabulary, morality, or ethics. It's win at all costs and *** the rule of law or the Constitution.

[andor3]

The Bush and Co. M.O. is based on make-believe and fantasy. So they seem to think if they (and their supporters at NRO et al) pretend they were not caught red handed, and maybe do a little tap dance and mention other presidents, that we will all forget or overlook that they have placed their own interest above the USA and betrayed the country and Constitution they swore to defend.

Will we forget these crimes against our beloved country and ignore being betrayed on this Independence Day?