[...] to "go negative" and attack his competitors for the Dem nomination, and has even couched his distaste for the Bush junta's shenanigans in the most positive frame [...]

[...] liked New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson's comment: This administration clearly believes its officials are above the law, from ignoring FISA laws when [...]

No question that the power to commute exists in the executive branch. The question is why was this man's sentence commuted. The connection of this entire event with the unnecessary invasion of Iraq and covering up the tunnel vision of this administration to justify that invasion just keeps getting worse. My Dad always said if you lie once you have to lie to cover that one and lie to cover that one. Bill Clinton was a liar but he is not responsible for sending our troops to Iraq. Thousands of young men have died because of this administration's ego. Perhaps Cheney's business dealings cancel out the Clinton administration's. But lying about an inappropriate sexual act hardly compare to sending my friends and fellow citizens to die for a cause that has less and less credibility and started with a lie to try to create some credibility in the first place.

Bedtime for democracy!

7 years later, I still believe George W. Bush stole the first election, and most probably the second, and the blatent disregard of justice from the top will hopefully come back to kick him in the ass, so all you smart people up there in Washington, need to get to work and take this deck of cards down, where it belongs, no doubt Libby will be pardoned in the end, so he can resume a life in the tragedy which is inherent in the political process churning its way to destroy our country, and ultimately make Jesus return sooner than later. Justice is a crock of crap, but you can't take any of it with you, they will find out.

What hyperbole…all you screaming commenters….get a grip…this was small potatoes compared to the Clintons…unauthorized, they actually removed FBI files of 700 Americans, including their IRS info, which is a felony, trying to find information on a select few targets, with the files scattered about like so many anthrax spores. One more than one occasion, they had sensitive information that had been strategically mislaid, later claming it was a "bureaucratic snafu"…Bush isn't the worst president, not by a long shot, nor is he close to being the best..but he has tried to keep our economy flowing, keep us safe, and protect our rights (why aren't you all screaming about the Supreme Court eminent domain decision, courtesy of the lefties on the Court…easily the worst decision of the past 50 years…that strikes at the heart of personal property rights??) and he has largely succeeded (low inflation, low interest rates, unprecedented succession of quarterly economic growth), with the exception of the Iraq war…no question a HUGE debacle. I'll be the first to admit that Clinton was internationally one of our most charismatic presidents, and STILL the trend line of terrorism was increasing during his administration…what we're facing today was going to happen regardless of who was/is in office. If all of you read more, you would know that our freedoms are under much more risk from the Dems on so many legislative fronts…stop squawking like a bunch of magpies, just because everyone else is…You're coming off like a bunch of clueless whiners. You call yourselves Americans? You sound like Canadians!!

To the many who say "Impeach Bush and Cheney now!"

Bush would just laugh at Congressmen because two thirds of the Senate would have to agree for conviction; and, the judge would be the Chief Justice appointed recently by Bush. Republicans continue to protect Bush as a wild animal protects its young!

Voting in November 2008 is critical to gaining enough of a majority for removal from office. The entire World awaits our actions. Sometimes success has to be a last minute thing.

No two persons deserve removal from office as having the most corrupt, immoral, incompetent administration ever than Wartime Deserter W. Bush and Cheney! We must do it efficiently.

Why can you pardon this man and condemn to death so many in Texas? Who are you fooling with this? I have lost all respect. I was looking forward to when you left office based on other inept decisions. It MUST come sonner.

Ah–MR in New York, the right wing liberal hysteria is in full voice today, isn't it? You can't argue the facts, so you argue the person by calling me names?? Very adult. Go back and reread my original post. I neither approved nor disapproved of Bush's actions. I simply stated a fact–the commutation is completely legal. And, its not a case of being legal for Bush/Republicans and not for anyone else ( Democratic liberals). Do we really want to go back and investigate just how many pardons/commutations were granted by Presidents in the past oh, 50 years or so? Do we wish to investigate the crimes which required a presidential pardon/commutation? How about we begin by checking into the pardons/commutations made by that absolute paragon of virtue and truth–the impeached Bill Clinton? No? I didn't think so. To quote a man far wiser than either of us: " From the cowardice that fears new truth; from the mediocrity that accepts only half-truth, and from the arrogance that thinks it knows all truth, Dear God, please deliver me. "

To all people who voted for Bush in 2000 just because he seemed more "likable" than Gore.

To all the people who voted for Nader in 2000 to protest the "alternatives".

To all the people who did not even bother to vote all…

All I have to say is: YOU ARE REAPING
WHAT YOU SOWED.

I do feel sorry for America. Too bad too many people don't mind spending days in line just to get an iPhone instead of caring about good government and respect for the rule of law.

Unfortunately, I do fear for the future
of iur great country.

I find this series of events, occuring against the backdrop of the Fourth of July's symbolic significance amusing and ironic. In fact, I presently find nothing else more hypocritical.

At times like these, I guess we must all reflect upon the words of Thomas Jefferson:

…"But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security"…

Enough said?

When will the two border patrols time be commuted? I think a lot of people now will just ignore the law because apparantly it doesn't mean anything any more.

What an outrage! This morning I heard on the local news about a fellow who was sentenced to 32 years in prison on drug and gun violations. Now that's excessive!!!

Bush didn't waste any time did he? Ya gotta rescue those good soldiers that lied for ya.Clinton lied about a sexual indescretion. He was impeached. Cheney, Bush, Rove, et.al violate the law everyday, ignore the constitution, and are laughing their way through it all. Tell me why Bush and Cheney don't deserve at least the same (numerous times over)that Clinton got? Impeach!

