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 established Republican lawmakers chiming in. Why call the article "Washington Response" when it's really the Democratic/Democratic presidential candidates responses to Libby's pardon.

Well, what number to the White House do we need to call?

President Bush needs to pardon the 2 Boarder Patrol Men working for our good not chief of staff Lewis “Scooter” Libby:. Bush, think and have mercy on the families of these fine men serving the nation.

Respect your God Father am he will help you.

Unbelievable, but amazingly, not surprising. As a lawyer, it is sad to see the continual eroding of our nation of laws. This administration's legacy will in fact be that they changed the world. But ohhhh, did they make it so much worse.

By the way Chetry and Roberts (morning team), please try to restrain the expression of your clear bias for this administration and it's policies. Besides making me sick to my stomach, your losing my viewership. Or maybe it's CNNs intention to out-Fox Fox news? If so, good luck with that, and may God have mercy on your soul.

The Texas Mob takes care of its own.

It is a sad day for our American democracy and our justice system when our very own President abuses the power he was given. How can we have the audacity to criticize Putin or others for un-democratic actions when our own President puts serving himself above serving the country.

Apparently the CNN journalist that wrote this story was only able to find three Republicans that would give a quote — putting their quotes at the bottom of the story was also a nice touch. It would be nice if CNN at least went through the motions of being fair to both sides. I don't recall quite so much concern when President "I can eat a donut bigger than my head!" Clinton pardoned terrorists and tax evaders for political purposes.

As an american citizen, I am appalled at the decision to commute the prison sentence of Scooter Libby. The rationale used by the President that "the sentence was too harsh" even though it was well within federal sentencing guidelines, is another indication of this administration's policy of placing itself above the rule of law.
It sickens me that someone, who had a part in revealing classified information is not going to receive the same punishment that "ordinary" citizens would have received for committing the same offense. Regardless of his contributiions to society, he should be treated like all others, and not like a pampered child. All this has done is solidified my belief that those in Washington operate above the law and to benefit themselves, and not for the benefit of the people who elected them.

Ask yourself why Mr. Libby lied to the Grand Jury. Who and what was he protecting?

This is bigger than Bush and his administration. Follow the comments of the Republican candidates about this commutation and see how they disagree with the values of the American people.

It's another blow to democracy courtesy of W. It just goes to prove you can get away with anything as long as you don't disagree with the administration. It's disgraceful, it's like Hitler pardoning Mengele.

Really objective cross-section of Washington you've gotten to respond there CNN (as usual). Only liberal partisan blow-hards who continue to perpetuate the absurd myth that the administration somehow "outted" Plame to get even with her ridiculous husband. Their (and CNN's) silence on the matter of Sandy Burger was (and still is) deafening.

This just proves what a joke our government is. This is just another example that proves that Bush believes that he and his administation is above the law.

It seems obvious that this President has come to the conclusion history is unlikely to remember him for the good he's done for our country, which has been miniscual, so he's conducting himself in a manor that will satisfy his conservative base and no one else. His commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence completely contradicts his earlier statements that supported tough action against all those involved with leaking the name of the CIA operative. He has no credibility remaining with the American people, whatsoever, after this stunt.

Both Bush and Cheney should resign in disgrace. It will take a generation to recover from this train wreck of an administration. Time to start now. Nancy, are you listening? Impeach them both and turn them over to the War Crimes Tribunal.

Remember? Bush was going to "restore honor" to the White House. Ha, yeah, after he leaves on helicopter to do time in the federal pen.

This was just a witch hunt. Glad Bush pulled Scooter off the burning stake.

- He did not leak her name.
- Plame was not a covert Op
- She was part of the story (and thus her name and role was newsworthy, because she was involved in sending her husband on the trip, and he claimed he was sent on behalf of the Vice President's office.

So… nothing to see here… This non story should hopefully finally go away.

I will not vote for any Republican in the upcoming presidential elections in protest of this administration's blatant "in your face" and discraceful act of keeping a felon out of jail where doing so has benefited themselves. A bit of a conflict of interest don't you think??? The least he could have done was follow recommended guidelines for commutation, so the appearance of his actions did not appear so evil.

How are we as citizens suppose to trust the system when we convict a citizen in court, and remember he is a citizen. And then have the President spit on our constitution and release this convicted felon this makes me sick.

Martha Stewart was not tried for any underlying crime of Insider trading, yet she was tried, convicted and jailed for lying to the FBI. Why should Scooter get better treatment than Martha?

I think the libby thing is a disgrace to the American people..What do our children think? yes, you can lie and obstrut justice and get a pardon .

Bush has continued to overstep his bounds and is a disgrace to America..no one trust him but his cronies..

is it not time to consider impeachment before is does some more stupid things?

If you have friends in high places justice does not matter. Thank you Mr Pres. for helping your friend in need. can you help me with my child support, I have to pay next week.

When one thinks logically about this, it is easy to understand and "be okay" with Libby's sentence being commuted. In reality, he took the fall to take the heat away from people like Karl Rove and Dick Cheney. Anyone that thinks this wasn't prearranged is deluding themselves.

Vince Foster Murdered – No Punishment
FBI Files magically appear in Hillary's hands – No Punishment

Sandy Burger – Steals classified documents to protect Clinton – Probation and a fine

Talking about a CIA non-covert agent – Two years and a fine, plus must serve time while appealing the decision. So, who's getting screwed here? Bush was right to commute the sentence.

List of Clinton Pardons: http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pardonchartlst.htm

It's very interesting how quick Guiliani and Fred Thompson were to come forawrd and support Bush on the 'commuting' of Libby. So far, the other GOP candidates haven't said a word.

I think it's pretty safe to say at this point and time, that GWB will have a "0″ legacy in the annals of history.

As to his presidential library, which he likes to boast about, it hard to imagine anything positive at all, that could be on diplay for viewing by the American people. Wonder how many will be waiting in line?

This is a travesty! Obviously, George Bush is continuing to do the wrong things. I am a Republican but I found disagreeing with him more and more. His words cannot be believed anymore and anybody who does, they better use their thinking caps for George Bush evidently has none.

Somehow I really do not think that had I had done what Libby had done, I really doubt that I would be walking like Mr. Libby, I would be wearing a prison uniform, with no hope of even an eventual parole. I must be nice to have friends in HIGH PLACES! How much blood did are on Mr. Libby's hands that will never was OFF.

G.W.Bush "Slaps The Faces" of All Americans again! And he does it just two days before the Fourth of July!

It is appalling to see that the great Republic is being run like a Kingdom where the elite have no need to fear consequences that the regular people must face.

I believe that the President has made the wrong decision to commute Scooter Libby sentence to just nothing at all after he lied and betrayed the public trust in the legal system. What kind of system is this President and his follower are running. Scooter Libby should go directly to prison he is no different from anyone and he should take the Vice President and President along with him. This is just another slap in the face by this administration to cover up the truth.

Libby ought to serve his time in prison. President Bush brings shame and dishonour to us with the commutation of Libby's sentence. That said, the hypocrisy of the Democrats (of which I am one) is breathtaking. When President Clinton perjured himself, they rushed to his defence, making all manner of excuses and using any justification to hand. Whether it's a dalliance with an intern or revealing a CIA field agent's name, perjury is perjury.

Bush and his boys should be tared and feathered and run out of town on a rail!!!!!!!!!

Mr.Bush you have betrayed our
Country by not listening to its people. The decision to commute Libby is the last straw. I will feel great relief when you are no longer President of the United States.

Membership has its privileges.

Not only is the President incredibly incompetent, but he now proves beyond reasonable argument that his is the most corrupt administration since the Nixon era. Cheny is his Agnew. The country, the people, the troops deserve better. We will never get it as long as this administration remains in office.

Once again George W Bush rules with impunity. Hail Caesar.

What do you bet that Republicans with deep pockets are getting some money his way so that the paying a fine part of his sentence won't hurt either. Can whoever has stolen the GOP's moral compass please return it?

It is so sad. The rest of the world is watching. We owe it to our children to make sure that they understand right from wrong. What the President did was wrong. The reason for participating in Democracy is to keep our society from spiraling into anarchy. Pray for us to find a way our of this madness. It's not about Republicans, Democrats, Independents, Libertarians, or any party ideology or afiliation. It time for us to take the country back.

[...] was convicted of obstruction of justice. Said Democratic hopeful John Edwards: “Only a president clinically incapable of understanding that mistakes have consequences could take the action he did [...]

Bush should be impeached for this action.

Is anyone really surprised by Bush's actions? Did anyone really expect a friend and colleague of Cheney to serve time in prison? At least Bush is consistent. He will continue to act in a manner without any regard to what may seem fair and reasonable to most Americans. I like most Americans work too many hours, wish that I had more money for my family, hope that my children will find fairness in the world, and dream that tomorrow will always be brighter. I cannot devote another moment of my attention to this story but my level of disgust with Bush will rise just a little bit more until the next incredulous event is revealed.

I'm so excited to be finished with the endless debating and arguing about the fate of Paris Hilton's sentancing and subsequent interference and counter inteference and punditry and be back to good old fashioned… what? Who did what now. Oh for cryin out loud not again.

The reaction to President Bush's commuting Mr. Libby's sentence has been frought with inaccuracies, as well as visceral disgust at the mere mention of the President's name. He got this one right. First of all, we need to look at Melanie Sloan's comment: Mr. Libby was not indicted for, nor was he convicted of, anything related to the leaking of Mrs. Plame's identity. Richard Armitage was the man who leaked the name, and that is what Patrick Fitzgerald was sent to find out. He found out, but refused to charge Armitage and went after Mr. Libby anyway. Why? Perhaps because he is still bitter over the Mark Rich pardon that Libby helped secure? Id say it is a safe bet. Furthermore, for anyone to defend the Judge in this case is absurd. He took the law into his own hands and wouldn't even allow Mr. Libby to be out on bail while an appeal was being filed. This is unheard of in non-violent, first-time offenses. Justice was served today, and I wish to thank the President for delivering.

The democrats have allowed President Bush to get away with everything he wants, crimes and all. Until they stand up for America and justice they deserve credit for his actions. They are all in it together.

What a joke? First bill clinton pardons a fugutive mark rich. now bush commutes libby. Bush might as well shut down the legal system in America and declare this country his personal fiefdom. This is such a joke and insult to the american people. Wake up people!

This is justice? This is George W. making good on his promise to "bring back integrity to the Whitehouse" after the Clinton years? Yet, he refuses to do anything for the two Border Patrol Agents who are serving ten and twelve year sentences for defending our country against drug smugglers. I don't know that this is as much a favor for Scooter, as it is George and Dick are afraid that faced with jail time Scooter might start remembering certain conversations that he couldn't recall before!!!!

[...] for the team' he will receive a full pardon from the President by the end of the year. Some Washington reaction A Proclamation by the President of the United States of America WHEREAS Lewis Libby was [...]

It honestly does not surprise me that Scooter Libby was pardoned but it saddens me that it has come to pass. As a young American, it frightens me when an administration pardons it's own for scandals involving their own administration. Did the Grant White House pardon it's cabinet members who were found to be accepting bribes and doing other illegal actions? No. And this Administration has set a dangerous presedent that violating the law is OK and that the executive branch is above the reach of the Judicial branch. So much for checks and balances.

President Bush commutes the sentence of a public official who compromised US national security but refuses to pardon or commute the sentence of border patrol agents Ignacio Ramos and Jose Compean who were protecting the country's borders from drug smugglers.
Even in New Zealand, I fail to see any logic or justice in that.

The U.S President should not communte Scooter's jail sentence as the other tyrants will point out the weakness of the U.S. judiciary. This administration become hypocritical.

This is probably one of the most damaging decisions ever made by the Bush administration. Not only does he free a convicted criminal, he also makes the justice system of the world's most powerful democratic nation look like the justice system of any despot country like Iran and North Korea.

From my point of view, considering the media attention and the seriousness of consequences for the trust people have in the values of the democratic world, this is one of the most serious attacks on freedom recently made. From now on, extremists have a point when saying the free world is double-tongued. I'd call that a serious blow for ALL free people.

I feel that every day this president stays in office the free world loses momentum. I hope Americans will stand up in large numbers. Because it's worth it. Because it's concerning the values we (except president Bush) hold so dearly, the values from the French Revolution: Freedom, Equality, Brotherhood. Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité; Let's fight for that.

Regards from the Netherlands.

HEADLINE: WASHINGTON RESPONDS

Let's see, 9 Democratic opinions to 2 Republican opinions. That means that there are close to 4 times the Democrats in Washington than Republicans, a logically conclusion from the headline. Or is it just that there are 4 times the Democrats working at CNN?

Off to FOX News to get a "Real and Balanced" story.

HA! HA! HA! HA! Yeah right!

STOP MEDIA MALPRACTICE NOW!!!!

this just adds to the impression around the world that the u.s goverment is a big-boys-club that elevates its self over both justice, truth and people.

im sad on your behalf.

Thanks a lot Mr. President. Regardless…this entire 'Nightmare' will all be over soon.

How could President Bush say that the 30 months in prison was to excessive? The judge sentence Scooter within the guidelines of the law. This is another example of how out of touch Bush is with the American people.

Yet one more indication that the sacrifice of thousands of Americans in the current conflict and hundreds of thousands who sacrificed their lives in all previous conflicts means nothing more to Republicans than the bother of washing the yellow ribbon on the side of their SUV's. If the rule of law is just just something to circumvent for your buddies tell me again, what the hell is it they die for?

Impeach King George and Big Dick Cheney, who by the way, makes Jabba the Hut look like a nice guy.

Scooter Libby has gotten what thousands of people who obstruct justice would want. This administration cares not for the people who live in this country, but those who can line it's pockets.

For shame Mr. President! FOR SHAME!!

This is yet another step back in the development of the justice system in America. Apparently accountability and responsibility are out the window with decision. As long as there is someone who has enough authority over the law covering your back, you can get away with almost any crimes.

It doesn't matter what politicians say anymore. Democrats will diagree with the Republicans and vice versa, regardless of their true beliefs. Money and power comes before ethics and morality. It is a never-ending war within this corrupt government that costs taxpayers billions of dollars and thousands of lives.

Those in the government need to pay for the crimes. We rely on the justice system to do so. Unfortunately, that system is also biased and blind (or chose to be). Sad.

The Scooter Libby, Dick Chaney and GW Bush team concocted a diabolical plot; distorted the truth and lied to America and the World, ousted a secret CIA agent, committed crimes, covered up their crimes, and now issued a get out of jail free card to Scooter who valiantly took the fall for the team.

How long are you going to let Bush and Chaney destroy America?

I noticed Ms. Clinton was a little upset. One thing people should keep in mind is that at least an associate of Bush that screwed up went to trial. As I remember one of Ms. Clinton's that screwed up strangly turned up dead. Because of her husband being President the investigation mysteriously got dropped.

Equal justice? Land of the free? This is a complete outrage and makes a mockery out of what our country was founded upon. Here's yet another example why our country is in trouble!

Shameful- This is a big deal because the Libby was convicted by 12 members of a jury for obstructing justice in a probe about the deceitful behavior of OUR government leading to an unjust war. While I may have been against the war from the beginning many of my fellow Americans were duped into supporting this war. What makes this act so egregious by President Bush is that he pardoned someone who was convicted for covering up the administrations lies! That is an awful, heinous crime. My only hope is that this bloodies and bruises the Republicans so bad that it takes them YEARS to recover!

Good Day!

The emperor and decider did it again. What is next?

I am appalled by this decision. Who are we Americans right now, but a people disconnected from the most simple abstracts of right and wrong, not to mention disconnected from the basic fundamental ideals expressed in our constitution. I long to hear some leadership and dialogue coming from all the different classes and sections of our society.

There is a leadership vacuum in the US. I long to hear thoughtful voices debating issues long marginalized by I don't know what…..business interests, media and neo-conservative alliances, fear, post 9/11 confusion.

I feel a singular pain for my country and what we were to become. Our ideals of liberty and justice were a source of pride; now they are simply hollow and I feel nothing but shame.

I think the only people we can blame are the people who voted for Bush and put this man into office not only once, but voted again and put him into office twice. Why is anyone so shocked at this? Bush has made no apologies for anything he or his administration has done, why should he start now?

The thing that bothers me is that, in the poll on this site, 80% on Americans that participated in the poll thought that Bush was wrong to pardon Libby and most of Americans think that most of Bush's policies are wrong…but no one actually does anything about it. We just complain about it and let him continuously get away with it. One of the things I really admire about the citizens in Europe and South America is that when the government abuses their privilege, the people take to the streets! Us Americans are so comfy and lazy in our nice houses and with our steady jobs, that no one seems to really be bothered enough to get up and take our country back! This country was founded "by the people, for the people" so it's up to us to make sure it stays that way. There are things that are more important that your salary and your comfort.

Especially as a lifelong republican, I find it deeply disturbing that this administration has decided that the last line of the pledge of allegiance is no longer correct and must be changed to “and justice for some.” The American Justice system was allowed to run its course only to trumped at the last moment. It is a sad day when those duly convicted are not held accountable. What other special interests will ask for the pardon of their partisans—Al Qaeda?

This action just undermines any efforts the administration has taken to try and cement the gaping hole in the public's trust. Seeing that the 4th of July is tomorrow, in what form will the revolution take place this time around?

