Scooter walks | KnoxViews

Submitted by Rachel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 6:14pm

The Decider commuted the jail time part of the sentence. Poor Scooter will be on 2 years probation and have to pay the $250,000 fine (tough for a guy who has God knows how much $$ in his defense fund), but he serves nary a day.

This comes on the same day that an appeals court unanimously upheld the trial judge's decision that Libby could not stay out of jail pending appeal.

You know, I think I'd mind a pardon less. This is just plan micro-managing the judiciary. Not to mention that Bush has said before he wouldn't get involved as long as Libby still had appeals left.

Doesn't Bush get upset when Congress tries to "micro-manage" the executive branch?

Oh yeah, that's different. And it's a holiday week, so you're not supposed to notice.

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Submitted by Andy Axel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 6:19pm.

Rule of law! Rule of law!

[S]omething needs to be said that is a clear message that our rule of law is intact and the standards for perjury and obstruction of justice are not gray. And I think it is most important that we make that statement and that it be on the record for history.

I very much worry that with the evidence that we have seen that grand juries across America are going to start asking questions about what is obstruction of justice, what is perjury. And I don’t want there to be any lessening of the standard. Because our system of criminal justice depends on people telling the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth. That is the lynch pin of our criminal justice system and I don’t want it to be faded in any way.

--Kay Bailey Hutchison, 2/19/99

____________________________

I'm a guy in a Reagan mask -- and I'm running for President!

WOO HOOOOOO! Yeah baby!

Submitted by Mark Shetterly on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 6:35pm.

WOO HOOOOOO! Yeah baby! How you like them apples! The decider has spoken and if you don't like it WE GOT TWO WORDS FOR YA!

http://www.zazzle.com/dlvrymon

http://www.terrorismawareness.org

Why today?

Submitted by WhitesCreek on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 6:43pm.

This is a stunning flip of the Bush finger to all of America and its laws.

Since Scooter would have had to go to jail immediately, I am forced to think that he was promised that if he kept his mouth shut, he would never serve a day in jail. Otherwise, the Scooter news would have happened this Friday as most people predicted.

Rachel, I think you are trying to make the case that this whole thing has been a hardship on Scooter Libby. If so, that is a total crock.

Libby has suffered less than Valerie Plame, who had her career destroyed in an act of political cowardice unlike any heretofore seen in these United States. Remember Rachel, that the reason Scooter destroyed Valerie Plame's career was to punish her husband for publicly catching George Bush in a lie. Rather than honorably stand up to Ambassador Joseph Wilson, this administration chose to act like the cowardly vermin they are.

There is a new animal running rampant in America...A skunk with a yellow stripe.

This is a sad day in America. It will be sadder still if the President and Vice President are not impeached.

Rachel, I think you are

Submitted by Rachel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 6:46pm.

Rachel, I think you are trying to make the case that this whole thing has been a hardship on Scooter Libby. If so, that is a total crock.

Obviously I need some sarcasm tags.

Surprised?

Submitted by SHarris on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 9:33am.

I don't think any of us are surprised by these events. Cheney threw Libby under the bus and in order to make sure Libby didn't tell everything he knows Bush commuted the sentence. Perhaps one day when the Bush/Cheney machine has ground to a halt, folks like Scooter Libby will be free to publish the real story. That may be the best we can hope for now.

Finally, I have something

Submitted by Andy Axel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 6:45pm.

Finally, I have something relevant to say about the Paris Hilton rubberneckfest:

Paris Hilton did harder time for a DUI than Libby did for robbing this country of one of its covert counter-proliferation assets.

What a country!

____________________________

I'm a guy in a Reagan mask -- and I'm running for President!

Obviously I need some

Submitted by WhitesCreek on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 6:48pm.

Obviously I need some sarcasm tags.

I guess so...You might use one of those tags when you say things like: "CBT is not a liar."

Liar

Submitted by Rachel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 7:00pm.

You know, this "liar" business is really strong language. I don't like to use it, and I especially don't use it about somebody I know if I can possibly help it.

Calling someone a "liar" doesn't mean to me that they might spin their way over the line once in awhile. It means they deliberately, knowingly, and habitually tell absolute falsehoods.

I resisted calling the President a liar for a really, really long time, until it became clear beyond all doubt that he pretty much has no regard for the truth.

CBT's a Republican operative. He spins pretty much like I expect him to. But I know him personally, and he's a long way from a "liar."

That's my story and I'm sticking to it. If that doesn't make me pure enough, too bad.

BTW, I thought the Libby sarcasm was pretty obvious. Reread the post.

Actually, a pardon would

Submitted by R. Neal on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 7:25pm.

Actually, a pardon would have been better.

Not only would it have been an indisputable middle finger in the face of America, it would have removed his 5th Amendment protections against ratting out himself, Cheney, Rove, and Bush in the conspiracy.

The pardon will come in Jan. 2009, when Bush, Cheney et. al. don't care about Libby or anything else any more.

Where is Martha Stewart's pardon?

I certainly won't argue that

Submitted by Rachel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 7:34pm.

I certainly won't argue that the President doesn't have the authority to do this. He clearly does. But he's certainly ignoring DOJ guidelines.

