Libby' sentencing .....

[H2O Man]

Scooter Libby is a convicted felon. Many of the "talking points" of the republicans have been shattered. In the past two weeks, for example, there has been further documentaion of Valerie Plame's employment status at the time she was exposed. Of course, DUers knew she was a covert agent of the CIA.

We continue to hear the republican balony about her status. Facts never get in their way. We are also going to witness more focus on the decision to send Joe Wilson to Africa in 2002. This is merely another attempt to distract attention from the crimes of Scooter Libby & Co.

There are people who say Mr. Fitzgerald's investigation created a 1st Amendment crisis. There is a "viewpoint" essay in the newest edition of TIME, that parrots that false line. (The author is a former editor-in-chief at TIME.) Actually, Mr. Fitzgerald's investigation created no new law, or standard. The TIME essay says that Mr. Fitzgerald never made clear why he was taking the path he did. Nonsense. Many of the court documents show that he was investigating a case where there was reason to believe that people in the administration were engaged in an organized effort to expose a CIA covert agewnt. More, in two documents made public in the past 12 months, Mr. Fitzgerald notes the grand jury was investigating possible espionage.

To say that an operation to expose a CIA covert agent and possible espionage are not important seems curious. To ignore that the grand jury was investigating if these crimes were being run out of the Office of the Vice President would seem a betrayal of the former editor-in-chief's duties.

And there will always be people saying no one was convicted of the serious charges. As Patrick Fitzgerald pointed out, lying to FBI agents and a grand jury are serious crimes. Libby is a convicted felon. More, we should never forget the context: as federal Judge Tatel noted in his decision on the appeal by Judith Miller last year, "insofar as false testimony may have impaired the special counsel's identification of culprits, perjury in this context is itself a crime with national security implications. What's more, because the charges contemplated here relate to false denials of responsibility for Plame's exposure, prosecuting perjury or false statements would be tantamount to punishing the leak."

Again, Libby is being sentenced today for crimes "with national security implications." And these crimes were part of the OVP/WHIG/OSP operations to involve this nation in the war in Iraq, based upon what these people knew to be lies.

[cyclezealot]

1. whatever is libby's sentence, it will be reduced.

bush's last day in office will see him released.

[H2O Man]

2. Maybe.

I can certainly understand why people would believe that is not just a possibility, but a likelihood. I do not think it will happen, but it is a real concern.

[cassiepriam]

6. Why do you think Bush won't let Libby off the hook?

[H2O Man]

7. A few reasons.

First, he wants to keep as much distance between himself and the Plame scandal as possible. He does not want to be viewed as embracing a felon.

Second, Libby and Cheney had tasked Rove with spreading the information on Plame in administration and neoconservative circles. Rove was angry that they had created legal problems for him, and as Wilson pointed out in his book, he blamed them for creating a scandal for the administration.

Third, the pro-pardon crowd comes from the OVP/neoconservative crowd. They have been pressuring Bush to pardon Libby for some time now -- even before the first pre-trial motion was filed. If Bush were looking to reduce damage to his adminstration, he would have granted a pardon long ago.

And also, Bush takes a strange pleasure in other people's suffering. When he was meeting reporters with Scott McClellan to announce his friend's "resigning," and Scott became very emtional, Bush became somewhat giddy. He really enjoyed his friend's pain. That is a troubling personality trait.

Adding these four together, Bush's rather rigid thinking in black-and-white terms about "good vs bad," George W. Bush is not likely to embrace a man he blames for creating problems for him.

[cassiepriam]

45. Yes it all fits. Very interesting.

I didn't realize Rove was anti Libby and would not condone a pardon. But I am sure he blames others for the mess he was in. And he is very vindictive as is Bush.

And yes a sociopath like Bush would take great pleasure in the suffering of others. I have long believed that he is getting
some sort of psychological payoff from all the the carnage he is creating in Iraq.

Thanks for the info H2Oman!

[Me.]

56. Another Reason

* will see Libby as being stupid for getting caught and not worth his time, much less pardon.

