Letters to the Editor
-
Honor and Dignity
So, this is what Mr. Bush meant when he said he was going to bring honor and dignity back to the office of the president. Is the Republican Party ever going to be able to claim to be the party of law-and-order again? They've lost all credibility on this issue.
The Republican's attitude toward the criminal justice system is analogous to their attitude toward war - they're chicken hawks in regard to both. They are enthusiastically pro war, provided they don't actually have to experience active duty. Being a soldier in a war zone is not for the likes of Libby, Cheney, or Bush. Similarly, they are enthusiastically tough on crime, firm in their belief that tough sentences serve a valid purpose. First, a prison sentence punishes the offender, cruel and harsh as it may be. Second, prison sentences serve as a deterrent. The harsher the sentence, the greater the deterrent. Except, now that one of their own is faced with a prison sentence, they contend it's overly harsh! You see, apparently, prison sentences are for the lower classes only.
You know, I would actually have some respect for Libby were he to say, "Yes, I committed perjury and obstructed justice, but I did it for a cause I firmly believe in. The cause I serve matters more then my suffering the indignities of a prison sentence."
But that's not what happened here. Libby committed the crime, went to trial, and was convicted. However, it was all a sham. It was done with a knowing wink and nod. Bush was going to fix it so Libby never had to spend so much as a day in jail. Mr. Libby, an honorable man you are not. In fact, sir, you are a punk a$$ b*tch.