What the heck is OUR problem? If a man (our pres) breaks every possible criminal law in the book, what would it take for US TO stand up for our rights and put him on trial. Yes Impeachment for god's sake.

C'mon folks. This was a tactical move. By commuting his sentence, Bush guarantees that Scoot still has the right to plead the fifth if hauled before congress. The 250k is already paid for by cronies, the feleony record covered by his future lobbying opportunities.

This was a BRILLIANT MOVE.

Why no balance Warren from Houston et others? Why because no Fairness Doctrine! Thought you folks on the right liked it that way! No need to give equal time to both sides of an issue. That's why you can have markets where it 24/7 right wing radio. It's why you can have Fox News..er Faux News (hey if you can call CNN Clinton News Network I can mangle Fox's name too).

You want equal time? You want equal coverage? Then support bringing back the Fairness Doctrine. That way when Hardball gives Ann Coulter an entire hour to rant, they need to give someone like Rachel Maddow or Stephanie Miller a whole hour to talk.

Oh…and what Bush did yesterday once again shows his lack of leadership and respect for the rule of law. IMHO.

Erica

Let me get this straight - Clinton gets impeached for lying about an affair, and Libby gets a commutation for lying to a Federal prosecutor about outing a CIA operative. Where are the family values in that?????

There is no one more corrupt than a Republican and they are all corrupt.

Honestly, Isn't ANYONE going to ask??? I mean the man was convicted of lying to a grand jury who was investigating the exposing of a covert CIA operative. So, he was convicted, and his sentence has not been commuted. Well, at this point, I guess the question doesn't matter. But I will ask it anyway… "WHY" did he lie? Why.

Equal treatment?

Did Bill Clinton spend any time in jail for perjury?

THEN SCOOTER LIBBY SHOULDN'T EITHER!

Anyone care to respond with a logical, well thought out argument for why he should, given the statement above?

If not, then I assume that you agree that either the treatment was fair or that Bill Clinton should also spend 30 months in jail.

Please, don't scream Valerie Plame. The claim the he exposed her is not only unproven, but proven to be untrue. In other words: Scooter Libby is guilty of perjury but only because he was tried for a crime which he did not commit. This is in direct contrast to Mr. Clinton who WAS guilty of the crime for which he was called to testify.

Please, someone clear this up so that I can understand and join you in your disgust at the unfairness of it all.

Oh goody!! Chimpy has once again given the citizens of this country the finger! I feel so warm and fuzzy now that our system of justice doesn't apply to the criminals in the White House! Gee, I wonder if I lie to federal investigators if I can get my sentence commuted … how about it Chimpy?

Just as the right-wing claims President Clinton "taught" our children about oral sex, Chimpy & Co. consistently show our children that the rule of law is like a promise - they are made to be broken ONLY if you are an old, white rich guy; he consistently shows our children that, hey, it's okay to lie! Congrats with that Chimpy!

Why does this surprise anyone? He is going to protect himself, his corrupt administration, his rich cronies and their oil war. He will pardon Libby for everything before he leaves office and these are the people who claim the moral high ground!

the last I heard both Guiliani (declared)and Fred Thompson (waiting to declare)were Repubican candidates for the 2008 presidential election. Perhaps the whinning repugs should get their facts straight. Oh wait they still believe Bush and Cheney are the best Administration this country has ever had.

Before there's anymore breathless anchors screaming about Mr Libby's commutation of his prison sentence, have some of your research people go back and take a close look at the myriads of pardons granted by Pres Bill Clinton. Where was the righteous indignation? Spare me, please!
Hooray for President Bush!

A response to the Bush Administration, in the words of Thomas Jefferson:

"The care of human life and happiness, and not their destruction, is the first and only object of good government."
"Great innovations should not be forced on slender majorities."
"Our country is now taking so steady a course as to show by what road it will pass to destruction, to wit: by consolidation of power first, and then corruption, its necessary consequence."
And good advice to Americans:
"All tyranny needs to gain a foothold is for people of good conscience to remain silent."
"Never put off till tomorrow what you can do today." (Impeach!)
"When angry count to ten before you speak. If very angry, count to one hundred."

1…2…3…4…5…6…7…8…9…10…11…..

President Bush's commutation of Libby's sentence is morally and ethically indefensible. This action demonstrates this President's world view, that there are two world's one for himself and his crony's and one for the rest of us. This action illustrates, that in Bush's view the elite escape consequences, just as he escaped Viet Nam and the consequences of being AWOL. Bush's actions and Thompson,s and Roy Blunt's comments supporting Bush's communtation, repeatedly demonstrates that the current Republican Ideology is bankrupt and flawed beyond repair.Democrats need to put impeachment back on the table!

As a (legal) European citizen living her for 13 years now, this is the point where I say 'sayonara america.' This is not the country I moved to and it is only getting worse. And to think, I was once proud of the idea that my children would grow up under the American judicial and political system. More fool I. I urge anyone else with alternative routes to follow suit. It's only going to get worse.

For all the conservatives saying that all of the responses are from liberals, are you saying that GOP Fred Thompson and Rudy Guiliani are liberals. Oh, that's right you are. Yes all presidents and governors, etc. have the power to commute and pardon and every one has used that. Sometimes for good cases sometimes not.

As to the gentleman from Carolina pointing to Congress for not enforcing laws (esp. illegal immigrants), please re-read the Constitution: it is the President's Executive Branch that is responsible for enforcing laws. So blame Bush, Cheney and their predecessors not the GOP controlled previous Congress or this Democratic controlled Congress.