Perhaps now it will finally be possible for Mr. Kucinich's articles of impeachment against Cheney to gain some traction. Why is everybody so afraid to hold these creeps accountable? None of the other Dems felt it was politically prudent to stand with Kucinich, and this ought to remind us of why our party gets no respect.

IF THE PRESIDENT IS GOING TO LET OFF SCOOTER LIBBY FOR WHAT HE DID AND ALL THAT IT MEANT. MR. BUSH SHOULD LET THE BOARDER GUARDS OUT OF PRISON FOR DOING THEIR JOBS AND DEFENDING OUR COUNTRY FROM IT'S ENEMIES. MR. BUSH IS GIVING HIS POLITICAL FRIENDS A FREE PASS TO DO WHATEVER THEY WANT. BUT THE BOARDER GUARDS DOING THEIR JOBS WITH THEIR LIVES ON THE LINE GO TO PRISON FOR PROTECTING US ALL. THAT IS WRONG IN SO MANY WAYS. MR. BUSH SHOULD REMOVE THE SENTENCE FOR THE BOARDER GUARDS FROM THEIR RECORDS AND GIVE THEM THEIR BACK PAY FOR THE TIME THEY WERE IN PRISON AT THE SAME TIME HE RELEASES THEM FROM PRISON. ALSO THE MAN THEY CAUGHT SHOULD HAVE BEEN PUT IN PRISON NOT SENT HOME TO DO IT AGAIN AND AFTER TESTIFING AGAINST THE BOARDER GUARDS. THE JUDGES WHO DID THIS SHOULD NOT BE ALLOWED TO PRACTICE AGAIN. THEIR JUDGEMENT IS PREVERTED.

If this is the justice in America, i wonder what the justice would be like in Iraq,Afganistan and Guantanamo.America, your leaders are a reflection of you.

The commutation of Federal Prisoner No. 28301-016 prison time strongly suggests that "The Commuter" fears what the Scooter would say once he put on his bright orange uniform.

Imagine that, a bushman chickenhawk in federal uniform. Can't have that. Reserve his number for Carl Rove or the Veep Creep for he was a willing apparatchik and send to Quantanamo or Iraq.

Judgement day is now upon us. So good luck Scooter, George, Dick, Condi, etc., etc., etc., incl. dems like Hillary!, Corporate-imperialist-colonialist "Americans". I kid you not. If you've got some prayers, now might be a good time to start sayin em. Geoffrey

I'm a Canadian, but everyday I see how your president (small"p") holds your country up to shame and ridicule and I am completely amazed at his complete disregard for the laws of the land. I can't believe you put up with him and why in God's name did you ever re-elect this lier AND DECEIVER????
Surely the impeachment of President Clinton pales in comparison to what should happen to George W. It will take decades to repair the distrust and shame he has brought upon your country world wide.

I find it intriguing that CNN captured the comments of eight non-supporters and only two supporters, resulting in a not-so-subtle 80% disapproval, 20% approval interview record regarding the President's decision. Hardly representative. Of course the Dems aren't going to agree: They're still hung up on the 2000 election outcome. I believe this continued behavior is now recognized as a condition classified as a clinically-diagnosed mental condition. Interesting …

I agree with Mr Earl from Florida. Until both Dems and Reps address, first, corporate lobbying and the corruption of money flows and money laundering to the political parties and second, the unfettered, political gerrymandering of congressional districts, 90% of Americans may as well remain bent over and hope lubricant is administered before penetration continues.

Lying cretins, the lot of them. How they could virtually lynch Clinton for what he did and then cakewalk through the endless list of disgraceful misdeeds that deeply hurt our country says something about our collective apathy that is truly disturbing.

Yet again the republician party feels its above the law and its citizens. President Bush and his entire crew of goonies should be put on trial by the international courts for war crimes and put on trial in the United States for the murding of thousands of US troops and for obstruction of Justice on many many issues.
This man is acting no better then those this country hates. Bush said the terrorist hate us for our freedom well I have a question for AWOL Bush What freedom you have taken everyone away basically and put restrictions on the rest. It is a true mockery of or Justice System and for what this country use to stand for.

"SCOOTER'S" COMMUTED SENTENCE WILL BE FOLLOWED BY A "FULL PARDON", ONE AND ONE HALF YEAR FROM NOW …..

This clearly demonstrates the openly criminal motives of the President and his cohorts. The security and continuity of government in the USA is being put in eminent danger by the selfish and malicous actions of the present administration.

Welcome to the United States of Haliburton. After todays Action by the President is there any doubt as to what really happened on election day 6 years ago? The American People have been majorly Ripped off, Cant We the people put these crooks behind bars for treason? Oh I forget..The Atty General is in their pockets too.What a bunch of crooked losers.

It could be that Libby knows more and may be black mailing both the Vice President and the President of the USA.

It is so sad to see the very principles of our federal government squandered by the very leaders that were elected to uphold them. I am outraged that Bush would exempt Libby from the consequences of his actions, but it only signifies to me that Bush, Cheney, and the rest of the corrupt current Administration are behind the outing of Valeria Plame, and therefore are willing to share in the shame and criticism that Bush's current action, and soon to be outright pardon, will certainly evoke from the American people. What a travesty of justice!!!

Disgusting. Bush is, again, above the law. Equal justice does not exist in this regime.

Can we commute the remainder of Bush's term in office…I think the American people have been punished enough!

This is another example of this administrations disregard for the law, and a slap in the face of those fighting this President's war. And a statement that the law only applies to the average citizen and not politicians or appointees who do their dirty work.

Hmmm, good move releasing this right before everyone takes the 4th off. That way hopefully everyone will forget!

How many more times must this sorry excuse for an administration trample on our beloved American values of justice and fairness before we as Americans see them for they are? Bush and his administration preach justice, peace and progress, but so far, they have only shown us their disregard for the law, their love of war, and their prediliction for destroying. We don't have to repeat what others are saying about this latest example of Bush spitting on the rule of law do we?

america is a joke.

Social protection is due only to peaceful citizens; there are no citizens in the Republic but the republicans. The royalists, the conspirators are, in its eyes, only strangers or, rather, enemies. Is not the terrible war, which liberty sustains against tyranny, indivisible? Are not the enemies within the allies of those without? The murderers who tear our country apart internally; the intriguers who purchase the consciences of the people's agents; the traitors who sell them; the mercenary libelers subsidized to dishonor the popular cause, to kill public virtue, to stir up the fires of civil discord, and to prepare political counterrevolution by means of moral counterrevolution—are all these men less to blame or less dangerous than the tyrants whom they serve? All those who interpose their parricidal gentleness to protect the wicked from the avenging blade of national justice are like those who would throw themselves between the tyrants' henchmen and our soldiers' bayonets

Robespierre, "On Political Morality"

impeach Bush!

I noticed that the quotes were done by all Democrats. Anyone ask a Republican, or did they all decline comment?

I think it is absolutely crazy that the president can say he believes in the legal system, base decisions on the law and the evidence provided. Then the president turns around and overrides the judge in the case after several reviews.

After more than six years of a disastrous Presidency, I should not be suprised by yet another instance of cronyism. Yet I guess I am too much a patriot who loves her country to accept another mistake from Bush. Wish I could believe he would seriously consider pardoning some not politically connected individuals who have done actual time in prison for far less serious offenses. Just be sure you are registered and vote for your country in 2008.

Impeach Bush

http://www.impeachbush.tv/args/impeachbush.html

I thought this kind of stuff happens only in third world countries.

It is yet another example of this administration acting as if they are the only branch of gov't. It may be legal to commute Libby's sentence, but it is a slap in the face to the judicial system and the American people to whom the President said he would hold accountable anyone associated with the CIA leak. Hopefully, with this action and the others taken by this administration, the American people will wake up and call for a new direction in Washington!

Only Louis XVI can match bush as an aloof know-nothing ruler.

The bush's and their ilk, their storm of relativity, their disgrace is at the cost of commas and excuses with nonsensical paradoxical logic.

right is wrong and wrong is expensive but non-confining as it is for the bush crack heads in brutal animal-like lockups… where I hope that libby will find hims self with the shrub, the ogre, and the rest of the global terrorist.

Please Send Help!

How does this decision represent the democratic principles for which the United States Armed forces is fighting for in Afghanistan and Iraq? The fact of the matter is; that it does not and that this administration is full of hypocrisy and self-interest and this decision cleary demonstrates this. I hope my own fellow countrymen and women and my neighbours to the south realize this so we can get out our people out of these wars for "democracy" and focus on more pressing domestic issues such as poverty, health care and trying to prevent wars and not vice versa.

This is just another example of a president who believes he and those who support his policies are above the law. This is a disgrace and a slap in the face of our American Constitution of laws and everything that we as Americans stand for.

And some people wonder why nobody trusts the American government or, in particular, the Bush administration.

Look I dont have any money I never have. I dont have Powerful friends I was born in this Country and I love this land.And I have someone that I love in jail waiting to be sentence shes not a really afinder her mother die her job wasnt paying enough to pay the bills she had at that time little sister to take care of.U see I have a good reason to get her out of jail!But not the power. Gov. for the people my —!Gov. for them selfs!

Libby must have indicated that he was willing to spill his guts, and the administration couldn't have it's "family jewels" exposed. This is a great break for the Democrats. It's their's to lose.

This is a SAD day in American History. President waves away a prison sentence for his friends and thumbs his nose at the very Constitution that he swore to uphold while there are some men and women sitting on Death Row who are truly innocent but do not have the friends that Scooter Libby has. This just proves that JUSTICE IS NOT BLIND when it comes to wealth and power!

The repeated attempts by the bush administration to undermine law, be it guantanamo bay, abu garib, Iraq war has done USA a huge damage in the long run. In history this time will mark the beginning of the end of the reign of USA as the protector of law and equality and human rights and a country which all other countries, especialy developing countries,hoped to aspire tobe and emulate. It is an incentive to countries to go Nuclear and ensure that their economies are centralistic so that their secutity is enhanced. Gone are the days when countries could appeal to USA and expect fairness and justice. Sad. very sad. To think the people of USA have elected Bush twice!! Shame on you!

Hours after a federal appeals court ruled that I. "Scooter" Lewis Libby would to have to begin serving his prison sentence while appealing his conviction for crimes of perjury, obstruction of justice and lying to investigators, President Bush commuted his sentence.

Last week Vice President Cheney asserted that he was beyond the reach of the law. Today, President Bush demonstrated the lengths he would go to, ensuring that even aides to Dick Cheney are beyond the judgment of the law.

It is time for the American people to be heard.

I call for all Americans to flood the White House with phone calls tomorrow expressing their outrage over this blatant disregard for the rule of law.

202-456-1414

Remind George Bush what he told staffers during a swearing in ceremony for White House staff back in January 2001:

"[We] must remember the high standards that come with high office. This begins with careful adherence to the rules. I expect every member of this administration to stay well within the boundaries that define legal and ethical conduct. This means avoiding even the appearance of problems. This means checking and, if need be, double- checking that the rules have been obeyed. This means never compromising those rules. No one in the White House should be afraid to confront the people they work for, for ethical concerns, and no one should hesitate to confront me as well. We are all accountable to one another. And above all, we are all accountable to the law and to the American people."

Click here to watch the video of George Bush addressing staff: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wjwLlfFKerU

Once again, President Bush makes a decision that goes against everything that our brothers in arms fought and died for. He's a discrace to this country, and a continuing discrace to the world at large. I once supported Bush…but now, after Iraq, bad decisions on the enviornment, not to mention his beliefs on immigration…I cannot support him anylonger.

It wasn't that long ago when President Bush spoke out against government officials leaking information and continuously reminded us of the penalties. Although I voted for Bush, and you can spin this story a number of ways, the bottom line is he did a complete 180. Not only do I feel lied too (yet again), but I feel stupid for ever voting for President Bush. Betrayed yet again.

I just feel so sick over this, my stomach actually hurts. I want to throw up. At long last, Mr. President, have you no shame?

My C.& C.
Thank you for hearing our cry. One great injustice is overthrown. We are still here; Lead us, and turn your face toward our Marines that are being so treacherously destroyed by the very minions that sent them into harm's way to do our work. I pray to God He continue to give you the Strength to stomach the verminm you deal with.

Still with you,

Charlie Duncan

What a mockery of the American people. How is this not a conflict of interest? This is really the final straw for me. I have no faith in my country or its political system. This is what it is capable of.

Once again, Mr. Bush gets away on a technicality. GW 4,521 USA 0

Libby's commutation sends wrong signal to the world. How could USA scold a corrupt leader for protecting own cronies? Unless we practice what we preach, we lose credibility.

I am very sorry for the wrongful imprisonment of two US Border Patrol agents who were imprisoned for doing their jobs, as they will not be pardoned by King George. I have heard some Republican senators say they would support impeachment of bush, if the two agents are harmed while in prison. However, after the new Libby verdict , it is hard to believe anything at all that is said not only by the president (which is 'old hat' by now), but sadly our elected officials…..What sad times we live in!!

After "evaluating the facts" … two counts of perjury, one count of obstructing justice in a grand jury investigation, and one of the two counts of making false statements to federal investigators, I find Giuliani to be one of the biggest idiots on the planet for condoning Libby's disregard of the law.

Can somebody please explain Giuliani and Fred Thompson's statements to me like I'm a child?

America is finished.

Happy fourth of July.

Despite the claims of numerous commentators on this subject, the President does not have the authority to commute a sentence.

This supposed authority is alleged to the be derived from Article II, Section II, Clause I of the U.S. Constitution. That clause reads in relevant part as follows.

"[The President] shall have Power to grant Reprieves and Pardons for Offences against the United States, except in Cases of Impeachment."

The subject clause does not mention commutation of sentences. It speaks only of "Reprieves and Pardons". Therefore the supposed authority rests on the definition of each term.

Upon consulting several dictionaries, the definition of each can be summarized as follows:

Reprieve – To delay the punishment of; to suspend the execution of sentence

Pardon – To release (a person) from punishment

Therefore a reprieve is a delay or suspension. An example would be to grant a reprieve to a pregnant woman facing a death sentence until such time that the child is born. Another example would be a suspension of sentence if a person is judged to become insane. The President claims to commute a portion of the sentence – not any form of delay or suspension.

A pardon is a complete release – not a partial release. Once a pardon is granted, the person is treated as if the conviction did not occur. That clearly is not the case since Mr. Libby remains convicted and must still pay a fine.

Only the Judge has the power to commute a sentence – not the President.

Just another black mark on the Presidency of an embarassing President Bush. What more can you expect when white collar criminals of this country have both the means to commit the crime and to protect their bag men. This President has been the biggest man-made disaster to hit this country. We can only hope that there is a shred of the constitution and decency left when this man leaves office. It pays to have friends or criminals in higher places. God bless America – we really need it now!!

Don't be surprised by this latest "move" by Bush.

It's been six weeks coming.

After all, he wanted to grant "amnesty" to 12 million illegal law-breaking immigrants?

What's one more law-breaking Bush loyalist amongst crooks?

Where are all the Bush backers that elected this clown–twice! Another example of equal justice for the rich in this country.

This is indeed land of the free – free the felons.

Bush is a predictably vicious man who does predictably idiotic things with predictably foul men who only serve to undermine all that America and the Constitution stands for.

His attitude toward Libby, that vile purveyor of treason, deceit, contempt, and malice was, "Hey it happens… Here buddy! Here's your commuted sentence. Thanks again!"

Loyalty is the first step to tyranny. Welcome, my fellow Americans, to abject tyranny.

IMPEACH

George Bush is not a President for the people. He's KING of the people. His Kingdom is D.C. and he shall rule the land with an iron fist.

Why should we be surprised? How sad that our soldiers are fighting a war to bring democracy to another land when we do not have democracy in our own. This administration will go down as probably the most corrupt in history.

Like all things, President Bush did what he felt was right. For all the Democrats crying foul, when they condemn President Clinton for um….MARK RICH, then they have a right to complain. The hypocrisy must stop!

Today, July 2, 2007, the President of the United States spit in the eyes of the American People. He is degrading the rule of law, and is leaving a stain on the office of the President that will live on for years.

I fear for this country if we don't impeach him. His actions, to the outside world, is a negative reflection of this country. And it tells the citizens of this country, that we are a stone's throw away from devastation such as a dictator, civil war, being attacked, being invaded by Illegals, etc.

Only someone like Bloomberg or Oprah who can afford rejecting special interests would be an hosnest president. Neither the Dems, nor the GOP can trully serve the People. They all are self serving and they are funded by Big Business, Unions, The Saudi Royal family, and others. They don't care about us, the people…

We cannot bring back the gipper, but we can bring back dignity to the white house.

Call on Bloomberg / Oprah to run for President as Indepedents.

No surprice…they protect eachother …ther are a mafia and we are the ones paying for their big pockets to be full all the time. We desperatly need a l;eader that have balls to say it like it is and lead us to a revolution to take all those rats out of capito hill and set the bases for a good and reazonable government. Hope the CIA is not coming for me or IRS is not looking to get me ASAP, but you know what…enough is enough, cant live in fear and never speaking up. Got to get together!!

What a circus! Bush thumbs his nose at the justice system. What next? May he'll share a tall tale with us about why we should start a war with Iran. Oh boy, I can't wait for the next episode of Bush Babies Gone Wild! I hope he'll let us sit cozy around the podium … and let us eat yellowcake, too!

