Finally, a dose of compassion for Scotter Libby. President Bush has commuted his prison sentence.
Can't wait to hear what the law-and-order liberals have to say about this one.
Excuse me while I Google "Clinton pardons."
Update: The President's statement explains:
Both critics and defenders of this investigation have made important points. I have made my own evaluation. In preparing for the decision I am announcing today, I have carefully weighed these arguments and the circumstances surrounding this case.
Mr. Libby was sentenced to thirty months of prison, two years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. In making the sentencing decision, the district court rejected the advice of the probation office, which recommended a lesser sentence and the consideration of factors that could have led to a sentence of home confinement or probation.
I respect the jury’s verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby’s sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.
My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby. The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely. He will remain on probation. The significant fines imposed by the judge will remain in effect. The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting.
The Constitution gives the President the power of clemency to be used when he deems it to be warranted. It is my judgment that a commutation of the prison term in Mr. Libby’s case is an appropriate exercise of this power.
Michelle Malkin notes that the pardon is a constitutional prerogative. Indeed it is. And presidents are judged by how wisely they use it. Some presidents have used the pardon for reasons of political patronage. Others have used it more wisely and justly, to temper harsh justice. Given that Bush left most of Libby's sentence in place except for imprisonment, it is clear to me that Bush has used the pardon judiciously.
Update: Jawa Report has examples of people Bill Clinton pardoned for crimes such as lying to a grand jury, lying to federal agents and the like (i.e., many "Scooter Libbys" pardoned). Here are just a few samples:
Joseph A. Yasak N. D. Ill. 1988 Knowingly making under oath a false declaration regarding a material fact before a Grand Jury, 18 U.S.C. § 1623
Jack L. Williams D. Dist. Col. 1998 Making false statements to federal agents (two counts), 18 U.S.C. § 1001
Jack Kenneth Watson D. Oregon 1985 Making false statements of material facts to the United States Forest Service, 18 U.S.C. § 1001
John Fife Symington, III D. Ariz. 1996 indictment; 1997 superseding indictment False statements to federally insured financial institutions, wire fraud, attempted extortion, and false statements in bankruptcy proceeding, 18 U.S.C. §§ 1014, 1343, 1951, 152, 2(a) and 2(b)
Gerald Glen Rust E. D. Tex. 1991 False declarations before grand jury, 18 U.S.C. § 1623
Jerri Ann Rust E. D. Tex. 1991 False declarations before grand jury, 18 U.S.C. § 1623
Robert William Palmer E. D. Ark. 1995 Conspiracy to make false statements, 18 U.S.C. § 371
Verla Jean Allen W. D. Ark. 1990 False statements to agency of United States, 15 U.S.C. § 714m(a)
I can't wait to hear the thundering denunciations from the left of Clinton's pardons of numerous men and women who were convicted of lying to grand juries and federal agents. In fact, I'll save space below to report on all the outrage at Clinton from the left.
<Crickets chirping.>
<Lone wolf howling in distance>
<Rustling of leaves>
<Sigh>
Be sure to check back.
I'm sure we'll be hearing from the left soon!
Thank God his sentence was commuted -- it's sad and disgraceful what Libby went through for this.
Posted by: Richard Romano | July 03, 2007 at 03:50 PM