My mind has changed! Gitmo must remain open! It's truly the only punishment that befits this administration. The sooner we see Bush and Cheney on their way to Cuba in orange jumpsuits, the better.

The ignorance that Mr. Sheppard shows is typical of the ignorant and the arrogant. They know nothing and think they know everything which is the only thing that Republican Conservatives show they know how to do. If the commutation was to buy Libbys silence its obstruction of justice and Bush is halfway to removal from office. Other than that Sheppard doesnt seem to think that Bush's refusal to commute the sentence of a convicted rapist in 1997 when DNA evidence proved his innocence because he said he would not interfere with the decision of a judge and jury and the commuation of Libby's sentence is perfectly in line with Republican conservative neo-fascim, lying and hypocrisy.

Ammaazzzing!!! The "throw away the key" party just revealed how corrupt they really are and how hypocritical they are.
Criminals: Make sure you change to the GOP party so you can get away with everything.

I think it's about time the neo-cons went home to Fox News. All of your comments disgust me.

If Bill from New York has any dirt on Hillary or Bill he should do what any good American ( as opposed to a Republican Conservative) would do and take it to the authorities. If not he should shut his mouth and keep his Freudien fantasies to himself and his psychiatrist.

when is Nancy Pelosi going to show some backbone and do what the situation calls for. Having John Conyers initiate impeachment hearings against BOTH Bush and Cheney and ask Fitzgeralds office to investigate whether there is any evidence that Bush bought Libby's silence or for knowledge Libby has that would show that Bush lied and obstructed justice in his interviews with FBI agents about the Plame investigation in 2003.

To all the cretins complaining that CNN is "only publishing comments from Democrats," think about it for a second: if you were a Republican, would you want to be quoted on this? It is yet another horrible embarrassment for your party from a guy who just keeps 'em coming. They are keeping their heads down, fools. Not that it will save them.

This is incredible. Another case of those with power and are well off looking out for each other. If an ordinary citizen had been in Mr. Libby's shoes…it would have been a guaranteed a cell in a federal prison. It shouldn't matter what political party you follow, whether you're white, black, brown, yellow or green or that you have rich, powerful friends…if you break the law you should be punished the same way every other citizen of the United States of America would be punished. That's what why this country is called the "UNITED" States of America.

Warren from Houston, TX wrote: "I find it interesting that CNN (Clinton News Network) doesn’t publish any comments from republicans, only Democrats."

Do Giuliani's and Thompson's comments not count? Or did you not read that far?
Here's another:
Mitt Romney:“I believe that the circumstances of this case, where the prosecutor knew that there had not been a crime committed, created a setting where a decision of this nature was reasonable.”

Here's another: "President Bush did the right thing today in commuting the prison term for Scooter Libby," said House Republican Whip Roy Blunt. "The prison sentence was overly harsh and the punishment did not fit the crime. The sentence was based on charges that had nothing to do with the leak of the identity of a CIA operative."

Here's an Independent too.
VT Sen. Bernie Sanders: ""A jury of his peers found Libby guilty of lying about his role in revealing the identity of a covert CIA operative," Sanders said. "It is unfortunate that President Bush in commuting his sentence has once again put political considerations above the interests of our judicial system."

See a pattern developing? Why complain about what quotes were used and not have an opinion of what the quotes were about? If you don't like CNN, don't look at their website or watch their news.

By the way, these quotes were taken from foxnews.com.

It wouldn't surprise if this deal was made long ago, between Cheney, Libby, and Bush: that Libby would take the fall, and president Bush would step in and save him at the last minute. Rest assured that Libby will not pay the fine out of his own pocket.
And as far as obstruction of justice goes. Where's the justice? How do you obstruct justice, when justice hasn't been served in outing V. Plame.

I did not think I could be anymore disgusted with this corrupt, arrogant, power hungry administration. Then comes the "commutation" of Libby's sentence by King George W. Why isn't Congress moving to impeach both Bush and Cheney? The evidence counts to mount for their removal for the good of the country. Can we afford to wait till January, 2009, to replace them? Look for them to scare the nation repeatedly with the threat of imminent terrorism through the coming election year. It will be the only way they can guarantee more of the same for the next 4 or 8 years!

Bush's decision to commute rather than pardon was not a "compromise", it was strategical. As long as any part of the Libby conviction remains pending on appeal, Libby's and Cheney's lawyers in the Plame/Wilson civil suit will argue a stay should continue forbidding the production of government documents and witnesses related to the leaking of a CIA agent's identity. The press should be covering this manipulation of justice system. It shows just how calculating the Bush administration is and how determined it is to hide the truth behind the leak.

I can't wait to listen to the apologists on Bush letting Libby out of jail. I bet they all wanted Clinton impeached, thrown to the wolves, but not Libby. Oh, no… so now the message to my kid is if you are a conservative (supposedly who Bush is pandering to by deciding to let Libby off), you are for two different justices. If you are not a member of the GOP and you are guilty you must be punished, if you are a Republican you can cheat, lie, and get pardoned. Remember when Clinton pardoned his buddies what the conservatives said? Right, I figured so much… And the Media is always so upset that this country is split in two… oh, poor members of the intelligentsia. By God, that is a good thing.

The Founding Fathers must be turning over in their graves seeing what the Bush administration is doing to the country.

Bill,
Lest we forget Georgie-Boys good friends, Jack Abramoff or Kenneth Lay and Jeff Skillings $200,000 contribution to his inauguration in Jan. 2001 (hmmm Enron shareholder money?) My guess is that before the Chimp leaves office, Abramoff will either mysteriously die in prison, or he will get a full pardon. No matter how many times you post, you can't change the fact that your party is finished.