Truly, this cannot be seen as a partisan issue. Acting contrary to the best interest of the People of the United States by undermining the rule of law is simply bad for the country.

Consider writing your representative as I have and urge them to recommend impeachment of the President.

http://www.house.gov/writerep/

I seem to remember Bush taking an oath before God to uphold the Constitution of the U.S. Anyone else remember that?

George W. did not surprise me one little bit. He thinks he is above the law and his administration is by far the worst in my lifetime. I once thought Richard Nixon was at the top of the list, but Bush is definitely the worst guy to occupy the white house. God help this country while he is still in office

THIS IS PATHETIC IN THE EXTREME!
How do they expect us (the people) to react? With the usual "The rule of law only applies to us." ???
Mr. Bush (Because you are NOT my president anymore, I hope you and your lackies get run out of Washington on a rail!

Only a President so weak, so corrupt, so disconnected from the people of America would commute the sentence of a convicted felon like this. It is a disgraceful thing and one which will be impossible to explain to our children.
Thanks for being such a hapless, hopeless role model for our young people.

Ms.Pelosi, When will you stop talking and start the impeachment process. Do what you are elected and paid to do. This is why people become disillusion with government. You have the support of the majority of Americans to impeach this administration so what's the problem? Are you smart enough to be in your position??? We finally got a woman to prove her competence and guess what…

This is a terrible blow to American justice. First the leaking of the CIA Agent's name for political retribution. The politicizing of the US Attorneys. Ignoring subpoenas. Manipulating intelligence to have a pretext to go to war. Have we forgotten Abramhoff buying favors? AG Gonzales can't seem to remember a thing. Now this. What's next? How much will we stand for? When will people wake up? America is falling apart.

President Bush has given Congress one more reason why he and Cheney should be impeached. How many more lies do we have to hear from this administration?

This administration is so corrupt that it makes it's own laws, tries to change our forefather's Constitution to its liking, protect its fellow buddies & forget about its people. They just plan what they want like making up lies, taking down Husseum then getting in fights with all the factions of people over there, killing our young men & women but do you see any of their relatives over there? Has Bush visited over there? Then they forget our people & leave them to die for days in New Orleans, Louisiana,& other fellowing states & Bush makes ho many trips to these states & they still don't have homes but yet there are hundreds & hundreds of empty rutting trailers sitting empty (like his head).Our vice president can go on a hunting trip & shoot a friend & not pay a fine or anything. Our attorney general & his buddies including Carl Rove, Dick Cheney & probably Bush can decide to fire attorneys because they are doing their jobs unlike most of the government but they don't do it the crooked way like them. I could go on & on but why waste my time? I just pray that our people have opened their eyes to what has happened to our government in the last 6 years.We're sliding down hill & fast. We at one time were the Number ONE power in the world & had the utmost respect & countries were afraid to mess with us but sadly that is NO MORE & this administration is the reason. I wish someone would suggest again to impeach Bush even if he runs out of time in the White House. He at least would go down in the books as the worst president the United States has ever had. But that's right, he'll go down that way without immpeaching him. "The brainless decider". And Pres Bush where's that younger brother who milked millions & millions & millions of dollars out of people in his little bank scam??? Did he drop off the face of the earht??? Just wonderin!!!

It's amazing to me that 80% of the American people do not agree with Bush's decision on letting Libby off the hook. Bush probably had a hard time sleeping at night knowing Libby was simply the fall guy for a much bigger crime. I think leaking names that could actually comprimise the security of the United States and the lives of the people who are sworn to protect the United States should be punishable by hanging…not firing. Shame on you Mr. President.

Another miserable American newsday. The president can do whatever he wants now…70 percent of America disagrees…but it doesn't matter. What ever happened to majority rules? Nevermind, that's what the terrorists want.

All this commutation demonstrates is that having friends in high places gives one the freedom to break the law, knowing that he will not have to face the consequences. Any bets on whether or not there will be a full pardon before Dubya leaves office?

THIS ENTIRE PRESIDENCY HAS BEEN BASED ON LIES AND DECEIT. THE ELECTION WAS STOLEN, THE WAR IN IRAC WAS BROUGHT ABOUT BY BLATANT MISTRUTHS, AND RECENTLY IT'S BEEN SAID THAT THOSE THAT SIT IN THE VERY HIGHEST PLACES IN OUR GOVERNMENT, AREN'T EVEN SURE WHAT BRANCH THEY BELONG TO, IF SAYING SO MAKES THEM UNACCOUNTABLE FOR THEIR ACTIONS. ANYONE WITH A GRAIN OF SENSE, KNEW THAT LIBBY WOULD NOT ANSWER FOR HIS ARROGANT, TREACHEROUS BEHAVIOR.
I BELIEVE THIS ADMINISTRATION WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS NOT ONLY THE WORST, BUT ALSO THE ONE WHO BEGAN THE DOWNFALL OF OUR BELOVED COUNTRY. I BELIEVE WE AS A PEOPLE WILL NOT RECOVER FOR DECADES, IF EVER.

One again, this president is sadly and unmistakably laughable. But, not in a good way! Truly, Mr. Bush neither disappoints nor does he surprise me. To be disappointed in him, his policies, and the mis-guided belief that he and his administration are ABOVE THE LAW, would imply that for starters, I had FAITH that he does have the common, God-Given sense to so the RIGHT THING! But, as has been demonstrated over and again during the past 6 years of his administration, many things, including “COMMON SENSE” are truly in short supply. Unfortunately, the millions of nameless and faceless American like me will continue to pay the PRICE…of this VERY ARROGANT and MIS-GUIDED Administration! Perhaps, we should direct our comments and questions to the 51.2% of the country who put them in POWER in the first place!

Why can't we impeach him? This is truly ridiculous. Talk about cover up, and not even a stained dress, just a stained presidency. Shame on you Mr. President, shame on us all that let this happen.

“After evaluating the facts, the President came to a reasonable decision and I believe the decision was correct.”

Wait a minute, I thought evaluating the facts and coming to a reasonable decision in criminal cases was the job of the jury and the judge? Giuliani, as a former prosecutor, you of all people should respect that.

Bush has proven woefully incompetent even in his own presidential duties. He hardly has the credentials to be meddling in the judiciary, despite the fact that his office grants him the pardon power.

He apparently feels it incumbent upon himself to exit office with no power left un-abused.

You should see what people are saying in the L.A. times blog. Where is the apology to Valerie Plame?
This is a Fascist administration with contempt for the law. The President and Vice President should be impeached by Congress.

I shudder to think that we have 18 more months of these thugs in this administration. What possibly can they do to the undermining of this country next? They believe they are above the law and sadly they are getting away with it.

It seems obvious that Mr. Libby has the goods and was threatening to spill the beans if he went to jail. The administraation caved. Typical.

It's time for serious hearings regarding impeachment and a formal charge of Mr. Libby for treason.

I just can't believe it. I have lost what little faith I had left in our justice system, and what it stands for. In plain view for everyone to see, our president has shamed not only himself, but all the men and woman serving this country without question. This President and this administration feel they are above the law and that the men and woman of this country are expendable pawns and puppets to be used and abused on a whim. I prey to God that we can dig ourselves out of this disgusting hole they put us in, but a part of me deep down feels the damage is irreversible, at least in our lifetime. It's a sad day for America.

Go figure. Libby gets off the hook, what an outrage! It's a wonder President Bush didn't pardon Paris Hilton. This is just another blundered decision George has made. He'll be our worst President in the history of the United States. What a mess!

Wow,
What a sampling….all democrats except for 3? Not to mention the former president lied under oath and only received a censure, and his deputy, Sandy Berger, removed classified documents pre-9/11 Hearings and received no jail time. I wonder why context is so important in Journalism.

Time for impeachment proceedings to begin before the president destroys the country.

"Scooter scoots"

Just another example of the decision-making this administration continues to force down our throats. Once again, they're flipping us, the so-called, "Fellow Americans," the bird(not the bald eagle, that's for sure). What's disturbing is that this administration gives the impression of "circling the wagons," demonstrating their utter disregard for what's good for the country, all the while only helping themselves. And with their history of "Circle the Wagon" decisions, from "WMD's" to Gonzales and Dick "Haliburton" Cheney, 2008 could'nt get here fast enough if it flew in on the Space Shuttle. Forget what's written on the Constitution and Bill of Rights, etc… Their version of what's right is written in pencil, in case there's need to change certain definitions of what's right and wrong at any given time to assure they LOOK presidential, but ultimately, it's only their "protect what's mine" mentality that's glaring. Mission Accomplished? I'm sure Scooter thinks so.

Disgraceful. Once again this administration sneers that the law and does what it wants, but do you see the democrats doing anything about it except talking?

Time for some house cleaning folks, stop voting for politicians that take corporate campaign donations, encourage others to do the same. As long as they are all bought and paid for by the same people thing will change.

As the Independence Day Holiday sits on
the morrow…it is time to distance ourselves from this present Administration. They are wrong and they know it. They needed to neutralize Scooter as he may well be called before Congress to testify. Now he can continue to lie and not be held accountable…they can also immunize him and he can actually tell the truth.
It is time for Bush and Cheney to resign as the country will not be able to function with the fact that the President and VP do not obey the laws and think they are to be broken!!! They do not accept a guilty verdict and a juries time and energy to make such a decision. The honest judge made the correct decision to give the sentence that was provided for the crime. Never forget that Libbey LIED to the Grand Jury and LIED to the FBI. A Crime..by all standards yes!! The President in name only didn't like it so he commuted the jail time…but he left the probation and fine!! Big Deal!! Do you realize how much money was raised for his defence fund?? MILLIONS!!!! If it was you or me, we would be rotting away. The half million dollar fine will be paid from the defence fund…some went to pay the lawyers who put on a very weak case….hence the denial by the appeals court!!

So fellow American's…do you want to be ruled (that's a joke!) by two men that think that lying is ok. Overturning the Juries conviction is ok??? WRONG! The Constitution says we are a lawful people….we are suppose to live by our laws…but now in 2007 we are ignoring the Constitution that was signed in 1776…and it has kept us afloat until now. This administration is the most corrupt and most secret in many years. We need to let them know we will not accept this type of government. Let them know….call the White House and your Senators and Representatives tomorrow…leave word how you feel. Tell them it is time for Bush and Cheney to resign. We need a free and open government..now what is in DC now.

Thank you and let's hope the real old American feeling of Independence comes through…we fought hard and long to get it…and it should not be thrown away by the likes of those in DC.

Thanks…

The commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence breaks all bounds of a President's responsibilities to the American people. While Presidents have the power to pardon/commute, that power should be used judiciously and with discretion. This case shows neither – only that the President cares nothing for the rule of law or the sensibilities of the American people, who value fairness and openness above all other things.

Question for Rudy Giuliani: If you are elected to the presidency, will you use your presidential powers to commute or pardon Bernie Kerick?

An absolute disgrace. The correct decision, Mr. Thompson and Guiliani? Does it even occur to these people why their party is not even in control of Congress anymore? I'm almost to the point these people would rationalize anything in the name of ideology. Perversion of justice in the name of principle.

This should come as no surprise to anyone. "Scooter" was the fall guy for the administration in this event. He handled it as a good fall guy would, and as expected, he is being taken care of by those he protected. Anyone who has seen the last several decades of our nation's politics would know it would have been the same whether it was a Republican or Democrat.

It sadly should also come as no surprise that Neocon supporters would start screaming "Clinton" when this story broke. Criticizing this action is not about Election '08, its about this situation. No patriotic American, regardless of party affiliation should condone this type of behavior, and news stories from 10 years ago really have very little bearing on the present.

The commutition of Libby's sentence does not bother me on the face of it. It's a valid exercise of executive power with a long history. However, this President has a long history of not being merciful at all in death penalty and life sentence criminal cases, in which the accused , unlike Libby, have actually shown remorse. This selective "mercy" is a further example of how this President believes that his adminstration is above the law. Further, to commute Libby's time while his appeals are still pending is a violation of DOJ proceedure.

This is a very deserving gift for Libby. I wonder why nobody asks for Richard Armitage to go through a trial even though he himself had admitted that he was the one who leaked the name. I sincerely believe ordinary Americans are mostly dumb. The media spreads this farce that Americans are wise but they control what these citizens hear and because of a general lack of interest to know the truth, they just go with what ever they hear. How else can one explain polls that fluctuate by the hour???

I am not a great fan of GWB, but atleast objectively analyze what he is doing or trying to do

And Anderson, You cant fool everybody with your "keeping them honest slogan"

The pardon of Libby by George W. is absurd. It is a clear insight of his views of "law & order". His friends are exempt from the rules. What additional harm can this President do to this country and the world. Enough is enough.

Come on. Are you really suprised? Yes it is a travesty of justice, but the American people elected the Bush Administration in 2004 after we had four years to see what they were all about. The American voters are the only ones to blame for enabling these crooks.

Just another line in the legacy to be titled "George W. Bush: Greatest Misuse of the Presidency in the History of the Office"

Do the Republican candidates and candidate hopefuls really think speaking out in support of this decision does them any good? Even conservatives have got to be baffled by this.

It would be incredibly refreshing to see a Republican candidate stand independent of White House and party pressures and actually speak his mind on this subject. We're waiting.

Interesting… I wonder if the same Democrats held the same view on "justice" when Pres. Clinton PARDONED a cabinet member convicted on 18 counts of conspiracy, giving false statements and obstruction of Justice (i.e., Henry Cisneros). Or, how about when Clinton COMMUTED the sentence of a congressman who was convicted on 12 counts of sexual assault, obstruction of justice and solicitation of CHILD PORN!!

I am unhappily embarrassed to be an American tonight. I should be getting ready to celebrate the country's anniversary of its Declaration of Independence. I hold this truth to be self evident: George W. Bush has proven that he believes himself, and the members of his administration, were created more equal than the rest of us. The integrity of the office of the presidency is as low as it has ever been.

UNBELIEVABLE that GOP candidates and others have the unmitigated gall to APPLAUD Bush's horrendous commutation of Libby's sentence. Bush is a monster, the worst president in history. He represents corporate America and big money and no one else. He's a liar, a sneak, a cheat, a bully, and a war criminal.

He's trampled the U.S. Constitution and has clearly set himself and his power-crazed henchmen above the law. It's unpardonable if he is allowed to remain in office.

Every elected representative in Washington, representing THE AMERICAN PEOPLE, had better start working on an impeachment of this "thing" that sits in the White House TOMORROW. Nothing else will be acceptable.

Bush, Cheney, Rice, Gonzales, Rove, and the whole stinking cheating lot MUST GO!

The president said, "They argue, correctly, that our entire system of justice relies on people telling the truth. And if a person does not tell the truth, particularly if he serves in government and holds the public trust, he must be held accountable.” Does anyone else see the incredible irony of that statement, coming from that man?

Throughout all of this, I've viewed Libby as the fall guy for Dick Cheney and Karl Rove (aka "The Untouchables"). The White House is just one big frat house full of bad boys who are drunk with power.

The new emblem of the Republican party should be a snake with a forked tongue..to signify the tradition established by this administration of lying,misleading,slithering,and being as low as you can go.
Obviously, Bush had to protect Cheney's "made man".They have their own code…the code of lawbreakers.

This is unacceptable. I am sick of seeing this administration say one thing and do another over and over again. I remember when the President himself said he would make sure this issue got fully investigated and anyone responsible would pay the price. And after a trial and conviction, he decides to "pardon" Mr. Libbi? Why am I not hearing from any "moral" and "ethical" Republican voice his/her opinion about this?

He's not my president.

I’d expect nothing less from a C+, cheerleading, alcoholic, criminal. Keep up the good work GW !

The End Is Near

CORRUPT!

Kudos to President Bush for his courage.

"Reasonable people can conclude that it was only Scooter Libby’s imperfect memory—not willful deception—that gave rise to the charges of lying under oath and obstruction of justice. Among the supporting players—including CIA officials, Bob Novak, Woodward and Walter Pincus of the Washington Post, and Time’s Matthew Cooper—no two participants in any conversation about Valerie Plame had the same recollection." (quoted from an editorial "Pardon Libby" in the March 6, 2007 National Review online).

I can't remember what I had for lunch yesterday. Libby did not "OUT" Valerie Plame and he should not serve jail time for a faulty memory over something so lame.

President Bush has gone beyond lowering the bar for ethical standards in his administration; he seems to be removing the bar altogether. The President claims that 30 months was too long of a sentence. If that really is the case, he could have waited until Libby had served a more appropriate length of time and then commuted the sentence.

Martha Stewart goes to jail. Scooter Libby goes free. What kind of America do we live in? Can you impeach an Administration this late in the game? Stinko……

A commuted sentence? It should have been a pardon. Tell me again, what's so bad about perjury? It's not like he tried to conceal a sexual indiscretion involving a Whitehouse intern. No, nothing so heinous as that. He merely tried to cover up the willful leak of classified information, a leak that put the lives of CIA agents at risk. He lied about an attempt to smear the critics of a disasterous war he himself had helped to sell with an even bigger lie. A war with no end in sight. A war which has claimed the lives of over 3500 brave American soldiers and uncounted innocent civilians.

A commuted sentence? Hell, give that man a medal!

