Michelle Malkin » Breaking: Bush commutes Libby’s sentence

Breaking: Bush commutes Libby’s sentence

By Michelle Malkin • July 2, 2007 06:00 PM

The Corner has the White House statement. An excerpt:

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.

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#101261

On July 4th, 2007 at 7:03 am, RobM1981 said:

A crime was committed: Libby lied to an investigator. That’s a crime. The fact that he was lying to cover up activities that weren’t criminal just makes him an idiot, not innocent.

You don’t lie to the cops, the DA, a judge, or anyone else who is asking you a question pertaining to a criminal investigation and/or trial. You have the right to remain silent, not the right to make stuff up.

Bill Clinton having sex with Monica Lewinsky wasn’t a criminal offense; lying about it to an investigator was. Same scenario.
#101321

On July 4th, 2007 at 3:31 pm, EdDantes said:

RobM1981:

The big difference between this situation and the Clinton situation is that Clinton admitted that he lied.

Libby was convicted of lying by a jury on only circumstantial evidence, not an admission of guilt.

There is still no concrete proof, that I’m aware of, that Libby actually did lie, only the testimony of Tim Russert.

In contrast, Clinton was “acquitted” by the Senate and paid no fines and was sentenced to no jail time, even after he admitted perjury. Where’s the justice in that?
#101370

On July 5th, 2007 at 2:30 am, blacktygrrrr said:

Stop being so polite Mr. President. Hold a press conference, and drop a couple F-bombs like Vice President Cheney did. Here is what I would say.

“I commuted Scooter Libby’s sentence. I did so because I can. For those who criticize this decision, I am the President and you’re not. Deal with it. My predecessor pardoned people for sport and for contributions to his stained library. I did it because it was the right thing to do. This may anger the Jayson Blair Times, but then again, water is wet. Get over it.”
#101371

On July 5th, 2007 at 2:33 am, blacktygrrrr said:

Also, in a world where Bill Clinton and Sandy Berger run free, Scooter almost went to prison. The guy got Nifonged. For those of you who do not know, being Nifonged means being accused of crimes for being caucasian, wealthy, and not politically correct. It is how William “90,000 in the freezer” Jefferson avoids receiving a jail sentence (as of now), but Scooter Libby does not.

http://blacktygrrrr.wordpress.com/2007/07/02/rosie-scooter-dubya-and-monique-huh/

eric