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(I'll be on Rachel Maddow's show on Air America at 7:05 ET/4:05 PT talking about the criminal cabal's evasion of justice)
Demonstrating his complete contempt for trial by jury, rule of law and his own Department of Justice appointees, George Bush thumbed his nose once again at the very concept of democracy and the Beltway Brahmins are cheering. The dirty unwashed masses who populate our juries are fit to judge each other, but evidently not the ruling class. David Broder can breathe a sigh of relief that People Like Him are safe from those overly zealous US Attorneys who might want to hold them accountable to the same absurd standards that the little people must live by.
How quaint.
The White House has turned off their phone lines. Evidently they don't want to hear what you think. There will still be phones tomorrow, and I don't imagine anyone who cared enough to drop Dubya a line is going to forget.
I hope all those who predicted that there would be such a cry of outrage over this that Bush will somehow pay a huge price are preparing to, you know, be outraged.
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Fitz!
Because it must be said.
That F*#ker Bush. They are all crooks!
I’d like to hear Fitz’s opinion on this.
Jane, I don’t get Air America on the radio is she on AM or PM?
How can we express our outrage?
Outraged is an understatement.
We need a list of direct dial numbers to everyone in the House and Senate.
Volunteers?
Do all federal prisoners now serving under federal sentencing guidelines have cause or argument to demand that their sentences be commuted?
AnnieW @ 5
Pitchforks ‘n torches, anyone?
I am ready to protest, go to dc hwatever it takes.
Can this administration ever be held accountable?
They turned off their phone lines? You mean our fucking phone lines?! I’m so pissed I can’t see straight. How are we to teach our children to obey the law? WTF My phone will be one hot potato tomorrow. Fuck this shit, I’ve had it.
I don’t think the Fat Lady has sung yet!
Fucking Republican Corporate Crony Scums!!!!!!!
If TexB is here I’d like to copy Cassies’ letter to my GA Sens and rep if okay.
They don’t care if we are outraged.
The White House has turned off their phone lines. Evidently they don’t want to hear what you think. There will still be phones tomorrow, and I don’t imagine anyone who cared enough to drop Dubya a line is going to forget.
Since when do they turn off their freaking phones? Chicken shit lily livered cowards.
EPU’d:
jayt says:
July 2nd, 2007 at 4:03 pm
Peterr says:
July 2nd, 2007 at 3:45 pm
Office of Pardon Attorney Guidelines.
§ 1.3 Eligibility for filing petition for commutation of sentence.
[No petition for commutation of sentence, including remission of fine, should be filed if other forms of judicial or administrative relief are available, except upon a showing of exceptional circumstances.]
Well, we all know that the appeals process wasn’t over. Now, Mr. president, show me some exceptional circumstances.
The stream of Rachel Maddow’s show is available at Air America.
THE SPEAKER’S COMMENT PAGE
http://speaker.gov/contact/
go there and make sure you are respectful, get her as incensed as we are, Jane’s word is better then mine
get her as “outraged” as we are
when addressing the speaker, please suggest she have a MAJOR press conferance, suggest she make it the biggest conferance of the most important nature to date
give her some suggestions, her speach writer is excellant but I’m sure we’ve thought of some choice things to say that her writers have not considered
once again, the speakers comment page
http://speaker.gov/contact/
hell yeah, I’m outraged.
Wish I knew how to make a difference, though.
JPL @ 4
PM and you can listen on the web at airamerica.com
Turley with Shuster on Hardball
bastards.
Joe Wilson on cnn.
JPL @ 4
Air America online streaming
EPU’d re: Reid
Reid sez “The Constitution gives President Bush the power to commute sentences, but history will judge him harshly for using that power to benefit his own Vice President’s Chief of Staff who was convicted of such a serious violation of law”
Rite, Harry. Bush be real scart by histery. Gud job. That is hyw u senite leadr.
(sorry, I has been reading too much at I can has cheezeburger. At least it stops me from saying fuck u bush… or does it?)
Edwards statement:
“Only a president clinically incapable of understanding that mistakes have consequences could take the action he did today. President Bush has just sent exactly the wrong signal to the country and the world. In George Bush’s America, it is apparently okay to misuse intelligence for political gain, mislead prosecutors and lie to the FBI. George Bush and his cronies think they are above the law and the rest of us live with the consequences. The cause of equal justice in America took a serious blow today.”
This action by the prez (Libby) today is a coverup.
The road-map going forward (in my dreams): 3 I’s - investigate, indict, impeach.. all of them
long drive home, see you all later
the dogs at the lake are on fire tonight
be well all
Outrage, YES.