Where were we when Clinton pardoned friends? We squealed just as loudly. You bet we did!
So what makes you think that forgives Bush? Two wrongs do not make a right.

Reading some of these commdents would be really funny, if it were not for the absolute ignorance being posted.
Every Governor, every President in the history of our nation has had, and has exercised the CONSTITUTIONAL power to commute or pardon. One would be hard pressed to search through history to find ONE President or Governor who has not utilized that power. Commuting Libby, while not exactly pleasing to those who cannot be pleased with anything short of giving our nation away, is totally legal. Should we wish to see true criminal activity–just look to Nancy Pelosi and the Congress.
Aiding and abetting in the commission of a continuing criminal activity; Accessory before and after the fact of the commission of a federal crime, enabling in the commission of a continuing federal crime, derelection of their constitutional duties, and mis-prison of a felony. All of these regarding the illegal aliens currently flooding our country. So Bush commuted a sentence–he didn't pardon Libby: congress has done nothing either to enforce existing laws regarding illegal aliens or to develope a coherent, logical and rational plan on what to do with them now.

Had enough? Vote Democratic.You say there's not a difference? YOU'RE WRONG

The congressional Democrats can criticize Bush for his despicable commutation of the criminal Libby's sentence time while they continue to refuse to take due impeachment action against Bush and Cheney. They and the Republicans in Congress have allowed those two to get away with worse crimes, an utter disregard of our Constitution. How can they dare face anyone and speak out about this? It's more of their meaningless stagecraft, all talk to secure their own royal jobs, and no action protecting the people of this country and preserving their Constitution!

It was a bad choice for Bush..be loyal to a man who sacrificed himself to help cover his own misdeeds, or be loyal to the public at large, to which he pledged an oath to serve. Our president's hole has been dug. Now he's just lying in it.

"George W. Bush (2001 - )
Pardons — 13
Commutations — 4

Bill Clinton (1993-2001)
Pardons — 396
Commutations — 61

George H.W. Bush (1989-1993)
Pardons — 74
Commutations: 3

Ronald Reagan (1981-1989)
Pardons — 393
Commutations — 13

Jimmy Carter (1977-1981)
Pardons — 534
Commutations — 29

Gerald Ford (1974-1977)
Pardons — 382
Commutations — 22

Richard Nixon (1969-1974)
Pardons — 863
Commutations — 60

Lyndon Johnson (1963-1969)
Pardons — 960
Commutations — 226

John F. Kennedy (1961-1963)
Pardons — 472
Commutations — 100

Dwight Eisenhower (1953-1961)
Pardons — 1,110
Commutations — 47

Harry Truman (1945-1953)
Pardons — 1,913
Commutations — 118 "

But everyone in the Bush admin is above the law right? He's issued the fewest pardons/commutations of any president going back to Truman…Theres presidents on there who served less time than him, yet have more pardons.

(Btw before I get harped on for being some bushy supporter, I voted for Badnarik in the last election, Im just trying to present clearly obvious facts presented in the origional article)

To Ian,
Were these the comments that were "removed"?
"How many of these Democrats arguing that actions should have consequences supported President Clinton getting away with perjury, sexual harassment and rape?"
Nice bit of paranoia there, Ian. Again, completely unfounded.
If you believe the standards the Clinton Administration operated under were so disgraceful, what standard do you hold the Bush Administration to? Are you suggesting that Bush earned the right to set the bar lower because Clinton was such a scallywag? Seriously, what exactly does accountability mean to you if not punishing someone found guilty of a crime?

For all the posters asking why Republicans are not being quoted -think about it. If you were a Republican, especially one running for president, would you want to go on the record supporting a blatant miscarriage of justice? Would you want to go on the record supporting anything that President Cheney and Mr Hand did?

I see at this point that Thomson and Giulliani in fact do feel that political cronyism is acceptable -even to the extent of pardoning or commuting sentences of allies that have committed egregious crimes. This means that electing them would mean 4 more years of what we have seen for the last 8. Under no circumstances should these men be elected president.

Any other Republican that goes on the record should serioulsy consider coming down on the side of justice if they want to remain credible.

Every pardon and commutation benifits a criminal. What we expect is that person has performed some act to make up for the crime. Libby has not evenbeen punished. His fine will be paid by his efense fund. He has been released by the people he protected with his lies.

It is unsavory to use your power to peopel whoe crimes benefited the pardoner. The deck was stacked. Libby lied to benefit Bush and Cheney.

Lest we forget the Clinton pardons. Mark Rich, the nations largest tax evader and a drug dealer who had a relative donate cash to the Clinton campaign. Where were all of you then? Or is this a case of the same old liberal bigotry? (if you speak with a drawl, you must be stupid) My guess is that if HRC is elected, everyone with dirt on the Clintonians will walk and then mysteriously die in a plane crash ala Commerce Secretary Brown.

Lest we forget the Clinton pardons. Mark Rich, the nations largest tax evader and a drug dealer who had a relative donate cash to the Clinton campaign. Where were all of you then? Or is this a case of the same old liberal bigotry? My guess is that if HRC is elected, everyone with dirt on the Clintonians will walk and then mysteriously die in a plane crash ala Commerce Secretary Brown.

lest we forget the clinton pardons. Mark Rich, the nations largest tax evader and a drug dealer who had a relative donate cash to the Clinton campaing. Where were all of you then? Or is this a case of the same old liberal bigatry? My guess is that if HRC is elected, everyone with dirt on the Clintonians will walk and then mysteriously die in a plane crash ala Commerce Secretay Brown.