Why, Rachel - Libby was,

Submitted by Andy Axel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 7:42pm.

Why, Rachel - Libby was, only today, denied an appeal bond! What recourse did they have?

(um... sarcasm... just in case...)

____________________________

I'm a guy in a Reagan mask -- and I'm running for President!

Rach...

Submitted by WhitesCreek on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 7:44pm.

Calling someone a "liar" doesn't mean to me that they might spin their way over the line once in awhile. It means they deliberately, knowingly, and habitually tell absolute falsehoods.

I think I can demonstrate that mere "spin" won't cover what CBT does. If you want me to spell it out...well so be it.

Not tonight though, got Jack Johnson on the player, wine in the glass, and satay on the grill. (It's a tough life, but..)

Steve

ps: And the boys are out for the evening...A man gotta do what a man...

Rach

Submitted by Rachel on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 8:53pm.

Only two people in the world are allowed to call me that, and one of them is dead. :)

At least weasels have spines.

Submitted by Factchecker on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 7:58pm.

You know what the difference between Bush and a weasel? Weasels have spines.

Bush was for rule of law, honor/integrity, and not tampering with the judicial process before he was against all of these things. What a sorry piece of shit of a person he is.

Republicans are going to further distance themselves and claim Bush is not a true believer, a true conservative. But it's clear to the world: In George W. Bush, the GOP placed all of their confidence. He not only was their chosen leader, he was their savior and hero. They bet everything on him and dared anyone to challenge his sorryness as heir to Saint Ronnie's throne. He is the best Republicans can do. Bush's performance is what the Republican party has wrought. They will be held accountable.

GOP Implosion

Submitted by Elrod on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 8:05pm.

The commutation of Libby will lead to the further implosion of the GOP. I think this will yank Fred Thompson down too because he's been so vocal a supporter of Libby. Of course, I'd rather have Fred Thompson on the top of the GOP ticket to face than Giuliani. Fred will get mauled no matter what. Giuliani will be tougher.

Did anybody ever think Libby

Submitted by gttim on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 9:39pm.

Did anybody ever think Libby would ever do time? He knew he would never see the inside of a jail.

The good news is that Bush is single handedly destroying the GOP! People are starting realize there is a difference between what they say and what they do.

BTW, CBT is a low down, dirty, stinking liar. Just saying!

To the dictionary Batman!

Submitted by cafkia on Mon, 2007/07/02 - 10:25pm.

"The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48"
Liar Li"ar (limac"~er), n. OE. liere. See Lie to
falsify.
A person who knowingly utters falsehood; one who lies.
1913 Webster

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It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.
- William G. McAdoo

"Excessive"

Submitted by Brian A. on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 3:29am.

Since Bush believes Libby's prison sentence, which was within the federal sentencing guidelines, is "excessive," I'm looking forward to the White House's effort to reform said guidelines.

When can we expect to see that?

Brian A.
I'd rather be cycling.

8 U.S.C. §922(g)(1)

Submitted by Stormare Mackee on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 8:39am.

At least Libby doesn't have to worry about having to go hunting with Cheney...

Satisfied?

Submitted by Andy Axel on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 9:39am.

Surprised? No.

I'm sick to death, however, of being told that this is the best we can hope for.

Harry Reid has so much as conceded already that the Senate will do nothing, and will leave history to judge these men harshly.

I am not satisfied.

Are you?

____________________________

I'm a guy in a Reagan mask -- and I'm running for President!

Not satisfied

Submitted by SHarris on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 10:06am.

No, I'm not satisfied but this administration has thumbed its nose at the law and public opinion so many times that I do think the best we can hope for is that the truth will come out after these folks have left office. Perhaps then the teflon coating will dissolve and charges can be brought that will stick.
There is a terrible rift in this country and I think the Bush/Cheney administration bears a huge portion of the responsibility for that rift. I'm not sure any one person from either party could heal the rift and bring Americans together again.
We need to find a way to stop looking at each other as "liberal" and "conservative" or as "democrat" and "republican" and start finding our commonalities so that we can work toward a compromise on the ideas we don't agree on. Our country is in danger from within and we are the only ones who can fix it. Gawd...now I'm sounding like someone who grew up in the 60's/70's. Oh wait...I did :-)

in my experience

Submitted by cafkia on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 12:12pm.

Liberals/independent progressives are the ones most likely to review all sides of an issue and come to an opinion. Therefore, the valid class delineations become informed and dis/mis/uninformed. We have nothing to gain by pretending that those in the latter group don't exist or, aren't who/what we know them to be.

Then, we have to get better at packaging the truth in non-confusing, digestible portions for the masses. The lies of the reich-wing are attractive and easy to live with so, our approach should be at least two pronged. In addition to the work we do with the truth, we need to have an effective method for notifying the public of the reich-wing lies, something that works as well as their talk radio noise machine. I don't know what it might be but, I know we need it.

We have liars and traitors in lofty positions. The lower ranks are fleshed out with more of the same and enablers. Those at the lower level may believe they are doing what is best for their country. Those at the higher levels are under no such illusions, they simply seek the power and money. It is time to quit soft peddling this stuff and get the truth out there.

