Tuesday, July 3, 2007

The Libby Pardon

The chief executive checked the judiciary by commuting a sentence it imposed on an executive official, following a trial prosecuted by attorneys in the Justice Department (also members of the executive branch). Don't you love separated powers?

Objective background on the case against Scooter Libby is next to impossible to find. This link takes you to a page on National Public Radio's website with links to various stories about the case. It's as good as any place to get an idea about how we got to where we are.

Comments are all over the place. Here's a taste:

-The prosecutor was nuts to pursue the case.
-Rules are different for the rich and well connected.
-Clinton did worse.
-Bush's presidency is effectively over.
-It's all about keeping Libby silent.

There's much more. And irony to boot. Some point out that Marc Rich, Clinton's most controversial pardon, was defended by Scooter Libby. And Libby's current lawyer, Ted Wells, also successfully defended Clinton cabinet official Mike Espy.

Incestuous place, isn't it?