Is anyone else tired of political attacks dressed up like principle?

Question

I’ll excuse some people on the Left for their ignorance of the Constitution and the basic laws and rule of procedure. But I will not forgive the political demagogues and “journalists” who spout political attacks against the Bush Administration under the guise of principle. The Libby affair is just one example. They pretend to be shocked and offended that the President commuted Libby’s sentence. They claim that it is some kind of attack on the rule of law. They suggest that he could not possibly have respect for the decision of the jury if he sets aside part of their judgment. Additionally they act as if this were some invention of Bush that never has been used by a President before. I refuse to believe that these people are this ignorant. Therefore, their attacks cannot be anything but politically motivated. Few things irritate me more than feigned ignorance and sanctimony.

Fact is any person convicted of a crime may have his sentence commuted or his conviction set-aside by a Pardon. Governors and Presidents spare convict the death penalty. A person convict of a DUI (in California at least) may be spared jail time by the courts. They may also petition the court for early release from probation and may also have the sentence expunged from their record. Prisoners behind bars for serious violent offenses may be released before service even a fraction of their sentence for a host of reasons including over-crowding.

The President did not Pardon Libby. He merely commuted the jail term thus allowing Libby to remain free while prosecuting his Appeal. Libby might not have accepted a Pardon anyway as it would not address the merits of his conviction as would a successful Appeal.

Let’s drop the sanctimonious babble about “rule of law” and “respect for the jury” and try a bit of intelligent analysis of the facts. Is intellectual honesty really that difficult f

Answer 1

You make a good point and yes I for one am very tired of it.

However, we live in the world of instant everything and that includes news. Politicians know that if they come up with a catchy 30-second partisan line about a subject, regardless of its validity or honesty, then a good many people will believe it. That's all that these complaints about the "rule of law" in the Libby case are about. A sound bite to stir up a mob.

Answer 2

Your defense is NOTHING about principal and EVERYTHING about partisan demagoguery. You COULD have offered some of your understanding of basic and Constitutional law, but you chose instead to only blare another version of the same old crap that begs for a closer look. Sure, there have been many instances of the granting of Presidential pardons. They USUALLY DON'T stop a close, personal co-hort from going to prison after a jury has handed down a sentence, The pardons USUALLY can't be seen as a way to "re-pay" for silence of other...and OTHERS...criminal activity. QUID PRO QUO is even illegal at the Presidential level. Is it YOUR ARGUMENT that there is NO semblance of impropriety involved in this episode? Libby POSSIBLY had information that COULD HAVE gone much deeper into this administration. Would THAT not be reason enough to "remove" him from the jurisdiction of the courts and penal system? Regardless of how loudly you shout it otherwise, this action by the President was on the surface, questionable enough for us to ask questions.

And the fact that a 30-months sentence sound like a "too severe" sentence to a man who REFUSED STAYS OF EXECUTION for people who were certified as mentally retarded and not even understanding their crimes, is also a bit of a stretch. So let's at least be honest enough to admit that sanctimony and political motivations are RIFE ON BOTH SIDES of the partisan divide.
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Answer 3

Your right, obviously. Besides the fact that Libby's sentence was excessive and overly vindictive, President Bush had every right under the Constitution to commute it--or even to pardon Libby, even though this would not have been politically smart--and the liberals know this. It's not ignorance of the Constitution, but hatred of it, that motivates their attacks on Bush on this and other points. Not that I'm saying the President is above attacks--he's made plenty of mistakes, and should be held ot account in some instances, but on this matter he was completely justified.

Answer 4

President Bush said in his press conference yesterday that he commuted the sentence for Libby, having been found guilty by a jury of his peers, for obstruction of justice and that this is no longer an issue. He admitted that it was a member of his administration who outed Valerie Plame, a covert CIA agent. I think you fail to see the seriousness of the situation. You are witnessing the complete loss of credibility within the entire government of the United States in many more areas besides this.

Answer 5

What about Mr. Bush's principles? Didn't he promise to "clear things up" regarding the Libby scandal? Now that it's a done deal, Mr. bush says it's "old news" and will not discuss it.
We know that it's common practice to commute or pardon convicts but it's becoming common practice (in this administration) to lie in order to avoid giving honest answers.

Answer 6

you said in your rant:
"Let’s drop the sanctimonious babble about “rule of law” and “respect for the jury” and try a bit of intelligent analysis of the facts."

let me just say what a refreshing statement that it.

if only those who conducted the eight year witch hunt against bill clinton had thought that way, the nation may have had more time to focus on the issues of the day - instead of impeaching the man for lying under oath about questions that never should have been asked in the first place.

that is what libby was convicted of - how it was the most important thing in the world when applying to clinton, but not so with libby is something that i have never heard addressed in any sensible manner.

basically, what republicans are saying is this: now that we had our way and were petty and used technicalities in the 'rule of law' to disgrace clinton, lets stop doing that.

what goes around comes around - and there is a lot heading towards the republicans - saw larry flint on msnbc who stated that:
'it was going to be a fun election year' could be larry has more than a few bombshells for the republicans...

Answer 7

Why don't we all just drop the party line bullshit and judge things based on whats right and wrong? You would be here ranting about it if Bush was a democrat and you ****** know it!


Or is that too much for Americans to handle?

Answer 8

What I'm tired is seeing both sides trying to defend themselves for the same wrong doing. If it's wrong is wrong no matter who is doing it. If it happens on your side and you want to cover it up then fine, to hell with the country then.

Answer 9

i don't like ANY political b.s.because they ALL lie and tell the people what they want to hear at the time. so get over it

Answer 10

it is very shocking and I think one day will be the downfall of this country