[H2O Man]

63. The reporter on the

scene for MSNBC was hinting about the possibility that Bush was pissed at Libby. That is based on the idea that Libby was less than honest with him, as part of something that went beyond the "plausible deniabilty" that often occurs. This theory holds that Bush is big on feeling that he is in total control, and resented being lied to about some details involved in exposing Plame.

It does not imply he is opposed to destroying those who oppose him. Bush is a vicious, cruel petty tyrant. But those qualities may work against Scooter.

[jazzjunkysue]

62. Don't forget the rift between B* and Cheney. The boy king no doubt

resents Cheney's attempts at puppeting him. The decider is the only person in DC who thinks he's the president. We all know Gore/Kerry won but Cheney served the capacity.

So, Bush 2.0 no doubt relishes the fact that Cheney's number one butt boy got the brunt of the prosecuter.

B* genuinely believes he has done no wrong. He is incapable of owning any faults. His psyche rejects faults of any kind.

So, this warping of reality only encourages his delusions that "everyone else" or "someone else" is bad, because it couldn't possibly be the Chimp, himself.

On edit:

These words; "I'm saddened" give him away. He's not saddened, and that's why those strange words came out immediately. He's not saddened. Not at all.

[peacetalksforall]

103. It's all the more reason that barons who run the show would replace

George and place Dick in charge. Reduces chances for Jeb as VP?

It's shift time.

How many scenarios are there - anyone listing them?

I welcome any change that jails PNACers.

[Missy Vixen]

18. I disagree

I'm not the brilliant H2OMan, but Bush and Cheney can ill afford the revelations any testimony from Libby would bring. Also, as private citizens when they are out of office, their "executive privilege" is gone, gone, gone.

Unfortunately, Mr. Libby will have quite some time to muse and stew over the destruction of his life. He chose to fall on his sword. They're not coming to his aid.

Julie

[progressoid]

34. I'm afraid you're right. n/t

[H2O Man]

3. Amy Robach on MSNBC ....

said per Libby: "I'm waiting for a little remorse." (7:12 am est)

I think that Judge Walton may be thinking the same thing.

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

9. If I. Liar Libby is waiting for remorse from the likes of Bush and

Cheney and the rest of the cabal, he'll be waiting until hell freezes over.

[Me.]

22. Remorse From Whom?

Nobody owes him any apologies but the dick and he'll never see that.

[H2O Man]

24. Her point was

that he refuses to take responsibility for his crimes. MSNBC actually had some good coverage today. I enjoyed the "on-the-scene" reporter who began hinting at the reasons why Bush isn't going to pardon Libby.

[Me.]

26. Got It

I liked his report too.

[malaise]

64. MSNBC really had good coverage although

I wish David Shuster was not on his honeymoon. :D

[H2O Man]

66. Yes.

I wish David was there.

[mod mom]

111. Oh that's why he wasn't providing the coverage.

Hoping he is enjoying himself.

[cureautismnow]

4. He needs to go to jail TODAY. n/t

[LaurenG]

5. I only hope the sentence is harsh enough to make him talk.

As far as I'm concerned he's an enemy of the state for protecting the real conspirators.

[rosesaylavee]

8. Hope so too.

I think Judge Walton is sharp enough to understand that and may come through with a wingdinger of a sentencing today.

[11 Bravo]

10. Judge Walton is known as a "long ball hitter".

The smart money in D.C. is on a high-end sentence.

[ayeshahaqqiqa]

11. It will be interesting to find out what his sentence is

It will tell us something about the independence of the judge (is he free from political influence in a very politicized DOJ?) and the direction our nation is going. If it is a slap on the wrist, something less than the minimum, then we are in dire straits.

[H2O Man]

12. 30 months.

and $250,000 fine.

[myrna minx]

13. I was ready to bust at the seams when I couldn't run to DU when I heard the

ruling. Whew. I guess I *am* addicted to this place. :-)

[Beetwasher]

16. I Believe That Is The Maximum,Sir

Judge Walton threw the proverbial book at him and indicated he would not be favorable to letting Libby remain free pending appeal.

A good day for justice!