Where is the outrage? The press was all over Paris Hilton within hours of her "commute". This is far more outraging than that. THIS ADMINISTRATION CONTINUES TO BE BLATANTLY CORRUPT, AND LAUGHS IN THE FACE OF ALL AMERICANS WHILE DOING IT!

Before you criticize Bush/Libby, go check Clinton's pardons http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pardonchartlst.htm... Ok, and the Libby thing is a big deal?!?!?! Give me a break! Funny how it was OK for Slick Willy, but God help us if Bush does the same. Talk about double standards!

John Walker Lindh: A young 26 year-old man imprisoned for 20 years for making a mistake.

Ignacio Ramos: A former U.S. border guard with a wife and children imprisoned for 11 years for making a mistake.

Jose Compean: A former U.S. border guard with a wife and children imprisoned for 12 years for making a mistake.

Excessive???

On the eve of the Fourth of July, now is the time for all Americans to understand that the REAL terrorists are the ones who have actually trampled upon their Constitution and destroyed the rule of law, the terrorists who now sit in the White House, Bush and Cheney. Bin Laden could not have done a better job himself, than these two have done in taking down the once great beacon of democracy in the world. The American people should now begin to seriously ask themselves whether or not Bin Laden is secretly on the Bush payroll, since there seems to be no differentiation between them in their goal to destroy the United States.
_

I just ready Fox news coverage of this story. They quote 2 Republicans, and the 7 Democrats. I guess they are just another example of the liberal bias in news coverage.

Blame the republicans, blame the democrats… until we as Americans understand that we get the government that we deserve because it is us. It is a direct reflection of how hard we are willing to work, how much we are willing to sacrifice and the standards we set for ourselves. Until we get the fact that freedom is not a flat screen TV and liberty does not care what car you drive, and that sometimes our careers need to take the back seat to our families we are destined to mediocrity. I hope to see a day when we realize that the entire system is broken, it’s about money and not the people.

I try this again since my first comments got removed once they found out it was a conservative posting. How many of the Democrats screaming about the Libby pardon supported President Clinton when he was clearly guilty of perjury, sexual harasmment and rape? How many supported Hillary Clinton when she was stealing classified FBI files on Republican opponents? How many supported Sandy Berger when he was caught stealing classified documents form the national achives to protect Clinton? How many called for the prosecution of the Clintons for stealing furniture and other valuables from the White House when they left? How many support the prosecution of liberal Dick Armitage, the real person who "outed" Valerie Plame. How many cried out when President CLinton pardoned people in exchange for contributions to his presidential library? Another Democrat hypocrisy exposed.

The repulsion Americans feel towards this act by President Bush should continue beyond this blog. But the key word in that sentence is "should".
When the Democrats were voted in, the American people wanted a change. A change in policy, a change in ideology and a change in foreign diplomacy. And in return for our votes in November, we were betrayed by democratic party, i.e. Iraq War funding bill and an allowed continuation of "cowboy-dictator politics".
In addition, Executive Priviledge has become an appendage to the elastic clause and need I mention Mike Brown, Harriet Miers, "Mission Accomplished", faith based funding, gross tax cuts, failure of the health care and medicare systems, a historic trade deficit, and the continuing divide between social classes?

My point? If the members of Congress-that WE THE PEOPLE placed in office can't or won't do a damned thing to change this country, how can we? Defeatist? maybe. But when our "president" refers to Americans that speak out against his actions and demand a better America as "focus groups", refers to himself as the "decider" and thumbs his nose at OUR constitution and in theory uses threats against Congress should they not vote the "right way", it leaves little to no room for common Americans to make an impact.

I suppose it's well and good to vent our frustration on this blog and make telephone calls to the White House, but sadly by tomorrow the biggest concern many ill informed and apathetic Americans will have, is how long the line is at the drive-thru of a Tim Hortons.

Just as Daddy Bush pardoned Cap Weinberger in Iran-Contra as the scandal threatened to implicate him, so Bush Jr. has now commuted Libby's sentence, which–unlike a pardon–means Libby retains his 5th Amendment privilege and will thus protect Bush and Cheney. What more do the Democrats need before they realize impeachment is the only solution for officials who believe they are above the law?

IMPEACH BU$H CO NOW!

People must put lies into perspective. "Religicans" (I LOVE that!) are writing that Clinton lied first. But what did the lie have to do with national security? Unless BJ's are responsible for war, outing CIA agents, warrantless wire tapping, torture, ignoring the Geneva Convention, undermining the constitution and claiming yourself a monarch, then I would completely agree that Clinton is as inept and dispicable as the religicans claim. However, I wasn't paying $3.50 a gallon for gas, my stocks were doing well, my nephew wasn't in a war zone, I could afford my house and have a little extra spending money. Of the lies being perpetrated on America, I prefer the BJ.

What a way to celebrate the 4th of July…You have to give it to George W. he knows how to do it. Just trample all over what this country was founded on. It’s absolutely disgusting… I have been an independent for years and I have voted republican twice in the last 20 years. This is appalling. If one of the republican candidates can’t put integrity over politics, the party has lost my vote for a long…long… long time. What a legacy he is leaving.

The sad reality is that there will never be accountability in the Bush White House and worse, they will get away with it.

Forget writing letters. Let's flood the White House with the following items:
Hand wipes to clean the blood off their hands.

Worst President Ever.

I don't think people are asking the right "why" question in this case. What happens when most corrupt politicians go to prison,….they write a "tell-all" book about their experiences,…doesn't it sound like our president and VP made a deal with Scooter,…we won't send you to jail, as long as you keep all of our other secrets,…secret,..?