Silliest, and yet most significant photo-op applicable: teh stuck anchor.
Scarecrow @ 27
I am starting to really love this guy.
Hollywood Fred Thompson took time off from writing nine minute speeches to gently rest his nuts on convicted felon Irve Libby’s chin.
-GSD
It is times like these that I am most grateful for FireDogLake.
May I suggest that everyone who can make a donation to FDL, please do so today in a gesture of solidarity and determination?
I want to hear from Speaker Pelosi that impeachment is back on the table.
Democrats. This is not complicated. Go after Cheney.
Bush’s statement today is, of course, a far cry from the sterling ethical standard he promised to uphold in the run-up to the 2000 presidential election. As you’ll recall, candidate Bush presented himself as the ethical antidote to the misdeeds real and imagined of the Clinton administration. At the Republican National Convention in August 2000, Bush pompously declared:
“So when I put my hand on the Bible, I will swear to not only uphold the laws of our land, I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God.”
That October, then-Governor Bush introduced his soon-to-be aborted “what is right” standard of White House ethics:
“In my administration, we will ask not only what is legal but what is right. Not just what the lawyers allow, but what the public deserves.”
For the full history, see:
“Neither Right Nor Legal: Bush Commutes Libby’s Sentence.”
Shuster kickin butt with the American Spectator dink on Hardball. I am way glad that Tweety is off today. We need Schuster to argue with these guys
“The rule of law for thee, not me.”
It’s the refrain of the conservative movement.
Robert Bork: “Tort reform for thee, not me” after he falls off the dais.
Anti-choicers who are back on the protest line after ending their pregnancies: “Abortion is bad for thee, not me.”
Rush Limbaugh: “Drug laws for thee, not me.”
This is the recipe for promoting anarchy in society. If laws don’t apply to everyone, they apply to no one.
AnnieW @ 5
Letters to the editor of your local paper!!!
Match it to July 4th as a day of infamy when we should be celebrating what makes this country great.
Bob in HI
“Scooter Libby is a traitor.” Joe Wilson on CNN
JPL @ 14
That’s fine. Feel free to include the site link.
“Scooter Libby is a traitor,” Joe Wilson.
From the WaPo coverage of an outrageous White House action in a scandal a generation ago, I give you Watergate Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox, after he had been fired in the Saturday Night Massacre:
The same can be said today.
FWIW, my note to Pelosi (similar letters went to my Sens and Rep…)
Madame Speaker,
Scooter Libby lied, and will pay no penalty for it. His legal defense fund will easily cover his fine, and he will find a nice home in some conservative institute. No damage done.
If I worked for Dick Cheney, today I would have learned that the smartest course of action, when oversight arrives, is to lie.
If that is the incentive system you want to pervade the White House and OVP, I strongly encourage you to take no substantive actions. A short statement expressing disappointment and disgust is all you’ll need.
But if you’d like a different incentive system? People must begin to fear that if they cover up this Administration’s criminal activities, they will personally pay a criminal price themselves. Initiation of impeachment proceedings for the Vice President is one path; I am open to the idea that there may be others. But “investigations” and statements are no longer sufficient.
Whatever path you choose, you are going to have to do something difficult, potentially unpopular, risky, and with real consequences for those who behave this way.
Are you ready to lead us into that?
P.F.
Let.us.eat.cake.and.go.to.Hell.
Libby’s a scoundrel in the history books, to be sure.
pinson @ 35
amen
Words cannot express the level of disgust I feel, and have for these treasonous bastards, There hopefully will be a special place in hell for these cretins. My question to the “Lake” is how can we react and let the bastards know what we feel.
I’m ashamed of our “leadership” and truly fear for the well being of our country.
Joe Wilson on CNN - This is treason! Great words by Joe.. anyone know how to find the transcript?
But some Democrats assailed Mr. Bush’s move. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, a Democratic presidential candidate, the commutation of Mr. Libby’s sentence “cements the legacy of an administration characterized by a politics of cynicism and division, one that has consistently placed itself and its ideology above the law.”
WHERE THE FUCK ARE YOU HILLARY
Nothing from Hillary? Gore?
Joe DiGenova says he still expects a pardon, now accuses the Wilsons of lying. Cites Washington Post.
pinson @ 35
I just wrote to her at the address above. Told her it is not her perrogative to take impeachment off the table. In fact it is her obligation to impeach any “civil officers” who break the law.
the neocons are having a great party right about now - just laughing and laughing at us poor schmucks - jury - what fucking jury? thats for us schmucks - we dont need no jury to tell us whats unlawful - afterall we’re above the law
Boris DeGenova lying and smearing Joe Wilson. Susan Malveaux being a stooge.