Best to you, Sir! It's been a while!

[H2O Man]

21. It is.

I hope DUers are enjoying this day.





Doubt Scooter is.

[malaise]

25. Matt Cooper in on Tweety

Barnacle subbing today.

[WiseButAngrySara]

51. Enjoying it indeed! So glad that you apparently are! ....n/t

[hang a left]

110. Interesting isn't it. I mentioned that range of sentencing a month ago

and you jumped all over me.

No apology needed. Just wanted to remind you.

[bdamomma]

14. do you guys think 30 months is enough for him?

now who's next?? Gonzo perhaps these SOB's have to learn that no one is above the law, freaking jerks.

[Me.]

15. Things Are Good

I quote the Walrus

[malaise]

17. K & R

I hope Judge Walton puts him in jail during the appeal. Hope he does not 'disappear' like Ken Lay over the July 4th weekend.

[garybeck]

19. It doesn't matter

what the facts are... the media will continue to lie and say she wasn't undercover and champion Libby as a patriot who just couldn't remember a few things.

[blueworld]

20. There's one thing he can be sure of

Ethics, morals and laws don't matter to the Bushies - only loyalty. If he continues to keep his mouth shut about the details, they will find a way to get him off. Not one single criminal among them has ever been actually held accountable for anything once they joined the club. If Libby doesn't get scared, or irritated (and he seems to be a rather cool player), he knows they'll do something, IMHO.

[Me.]

23. When Justice Roberts Appointed Walton To The FISA Court

just recently, I wondered if he was being given a sweetener. If he was, it didn't work, Good for Judge Walton and the justice he meted out today.

[WiseButAngrySara]

52. Yes! Too bad that we've reached the point where we hope

for 'justice' from the supposedly Just...

[Swamp Rat]

27. James Carville thinks Libby should not be imprisoned because of his children.

Never mind all the dead and maimed soldiers and their children.

If I had MY way, Libby would spend at least 15 years in Rikers or Angola.

[H2O Man]

28. Carville

is not on our side.

[Swamp Rat]

30. Unfortunately,

there are those who believe he is:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=389x1047258

[WiseButAngrySara]

53. No he is not. And he literally and figuratively is in bed with

one of the major players of this travesty.

[H2O Man]

54. As I recall,

he and his wife hosted a fund-raiser for Scooter in their home a while back.

[WiseButAngrySara]

74. Gee, I didn't know it was that blatant. My dad still thinks the Ragin

Cajun is representative of the democratic party's interests. I have tried to convince him otherwise, but I need facts! I'll check out the link Swamp Rat posted in support of him as it is sure to contain some contrary views and maybe links.

[jazzjunkysue]

65. Swamprat lives!!!!!!!!!! n/t.

[EFerrari]

29. Great summary. Thank you. And now I've to wonder who at Time is a sell out.

Because the issue couldn't be more clear and yet, they chose to go with the BFEE spin.

/typo

[Me.]

33. Ex-editor Pearlstine (sp?)

For one

[H2O Man]

36. Norman Pearlstine

(former editor-in-chief of TIME) wrote the article, "How Libby's Trial Hurt the Press."

[EFerrari]

43. Thank you. n/t

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

31. Next week we''ll find out

If Scooter must go directly to jail. I believe, after seeing Judge Walton hand down this stiff sentence, that he will be unmoved by pleas for freeom during appeal.

[H2O Man]

32. Scooter looked

pretty upset walking out today. I don't think he expected Judge Walton to hold him responsible for his crimes.

[EFerrari]

35. There is a kind or level of privilege that doesn't believe rules apply.

Our government is infested with these personalities.

[H2O Man]

38. Right.

Reading through the letters to the Court showed that. Libby's neoconservative friends started their letters with statements that indicate their belief in their superior social status. One even noted that he works for "some of the ricest families in the country." It's the "good old boy" system, exposed.

[EFerrari]

39. These are the same people that were condemned at Nuremberg.

We need to remember that.

[Blue-Jay]

41. What? Nazis?

[EFerrari]

42. Sociopaths. People with no ability to discern

right from wrong.