Fred Thompson may be a good actor, but he will make a horrible president. "This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life." This quote alone shows that he has no respect for justice in this country. Ironic, Mr. Law & Order District Attorney.

Had Libby gone to prison, he would have been a political prisoner of the United States. Not the first time that politics has resulted in a dog-and-pony show trial and conviction, for a crime that was never even charged, and it probably won't be the last.

This is liberal slander.

Why is this man still President? Surely with all the demonstrated corruption in this administration the Congress can find some reason to impeach Bush and Cheney. The worst President and Administration of the modern era continues!

It is quite the injustice when the actual "leaker" never even stood trial. Libby wasn't the leaker, he was just accused of lying during the investigation. How can it be a crime when the real criminal never stands trial. Check your facts, this was always about going after Bush's administration than the actual crime. Don't let CNN fool you! Like I said, it's all in the facts!

Outrageous, but to be expected: Libby just knows too damn much. This is just evidence of how much is yet to be uncovered.

I am sick and tired of people who say that both Republicans and Democrats are equally at fault about everything.
This president, this vice president, this entire administration are beyond any decency whatsoever. They set themselves apart and make their own laws. they scorn our Constitutiion. Shame, shame, shame.

The stink of hypocrisy surrounding the Libby commutation is amazing. Bill Clinton was impeached for lying to a grand jury; I guess if you're a Republican operative, the same principles don't apply. As to the underlying issue, the exposure of a CIA agent's identity for purposes of political retribution, if a Democratic administration had done such a thing, the Republicans would be howling for impeachments and prosecution for treason. The Bush administration is utterly corrupt, hypocritical, and beyond redemption.

This is OUTRAGEOUS. We do not live in a nation of laws … we live in a monarchy. What do we have to do to STOP this breach of justice. I, for one, am ready to take to the streets. Do they think we will stand for anything they want to do to us. The Democratic candidates would be wise to make a stand with this OUTRAGE and DO SOMETHING. OUTRAGEOUS>>> OUTRAGEOUS>>> OUTRAGEOUS>>> I AM OUTRAGED.

How long will the American people tolerate arrogance such as this, I'm supposing whatever is done by Bush and his private mafia (including his politcal puppet actor "Fred Thompson"), will surely turn into the next Sopranos episode.

History will force George W. Bush to someday see the error of his ways, similar to that of former Alabama Gov. George Wallace. Here will all sit being told by all branches of govenrment to be law abiding citizens, meanwhile the boys at the whitehouse continue with their dirty game of poltical poker. Bush never intended to do anything else but somehow trash the Scooter Libby sentence when the time was right.

The American will wake up someday and only then will Bush pay the price for ignoring serious issues such as the reconciliation of survivors of the Katrina disaster. God forbide a crisis such katrina should set upon our entire nation once again, I'm sure Bush will be in his private bunker taking it all in while watching CNN.

Wake Up!!!

Oh, come on people! Who is REALLY surprised by this? It has been obvious for years and years that George does exactly what Dick tells him to do. This is just another example. Scooter was most likely promised this outcome when he was fingered to take fall for a scheme cooked up by Dick and Carl. Anyone who ever thought that Mr. Libby was destined to actually servce a prison sentence hasn't been paying attention to this administration for quite some time. After all, what's a little sentence commutation in the face of all the other slimy, illegal, dispicable, and completely untrustworthy things we've seen and heard from this administration during the past seven years? When we finally get an opportunity to read the papers and examine the document from this White House, history will prove that this commutation is NOTHING when compared to the rest of the underhanded crap that's been going on.

When I heard the news I wasn't surprised in the least. This country has always and continues to be run by its richest citizens who care not about justice, equality or anything else that matters to us little guys they allegedly represent. Regardless of who they are, Clinton, Guiliani, Thompson, Edwards, etc., they will continue to feed us rhetoric in the hopes that we will hitch our wagons to their political caravan only to be again dissapointed when go time arrives.
All of these people are frauds and we will only get what "we the people" want when we develop the fortitude to elect one of our own. Right now we are getting exactly what we deserve.

Bush and all of his cronies are disgusting and beneath contempt. If this action doesn't spur a grassroots demand for the impeachment of the criminals running this administration, I can't imagine what would. While Bush is fishing and eating lobster, our young men and women are dying in Iraq in 140 degree heat away from their families and loved ones. Congress must show the American people they will act now–Bush and Cheney must go now!!!!! (otherwise, the entire bunch should be voted out of office).

Unbelievable! Isn't it time for Bush to go? I hope people won't sit back and think, hey he's only President for another year and a half, we can wait it out. He has to be impeached now before he does any more damage. This should be the last straw for the American people. Time to take a stand.

Yet another example that the Bush administration cares nothing about the truth or justice.

This administration has already solidified it's place in history as "the most incompetent"… this latest act will also add to their resume as "the most corrupt"

I'm quite sure Libby told Bush and Cheney 'if i step one foot into a prison cell, i'm going to rat you both out' on countless crimes.

Sad, sad, sad. This is EXACTLY the thing that drives cynicism up and tears any remaining bit of faith in government down. Every day it's more like a monarchy than a Republic. Hello? Isn't the White House still part of the United States? Laws apply there too. [apparently they do not]

This act will energize those of us on the margins and will tip fence sitters… and it's not going to be support for the Republican party.

I believe this decision also cements the legacy of this corrupt president. As what I see a crook commuted a sentence of another crook that is all that has happened here. I will be glad when these 2 jerks leave office it is not funny. They both are a joke to me and the American public.

Libby is a great person, and as the decision of the Leader of the Free World committed to today – I and most of America believes that Libby deserves his freedom. In fact, the chances are very good that Libby will be the next president.

Hail!

This is a sad day for America. George W Bush will be remembered among our worst Presidents. The message he sends today is that national security is unimportant when weighed against the need to exact political revenge.

I truly believe that Scooter Libby, Karl Rove, and Richard Amitage committed treason when they burned a covert CIA operative in order to exact political revenge against her husband.

I can only hope that this gives the Democrats in Congress the impetus to take on this administration. If Bush can exercise his constitutional powers in so capricious a manner then Congress should not fear to use their powers. Take off the kid gloves.

Where was all the Democrat indignation when Clinton perjured himself, and then sold pardons for money? When Berger got off with a slap on the wrist?

Democrat hypocrisy.

I understand that the president has some constitutional abilities to issue pardons. But, to change a sentence ? Is that really in his realm of power ? Isn't that the point of the Checks and Balances system we have in place; to make sure no 1 branch of the government has absolute power. But, if GWB can override and change a sentence – issued by a Federal Court, and not issue a pardon, what other constitutional abilities will he extend himself ? This man (Bush), and his vice president should be impeached AND sent to prison. Libby should be in the cell next to them. And Naccio from Qwest in the next cell over.

During the recent National Spelling Bee, the word "kakistocracy" was used. Now I truly know the definition: The Bush Administration.

How does one teach political science to our youth today?

Does one say, "Well, the vice president really isn't subject to oversight because technically the vice president isn't part of the executive branch."

Or does one say, "Well, justice is supposed to be blind and impartial… except when the executive branch decides its own verdict."

Do we need to wonder why America's standing in the rest of the world continues to fall when we won't even uphold our own judicial verdicts? We need to battle terrorism with more than just military might. We need to battle terrorism with principles that lead by example, not justify by excuse.

What a joke. Just one more slap in the face to the American public. And to think, I served my country for 13 years for this! Disgusting!!

They call themselves "Patriots" and all that disagree with them are "Un-American".

They did all they could to avoid military service and have sent others off to die in a fruitless war.

They worked to disclose the identity of a covert CIA agent as retaliation for questioning their stories that lead us to that war.

While he was not the "leaker", he lied to a Grand Jury investigating the leak.

He had no incentive to be truthful because he knew he would not be punished. Though it has not happened yet, believe me when I say that a pardon is coming, as well.

I once read that "A people get the government they deserve". Perhaps we deserve this. We have put our government on auto-pilot. We could not be bothered to know the details. Too busy running our errands and just wanting it "taken care of". Too quick to accept a sound bite instead of wanting to know the details.

I have followed politics for 30 years and this is the most sickening administration I have ever witnessed.

It never entered my mind that Mr. Libby would serve a day in prison. I am sure he knows where many of the bodies are buried. He knew all along that he could lie and not have to pay the price as does Mr Cheney, Mr. Rove, Ms. Rice, et al. If I could make one change in the Constitution, it would be to take the power to pardon away from the President. Casper Wineberger didn't even have to stand trial. Bush II learned well from his father.

Such perfect timing! Just in time for Independence Day there's another great big F*#@% Y&* to the country from its beloved president.

61 Commutations by Bill Clinton and only 4 by Bush. All 65 were bad in my book. The only thing is Hillary should be the one looking the worst based on her comments.

I am deeply disturbed by the decision of President Bush to pardon "Scooter" Libby. In my mind, Libby was accused of a crime, had a fair trial, was convicted of that crime and was sentenced, all under our American system of justice. The decision by Bush reinforces the impression that I now belive a majority of the American public has..that his administration thinks it is "above the law". As I heard someone else say, even Paris Hilton served her time.. why doesn't "Scooter" Libby have to?
Again, it is as if for this administration and its friends, the American system of justice no longer applies.
And that is a very sad and serious state of affairs.

The deicision by President Bush to commute this sentence is the epitome of the Bush-Chenney legacy. This decision has shown that this adminstration os not ready to put America people first but rather than Bushes cronies. This decision has derail the war on terror gbolablly.

The "Washington responds" section is interesting in that it gives a voice to those who predominately have a political interest in condemnation.

This section should be balanced by those who are neutral.

IMPEACH! IMPEACH! IMPEACH!
Treason from our President and Vice President should be treated as it was in the past to any Benedict Arnold…Trial, Conviction, Public Hanging.

This is American justice? Just goes to show you…one set of rules for wealthy Republicans and another set of rules for rest of us. Oh…how about a ban on watching NBC's "Law and Order"? Fred Thompson calls Scooter a "good American"? Where is the law and order in that?

The President today showed the American people that he has no respect for the law. We impeached Richard Nixon for similar actions, tried to impeach Bill Clinton for immoral acts, I say that it's time for the House of Representative to start a Bill of Impeachment against President Bush, if they have the backbone for it.

I hate to bring race into this but… if Scooter Libby was a minority democrat he would have put to death for acts of treason. This administration has used the constitution to defend their actions while they they do every thing in their power to weaken its power. We as americans regardless of political affiliation MUST see this action by the Bush Administration as an outrageous assualt on everything that the founders of this country believed in. I feel that this is one of the last gasps of life for this republic and that justice has reallly become JUST US!

My second post. I just read Giuliani's comments. I hope and trust that the American people get to know more of Rudy. The more folks understand how Rudy thinks and acts, the more folks will come to understand why, as mayor of New York, he was a completely incompetent leader.

It always amazes me how the weakest candidates seem to rise to the top of the political ladder in this country.

Why did I sit down at the PC tonight…just ruined my evening.

Yeah it's a blow to justice, but is anybody really surprised by this. Bush has and will always look out for those who do his bidding regardless of how inept or criminal their actions may be. It's not about what's good for America, it's about what's good for him and his people.

Seeing that Bush doesn't seem to regard perjury as such a big deal, someone should ask him if he thinks Clinton should have been impeached.

Republicans were quick to pull the trigger on Clinton, but apparently Libby doesn't deserve the same scrutiny.

Sadly enough, the American Public has only itself to blame – yet again – for the status quo. Remember that the authority to commute a sentence as in this case is the executive priviledge of The President. This is the reason why a republic MUST give the utmost caution to who it elects. So if you voted for G. W. Bush in 2000 and/or 2004 (or even if you didn't vote, and let your silence speak for you), then you can consider yourself personally responsible for this administration's ongoing efforts to destroy this countries highest aspirations and good name with impunity.

Hopefully this will be a clear reminder for all of us to do the right thing next time we're called to vote.

George Bush is a horrible President.

Why no comment from Dennis Kucinich???

He submitted a bill in Congress to impeach VP Dick Cheney. He is the problem not Scooter!!!

I believe the rule of law has left the White House. Our country could once boast of her greatness. Our credibility is gone. Our forefathers would hang their heads in shame. I hang my head in shame. As much as I regret to write it, I believe President Bush and Vice-President Chaney should be impeached. Carl Rove and other cohorts of this administration should also be held accountable for all the corruption that has and is taking place.

Just another case of Bush flouting the law. I wonder if other perjurers and obstructors get off, or is just those who cover up Bush's misdeeds?

Please remind Fred Thompson and the other GOP supporters who voted to impeach Bill Clinton why they did: Obstruction of justice and lying to a grand jury.

These are the same charges brought against Scotter Libby. Only thing, this bunch of "patriots" think they are above the law.

Bush didn't even have the courage to make his announcement in a press confrence. He hid behind a press-release and the long holiday weekend. If he has any self-dignity he should resign from office.

How much more can OUR nation really take of this pathetic, un-american administration? 18 months is much too long.

A criminal assisting another and giving him a pat in the back. This shows how dangerous a lame duck can be. We are proud of you for showing how low American values can be to the rest of the world. IMPEACH BUSH.

After a lengthy trial, a jury decided that Mr. Libby was guilty of perjury, obstruction of justice and lying to investigators. What do Messrs. Bush and Giuliani know that the jury did not?

Look Deeper.

Although I agree this is a mockery of justice, there's more here than meets the eye. By precedent, Bush normally would have waited until Libby was in jail to commute the sentence. However he chose to look even more foolish right before July 4th.

The real story is: why was Bush pushed into action? One wonders if Libby knows something which gives him the clout to have his sentence commuted. There's something very unsettling about this turn of events.

Being an American today is like being a Celtics fan<b> no offense to all the great players in Boston, but their was a time when you could truly be proud to be a Celtics fan, you knew that they wouldn't let u down, and that they would give you their best even if they failed. Well today, u may find yourself disappointed to be a Celtics Fan, they have lost their swagger. America is the same way, we used to stand on a moral high ground, and now it is like that image has been shattered by an administration that has taken the law and the constitution into their own hands. I can not sit here and see a young man, Ginardo Wilson, 17 yrs of age, sit in a jail cell for ten years for receiving consensual felatio from a 15 year old girl. While at the same time, a most senior official gets off for revealing the identity of a C.I.A. agent??! That is not only purgery, but it should be regarded as treason. And to here President Bush make it seem like this guy is still being punished. The system is a joke, and the administrations greatest crime is that they have made a mockery of our justice system and the constitution. So todays American can only sit in the stands and not be proud of our team, because we are not the team we once were. I can't help but feeling that it doesn't matter who wins the next election, their is no way they could be worst than the team we have put out right now. Bring home the troops and stop lying to the people, yeah the people, REMEMBER US??? This is our country, not your personal board game!
Jamaal F
Proud American
BlackTree.TV

It is unbelievable to me that there are people out there so blindly partisan that they are applauding this. I don’t care how conservative one is- these guys (Libby and his higher-ups)exposed a CIA operative during war time. If Libby had been a Democrat he would have been executed as a traitor. Bush has made our country so fiercely partisan the way he has politicized war and science and everything. Very scary.

WATCH…the conservatives need to win the next election for the President to pardon the Republican Party uhmmm I mean Cheney and Bush…mark my words…as much as I will be revolted by another conservative President I see no hope for a liberal (even if a liberal today is a right-winger from a few years ago).

Besides…the so called Democrat seem to overall still answer to the richest supporters…not you and I…Democrats are only weak Republicans.

As usual, I sense the height of hypocrisy in most of the democratic comments regarding Scooter Libby's sentence commutation by President Bush. Where the heck were you when Mr. Clinton pardoned his group of criminals as he left office? Of all people – Hillary ought to bite her tongue!!!

Disgusting! Just when you thought Bush had reached bottom, he finds a new way to jeopardize everything we hold dear.

Welcome to Bush's America. Even Paris Hilton ended up spending her time in jail. It is time for the Democrats to show that they have some cajones and put impeachment back on the table. I want my country back!

bush does what bush wants. Hes just a couple steps from declaring himself dictator of the United states of Ridiculousness.

I try to be a proud american, but its hard to do so when our leaders are scum.

Funny how the Republicans impeached Clinton for lying about a consensual sexual relationship but then they pardon or repreive Republicans who lie about matters of state, Casper Weinberger pardoned by the first Bush and now Scooter Libby pardoned by the second Bush.

Who would have imagined that Paris Hilton would get more jail time than Libby?

Only a few weeks ago I can remember the outrage that this country had when it looked like Paris Hilton wasn't going to serve any time for her crimes. I hope that this country feels 10 times the outrage for a man who isn't going to serve a single day for far more serious trangressions. This is not a partisan issue, this is American justice falling on the sword of inequity, and it is disgraceful.

George W Bush has proven yet again that
he is a lier and cannot be trusted to
to do whats right for this country even
after our justice system has passed out
it's judgement. With one stroke of his
pen President Bush slapped the US
Justice system in the face. So why do
we have a justice system why dont we just let our fearless leader make the
decisions since he is the "decider" anyway.

Bush commuting Libby's sentence confirms that his administration stands not for Law and Order, but for Law on Order at the whim of the Bush Administration and its co-conspirators.