This is one 30+ year Republican,,,should I say former Republican, that considers the actions of this administration to be criminal and completely contrary to all that The Republican Party used to stand for! The lack of Republican support is a reflection that not all Republicans are mindless idiots that condone the treason of this group of thugs! Many of us find this government to be quilty of malfeasance and support the impeachment of this regime! However, it now appears that the Corporate Fascists along with their allies in the Reactionary Christian cabal have seized the country in a bloodless coup! There is no mechanism in our Constitution to right such a wrong!

This president continues to show his arrogance and disregard for the American people. this commutation was designed to keep him out of jail and quiet. A full pardon will be awarded after the election in 2008. This adminisration is corrupt from the top to the bottom.

Discouraging. I feel like why participate in this country? It isn't mine, it belongs to some evil upper class of Cheney clones. They don't get how the common person feels about this. They will (including Fred Thompson) FEEL it at the ballot box.

Impeach the traitors. Robert Byrd will get our boys home without worrying about Halliburtons loss of billions in profits. And he can recite that document the President hasan't read the Constitution of the United States of America.

How about border agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean?

Why are these two men still in prison?

"WE THE PEOPLE"

This is unreal. Does anyone remember the sanctimony surrounding the Clinton impeachment? This is the crowd that insisted that lying under oath regarding personal conduct was so destructive to our system of justice that it constituted a "high crime or misdemeanor" requiring the impeachment of the President of the United States. Scooter Libby was CONVICTED of perjury and will serve not a single day in jail and have his fines paid by well healed political cronies. God save us until 2008.

In fifty years none of this will matter.
Let's concern ourselves with changes
that will!!

The court historically does not pass out this type of punishment for the crimes that Scooter Libby committed. He got an unusually harsh punishment. He still pays a $250,000 fine and he is not pardoned. His felony stays on his record.

Although I believe that Libby should answer for his crimes, I also believe he has paid sufficiently for them thus far.

Will Dubya now commute the sentence of Victor Rita, whose sentencing appeal was just upheld by the Supreme Court?

It is incredible the number of people whi claim to be knowledgeable but yet state that Libby leaked Joe Wilson's wife's name to the reporters. It was Richard Armitage, #2 at State and a strong anti-war advocate. Armitage got charged with nothing. Libby was convicted of not remembering the exact date he was told of the vocation of Joe Wilson's wife. Democrats lose all credibility when they mistake the facts. Read the comments closely by the Dem candidates for President and see the lies. Democrats, please educate yourself.

And THIS is the form of democracy the Bush administration is trying to foist on Iraq? So far, this whole administration has been a horrible example of what NOT to be. Maybe, if democracy takes hold, they will be able to write a constitution which will actually make good, law-abiding American citizens jealous.

IMPEACHMENT AS A CURATIVE — You know, at this point, I don't care. I say that we should impeach both Bush and Cheney even though their convictions won't stand in the Senate.

We at least need to leave some kind of emphatic, public statement that reflects the mood and opinion of the majority of Americans. And IMPEACHMENT is seemingly our only tool to express this sentiment in a way that might satisfy us.

What an outrage. Bush is surely the worst President America has ever had. His "reign" is truly the lowest point in 230 years of American history.

We now know that the average CIA agent is worth about $250,000 to our president. Sad, truly sad.

sick, sick to my stomach. liberation now!

Bush does not care for right or wrong, justice or judges, courts or congress. He does not care what you or I think. He only cares about his buddies, his base and the use of his personal power.

I think it is telling that all of the conservatives sidestep the issue of their party not following the rule of law (something they accuse their comic book villian President Clinton of doing) and then proceed to bash CNN for not quoting more Republicans. They quoted "No Law and Order" Thompson, and he is spouting the party line. Maybe the other Rethugs are too ashamed to comment. It HAS to be a conspiracy.

The comments here suggesting the rule of law has been subverted ring hollow. Bush did not disturb the jury's verdict, only a sentence imposed by a judge that is extremely harsh for the crime of perjury. Although serious in and of itself to prosecute, let's not forget that no one was charged with an underlying crime, and had Libby been forthcoming it is unlikely that would have changed.
There were also questions raised that the prosecutor may have acted for political reasons, and the judge imposing sentence may have done so as well. Libby is not pardoned - he will still carry the conviction to his grave.

The jury was convinced by the defense argument that Libby was the "fall guy"; that he was singled out for prosecution. By "singling out" Libby for commutation of his sentence, Bush's actions were a reasonable middle ground between letting the jury's verdict stand and mitigating a harsh result.

I can't believe I'm lowering myself to even using her name, but……..I wonder what Paris Hilton has to say about THIS !!!!!!!!!!!!!

At least now we know what the meaning of is, is. What goes around comes around, only they don't like it when the shoe is on the other foot, then it is suddenly a bad prosecution and an unjust conviction.

If Bush had no intention of Libby ever going to jail, then why didn't he say so in the beginning and that would have saved the tax payers a lot of money that was wasted on this case!

Historians, I predict, will not be kind to Baby Bush. I hope he is prepared to be grouped with some of our worst presidents and there have been many throughout our history. Warren G. Harding comes to mind. As smug as he is, I suspect that even he cares about his legacy. It has always bothered me that he says that he consults with a "higher father." That is a dangerous claim to make. He may not be talking to who he thinks he is.

It's time our representatives in the legislative branch call for full blown investigations of Bush and Cheyney. IMPEACHMENT is in order! And, it's time the American people get off their lazy, self-centered behinds and vote out EVERY incumbent in the next 3 elections. We the people need to do this to send the message to career politicians and lobbyists that this is OUR government and not their money's government!