-GSD
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19570520/ VOTE!!!!!
A few minutes ago, I sent the following message to my representative in Congress:
Dear Representative Harman,
I am not surprised, but I am outraged, totally outraged, that President Bush has acted to commute the sentence of I. Lewis Libby. President Bush, Vice-President Cheney, and the officials at the White House are all criminals. The President and Vice-President should both be impeached. We all knew that President Bush cared not one iota that Vice-President Cheney exposed the identity of Valerie Plame Wilson; this was all part of the coverup of the fraud underlying the Iraq War. Now the four-time convicted felon Lewis Libby will get off without serving a day behind bars. Great. Just great. I say, impeach Bush and Cheney and prosecute them for conspiracy, war crimes, violating FISA thousands of times, promoting torture, and lying to the American people! Damn them! Damn them! Damn them!
I assure you I am waiting with baited breath for the outpouting, err, I mean outpouring of “outrage” from our Reps. I have no doubt that there is at least one angry letter or two from the Dem “leaders” to Bush to come of this.
Take THAT Chimp!
OUTRAGEOUS!!!!! I’m appalled, disgusted and sick.
WOW What a surprise!
{{{{{{JANE}}}}}}
Thank you. Take care and get well!
That’s it, impeachment now…
jayt @ 17
How about, The crime was committed on the President’s behalf?
Remember, when it’s done on the President’s behalf, it’s not illegal…
Nemo @ 9
HEAR! HEAR! “Hey, Dianne and Barbara, is it time to put ‘I*********T’ back on the table yet?”
I do wish that Fitzgerald had called Cheney to the stand.
Thanks TexB, Cassie is our future..
The only people outraged by this will be those already outraged beyond description by the Bush gang. So, no net downside for Bush. Indeed, the fact that they finessed the ‘pardon’ headlines with a ‘commute (no doubt to be followed by a full pardon on Bush’s last day in office when few will be paying attention (assuming there is a last day in office) will actually help Bush since it looks clever compared to the Democrats’ impotent and self-righteous spewing.
How much time and energy and venting was spent here following the whole Fitz investigation? The number of vents on the hope/belief/delusion that Fitz was going to take Rove down probably numbered in the ten thousands. And for what? A vast waste of effort all around.
Suzanne Malveaux is as dumb as a bag of smashed assholes.
-GSD
Now that Wolfie is joning the AEI (the organization that recently sponsored a seminar on “America- too much freedom?”), perhaps Libby can join him there.
But some Democrats assailed Mr. Bush’s move. Senator Barack Obama of Illinois, a Democratic presidential candidate, the commutation of Mr. Libby’s sentence “cements the legacy of an administration characterized by a politics of cynicism and division, one that has consistently placed itself and its ideology above the law.”
C’MON HILLARY, WHERE ARE YOU
This was this a.m. re Hillary…
WASHINGTON (CNN) – Sen. Hillary Clinton, D-New York, took a pass Tuesday morning when asked if she would object to a pardon for former Cheney Chief of Staff I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby.
She was asked about Libby while addressing the AFSCME Democratic presidential candidate forum in Washington. Clinton first smiled and said, “Oh, I think there will be enough to be said about that without me adding to it.”
But moderator Chris Matthews pressed the issue, asking again if Clinton would have a problem if Libby was pardoned. Someone in the audience yelled, “Ask a real question.” Clinton then added, “A question that’s really about the people in the audience, and not about what’s happening in Washington.”
Libby was convicted of perjury for lying to investigators probing the outing of former CIA agent Valerie Plame.
His attorneys are filing an appeal of the conviction on Tuesday, and he is expected to challenge a judge’s ruling he must go to prison while awaiting the decision.
– CNN Political Desk Managing Editor Steve Brusk
CHS notes: to be fair, this was from a prior Democratic debate that occurred some time ago, NOT today. Just FYI. A stupid refusal to answer the question outright — but it didn’t happen this morning.
so, let me get this straight… Paris Hilton gets 20 some odd days for driving on a suspended license but Felon Scooter Libby betrays our country and doesn’t do any jail time?
somethin’ just doesn’t add up…
;-)
Jane up now!
I think it’s pretty clear that nobody whatsoever filed a petition for clemency. Therefore, *all* regulations were simply blown off.