Libby was not convicted of a crime because the evidence indicated he might have lied, not that by a preponderance of the evidence that he lied under oath and not even that by clear and convincing evidence, but that beyond a reasonable doubt he lied under oath.

As an attorney, Libby was well aware of the proceedings and the fundamental requirement of truthful participation. Shame on Scooter for subverting truth for his own skin and Bush's political agenda.

Regrettably, I hold little hope for contrition by this President of the United States. He has operated as a self-serving, unreflective head of a posse, not someone leading his people to safety in a time of unprecedented attack.

As a citizen of the United States, I do not feel I have had representative government, but have watched an insular government take care of its own, insulating itself from the very "justice system" it is supposed to manage.

Shame on the voting citizens of the United States of America if we elect another sloganeering fool, who runs the government for himself and his fellow inmates.

As Harrison Ford said in the movie "Clear and Present Danger", "How dare you Mr. President!".Once again George Bush's actions have cast a shameful shadow over once great and proud nation.A man sworn by the constitution to lead and obey the laws of the land. Instead, used our goverment for his own perverse agenda.Impeach them all!!!

Obviously Richard Nixon's mistake was being surreptitious in his wrongdoing. In today's America, blatant and continued wrongdoing and ineptitude and a cynical disregard for the law will only get "a wag of the finger." Perhaps we will have the wisdom as a citizenry to make thoughtful choices which will allow us to emerge from this present darkness in the autumn of 2008.

"If men within themselves would be governed by reason, and not generally give up their understanding to a double tyranny, of custom from without, and blind affections within; they would discern better what it is to favor and uphold the tyrant of a nation."

John Milton
from "The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates" 1649

scooter was afraid to drop the soap. by the way, weren't georgie and scooter on the same cheerleading squad in college. this is student government gone wild. bush will go down as the worst president of all time, no doubt. impeach the SOB!!

m. walker
new york

criminal helping another another criminal!

hmmm… sounds like another Republican story in the news.

Both should be placed in front of a firing squad!

I wish I could say this is surprising. This is just another example of the Bush administration’s lack of respect for the importance of ethics, justice, and integrity. When will congress finally begin talking about impeachment?

Libby is the O.J Simpson of politics.

I'm going to take up Senator Biden on his suggestion to call the White House tomorrow. I've sat back and complained about injustice for too long without acting. Tomorrow that changes, as this President will hear my voice. I hope the majority of Americans who know the President made a terrible err in judgement today will join in. We deserve neither freedom nor justice unless we are willing to stand up and fight for them.

The levees have been breached. It's official our country is being run by a bunch of thug gangsters

Just wondering….why did CNN post 9 democratic responses and only 2 republican responses. Interesting, given this story involves justice and fairness.

Majority rules, with a moroil majority
it's only natural they would protect a moroil man.

This administration will go down as the worst, most corrupt in our nations history.

I am insensed and feel like I may lose my lunch. I never dreamed such disregard for the law could even be achievable by a U.S. President and his cronies. These criminals in office have taken everything generations of my family has fought to protect and preserve, everything I have been so proud of, and made it a bad political joke. There must be impeachment for Cheney and Bush, for the soul of this nation there MUST be impeachment. I am nearly crying as I write this, we must set things right again. To do nothing is to tell the world the United States has gone the way of The Roman Empire, which I can only hope it hasn't.

Everyone CALL WASHINGTON and let them know this will not stand. Impeach. Impeach. Impeach. Impeach. Impeach!

This is just more proof that this is the MOST CORRUPT administration in the history of the United States.
We need to throw them ALL out and start over!

Bully for you Mr. President, The public needs to know that just like everything else in your world "Justice" is just a word. Its meaning depends on how much money you have, whether you are a crony, whether or not you are going to get ratted out.
You and yours have super rights and everyone else has none. Is this correct?
Why did we spend all of the money and time to seek justice to have you turn around and negate it. You went through this investigation on the off chance that you and yours would be vindicated. Since it didn't work out you went to plan B commute Libby's sentence. I'm sure you had that all worked out in advance. So, in essence you could have just informed everyone ahead of time that no one who breaks the law in your administration need worry about it because there are no consequences. You are a traitor to your oath as president and an evil, dangerous person. It is no wonder that the vast majority of the people in this country hold you in contempt. You are contemptible and should be impeached for dozens of impeachable offences.
You are lucky that those in Congress are almost as contemptible as you and would rather keep you in office as long as possible to score partisan points with the public as you drag this nation further and further into a hole.They have forgotten their oaths to uphold the law as well. Your administration and the present Congress and the judiciary that you have stacked and corrupted will be viewed as the most corrupt, immoral, and contemptible government ever spawned in this nations history.
You are lucky that the American people are such dumbed down amoral apathetic cowards or you would be high tailing it to your plantation in Paraguay.

11 reaction quotes and only 2 from republicans. Nice balance CNN.

It's funny that nearly every single quoted reaction here comes from Democrats. The very last reaction (and I would imagine placed there NOT by accident) is from a Republican. Hmmm. I may totally agree with the Democrats in their reaction to this issue but I just find it hilariously assualting to fair and balanced news coverage the way these comments read and how they are ordered on the page. Biased at best, manipulative at its worst.

This Proves that the People of the United States are morons, Don't worry about what the Government is doing, Brittany Spears Boob is showing!
President Bush does not hate Black people, President Bush hates people.
There is almost-Nothing left to like about us anymore.
Bush has beaten the will to live out of me, The next comet that passes earth and, "I'm 'outta here seyz me".

Re: Libby

Does probation stop from stalking or questionable activities ?

He is creepy.

N

Irresposibility is the Norm
Time and again the Bush Administration displays an irresponsible streak. Over and over this administration has shown a blatent disregard for the law– From illegal wire taps to a mountain of lies leading us to Iraq to the blatent risk of our national security by outing Valery Plame, to the Pardon of libby. They have no boundries to what they will do for their own ends. This type of mentality cannot be trusted! Laws were put in place for a reason. Libby disregarded these laws and was treated like everyone else that breaks these laws and thus was handed a sentence. Bush's Commutation is black and white proof of the double standard of the well connected. The office of the president has been tainted for way to long with an atmosphere of lies and betrayal. I only hope that an investigation into the stink cloud of deceitfulness hovering over Bush and Cheney will bring to light what really is going on behind the closed doors of the White House. It's time we restore honor to our highest levels of government and show the world that America does not tolerate abuse of power. I pray along with so many others for the Impeachment of this President.

Whatever possessed anyone to believe that President Bush would NOT whitewash Libby's crime against the American people? Nothing this president has done has ever suggested that he has even the slightest respect for law, justice or the constitution (at least as they might apply to him or his cronies), so what else could we have expected.

What is more alarming is that the leading Republican candidates seem to think it's just dandy! (Read Guiliani and Thompson in the ticker). I rarely consider voting Democratic, but there will be no choice for me this time. No Republican seems even remotely concerned that the president so glibly puts himself and his buddies above the law that governs all the rest of us.

What a sad day!

Im curious;
This is not a Presidential pardon, does it qualify, legally, as a reprieve?
What IS a reprieve?
If it is NOT a reprieve, the does the President have a right to commute a sentence?

I'm shocked to read the statements of Fred Thompson and Rudolf Giuliani, both of whom would like to be president. They think the pardon was a good thing. So it's okay to tell lies under oath and get away with it if you're a bigwig Republican? Add this to their list of "qualifications".

bush is outright delusional.
This creepy president has to be removed from power ASAP by impeachment for breach of the US Constitution.
- I became a US citizen just last year. I am outraged beyond expression at this exclamation point of the worst presidency EVER. The Democrats and reality-based Republicans have to stop it NOW, not look for the advantage that this unbelievable act, as another turn in a never-ending string of fiascos and acts of previously unimaginable incompetence might convey in the campaign wars. Sure, it would be extremely suggestive fodder for 30-seconds adds, and candidates are hording money to put up as much of them as they can afford (in states where it matters). But, PLEASE, does anybody consider that we are witnessing nothing short of an outright rape of our US constitution and most fundamental, trusted and proven principles for which the US used to be admired around the world ??? For the sake of the United States of America, impeach and remove from power president bush and his gang of cronies (they do NOT deserve the name "administration") !!!

what a sham.
While your at it W why dont you pardon all the guilty in the prison system.

Oh, and please correct the Paris travesty too while your at it – jack***

Impeachment has been long overdue however this should be the wake up call for the process to begin.

Please for the sake of whats left of this country get rid of this administration.

This is disgusting. Does anyone remember the angle Bush was pushing in the 2000 elections, about "restoring dignity" to the white house after Clinton's intern scandal?

Really seems comical now. This is a truly pathetic situation. I want to move to Canada.

What exactly was Bush promising to restore to the White House again?

George Bush is nothing more than a 3rd World thug. Impeachment is only the first step. Our best defense as a nation is to call for a constitutional convention and convert our government to a parliamentary form. We must never allow this to happen to our nation again.

Does anyone recognize a bully when they see one anymore? You must remember before guns, knives and drugs it was the school yard bully who terrified you. You got so tired of being whipped and bullied you just handed him whatever "it" was he wanted. You knew though that no matter what you did, what you said, he was going to have his way and "the devil be damned". Well Mr. Bully, I mean Mr. Bush, now that Scooter is all taken care of (gee, even Nixon had to wait) how much would it cost to get the two “BORDER GUARDS” who shot a drug dealer at the “BORDER”out of jail?

A case of "Power without Responsibility"? Just another case of if you are a poor bloke you will be severely punished for your misdeeds. If you are high enough in the hierarchy, your misdemeanours are okay. Shouldn't we be applying the saying "The higher you are the longer you fall", if there is to be any belief in the system of justice?

Not surprised that Bush let him off the hook. This is the most corrupt president, vice-president, etc. in the history of the United States. I think a recall election for both Bush and Cheney should start immediately.

The same people who are screaming to throw libby in jail were very very quiet when sandy berger stole classified documents from the national archives building and destoyed them to cover up clinton's actions or lack of action against the bin laden branch of terror.

Maybe the Democrates can move on to more important issues…. If they say anything negative it would be…THE POT CALLING THE KETTLE BLACK.

Was it your choice to include mostly Democratic comments, or are most Republicans simply (and perhaps wisely) laying low & avoiding the issue?

I think commuting Libby's sentence is shameful, absolutely shameful. It may not rise (or lower) to the level of a "high crime or misdemeanor," but it ought to.

This is the nail in the coffin for all current Republican presidential hopefuls. The Republican party can now kiss the 2008 elections goodbye- just too much ammunition handed to the Democrats. I don't see any way forward for the Republicans until 2012 at the earliest- Baby Bush and his cronies have damaged the party that badly.

It is irony to see that a president who promotes his policies for fighting terrorism and invading Iraq on the agenda of national security commutes an individual who has compromised the national security of this country.

I guess it is a matter of who you know, not what you have done that determines the sentence.

While I'm furious at this decision, I'm certainly not surprised. In fact, I find it typical. We as a nation should feel a deep and unyielding sense of anger not just at the powers that be for these sorts of actions, but at those who elect these people – because this is what they do, excusing their own at the expense of everything and everyone else. It never comes by them honestly, they have to sacrifice everything including justice in order to continue their agendas.

I want my country back.

This comes as no surprise, why expect "W" to start doing the right thing now. Well, I guess we all know one American (Scooter) who will be celebrating his Independence and freedom this Fourth of July.

Hmmm…this makes me wanna go…"hmmmm" I cannot help but think that Libby had an "ace" up his sleeve…just for this moment when he was headed for prison. Could it be that he has some incriminating evidence involving the snake in the grass vice president or our most "beloved" president? I cannot wait until we are rid of this administration…it is going from bad to worse…de guatemala a guatepeor.

Another form of complete injustice in America. Thank you King George for yet another display of your loyalty to your cronies and your complete disregard to the American law and justice in this country. This is truely the madness of King George, yet again. Nixon was a saint compared to you. What a complete disgrace!

Is anyone really surprised by this president’s action anymore? If this happened in Mexico or Russia this administration would look down its nose and decry corruption. When Washington does it well its just politics “Standard Operating Procedures” for this gang of crooks. Fred Thompson’s reply speaks volumes:
“I am very happy for Scooter Libby. I know that this is a great relief to him, his wife and children. While for a long time I have urged a pardon for Scooter, I respect the President’s decision. This will allow a good American, who has done a lot for his country, to resume his life.” Former GOP Sen. Fred Thompson, likely presidential candidate
A vote for Fred translates into four more years of villainy in my opinion!!!

If the man deserved jail time, he should have served it. The President's action is an insult to every law abiding citizen in this country. Our National Security should never be compromised for any political reason, as it seems to have been by Mr. Libby.

Does it make liberals feel better to hate Bush? Sure, he's made mistakes, but it is completely irresposible to assume that he is intentionally running the country into the ground.

He is making decisions based on his political ideology, and the ideology that won him the election. Naturally, if your politically ideology runs perpendicular to his, you won't like many of his positions or actions. I truly beleive that Bush beleives his actions are the best for this country -right or wrong.

Just remember, because you disagree with someone, it doesn't make them a bad person. A mature person will realize that.

This is a sad day for justice in the United States. Goodbye liberty and justice for all.

NOW is the time for revolution!!! This admini$tration must be overthrown and a NEW era begun! This corruption must STOP. As Thomas Jefferson said (and I paraphrase): "a government must be overthrown every 200 years or so" and NOW IS THE TIME! If you don't agree with W, you are labeled as "unpatriotic" and investigated by the government, even have CIA agents show up at your door for writing a letter to the editor criticizing this corrupt administration! Of course, its all done under the guise of "Homeland Security". Well, King DUHbya, this Homeland is FAR LESS secure since you've been in office. If only you went hunting with Dick…!

I used to believe in the Republican party and I have to admit that I voted for President Bush the second time around. A vote I regret day in and day out as today is a clear example of how he has made a mockery of the american public. I have lost all faith in President Bush and the reprensentation he portrays of our justice system.

Blatant Misuse of Presidential Power, US today feels like a third world country where the rich and powerful are above the law…. Not what our founding fathers meant when they gave this power to the executive

We send someone like Paris Hilton to Jail and then allow Scooter Libby, a convicted felon, to skip the experience completely.

And sadly I don't think the press and American people will have the same reaction to his "out of jail" pass as they had to Hilton's.

Yet another proof that this country is run by a clique of brigands.

The decision today solidifies the Bush administrations' ongoing destruction of rule of law and democracy. The world can continue to observe the anti-intellectual motives of this government and see the demise and slow decline of a world power- hungry with its imperialistic motives and gangster world policy making. As we remain compliant of a leader who will influence other bad leaders, the devastation Mr. Bush continues to leave behind for this country will be felt for years to come. And with the hopefull end of faith- prohecy ideology and state Terrorist tactics, we can only hope that we will have a chance to make ammends with ourselves and the world, to prove that a true democracy might just get a chance. Happy 4th of July in the middle of a week, dammit.

Unbelievable.

why is it libby gets a get out of jail free card for purgery,and we have two border agents in jail for stoping a drug dealer this adminstration is nothing more than a joke a bad one at that
IMPEACH NOW!!!

Today is a very sad day in US history. Worse, I don't know how many Americans seriously consider the implications of this type of administration. As someone who works in Global Health and Development, this President has done more harm to our reputation and credibility than any other President in modern history.

If Scooter Libby was really to be the fall man for this leak and abuse of power, no matter how great a guy he is and how wonderful a family he has… He's got to take the fall – and that includes the sentence, not only the conviction. He should've been more cautious about working for messy politicians and an administration that is willing to let decent human beings take the fall for crooked businessmen.

What will it take for Americans to take to the streets, to march on Washington, to call our troops home, to impeach bad presidents and change the culture of corruption in Washington? We need less professional politicians and more Government of the People, for the People.

The president cannot respect law, he does whatever he thinks is right. whats the use of wasting money in going through the trouble of judicial system. He should have said, whatever the case, he will pardon it..so dont waste money.

DID WE EXPECT ANYTHING ELSE?

Have we ever had a president who has such an arrogance abuse of power? Has the criminal implications of this entire administration rival any one in our previous history? Ther Terrorists
in this world have no respect for the Law; neither does President Bush. I am
68 years old; I have been following politics since I was a boy; I have never been any more embarrassaed by or ashamed of MY president, as I have of
President Bush. This is not just my European friends; this is my American friends as well.

This is another reason in the long list of pre-existing justifications for the impeachment of both Bush and Cheney. The abuse of power has to end. The approval ratings for our government are at an all time low. People don't trust the President or Congress. The American people are tired of being disenfranchised by their own government. One set of rules for the rich and another for the poor is bad enough, but then when you factor in politics, the current situation becomes unbearable. We need a change of scenery in Washington now more than ever.

There is a great engraving on the side of the Justice Department's building in Washington DC. It reads "Where rule of law ends, tyranny begins". Today, President George Bush has shown quite clearly where he stands.

I disagree with Sen. Biden about burying the White House with phone calls. We need to bury the Houses of Congress with demands that the impeachment process begin. While the Libby commutation may have been within the President's Constitutional rights, it confirms what many of us have know for some time, he lacks the moral and ethical traits to lead.

I most enjoyed the Edwards statement of Bush as "clinically incapable of understanding".
He's talking of course about the oath he took as president and the rule of law. But it also pertains to his understanding of the will of the people.
Bush simply doesn't care what we think.