Come on, is anyone really suprised here? This corrupt administration cannot do anything else that would really suprise me. At least we only have 18 more months of this "president".

What I think is interesting is that many of the senators that provided CNN responses are still trying to say Scooter Libby leaked Valerie Wilson's involvement in the CIA to the media, when it has been repeatedly admitted to by Richard Armitage. CNN has reported on this fact repeatedly.

The real problem is that the special prosecutor never went after the Richard Armitage for leaking the classified information and that he failed to produce any respectable results. Yes, he got a conviction, but they were perjury charges against an aide. He pathetically failed to adequately do his job.

Personally, I think President Bush was right in commuting Libby's sentence and on some levels I feel sorry for Scooter Libby. He became the "crowning jewel" for the special prosecutor's investigation, which was a complete failure. If Fitzgerald was able to charge Richard Armitage with leaking the information, I don't believe Libby ever would have faced this situation. It's my hope that President Bush has weighed this reality and that was his basis for commuting Libby's sentence, because it would be mine.

History is repeating itself. Reacquaint yourself with the Rise and Fall of the 3rd Reich as well as Hitler's Mein Camp. Bush's administration is guilty of fostering the birth of facism in America. The Bush administration believes it rules by divine right; i.e., it can make and break laws as it so pleases–the arrogance of Cheyney and the commutation of his primary lawbreaker, Libby. And, these are the same people who wanted Clinton impeached for lying about a personal assignation. As a black American female, I am appalled at the gall of the Bush administration. His administration embraces lies, rewards liars, and has no problem placing US citizens in harm's way for the profits of their cronies. And, it is not by accident that history is now taught as an overview, with no real substance. Due to limited education, it is likely that the US generation that is less than 20 years old does not know what facism is and will lobby against it. With freedom comes responsibility. Throw the money changers out of Washington, DC and we might move from oligarchy to a true democracy. Then, maybe the 3rd World will want to emulate us–we would not have to use guns against them!

It comes as no surprise that the President has commuted 'Scooter's' sentence. This administration has lost all of it's integrity with not only the citizens of our country, but all of the peoples of the World a long time ago. It will take years to repair the chasm that they've created internally and externally throughout the World. We should all be thankful that all of this will end soon, so we can begin the healing process.

I believe that Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani, by supporting the president's decision to pardon Mr. Libby, are clearly out of touch with the expectations of this country to see a minimal accountability for a conviction of obstruction of justice. You can be certain that if Scooter were a Democrat or an ordinary citizen, he'd have already been behind bars.
If America could see someone else serving his sentence- perhaps Mr. Cheney, we'd feel like justice were served; Scooter didn't lie without being told to by someone.

As Ross Perot summed it up-
these people are civil servants and they're acting like royalty.

If the Democrats let this go unanswered, they are cowards and will be losing votes and their temporary popularity. And whether the Republicans liek it or not, this is their party doing this. The Republicans are so unpopular right now that if they let this go unanswered, not one Republican may be elected to office in 2008. Both parties seriously need to take Bush to task for this.

The most insidious of traitors, gets off. Bush is a shameful excuse for a man. November 08 can't get here fast enough.

OUTRAGEOUS—Bush promotes Democracy but behaves like a dictator. IMPEACH Cheney, then BUSH, and finally get this country back to being the Best and most loved and respected. I have had ENOUGH………..

What an UNbelievable mess this country has been dragged into. So, let me get this straight, Clinton tells one lie and is impeached, Martha tells a lie and goes to jail. WHAT IS WRONG WITH THIS COUNTRY that this administration can NOT TELL THE TRUTH and no one does a thing to stop it?!

This is country club government at it's finest. Bush has recreated a feudal government with the majority of us as the serfs, who should be happy we are allowed on the property at all. He's not only the worst president in US history (which takes some doing), he is the worst leader of a democracy in world history I know of (yes, Hitler was elected but then suspended the democracy, beginning the descent). He's King Midas in reverse - he destroys everything he touches. He should be impeached, convicted, and deported - if any Latin American country would take him. How about Bulgaria?

WAKE UP, AMERICA! THE WORD IS IMPEACH. WRITE YOUR SENATOR'S AND REPRESENTIVE'S. NOW IS THE TIME; DO NOT LET IT GO ANY FARTHER. ABSURD ACTION BY THE PRESIDENT.

Are you kidding me!! What about the two boarder patrol officers? Those guys were actually doing their job. Somebody take the keys from Bush and ground him.

Schumer, Edwards, and Biden (and SOME of the other Democrats) are correct. Equal justice….anyone else would have done hard time!!??? The best, opposing argument, is Thompson's comment, and we want that as President!

"An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind"~ Ghandi

Just another move in securing Bush's legacy as the worst President in our nation's history.

Bush has pardoned or commuted the sentence of working class people until now. There were no cries about him being unfair to the rich when these happened. The "equal justice" cries are without basis. I'm not a Bush fan, or a Republican for that matter, so this strikes me as politics and a one day story.

The sentence was too long, BUT, it should have been CHENEY serving it for outing a CIA agent for political gain. Every enemy of the USA studied Valerie Wilson's cover, and now the whole CIA's methods are out in the light, no cover will be as safe in the future.
I am SO VERY GLAD Bush pardoned Libby, now WE ALL KNOW THEY ARE CORRUPT. This is a good thing, a silver bullet to shoot any remnant of integrity and honor from the Bush presidency. They harmed the USA, and the whole world.

