Posted by
Arnie on Monday, July 02, 2007 5:59:27 PM
Just in.
WASHINGTON (AP) - President Bush spared former White House aide I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby from a 2 1/2-year prison term on Monday, issuing an order that commutes his sentence. There will be more coming along as it is released.
The official statement from the President."This case has generated significant commentary and debate. Critics of
the investigation have argued that a special counsel should not have
been appointed, nor should the investigation have been pursued after the
Justice Department learned who leaked Ms. Plame's name to columnist
Robert Novak. Furthermore, the critics point out that neither Mr. Libby
nor anyone else has been charged with violating the Intelligence
Identities Protection Act or the Espionage Act, which were the original
subjects of the investigation. Finally, critics say the punishment does
not fit the crime: Mr. Libby was a first-time offender with years of
exceptional public service and was handed a harsh sentence based in part
on allegations never presented to the jury."
"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."So, when will you pardon Libby?