Letters to the Editor
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Stick to talking sports, Olbermann
Since you probably have some time off, you may want to spend a few minutes brushing up on the Constitution, Keith.
You will then find that there is established therein a system with three branches of the government, each with its own powers. One of them reserved to the executive is that of clemency.
Clemency has been around for a long time. You may know of the story of the chief butler in the book of Genesis, who was released from prison by Pharaoh, and restored to his former position. And in Roman times, Pontius Pilate would release one person condemned to die at the time of Passover.
In modern days, it has been used to pardon those who have been politically connected, those who stole a wreath at Christmas time, and a turkey every Thanksgiving.
During the Clinton administration, there was much howling and moaning because he pardoned the former spouse of one of his major fundraisers.
The commutation by Bush of Libby's sentence did not absolve him from criminal responsibility, nor did it relieve him from paying a substantial fine. Although you complain that the appellate review is not complete, is it proper to begin punishing someone who has not had the full benefit of the legal system? Certainly, Scooter was not likely to flee the jurisdiction if the judge had allowed him to remain at liberty pending the appeal. Nor is it likely that he would have committed other offenses while on bond.
You say that what was done by Libby was an attempt to discredit Joe Wilson. But that is not what Scooter was charged with. What was said about Joe Wilson was that he was married to Valerie Plame. Something that a reader of "Who's who" or the family mailbox would already know. It did not interfere with national security to reveal that Ms. Plame, who had a desk job stateside, worked for the CIA. The letter of the law was broken by Scooter, according to the jury verdict, but it appears that the spirit of same is still intact. And that was followed by a violation of the first principle of government-speak: if you're not sure about something, say you don't remember, not that it didn't happen. As usually follows, the cover-up is worse than the original infraction.
Certainly, another person would probably have handled things differently than Bush did. But it does not approach treason, although the reference to Madison suggests same. However, there were many things that were said by many people during the constitutional convention. But the ones that became law are the ones that were written down and ratified.
So on this anniversary of our declaration of independence, please stick to more important matters, such as what is the best sauce for the ribs on the grill, or what is wrong with the Astros bullpen.
Tom in New Caney
:-)