Going into Iraq wasn't the biggest mistake, it was the arrogance and lack of caring which showed in the lack of nationbuilding, and lack of protection for US troops.
Bush is not very intelligent, that is the USA's fault, we should NEVER ELECT A STUPID PRESIDENT AGAIN!.. only intelligent people for that job, got it? No more stupid ones.. please!!

How long are the crimes of the Bush Administration going to go on? Until the next election? I pray that the world is going to wake up and see what's happening. Criminals are running our government. How does that justify the American way. Is there an American way? Or is this it. Today I am once again extremely ashamed to be an American. What an atrosity for this to happen during our week of celebrating freedom. Or is this what freedom means? Big Money, Big Business means you have no law? What Happened? I am afraid for my childs future in a country like the one we live in today.

9 Democrats, 2 Republicans asked for comments. Enough said. The same thing happened when Clinton pardoned his cronies. It was ok with the Demcorats and it was not ok with the Republicans. Same song, different verse. At least Bush left the fine and probation. Clinton would have eliminated that.

The real culprit here is a Clinton appointee named Dick Armitage. Armitage was the 'leaker' and yet no democrat has publically asked for the prosecution of Armitage.

Hypocrisy?

Well reasoned decision by a man who struggles with difficult issues on a daily basis. It appears to me that he deftly found a compromise which retains the conviction on Libby but removes the stain of prison time. As reflected in this blog, those who hold the President in disdain are unlikely to approve of any of his actions and in a bizarre kind of way, have liberated him.

As if we didn't already know that President Bush didn't care about law in this country at all. he supposedly cares more about Iraqi law than our own. No wonder Terrorists hate us. Mr. Bush, SHAME ON YOU. You will be remembered as the worst president in history, enjoy your legacy.

What more can GWB think of to tick people off. Who advises him, for goodness sake? The action that was taken puts the administration and the republican party in bad shape. I predict that this issue will cause many republicans to convert. America cannot risk another republican president like GWB. We would be totally destroyed if so. I believe a lot of republicans will secretly vote democrate for president just to give their party 4 years re-build and repair the damaged caused by GWB. This article is another fine example of why the would have to.

This is a disgrace.

There has been an ongoing moral decline in this country. It has been marked by the frequency with which people cheat and lie, and by the increasing degree that such conduct is condoned and found acceptable.

With this decision, George Bush has done great harm to this country.

As for Scooter Libby, he lost his way. He could have stood up and done the right thing. He could have admitted his failure to tell the truth to the FBI and to the grand jury, and he could have willingly accepted his punishment. This would have been a true service to his country. Libby failed us and his country. Eternal shame on him as well.

ABSOLUTELY DISGUSTING What has this countries government come too? This administration has done more to destroy our place in the world than all prior administrations put together…GET THEM THE HELL OUT OF OFFICE!

To all who voted for George Bush–be careful what you wish for. What a travesty this is. I guess in George Bush' White House the rules only apply to the other guy. I'm glad to see the comments made by those running for the presidency; it certainly proves to me that those who are quick to side with this blatantly wrong decision should not be allowed to run this country.

Impeach Bush.

I apologize in advance for any misspelling but English is not my main language so I hope you understand.

The rest of the western world are sitting with their mouths open in disbelieve over this…..How can a democracy give so much absolute power to its president? It’s insane.
I really hope that the US will reform it self into a more fair democratic justice system where the president has power but doesn't have ultimate power. This reminds the rest of the world of china.

Come one, come all who have failed to follow the laws of the land! Send a request to George Bush and that other law breaker who does not know which branch of government he works for and ask to commute, pardon and otherwise forgive all republican transgressions and suck up to Ann Colter and their conservative base. You shall be blessed.

Balanced Reporting? These are all candidates or Democrats

Thank goodness! I didn't think Bush would have the guts to do it (pardon Scooter Libby). He's done nothing but disappoint and enrage conservatives for 6 years. It's about time he threw us a bone. Wasn't exactly a gutsy move, however. I can see no downside th this commutation whatsoever. The left remains enraged at Bush, which is their default setting. I can only imagine the blogosphee if Bush were to pardon the border patrol agents now in prison.

I am not in the least bit surprised. Of course Bush is going to abuse his office. His whole administration has damaged America to a degree which may take an entire generation to rise above the rubble.

When loyalty is held above the rule of law, we have ceased to be a Democratic Republic. What we have instead is a restoration monarchy full of corruption – it’s King George II and the death of “America”.

I hope "Scooter the straight Shooter" names his kids after God Father Bush.

It's all about timing. Why pick a Monday of the 4th of July? Like a thief in the night or was Bush avoiding a parody of Jon Stewart, because the Daily Show has reruns this week?

Think Sandy Berger!

Scooter Libby is a traitor, a treasonous traitor. The message is simple: We Do Whtever We Want. The big boys wouldn't want their boy to squeeal. That's it.
Where is America?

I M P E A C H ! ! !

What a great country we live in! An airhead blonde with more money than sense goes to jail for her crime while Dick "I'm comin Liz-beth" Cheney's Chief Staff doesn't serve a day of his sentence? IMPEACH BUSH AND CHENEY NOW!

My lord, it seems Republicans can get away with anything in the US. Do Americans enjoy being slapped in the face by a small, arrogant group of rich people who act like they are above the law.

Scooter is a straight shooter with friends in high places. If the Mr Pres. and the Texas MOB can forgive him who am I to question his pardon.

God Bless and take care of the family.

Last time I checked, Bill Clinton pardoned a couple shady characters himself tied up in all sorts of criminal activity (http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pardonchartlst.htm). . . kinda funny how this article basically quotes all the Democrats saying this is a discrace, and one Republican candidate and one potential Republican candidate for president as saying it was "okay", and no other