Bus is a criminal and should be impeached..this is disgusting!

Out of the 11 comments you posted only 2 were from Republicans. Hmmmmm…very fair and balanced reporting.

To: Sen. Barack Obama, Sen. Charles Schumer,Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid,House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Sen. Joe Biden,Former Sen. John Edwards, Gov. Bill Richardson, and Sen. Hillary Clinton

Regarding: The Commuted Sentence of Lewis Libby

Your comments related to this decision include a "miscarriage of justice", "presidential administration that feels it is above the law", "completely tramples on the principle of equal justice under the law”, "disgraceful", "blatant disregard for the rule of law", "George Bush and his cronies think they are above the law", and "the lack of accountability".

All of you, and "your cronies" spend much of your time developing and feeding a "culture of hate". You hate George Bush and most Americans. You feel that we are ignorant to your agenda. You care nothing about the service to the American people. You care nothing about the soldiers in Iraq. You are the most narcissistic group of governmetal leaders in the history of this country. All of you should be very ashamed of yourselves.

This is a notice to all of you that hte American people are tired of you hate, your fighting, your perception that Americans can be hearded like a herd of sheep. And, next November will be the wake up call for several of you.

I would've been surprised if the President did not commute the sentence – this administration has never given any hint of integrity, honor, or justice before. When this President leaves office you will see the pardoning of some real thugs!

"No man is above the law and no man is below it: nor do we ask any man's permission when we ask him to obey it"
–Theodore Roosevelt (who, if you listen carefully, is turning in his grave)

I find it laughable that Hilary Clinton of all people would chime in on Libby's sentence being commuted. Didn't her husband commute the sentences of 30 or so crooks before he left office. Her holier than thou attitude and that of her husband are the highest form of hypocrisy. I'm sure she applauded her husband over it. By the way, why hasn't anything serious happened to Sandy Burger? Didn't he blatantly steal documents?

Another in a long list of Bush/Cheney embarassments (IRAQ war mismanagement, Katrina, 9/11, Hunting accidents, Halliburton, national debt, trade busts). This administration will go down as the worst in memory. The world has lost complete respect for the US. It will be an arduous task for the next president to begin to restore dignity to the office.

I don't see the story here. Everyone knew Bush would let him off the hook. He will pardon Gonzales and Cheney when their time comes.

Wow, what a group of national leaders. What a disgrace. It is amazing to see another horrible choice made by these Republicans. I for one will never consider voting for these scummy Republicans in my lifetime. It is my sincere hope that during the next election the American public reduce the seats held by Repbulicans to zero or to such a small percentage that they become less significant than the mud on the bottom of my boots. I will be working towards that goal. What a dishonest and stinky bunch of people.

It seems to me, a teacher of Social Studies and Civics that I will have a hard time convincing my students that the justice system works in this country. This is a republic not a monarchy as George Bush and his gang think.

To the elected to office congressional leaders, this madness must stop. This administration does not value our laws and justice system. What this president has done is unconscionable, he is clearly stating his office and those under is misguided leadership can act as they want. We are headed down a terribly sad road for our country when our president would commute a sentence as egregious of the publics trust as this. I hope we have the courage and strength to act in an ethical and honest manner when needed and in a time of dire need. This president does not value the morals and conscience of my America and I demand immediate and swift action.

Typical CNN bias…11 remarks but only 2 from the Republican side. Way to go guys…really fair & balanced! Report the news…not what you want it to be!

The commutation of Libby's sentence is just another example of how Bush continues to link his administration to the worst presidents in our nations recent history.

His failure to comprehend the inevitable disaster in Iraq, despite the clear learnings from the Vietnam War, link him forever with the foreign policy failings of the Johnson administration. His determination to elevate the executive branch to a position immune to the Law, and the balance of power dictated by the framers of the constitution, clearly link him with the Nixon administration. And his failure to comprehend the implications of the commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence will link him to the failed administration of Gerald Ford.

Clearly, President Bush is neither a historian, nor a good President.

This is disgusting. Once again, this administration proves their constant abuse of power, and obvious feelings that they are above the law. When are the American people going to decide that they have had enough of this? How much more do we have to take?

Hey, what’s the big deal? Ford did it for Nixon

We see today, the culminatiion of what many feared–commuting the Libby sentence will only lead to a full pardon on Bush's exit.

All the criminal acts performed in the WH will be hidden by Bush's and Cheney's efforts to make the law apply to all but them! From the energy meetings, where I'm sure both Cheney and Bush told the oil companies of their plans to CHANGE the face of middle east, the prelude to the Iraq war, to the plainly stated words of the president "Iraq, find a way" heard by former treasury secretary Paul Oneil.

We have known for years the determination of this administration to bend or break any or all laws that would keep their neocon ideals from fruition. They are bound and determined to seat unqualified republican political operatives at the top of all government agencies and leave their term in office with a full boat of tragedy overseas and a full boat of career republicans in every agency that can be appointed before Bush leaves office.

Why are the media helping this tragedy to unfold! Are you so afraid or just paid off?

Our founding fathers would be ashamed of us all for the blatant stupidity we have demonstrated in the last 6 years.

Bush and Cheney both think they are above the law and this is just another example of their arrogance. I wonder what Libby has on them, or better yet, what Cheney has on Bush. This is disgusting. Bush himself said anyone in his administration found leaking information to the press would be fired. So much for that promise. It's time that Bush be impeached!

For the love of God, this is the most ridiculous thing I've ever seen. What ever happened to the rule of law? Oh, right. It was voted out when Bush was voted in. This is a flagrant disregard for the rule of law and a slap in the face to Valerie Plame, her husband, and any person with common sense.

If Clinton was impeached for one lie, then this entire administration should be taken out back and dealt with accordingly.

How bad can my cynicism get when it comes to the Bush administration? How about this…I think that I would take Nixon back as president in a minute. Yah, he was dishonest, corrupt, and paranoid, but he did try to hide his evil deeds. Bush and his thugs, on the other hand, are doing their dirty work out in the open while thumbing their collective noses at the Constitution. Start impeachment now. Even though time will run out before impeachment proceedings are done, at least I will know that some of my tax dollars were well spent!

A sitting president should not be able to commute the sentence of an individual that might be able to implicate him or his administration in wrong doing. If congress does not do something about this, I swear I will have to march on Washington even if it is just me.

Once again we see the "justice" of the Bush regime. He is, as ever, destroying this country from the inside. He has created a fascist dictatorship, with outside help.

And the Democrats scream, "foul" but never do anything else. They are just blowing smoke to make us think that they are different from those in power, when in fact they are just the same.

For more information on what's really going on in the world, in all aspects, please go to the following link and take a look at the real state of things.

http://www.signs-of-the-times.org/

This is a disgrace to the American people and a sad day, but sends the message to do wrong and you can get away with it. Why not pardon and let everyone out of jail for non-violent crimes… Expose a undercover agent and it's okay. I don't think so!!!!

Clinton dodged impeachment now we are even. I think he lied to the American people or something to that matter. But those were different times. He did not have to worry about terrorist trying to kill us only if his wife might walk in on him.

I seem to recall that Mr. Samuel Berger shredded highly classified documents that he stole from the National Archives and received less than a slap on the wrist – no jail time and a $50,000 fine. He was provided access to those documents based on the trust that was (mis)placed in him. He jeopardized national security, destroyed historical documents, and obstructed justice! Where were Senators Obama, Clinton, Shumer, Biden and Reid then? Where was Congresswoman Pelosi and Former Senator Edwards? One must ask,"Is it really a matter of justice? Is it a matter of partisan politics or worse yet, how can I as a politician make this work for me?"

The United States of America used to stand for truth and justice. It was a country that the rest of the world looked up to and admired. During the Bush, Cheney and Neo Con years it has turned into a country that does not care about international law, condones torture, spies on its citizens, outs CIA operatives who put their life on the line for their country, lies to the global citizenry to justify a bogus wars and is reviled throughout the world.

What has happened to this once great country?

It is my hope that the great citizens of this once proud country will fight the corruption in the White House. George W. Bush may act like an absolute monarch, but remember the true power lies in the citizens of the United States.

This is just another blatent display of total disregard for the rule of law and will continue until they are removed from office. This is a rogue administration.

A perfect example of people trying to second guess the president of this country, George Bush is the greatest president this country has ever had. Do you think for 1 minute that he would do anything that would be against the law? Mr. Libby served this country in a time of need and was a loyal servant to President Cheney.

Dick Cheney should go to the jail. Libby is just his shelf. If Cheney is above the law, Libby should be too. What are National security and clean Gov in Bush's mind? Now, it will be interesting to see how Big news organization responds to this.

The whole entire Plame episode was pure political BS….she was NEVER a covert agent, therefore, she was NEVER truly "exposed." The liberals have only themselves to blame for this one. PRESIDENT BUSH definitely made the right decision here. Too bad the libs only have "let's get Bush" on their brains 24/7, instead of things like "let's get the price of gas reduced," and "let's govern in a manner that will benefit all."

Is there any more proof required that the current executive branch is corrupt? We can stop pretending we believe in the President — he has certainly stopped pretending he believes in us.

In other lands, things like this would cause rioting in the streets. In America, republican presidential candidates offer up praise for injustice. I weep for my country.

Bush is clearly interfering with the judicial system… again. And lying … again.
Big government lies are disguised as politics and… unfortunately most administrations play that game. However, Bush's does take the cake by being so blatant.
I'm begining to wonder if Bush had anything to do with Paris Hilton: No one would be surprized if he did!!!!
I can't wait for the elections, not a great "choice" out there, but at least Bush will be gone.

Once again the Bush legacy takes a turn for the worse. The Libby incident proves that the President is a blatant liar to the American people.
This President has ruined our country, and most of the world.

Nothing surprises me, or my fellow citizens, any longer. This president has so lowered the bar on ethics that this action will barely make a blip on the average American's radar. After WMDs, Abu Graib and torture, domestic spying, executive signing statements, and generally trampling on the Constitution, does anyone really think this will be noticed?

Hilton skated the system. Why shouldn't Libby he's got money too.

Bush insists we need to stay in Iraq to fight terrorism- no matter what the cost. But on the home front, he now insists that jail time is too severe a punishment for one who has been officially convicted of threatening our national security. If only Bush could commute the deaths of every innocent father, son, mother, and daughter who gave their life in the name of national security in Iraq. If Libby can be excused, then why are we holding prisoners in Guantanamo? Mr. President, are you listening? I am leaving the Republican party because of your blatant misuse of office, trust, and power. I am not the first, nor will I be the last to realize that wisdom and the well-being of this country is far from you.

I have seen a lot of disturbing and arrogant behavior from this administration but I never believed Bush would have the nerve to flaunt his disregard for the law so blatantly. This is gross abuse of power and impeachable behavior. I will be demontrating, writing letters and calling the White House.

Are you kidding, Hilary??? Who thinks they are above the law? Your husband pardoned a convicted felon who was on the lamb. Amazing!

If an ordinary citizen were charged with such a crime, who deserved 30 months in prision, where do you think he would be. Two systems of justice is not allowed in this countrys constitution. Like the goverment of the USA and common folk. I thought.

I find it very strange that the Dems. are so outraged. I remember that when Ex President Bill Clinton lied to federal agents and also to a grand jury, these same Dems. Thought that it was OK.

All of the comments I have read by politicians are clearly partisan, its business as usual, all talk, no action, no one held accountable for their crimes or actions. I truly feel as though the 15 years I spent as a Marine serving this country was for naught.

I'll say one thing for Bush: the man is incredibly consistent. If there's a wrong decision available to be made, he'll make it.

Now one of Cheney's other cronies will pay (donate) the $250,000 fine and Scooter will scoot off to wait for a last minute presidential pardon so he can draw his government pension.

It's insane how much we let Bush get away with. I know its his right to commute sentences but once again he spits his presidential privileges in America's face.

It seems each day the President does something else which embarrasses me as an American citizen. The pardon of Mr. Libby tells our children that its Ok to lie, as long as you have powerful friends who will protect you. Shameful.

No doubt Mr Bush will go down in history as the worst president our country has known.

Is it a democracy and dictatorship? It is clear that Bush will protect his people in every mean. What is a shame?

Where are all of the Republicans howling about Bush commuting Libby. You sure heard them during Clinton's term. I guess when the shoes on the other foot its easier to look the other way. bush should be IMPEACHED!

Nothing reveals the flaws in our failed system more than the ability to commute the sentence for of one who for political reasons defied the law. This is not Republican or Democatic but the rule of a oligarchy independent of law or ethics. Cliff Dillmann, Harrisburg, PA

President Bush showed total disregard for the balance of power between the executive and judicial branches of our government. This disgraceful action demonstrates contempt for law enforcement. What a shame that America has had to withstand two terms of this administration, Bush’s historically low approval ratings are reflective of an emerging awareness of what an abomination this administration has been.

Dave Rahinsky

It is time to send a signal. No man is above the law. Bush has broken enough of our laws. Its time for Impeachment.

When will the American public say "enough" and demand this man (and his cronies, including the VP) be impeached? This is the most corrupt administraton to ever occupy the White House. Not only are they corrupt and an embarrassment to the United States, they have done so much damage to our country's reputation & world standing that our children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren will be dealing with the fallout for generations to come. I say Impeach Bush & Impeach Cheney now!!

I'm not a George Bush fan but we have to be realalistic. The only President with less commuted sentences in the last 60 years was George Bush Senior. It amazes me to read Hilary Clinton say "George Bush thinks he is above the law by interfering with a courts decision". Hey Hilary!! George Bush has commuted 4 sentences in 7 years! Your husband commuted 61 sentences in 8 years. (WOW) Guess he was kinda "above the law" too. Bill was a lot easier on the ears though!! Got to give credit where credit is due.

George Bush, Dick Cheney and Karl Rove are the domestic "Axis of Evil". Playground bullies who use the shroud of "patriotism" to justify their illegal power plays. Bullies at the ballot box. Bullies in international affairs. Bullies in the legal system.

Ever since the phrase "pre-emptive strikes" was substituted for "invasion" I have been totally convinced that the egos of these men are dangerous to the entire world. Power and aggressiveness at home breed hatred and aggressiveness overseas. Now, what a disgrace this "Scooter-gate" has become. I am totally in favor of George W. Bush's impeachment.

As a Canadian, I can only look on with wonder at an administration that imprisons people with a contrived label such as "enemy combatant" and holds them for years without charges or due process while simultaneously abusing executive privilege, allowing one of their own to escape the consequences of criminal behaviour set down by the courts.

How can this administration send anyone to prison? Sadam's bag men are being hung for following their leader, yet the Scooter gets to take a walk. Greed and corruption is the rule of law for this White House!!!!

CNN, you are too far to the left…I used to like to read your news articles…now all you do is slant the news in favor of the Democrats. Can you not see that you are breaking all of your rules of journalism? If this had been Bill Clinton commuting one of his staffers from prison I am sure that Mrs. Clinton would have said just the opposite. Please beware of the Americans who have a brain and an education because we are the ones that put Bush in power, not that it was a good thing, but if we decide to get out and vote again it will be for the lesser of (2) evils. The Republicans know this, and unfortunately you and the Democrats have failed to recognize that we the people are not as mindless as you think we are. The Americans I know whole hearted believe that if the Democrats get back into power they will turn our country into a socialist waste land.

I don't have a problem with the Scooter Libby commutation. A judge sentenced Libby to jail; a president commuted the sentence. Both had the authority to do what they did. People who have a problem with this should work on changing the authority to commute or pardon. Let's hear the presidential candidates declare that they would never use this authority.

As a citizen, I believe that this is irresponsible and just demonstrates how low this administration has sunk.

Jon Garner

Several things have been proven by President Bush's commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence, and Dick Chenney's refusal of a federal subponea. First off justice applies to "just us"…. John & Jane Q. Public.
Secondly, our government is not a democracy, but rather a subtle aristocracy with the illusion of freedom. I would encourage all the readers to be put aside their political affiliations and look at the clear cronyism displayed by the Republican Presidential hopefuls, as they all agreed with Bush's decision. I find it amazing how the Republicans tried ti impeach Pres. Clinton for marital infidelity, but support this administration's blatant disregard for the law. We beg your pardon Mr. President, because your decision has left us sore. However, we don't want you to take back the pardon..we'd like you to issue a few more.
Pardon Jeff Skilling it wasn't fraud it was merely creative redistribution of wealth.
Pardon those in charge at Walter Reed they were just trying to ease the rising cost of providing care for soldiers health.
Pardon the D.C Sniper because the government fired him from the only thing they trained him to do.
Hey while you're at it pardon every child molester and murder too.
Most importantly pardon us while we get sick….because the pardon you gave this time was not yours to give.

I am deeply saddened by Bush's decision to pardon jail time for Libby, because it truly shows just how far out Bush will go for his own people, and NOT for the good of the American people. I have felt more and more afraid to speak out with each passing day, because Bush is capable of just about anything. Maybe my phone will be tapped next for MY statement! Heaven knows nothing counts for his croonies! This is just plain a very sad day for America.

George W. Bush:
Pardons: 113
Commutations: 4 (including Libby)

Bill Clinton:
Pardons: 396
Commutations: 61
If these numbers are accurate, Bush is tougher on this issue than Clinton. More reason to vote out both of them & there supporters!!