“This decision to commute the sentence of a man who compromised our national security cements the legacy of an Administration characterized by a politics of cynicism and division, one that has consistently placed itself and its ideology above the law. This is exactly the kind of politics we must change so we can begin restoring the American people’s faith in a government that puts the country’s progress ahead of the bitter partisanship of recent years.” OBAMA’s statement…
My question is why nobody in the blogosphere predicted this approach of commutation?
Why are we always surprised by the Rt Wing?
This is obstruction of justice. Here’s the law
TITLE 18 > PART I > CHAPTER 73 > § 1512
§ 1512. Tampering with a witness, victim, or an informant.
Section C
janes on live.
http://www.airamerica.com/listen/
Harry Ried: History will judge YOU harshly! Ditto Ms. Pelosi.
Jane pointing out the particular difficulty with a commutation, as opposed to a pardon.
malveaux is a bushco stooge
If Hillary does not say anything, it is a sure sign that she is pandering to the “right” over this issue, and probably thinks she has the democrats in her back pocket. IF SHE IS NOT ON THE SOAP BOX IN SHORT ORDER, I WILL MAKE IT MY MISSION IN LIFE TO DISPARAGE ANYONE IN THIS BLOG WHO EVEN MENTIONS THAT HILLARY SHOULD BE THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE.
listening to jane on rachel’s show
WOW.What a BIG surprise!
Go Jane and Rachel — I love these women!
Rachel: Tucker’s pop is the “grand poobah” of Scooter’s defense fund.
This should not be framed with legal arguments that Joe Public won’t understand. This should be framed with a simple “what is this administration covering up?” Every day.
epu’d, as I continue to scream:
Bush commutes Libby.
Cheney will handle the $250,000 fine.
At exit Jan2009, commutation will be upgraded to full pardon, to restore Libby’s law license & purge his felony record.
Bank it.
[bunch of freakin’ dirty, pig-humping criminals]
must step away from the keyboard - my head’s about to explode listening to neocon bullshit!
Horsewoman at 72 - To be fair, that was from a Democratic debate from quite a while ago. Today is Monday, not Tuesday…
MSNBC crawl - Joe Wilson on Olberman tonight.
Janes on now
MSNBC saying that Joe Wilson to be on Countdown tonight.
Jane: The White House has shut down their phone lines!
Sorry just repeated myself!
Pelosi:
Thanks for the link SB. The vote at 4:18 was 82% against.
Just in time for the Fourth of July cookout discussions.
If Hillary does not say anything, it is a sure sign that she is pandering to the “right” over this issue, and probably thinks she has the democrats in her back pocket. IF SHE IS NOT ON THE SOAP BOX IN SHORT ORDER, I WILL MAKE IT MY MISSION IN LIFE TO DISPARAGE ANYONE IN THIS BLOG WHO EVEN MENTIONS THAT HILLARY SHOULD BE THE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE.
American Spectator stooge is an idiot and believes lying is OK
perris @ 19
Just sent Pelosi a message and let her know that I expect impeachment now. These people are criminals.
Ms. Pelosi: Time to clear and reset the Table.
Rachel: “What consequences?”
Jane: 1. Refer to DoJ (heh heh)
2. Get the Sergeant at Arms to drag them up to Capitol Hill.
“Let’s hear some outrage!!”
Jane pointed out that commuting sentence allows Libby to pursue appeal but still claim 5th Amendment if called to testify; whereas pardon would have removed that dodge. So this is clever way to avoid having to answer questions while appealing, and not going to prison. She calls it obstruction of justice. That’s our DFH! Ya gotta love her.
Election Central is listing all the candidates statements. Fred is happy..
AnnieW @ 5
I’m not just outraged, I physically feel sick to my stomach.
I posted this in the FP comments over at DailyKos:
I feel like I’ve been punched in the gut.
Although it’s WAY down in the comments, this is what I wrote to my Rep Blumenauer, and edited to Wyden (took out Pelosi comment, and asked why he didn’t have a “President Bush Screw-Up category):
Teddy,I am shocked and appalled that the President has furthered the criminal conspiracy begun in his Vice-President’s office by commuting the prison sentence of felon Irve Libby.
Please support Congressman Dennis Kucinich’s effort to impeach the Vice President. There are now ample grounds. You must act. The Constitution and the American people demand it.
Thank you for your service to California and to the United States of America.
Sent to Boxer, Feinstein and Brad Sherman (LA)
I’m reprinting because they are excellent words and I’m sure you won’t mind if others use them.
Right? Gosh, I hope so.