CAFKIA

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It is impossible to defeat an ignorant man in argument.
- William G. McAdoo

go read "Don't think of an elephant"

Submitted by rocketsquirrel on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 12:27pm.

go read "Don't think of an elephant".

Don't Think of an Elephant! is the definitive handbook for understanding what happened in the 2004 election and communicating effectively about key issues facing America today. Author George Lakoff has become a key advisor to the Democratic party, helping them develop their message and frame the political debate.

In this book Lakoff explains how conservatives think, and how to counter their arguments. He outlines in detail the traditional American values that progressives hold, but are often unable to articulate. Lakoff also breaks down the ways in which conservatives have framed the issues, and provides examples of how progressives can reframe the debate.

A good example: Stop framing the local schools issue around "diversity," and start talking about healthy schools. Local GOP'ers and Dem enablers have framed the schools debate around "Great Schools"--their sales language for NCLB, Project Grad, and further creating two societies--Point out where schools aren't healthy, and how healthy neighborhoods will create healthy schools. (the "health"
is economic, not environmental, btw.)

I have the feeling that, by

Submitted by redmondkr on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 11:32am.

I have the feeling that, by the time this administration is flushed from the White House, most of the incriminating evidence will evaporate as surely as Bush's military records.

There will be little if any penance for their sins.

The best we can hope for is that the percentage of people buying their manure will continue to dwindle, they will remember it at the polls, and will not be convinced that the present brood in the Republican bullpen would be appreciably better.

Hopefully, this Libby shovel-full will knock off another percentage point or two.

A few more Republicans in the House and Senate may get the idea that their constituents would prefer to vote for a public servant who doesn't enable a criminal enterprise and start working toward a veto-proof Congress.

Come See Us at

The Hill Online

A few more Republicans in

Submitted by Andy Axel on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 11:49am.

A few more Republicans in the House and Senate may get the idea that their constituents would prefer to vote for a public servant who doesn't enable a criminal enterprise and start working toward a veto-proof Congress.

Pfft.

Democrats obsess about this, but... how is it that the GOP manages to get their message across and to govern even when they're in the friggin' minority?

We may not always be veto proof, cloture proof, or what have you. Is it simply not possible for Democrats to govern without stronger majorities?

If that's the case, then I suggest that Harry Reid and the overindulged lot of them stop "governing" and start doing something useful like filling potholes. Sheesh. I'm tired of hearing about how "we fought the good fight" and "we're committed to fighting for [insert cause here] in the future."

Stop fighting. Start winning. Dammit.

D'ya think they know the difference?

____________________________

I'm a guy in a Reagan mask -- and I'm running for President!

veto-proof Congress That

Submitted by R. Neal on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 11:37am.

veto-proof Congress

That probably ain't going to happen in the current Congress with the ~~30%~~ 27% dead-enders in charge. Hopefully it won't be needed after the next election.

Even in the outrage over

Submitted by CBT on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 1:04pm.

Even in the outrage over Bush commuting Libby's sentence, I am somehow made part of the discussion. I don't know whether to be flattered or surprised. I'll take the former.

I am not a liar. Like everyone, I can be wrong. There's a difference.

Abusing his throne or just fulfilling a promise?

Submitted by Factchecker on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 1:35pm.

"The legislature's job is to write law. It's the executive branch's job to interpret law."—Austin, Texas, Nov. 22, 2000

Lies

Submitted by Up Goose Creek on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 1:36pm.

I see a difference in knowingly lying for personal gain (I don't see this in CBT) and being caught up in a web of lies spun by master maniputalors such as Karl Rove.

Rove & Cheny have the party of fiscal conservatism spending with abandon. Rove & others have taken Christianity, a religion of love and compassion and tried to point us towards hate and misanthropy.

These manipulators are very good at what they do and sometimes it takes a while for good hearted people to catch on.

____________________________________
Less is the new More - Karrie Jacobs

Lie

Submitted by WhitesCreek on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 1:56pm.

1. a false statement made with deliberate intent to deceive; an intentional untruth; a falsehood.

2. something intended or serving to convey a false impression; imposture.

A half truth is therefore a whole lie. Kinda like this one:

"The CIA started the ball rolling by sending the Democratic partisan husband of one of its employees to Niger on a sensitive mission." ..Fred Thompson speaking about Joe Wilson, husband of Valerie Plame.

What's the truth? Try this:

Joseph Charles Wilson IV (born November 6, 1949) is a retired diplomat of the United States Foreign Service, who was posted to African nations and Iraq during the George H. W. Bush administration.

Before we knew about warrantless wiretaps

Submitted by Factchecker on Tue, 2007/07/03 - 2:20pm.

Was it a lie when Bush volunteered this, before we knew he was ignoring the FISA courts?:

"Now, by the way, any time you hear the United States government talking about wiretap, it requires -- a wiretap requires a court order. Nothing has changed, by the way. When we're talking about chasing down terrorists, we're talking about getting a court order before we do so. It's important for our fellow citizens to understand, when you think Patriot Act, constitutional guarantees are in place when it comes to doing what is necessary to protect our homeland, because we value the Constitution."