Who watches the watchmen? Who monitors the actions of our so-called guardians charged with protecting the liberties of all men and safeguarding the consitutional rights of all citizens?

GEN MacPeek said it best: "…America has been conducting an experiment for the past six years, trying to validate the proposition that it really doesn't make any difference who you elect president. Now we know the result of that experiment…If a guy is stupid, it makes a big difference.”

As a follow-up to my last post, perhaps most disturbing to me and everyone that I know here in Barcelona, is why the American people put up with this? Are they so scared of President Bush and his group? It seems to us that America is now governed by dictator, like we once had here. Wake up America. Look how easy it was for the Bush caln to take down your President Clinton for a sexual indiscretion. All the things current President Bush is much much worse! Why have the American people allowed all this evil to continue. We have lost respect for the government, and now we are losing respect for the American people as well. It is very sad. We have no heros anymore.

Enough is enough. This administration is out of control, and the time has come for our congress to TAKE ACTION, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!

For the next 1 and a half years this administration shouldn't be allowed to walk a dog without permission and oversight.

It is disgusting!

The real question that noone is asking is did Scooter Libby warn President Bush and/or V.P. Cheney that he would talk, tell the truth or turn on them if he did any jail time? There's too much of a coincidence not to make the connection and ask that question. Unfortunately, reporters are spending too much time feeling sorry that Libby will lose his license to practice law, – like that's what he was banking his future on; it's time for our reporters to stand up and ask the hard questions, and time for our House and Senate to take the action that the Constitution spells out and calls for when governmental corruption is obvious and rampant.

I hope there is a documentary film maker out there ready to just follow Scooter around for the next year and watch how Bush cronies go from guaranteed and deserved jailtime, to cushy jobs within big business… that is, if Libby isn't the Governor of Texas or Florida by the end of the week. Sounds like F. Thompson would take him as a running mate.
If I lived there (DC) I would go puke on the Whitehouse lawn. These ARE the darkest times in our Executive Branches history. PLEASE REMOVE THIS ADMINISTRATION FROM OFFICE.
signed,
I. Love my Country

People I want to hear the Left use the following words…. Self-serving act!!! That is what makes it insidious.

Come on. I am constantly disappointed by the Democrats they constantly make me feel that there is only one party the ruling party… they need to start hammering that statement. Scooter Libby's commuted sentence was a self-serving act. It was totally in his power, but what makes it wrong is that it was self-serving. It is as if he pardoned himself!

I believe the president's decision to communte Scooter Libbys' sentence is the correct one however, I believe his reason is what we should talk about. I believe that he did this because he is AFRAID of what Scooter would say about his involvememt if Scooter Libby went to Jail. Nancy Alert

This is totally FUBAR.

Interesting how some people were SO offended when Paris Hilton was sent home by the sheriff – "Shes getting special treatment!" they whined.

But now when Bush commutes Libbys jail time, those same people say its OK. The hipocracy is so thick you can cut it with a knife.

Bush to America: Laws don't matter.

Sadly, the comments on Bush's commutation of Libby's sentence only further points out the polarization of our political parties. It's no longer what is good for America but what is good for the party.

John Graham
Napa, California

How long will we let our president get away with the actions of a dictator?

Firstly, I'm disappointed that CNN only has two Republican comments here (at least when I read it). Nothing like a conservative media outlet playing to the 'liberal media' charicature.

Secondly, Fred Thompson's character on Law and Order would never commute a sentence. Somewhere Jack McCoy is having a scotch alone at a bar.

and lastly, is this the same 'tough on crime' Giuliani that cleaned up NYC? What next, Rudy…amnesty for Guatanamo prisoners. I guess your just another soft on crime guy from NYC.

Sad.

Americans should take to the streets this 4th of July to demand the immediate resignation of the President and Vice-President. The current administration is clearly the biggest threat to our freedom!

Fred Thompsom,,,if this is the way you will conduct your self,,,,,get lost,,go back to acting you are not fit for the office.

This is an absolute travesty. Libby protected his boss and others…obstructed justice…and in return for saying nothing – Bush commutes his sentence. Quid pro quo – I hope 2008 is clear and decisive landslide that will teach these Republicans just how good Americans' memories are. The powers that be are counting on Americans to forget – I for one will not forget when 2008 comes around…

Just when it seems the ethics of this administration can't plunge any lower, they sink to this. I'm appalled.

This petty excuse for a president no longer deserves the support or respect of the American people. He thumbs his nose at justice and fornicates with big business.
If he had any decency he would do the honorable thing like Richard Nixon did and resign immediately. He needs to understand NO ONE IS WITH HIM. He is on his own island, and apparently seems to like it.
I have lost all respect for George W. Bush, both as a president and as a human being. And I'm a Republican.

And he hasn't been impeached because…?

Of course the president commuted the jail time. Did anyone expect less? This administration has shown no respect for the law as it applies to them, from the 2000 election. Dick Cheney and Karl Rove have run the government the way they want to, to benefit themselves and their friends, using Bush as a patsy and strawman all along. Our government has no integrity, and no honor.

Funny, Democrats in the oval office have sexual scandals, Republicans ignore the laws of the country, from Nixon through Reagan (Iran-Contra), Bush sr. (more Iran-Contra), and this miserable excuse of a president.

WOW! how objective that you put a bunch of liberal Democrats comments on a Republican action.
Scooter Libby did absolutely nothing wrong, so I and a lot of other people applaud the President. I have been put out with him lately with his support for the immigration legislation, but this makes up for some of that.

Impeach Bush.

NOW!

Tuesday, July 3, 2007 is officially "Break a Law Day".

Every American is officially permitted to break a law, big or small, in celebration of the fact that justice is blind during the administration of President Bush.

This entire topic sickens me. Whether it is Clinton or Bush, what has our political system come to if it produces 16 years of American presidents ambitious enough to be willing to send American troops to die for their country, but too cowardly to risk their own lives when called upon? They used their personal connections to get them out of Vietnam at the time, and it has become clear that winks, nods, and back room deals are what they used to manipulate the system.

What I wouldn't give for a reluctant statesmen, with a moral character for its own sake (not for campaign ads), intellectual curiosity, and a willingness for 4 years to do what is best for his country, disregarding any thoughts on what is best for his party.

This is another blatant 'spit in the face' of the American Public by a beneath contempt President who has plunged out country into a meaningless war benefitting only his cronies, spied on us, trampled the U.S. Constitution and more. His ultra-secretive Vice President has placed himself (and his staff) above the laws of our land and now, as if to ice the cake, has betrayed the public's trust by ignoring his promises to uphold the findings and subsequent sentencing of a tried criminal. Simply, Bush and Company should've been impeached the moment we all found out that they took us into and war and thereby needlessly slaughtered thousands of our youth.

Why are we surprised by Mr. Bush's
actions? I expected this. Bush does what he wants, when he wants, with no
one to answer to. He knows what is best for our country. Just look how he has led us for seven years. Aren't we better off now?

I was wondering when we would get a glimpse of "compassionate conservatism"

Enough! how many white house scandels must we endure…
Time to Impeach Bush! & Cheney!
The President and his "cronies", administration, policies, political agenda are not above the rule of law!

OK. Why am I not surprised. This is just the first step. If President Bush was really concerned about justice AND the fairness of Libby's jail term, why then not shorten the amount of time to be served in jail? No, President Bush vacates the entire sentence. Also, who says it is over. Remember that President Bush can (and probably will) pardon Libby as a parting shot when he finally leaves office. So don't praise President Bush for being fair. What about the life of the person…and her family…that this administration, and Libby in particular, has forever harmed?

I am ashamed of our President and the actions he took to ignore the Justice that Lewis Libby deserved. I certainly do not care about how Libby's family "feels", what about the other family? His actions were WRONG, if any ordinary civilian took the actions he did they would be sentence to 10 years or more. I do not care about Democrats or Republicans it is about the FREEDOM of SPEECH that we are slowly losing…..and the chances to punish those who are above themselves, with GREED, and DISHONESTY.

Everyone with a conscience should make good note of the comment of Fred Thompson, Rudy Giuliani and the rest. The idea that overturning a lawful verdict for political gain and finding that to be good shows the true character of a person. It's time like these when people of true moral values come to the fore, and the phony conservative elite are show for what they truly are. These are exactly the kinds of things you need to remember when you enter a voting booth and why both Thompson and Giuliani, like Bush himself, aren't worthy to hold the office of President of the United States.

Once again, terrific job of keeping reporting unbiased and keeping the editorial undertones at bay. Number of lines of text from non-Democrats: 6, lines from Democrats: more than worth counting.

For the record, I don't agree with the President's decision either.

Please allow me to extend my condolences to my Republican friends who have stood so firmly behind this president these past several years. I realize how painful it must be for you to approbate this president's public statements such as, "I feel his (Libby's) sentence was too severe". He is not willing to accept the ruling of a court of his own appointees. This court which determined not once but twice, after hearing days and days of extensive testimony and arguements from all sides. This court which made their judgement after careful and thorough deliberation. This same court which after hearing all of this testimony determined that their jail sentence for Libby was just and fair. Why did this president commute Libby's sentence? Was it because of his arrogance and he could (or perhaps because he lives in fear of potential reprisal from his vice president?) Jack Mansur

I think Bush has been lieing to the people of the US ever sense he was put in office, and by what he did today show he has something to hide and how about those papers he is not going to turn over to the courts. Open your eyes people and use the brain God gave you. He is accountable for breaking the law just like us poor people are. Bush has this country so up side downA its going to take years to put in back in some kind of order. Its time the people who run this government should get off their ass's and do something about this mess! And lets don't forget about all of our guys over there in that waste of time war who have died. FOR WHAT!

I commend the President on his decision. The prison sentence was not the correct punishment, and it did not suit the crime. For all those turning this into a partisan issue, let's recall those extremely questionable pardons by Pres. Clinton to those less than reputable staff members and personal acquaintances back in 1990.

Interesting that CNN would post comments from 9 democrats (assuming Melanie Sloan is a Democrat) but only 2 Republicans. Just confirms my suspicion that CNN is biased fairly heavily for the Democrats.

Disregard political gains and what not, but evaluate the more important picture. The sons and daughters of America were sent under covert operations in harms way to protect this country, yet there exists a government that condones betrayal to them. A slap on the hand, I guess, is suitable for this situation, but what if leaking out intelligence resulted in the lost of a life? Accessory to murder maybe? But in this case, it was attempted murder. Is it safe to work for our government now?

I have foolishly been clinging to the hope that this Administration would go no farther beyond the edge of reason, but the President's commutation of Mr. Libby's sentence has brought me to a new level of despair. My grandchildren (none born yet) will pay (literally and figuratively) for the terrible actions of this President and his mis-Adminisration.

typical CNN– have mostly D comments– how many pardons did Clinton give?? Too hard to print those numbers….. where is that story?? CNN once again, fair and balanced

The FBI, CIA and other intelligence agencies supplied poor intelligence (lies), and now the country is involved in a misguided war. Not one person was reprimanded for this poor effort although over 3500 soldiers have lost their lives and over 10,000 severely injured!

This entire administration is destroying our country with lies, deception, theft and murder just to say the least!

When will our Congress/House proceed with the impeachment of this criminal who is breaking so many laws!

This just goes to show where todays REPUBLICAN Party values really are.

Laws are only important if they apply to someone else.

Welcome to the Republican party's Fascist States of Amerika.

Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, presidential candidate
“Today’s decision is yet another example that this Administration simply considers itself above the law. This case arose from the Administration’s politicization of national security intelligence and its efforts to punish those who spoke out against its policies. Four years into the Iraq war, Americans are still living with the consequences of this White House’s efforts to quell dissent. This commutation sends the clear signal that in this Administration, cronyism and ideology trump competence and justice.”

Here's a short list of some of the REAL CRIMINALS Bill Clinton pardoned while in office:

Kristine Margo Beck D. Idaho 1981 Bank embezzlement, 18 U.S.C. § 656
David Christopher Billmaier D. New Mex. 1980 Possession with intent to distribute amphetamines, 21 U.S.C. § 841(a)(1)
Terry Lee Brown E. D. Ky. 1962 Interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle, 18 U.S.C. § 2312
Joe Carl Bruton N. D. Tex. 1979 Conspiracy to commit mail fraud, 18 U.S.C. § 371
Nolan Lynn DeMarce W. D. Wis. 1983 Making false statements to obtain bank loans, 18 U.S.C. § 1014
Jimmy C. Dick N. D. Calif. 1976 Conspiracy to manufacture counterfeit Federal Reserve Notes, 18 U.S.C. § 371
Edward Eugene Dishman W. D. Okla. 1983 Conspiracy to defraud the United States and Oklahoma counties, 18 U.S.C. § 371
Brenda Kay Engle S. D. Ind. 1983 Conspiracy to commit theft from interstate shipment, 18 U.S.C. § 371
Mary Theresa Fajer D. Oregon 1980 Conspiracy to commit bank embezzlement, 18 U.S.C. §§ 2 and 371
Albert James Forte D. Dist. Col. 1973 Making and subscribing false and fraudulent income tax return, 26 U.S.C. § 7206(1)
Fendley Lee Frazier S. D. Ala. 1965 Interstate transportation of a stolen motor vehicle, 18 U.S.C. § 2312
Robert Linward Freeland, Jr. N. D. Ind. 1983 Forcible rescue of seized property, 26 U.S.C. § 7212(b)
Ralph Leon Furst S. D. Calif. 1966 Embezzlement of United States mail (U.S. Code section not cited)

Dr Ron Paul keeps saying that these are the things we can expect when WE ALLOW OFFICIALS to disregard the US CONSTITUTION that was put in place for exactly this same reason. The founders used to take people like this out to the highest tree in town….get my meaning?? It is time to wake up from your slumber, take off you God damned ipod and hit the streets before it is too late for your kids!!!!

Scooter was and is a political scapegoat. Every republican interviewd agreed with the Presidents decision and every Democrat had a smooth prepaired answer as to how unjust George Bushes actions are. I am like 30,000,000 other moderate Americans who frankly don't care and understand that a Democrat president would have done exactly the same thing in a similar situation. Wouldn't it be refreshing to have someone running for office who isn't a puppet for his/her party. Where are you Ross Perot!!!

Now we know why VP Cheney always has a smirk on his face….the laws mean nothing!

How much longer are we stuck with King George and his band of incompetents? This shows you what they think of the rule of law.

This is the same president, that when governor, simply refused to commute anyone's death sentence in his state no matter what the circumstances. As he said when he was governor, we have a good justice system and we should let it work.

Obviously this does not apply to him and his friends. It is time to impeach someone who lies to us and does feel justice is equal for everyone under the eyes of the law.

He needs to go before anymore persons lives are ruined.

Even as a Republican, I am growing tired of this administration's lack of respect for the law. At first when the President ignored the law I would get angry. Now I feel uneasy and nervous. Nervous that if real pressure were put on him he may just lock the White House door.

one word – IMPEACHMENT

Might it be, that with as much information as "S" may have had about others that did not get indicted it was either free me or I will squeal like a stuck pig and write a riveting book?

I see that all critical comments quoted are by Democrats, whereas the Republicans quoted are quite positive about the whole issue. Don't the Republicans have any connection to reality or justice left?

I am so discouraged. Constantly disappointed with this administration and the entire government as a whole. If ever there was a time for a third party to move in! And, I agree that an impeachment process should be on the table for the president and vice-president.

Scooter needs to be a man like Paris Hilton and serve his time.

Besides, any grown man who goes by the name of Scooter should be doing hard time.

I am not at all surprised by Bush's pardon of Scooter Libby. This administration cares nothing for this country or this countries laws. Outing a CIA agent means nothing to them. It is another sad day for America and for what it used to stand for.

You ask 8 Democrats and 2 Republicans?

Anyone who thinks that this is justice is insane. If you commit a crime punishable by jail time, you must do that time. Libby commited the crime. He should of done the time.

Bush, Cheney and Libby are all SCUM BAGS. They will rot in hell together.

Its quite funny reading the comments, form the leaders of the nation. I can remember when former President Clinton pardoned hundreds of people for crimes which were far worse, than what Mr. Libby was convicted of. Mr. Libby will still have a felony on his record, which i hope before President Bush leaves office he will pardon Mr. Libby

This "president" is pathetic. When do the impeachment hearings begin?

Yes, yes, yes: About time real justice was done, not the democratic bull crap we have been accustomed to the last 50 years. This servant deserved pardon unlike the real criminal cronies of Bill Clinton that were pardoned over 6 years ago. Did ya'll forget that?

Nine responses from Democrats and two from Republicans. What does this tell us about CNN?

Can someone please give President Bush a B J so we can impeach him?

I am an extremely patriotic American (though not blindly so), and the Bush Administration has caused me to be ashamed of my nation for the first time in my life. Oh, I've felt disgust for things that happened in the past, like the treatment of the Native Americans in the 1800s (and beyond), and the attitude of whites toward blacks, but I've always felt proud of my country as a whole. What the Bush Administration did to our international reputation and the constitution changed my feeling for this country. I tried to tell myself it was just a small pocket of criminals in high places, but the number of Americans who voted to re-elect George Bush in 2004 forced me to face the facts. Every time something like the Scooter Libby fiasco happens, it feels more and more like we're living with a third world government. Only thing missing is the holster at Bush's side, and I'd bet he'd have it if it wouldn't cause more of an uproar than even they can quell. I just keep hoping that Congress will finally do something permanent about this Tammany Hall time warp.