I used your words, may I quote them here:
So, Madame Speaker: what’cha gonna do about it?
Rachel: 2008 PrezCandi responses next.
Great job, Jane!
This is the text of what I posted to Pelosi’s comment site.
With the commutation of Scooter Libby’s sentence today, Bush has spit once again on the rule of law and everything that our country stands for. The only reason he had to offer a commutation was to protect himself and Cheney. The fact that he did not even follow his own guidelines for offering a commutation further supports this supposition.
Impeachment has to be an option with this administration. It is the only consequence they will ever face, and if they do not face any consequences future politicians will learn that corruption pays. By not acting against Gonzales, Cheney, and/or Bush, you are applying the final blow to an already tattered rule of law.
Our constitution is more important than politics. We are past the time when the 2008 election should be our primary focus. Put politics behind you and do the right thing. BEGIN THE IMPEACHMET PROCESS IMMEDIATELY.
dakine01 @ 101
He’s so stupid he doesn’t even know the Repug talking points
Caught only the last bit of the interview. Jane sounds great!
Christy ~ sorry…you’re right of course ~ anger and frustration leads to sloppy thinking and lousy attention to detail sometimes for me; thanks for the correction. Still speaks to a “state of mind” on her part that’s disturbing, and it will be interesting to see if she steps up on this.
Get Tough at 99 — Please don’t shout in all caps in the comments. It’s not only rude, but it’s supremely irritating.
I wish Bush was around when I was on the hook.
That being said any Democrat or liberal blogger that thought this would not happen was seriously deluding themselves. Libby will be set up in a neocon think tank after taking the summer off (you don’t need a law license to do that). Bush will fully pardon him on his last day in office.
Jane, you were super! And your hair looked GREAT!
Helen @ 38
Who is this a**hole? I need to put him on my ‘idiot list’.
It is truly time for WE THE PEOPLE to take back our government. This is ourageous, outlandish, and so obviously in contempt for the rule of law. KKK Rove said it when he said “We will rule for the next 30 years” It is high time for the Democrats to stop acting like a bunch of sissies. Jesus Fuck, what other signs do they need? Stop playing nice guy and go to relentless motherfucking asshole, then and ony then will they respect us. The bully only gives in when you give him/her a well deserved ass whooping, any child on any playground knows that, what’s wrong with the adults?????????
Joe DiGenova is smearing Pat Fitzgerald. Sack of shit.
-GSD
Susanne M at MSNBC (dumber than…) just asked Joe DiGenova if the President won’t get a bump in his poll numbers because of his good will.
AAAAAAAHHHHHH
TeddySanFran @ 109
She did good as usual!
Jane, Was great, thanks for all the links to Air America.
Things are no different today..don’t get mad..get even. Magical thinking isn’t going to fix this problem..no Hague..no one is going to be impeached and found guilty.
It is going to be grinding out the yards day by day..pushing the Dems to do the right thing..preparing for the day when the DOJ will be able to restore the rule of law. More hearings..force the enablers, hiding in the shadows to lawyer up. Political guerilla warfare can be very stressful and expensive..go for it.
Jane –
Thank you SO MUCH for expressing our outrage over the airwaves on this dark day. (And thanks to you forever — for giving us this Lake for us Pups to gather.)
I myself am speechless with rage and despair at the destruction of American justice. My sole consolation is knowing that I find other lovers of justice and of the Constitution who are equally outraged here at the Lake of Fire. Thank you, Firepups!
Torches and pitchforks!!!
CNN has handed over its show to DiGenova to slam Fitz, Wilsons, and lie about Armitage, etc. He won’t shut up. Someone got to them, because the outrage was getting out of hand.
Message to Chimpy & All of Chimpy’s Handlers:
You just wrote your legacy. The history books can go to press right now. The first words uttered after “Bush”, out of every mouth for all eternity, will be “he Pardoned Libby”. Forget about “commuted”…it will be seen as a PARDON. You wrote it, and you’ll stew in it until the sun dims, oh Great Dim Son.
Why are you begging for Hillary? What a joke! Hillary is impotent. She’s won’t say shit even if she has a mouthful! Take off your rose-colored Hillary glasses.
yellowdogD @ 118
R. Emmett Tyrell. He was the point of the spear at American Spectator I believe. He made a cottage industry of attacking Bill Clinton and digging through panty drawers.
-GSD
Where’s LS? I want her to know that Valerie Plame was covert and Sandy Berger pleaded guilty.
Apparently though it is okay in Bush world to lie to a grand jury.
Impeach Bush and Cheney NOW!