For God's Sake: IMPEACH!!!

How, HOW can we let all that these thoughtless, evil people have done pass? Democrats don't want to look bad, don't want to overuse the impeachment process. They think it's nearly over anyway. There can be NO lame duck statute of limitations on Constitutional breaches. To let them run the clock out only means that they've paved the way for others to do as they have done.

They lied about a war.

They silenced those who tried to call them on it.

They've stolen the lives of over 3000 men and women, more than died on September 11. Some of these are kids, some parents taken from their families in mid-life, some private citizens working the army's cafeterias. And then there are the 100,000-something Iraqis whose families are devastated. For a lie.

They've stolen our money, and borrowed more from China and paid it all to their corporate backers, who have the further priveleged of not being taxed for it.

They've stolen our rights.

They've stolen our democracy.

They deserve more than impeachment. They deserved to be charged with treason and face that death penalty Bush is so fond of for what they have done.

This can not pass.

Don't get me wrong, I'm not happy with President Bush's decision. But isn't it a little odd that you provided 9 antagonistic responses and only 2 sympathetic ones? Why did you include nearly all the Democratic presidential candidates but only 2 of the Republican ones? I'm a liberal myself and like I said I'm extremely disappointed in this decision, but I'd still like a more balanced representation of the myriad views on this issue if its not too much trouble. Don't give the conservative pundits any more reason to label you part of the "liberal media".

I have no faith in our government anymore, and George W Bush has contributed more to that lack of faith than any person I can think of. PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, remember what Bush's cronies and supporters have done to us, and make sure that they all get voted out of office in the next election. I hope it's not too late.

Republican or Democrat or Independent (I have voted for Pat Buchanan for the past two elections)… we all as Americans lost today part of what makes America the best country in the world… the rule of law… we also lost the integrity of The Presidency. Bush should be impeached.

What a joke. It's comical reading the Republicans response to Bush's pardon. It's so typical for them to defend their guy. Can a REAL Republican please stand up? One of you fake politicians need to be brave and speak honestly about this decision. One shouldn't care about party affiliation. This is one of the reasons Republicans cannot get black votes. They cannot earn any credibility with us young black brothers from the streets.

I couldn't have been happier when the buzz started regarding a Fred Thompson run. I literally couldn't wait to vote for the man who I knew would lead our country back in the right direction. His comment today changed my mind completely.

He's happy for his friend? He's happy his friend skirted accountability? Are you kidding me?

A band of extremists have taken the government away from the people and have been using it for their own ends, to obtain the wealth and power they think they richly deserve. This immoral decision today is yet another example of Bush and his friends cynically ignoring the will of the people, the law of the land, and the security of the nation for their own selfish and undemocratic ends. America needs to wake up and vote these extremists out.

I am constantly amazed that this administration has survived as long as it has without an impeachment. If falsifying intelligence to justify an invasion of Iraq unrelated to the "War on Terror," or cutting taxes during a time of "War," or illegally spying on American citizens, or awarding no-bid defense contracts to THEMSELVES, or any of the other stupid moves they have made, do not count as "high crimes" or misdemeanors, what does? Oh, that's right: sex. Well, you idiots voted him back into office; now live with it.

Is it just me or does the story go down like the executive summary to a Matt Damon type flick? "Dude says something bad about the President, so the Pres's croneys out his wife to bad guys that might want her dead." In the movie version, Wilson would be pull a Jack Bauer go kick some corrupt political butt. Instead, the croney gets off with paying a fine and not being allowed to vote again.

Even if Libby wasn't involved in the leak, 25 years seems like a just sentence for covering up the leak. If he was the Leaker, then 25 years seems *really* light.

Reminds me of Red Foreman when Gerald Ford came to Point Place and Red asks him, "Gerry… How the hell could you pardon Nixon?"

I, as anyone with a good sense of the political climate in this country, knew and understood that this would come about, and not that I condone it can see why it was done. That said I think that the fine as well as the money spent to proliforate this fiasco should come from Mr. Libby and His supporters and not the taxpayers of this country, but then again thats like asking for someone to do something right in this administration… imagine that! Happy 4th of July Scooter.

If lying about a "bj" is considered high crimes and misdemeanors, how in the world is this idiot still in office???? Once again he has proven that he lied, cheated, stole and bought his way into office. He is a failure all the way around. Its time to clean house, its time for the American PEOPLE to take back this government. Bush and his cronies got to go.

A glimmer of intelligence from Bush? He realized only 11% or less of Americans still sort of marginally support and respect him, so there was so little left to lose in pardoning Libby.

I can't believe what the Bush and his conservative minions are doing. Remember Bill Clinton? He lied about oral sex and Scooter compromised a CIA agent. Why was a bigger deal made about Clinton's lie. You guys are just mad that he was a kick-ass president and your guy is a loser. Even your base thinks you suck, George. Get ready for eight years of democrats, boys. We are back!

Paris Hilton did more time??????

I challenge every American to start writing letters or making phone calls to voice your outrage for the total neglect of our legal system by the President.

My country is to thee, sweet land of liberty…if you're connected to the right people.

My elected representives and senators don't care, however. There will be lots of words and no actions, pretend outrage and none of substance.

All of you in my federal government should be ashamed. All of you.

How are we now supposed to believe in our Justice System? How are we supposed to have faith in equality treatment to all? Is that what we're supposed to teach our children? How can we make them understand that some people can abuse of their power to let go unpunished the ones who have been found guilty of a crime that is at the base of our National Security? What a crying shame!

President Bush and Vice President Cheney should both be ashamed of themselves. They clearly sent a message that they no longer represent or care about the American people when they arrogantly commuted the sentence of Lewis Libby. For quite some time they have both made it obvious that they believe to be above the law and dismissive of the very people they have been chosen to represent. They both make me profoundly embarrassed to be an American. They represent the absolute worst of our political system and the only solace I have is that History will judge them both to be the immoral, unconscionable, arrogant, reckless and flat-out stupid men that they are.

What scares me more than President Bush and his ego maniacal rule over this country (and his assertation into other countries)is the fact that he actually has people who back him up. This is an outrage.

Guess they'll need to time the indictments of Rove and Cheny so their convictions come in after Bush leaves office.

And I thought that W could sink no lower.

W has now officially and publicly condoned Libby's actions on behalf of his administration. If Cheney is impeached and convicted (and God grant that it be so), will W excuse him, too? Appropriate that this happens *today*, the day that the Declaration of Independence was signed. We said we wouldn't tolerate George III then–why are we still tolerating George II?

When will the trial for Valarie Plame and Joe Wilson be?

The luck will run out soon for them.

They are like a poker player with
a big chip stack: Always betting on
nothing.

This are a disgrace to America, the World, and anyone, with anything
that resembles common sense, dignity,
or morality.

And it is no wonder, that just about
everyone, watches the United States
of America, in disbelief; including
the American Citizens.

What in the world is President Bush
thinking?

The picture that is sent in this
situation, not to mention Bush's will
in the illegal immigration issue, sends
the message that, to get ahead,
all you have to do, is anything
that you want…

You will get off in the end.

Why not pardon drug trafficers?!

Oh yea, I forgot, we already are
in the process of doing just that
.
They are called illegal immigrants.

I guess the Bush Administration wants a Civil War in Iraq and America.

Totally Disgusting.

This is sad. We have a man who has committed a criminal act, convicted by a jury of his peers, and sentenced in accordance to the laws of the United States being given what is tantamount to a pardon. This is nothing more than base and malign politcal backscratching to reward the criminal acts undertaken by Mr. Libby. This is the work of a coward. A real man, a real leader, would have let the law and order that this country was founded on stand. Mr. Bush has not redressed a wrong; he has perpetrated a pervision of justice. What's worse, we have people like Mr. Thompson (who is as much of an outsider as a snake in its own skin) urging him on like a chorus of devils. I do not care who we elect anymore as long as they follow the laws and mores the rest of us are compelled to. Either all persons are equal under the eyes of the law or none of us are.

It's really time to impeach Bush and Cheney. Enough is enough. Too bad Nancy "took it off the table". Idiots…..oh wait, i forgot, they're all just corrupt.

Good for you George Bush. Perhaps justice has occured. I know one cripple guy who stole a watch thirty years ago, leaving Florida while on parole or probation. He became a wanted felon. Since then he has worked to make a decient life as well as he could,remember he can not button a button and can barely walk. Now a senior in collage.
Arrested in Virginia, as a fugitive from Florida, put in a Van, chained, spending two days in the van, only let out for bathroom breaks. It took almost three monts for Florida to free him. This guy should be pardoned too. This man did not have the money of OJ, or Paris. He is on disability.

What a sad reminder, as we ready ourselves to celebrate the declaration of this country as independent from tyranny, that tyranny remains in our midst, that there is little freedom or justice within this country or the the countries of those we have invaded. Shame on you, Mr. Bush! May the hammer of justice fall upon you is my hope.

faith is destroyed – we have all been crapped on from a dizzy height. No more liars, no more coverups, no more BUSH & CO.
Please get them out – of our lives – and out of power.
ENOUGH ALREADY.
I am sick to my stomach.

As a African American who feels the justice system in America is out of control, my question is where is Jesse or Al? They go to California jumping on the Paris fiasco where are they now they should be marching in front of the White House demanding answers. Why havent they gone and protested the kid whose case was overturned for having oral sex with a minor? Who is going to be the voice for those who can't afford to have their voice heard in this system?

I find it absolutely astounding that this occurred.

I'm genuinely sickened by President Bush's decision.

Although it will be uncomfortable to explain the mistakes former President Clinton made to my children, how do I explain that President Bush doesn't respect our consitution?

Only a President with such low approval ratings would think this is a good idea. What's the harm of a commutation of one of the few who sought to protect you, when you're going into the history books as the worst U.S. President? Sarcasm implied.

Giuliani says after evaluating the facts the president was right? How about the judge who evaluated the facts and said Libby deserved jail time? Rudy thinks he is presidential material?

Please explain to me why CNN lists only 2 non Democratic coomments out out 10 and they are numbers 8 and 10 on the list. If this isn't another show of bias reporting than I don't know what is.

I am very, very curious to see which, if any, Republicans will have the guts to disagree with this decision publicly.

The prez can't see down off of the hill and obviously thinks the the law doesn't apply to him or anyone who works for him. The guy is a war-mongering ego-maniac and should be impeached. I hate him. He is systematically killing my beloved America.

It was just a matter of time before Bush let the slimeball off the hook. There is only justice for the rich in America. After all, didn't the rich write a constitution whereby the president could pardon any old criminal? What kind of constitution is this? The real question remains: When and how will the common people restructure the constitution to reflect the common needs of the common people? Predictably, the rich will block them, and try to trick them. Isn't that what happened with the last elections? I guess you can full most of the people most of the time. Or can you…

Frank Flanagan

Since Bush said he felt the sentence to be "excessive" than how about a pardon for the two border patrol agents convicted of shooting an illegal drug dealer? Or the 17 year old boy who was convicted of having oral sex with his 15 year old girlfriend? Do you think ten years was excessive Mr. President???
When Bush opens his library there will be four books on the shelf. The first "My Pet Goat", the second "Republican Law" the third "Law for everyone else" and finally "Where's Waldo", it will contain various pictures of Bush and Cheney still searching for those dam weapons of mass destruction!

Unbelievable!!! As an American citizen, I cannot wait until we have new leadership in command.
This country is ready for and certainly deserves it.

Martha Stewart went to jail for lying.

In an era were the Republican Party runs it’s pre and post election campaigns, as being tough on crime it’s good to know that when it comes to people in his administration it’s just the opposite. I believe with this single move President Bush has pushed jurist prudence back 100 years, when we had common and cannon law. All hail King George, defender of the greedy and stupid.Oh yes, the Democrats talk a good game so why don’t they do something it’s time to start impeachment procedures.

All the (prepared) "comments here (thus far) are from Democrats.
Will you be interviewing any Republicans, Independents, or Decline-to State Americans?

This is an administration that lives without consequences and creates a grim future for any administration to follow. We the American people regardless of our political party will suffer for years to come. Today's actions demonstrates a leadership without morality.

George W. Bush is not just the worst President ever, he has now become one of the worst humans the United States political system has produced. This is a complete disgrace and Bush is laughing at our nation's legal system and laws. Impeachment is too good for Bush. This prooves his corruption and that he is nothing but a basic thug and criminal. How dare he claim to be a good Christian!

Simply unbelievable.

President Bust just sold America down the tubes. His popularity rating just dropped to zero percent in my book and I'm a Republican. He doesn't even honor the law. He also just told the FBI, CIA and all other agencies in the US that they are no longer safe.

He does this in the name of Republicans. Time for all republican to find a new job. This is outragous.

Nothing surprises me with this president, we the American people are getting our just due for putting him in office. Corrupt company officials and politicians have grown untouchable under his watch.

I worked as a contractor to the NSA for 20 years and did a little work for the CIA and DIA in that time.

The idea that someone could commit perjury in an investigation of a breach of National Security information (in this case the name of a CIA operative) and be 'let off the hook' by a supposedly conservative President is probably completely demoralizing almost everyone in the intelligence community right now.

Oh well….The 'spooks' have many ways to get even

I have never been so ashamed of our country as I am today. This is just the crowning blow by an administration responsible for the deaths of thousands of American soldiers in the name of liberty, when it is, and wasn't about liberty at all… it has all been about self-serving single-minded ambition.

God help America…

Well, I believe that Fred Thompson and Rudy Giuliani can both kiss their chances at the White House bye-bye….no one in their right mind would vote for someone who would support what Bush did.

It's about time this country votes into office someone who actually has the backbone to do something about Bush and Cheney. So far, the Republicans have refused, and the Democrats haven't done squat either. I'm not holding my breath.

At least I didn't vote for the guy…

I disagree strongly with charges of perjury and obstruction of justice when the prosecutor is afraid to charge for the real underlying offence.

This is just as true of Martha Stewart as Scooter Libby. Unfortunately our president didn't have the strength and wisdom to reduce Martha's sentence as well. Hopefully the Congress will redefine these "crimes" so real, unlying criminal acts must be proven first.

What else is it going to take to get you to finally scrape that W sticker off the back bumper of your car?

Bush lied A G A I N…when are we going to impeach this idiot from Texas and sedn his buddy Cheney packing as well.

Poor Paris Hilton – she did more time for not having her license than Scooter did for lying under oath. So much for accountability and bringing honor back to the presidency.

ITMFA!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yes, the President's reasoning for commutation was bogus. But you know what, he didn't need a reason. President Bush excercised his constitutional right – plain and simple. Whether Scooter Libby went to jail or not has no effect on anyone's daily lives except for those of his wife and children. Has politics become so ugly in this country that he should waste away in jail simply because the Commander-in-Chief is hated man. We've got so many larger problems to worry about (i.e. spending $2 billion and losing a hundred troops a week on an occupation in Iraq). The President gave Libby a gift for his decades of public service – leave it at that and let Libby live out the rest of his days in shame.

At a press conference on September 30, 2003, in Chicago, IL, President Bush said this:

"I know of nobody — I don't know of anybody in my administration who leaked classified information. If somebody did leak classified information, I'd like to know it, and we'll take the appropriate action. And this investigation is a good thing…there's too much leaking in Washington….and I've spoken out consistently against them and I want to know who the leakers are."

President Bush is blatantly lying to the American public. Why are we not outraged? And why hasn't anything been done to Richard Armitage? It is funny how upset we got when Clinton lied about a personal matter under oath, but Bush lies about matters that directly affect the American people and we just mutter about his disappointing approval ratings. We need to gain the courage to oust this tyrant and restore some moral leadership and public trust back in our beloved government!

I was hoping that the Bush political team would have thrown a monkey wrench into this drama by convincing President Bush to also commute the conviction of Bill Clinton in the same stroke.(Clinton's punishment for lying to a grand jury was to have his law license revoked.) I just have to admire the Bush team for not playing politics.

Even Paris Hilton did time, why not Scooter Libby? Today was the last day of the Bush Presidency. Any lingering wisp of legitimacy is gone.

I agree with all three comments. I too am ready for a REVOLUTION! These guys in power answer to one thing GREED! We have no middle class, our democracy is an aristocracy and close to becoming a corporatocracy, and to make things worse, most people don't care or are too stupid to understand what is happening. Everything that is done in Washington by this administration benefits one group of people, the uber-rich. Whether it's the war and profiteering , or tax cuts. We all need to be reminded by the movie Network's rallying cry, "I'm as mad as h-ll, and I'm not going to take this anymore!"

I am NOT surprised that Bush and Cheney have continued in their insane path- That they have taken our young men and women ,OUR beautiful futures,down an awful path of death and sent them without FULL BODY ARMOR ,or better equiptment,to die needlessly and to be injured for life-Why should we expect that they should show sanity in this ???? WE ALL SHOULD MARCH ONTO WASHINGTON !!!!
DO THEY DESERVE ANY MERCY?????????????

Homeschool Mother of 3-
Mrs. Sara Markis
Samarkis@aol.com

Unbelievable..just unbelievable! This guy should be impeached!