[dweller]

79. i was okay with 'nazis' ...

'sociopaths' will have to do, seems mild compared to their actual criminal and depraved personalities.

dp

[WiseButAngrySara]

57. ricest? nicest (surely NOT!) or richest or racist? If it is 'richest'

how crude of them! Since when have we become such a total plutocracy, or has it always been that way? No noblesse oblige for this crowd.

[H2O Man]

58. oops!

Too late to edit. "Richest."

[WiseButAngrySara]

75. LOL! Plutocracy it is. You posted the link to the support

letters in this thread, so it should have been obvious!

[fooj]

87. Entitlement.

A sense of entitlement.

[ProudDad]

89. All of the upper classes

and especially those granted limited power by the oligarchy believe that the rules don't apply to them.

The rules only apply to the other 99% of us.

[EFerrari]

104. The curious thing (to me) is that the 99% of us keep blaming

the 99% of people in other countries -- like those damn "illegals" or those lazy Iraqis, etc, when we're all being manipulated by the same few.

We really don't seem to understand who our natural allies are. :shrug:

[H2O Man]

106. It's almost as if

that other 1% keeps tricking us into blaming other folks for our problems.

[EFerrari]

108. Imho, they stay up nights thinking up ways to do that. n/t

[cureautismnow]

37. "Always look on the bright side of life..."

We should whistle along with him. :rofl:

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

40. Yes! that was a pretty grim group

leaving the Prettyman Courthouse today. I do feel a bit of sympathy for Scootie's wife, because she cried upon hearing the verdict...

But many the wives of young black men and poor whites have had to face the music in Judge Walton's courtroom, so I will certainly not lose any sleep over her lamentations. She had to know she was serving cocktails in a den of thieves...

[H2O Man]

44. I am not a fan

of our prison system. But Libby has shown no sense of remorse. He continues to refuse to tell the truth. He has an obscene sense of entitlement. I hope that while incarcerated, he recognizes that his role in the OVP operations has caused the deaths of thousands of human beings.

[EFerrari]

46. I'd let go of that. There are people among us

who cannot connect with the idea that their actions impact other people, let alone, many other people.

We're just not real to them.

I hope this man is contained so he isn't free to perpetuate any more harm.

peace, H20 Man.

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

48. That sense of entitlement is unbelievable!

The letters up now at The Smoking Gun are truly a revelation - the nerve of these people is over-the-top! They were pleading for Scooter because his "fall from grace" was enough punishment to fit the crime he will not yet admit to.

I'm betting Ted Wells gets bloody hammered on scotch tonight. Of course, it will be 20 year-old single malt...

[H2O Man]

50. Here they all are:

http://www.fas.org/sgp/jud/libby/letters.pdf

[WiseButAngrySara]

59. Great H2O Man! Thanks for posting the link. ...n/t

[Patsy Stone]

83. "Scooter

is the kind of man who stands up when a woman enters the room"; therefore, he should serve no time and have this whole thing expunged. So says Dick Cheney's photographer. Was Scooter's dry cleaner busy that day?

:eyes: They really thought this would work? I should have gone into high profile criminal law if this is the best defense money can buy.

Signed,

Another Angry Citizen

[malaise]

67. He has an obscene sense of entitlement

That's true for all Bushco goons.

[PinkyisBlue]

84. These people don't care or think about the harm they cause to others.

They are singularly driven to pursue their goal of complete military and political domination over other nations and even our own nation. They will use any means to accomplish their goal and, because they know they are superior to all others, the end justifies the means.

What I don't understand is how they get so many people to go along with them (people who are not privileged and will never benefit from their winnings). I'm wondering if a large part of our population has been actually brainwashed by all the media manipulations.

Scooter would be more likely to admit he was wrong and to feel sorry for the harm he caused to other people than I would be to vote for Mitt Romney in the presidential election (0% chance).

[mmonk]

117. Absolutely.

"I'm wondering if a large part of our population has been actually brainwashed by all the media manipulations."

[La_Fourmi_Rouge]

47. I dunno about you-all, but I'm toasting the good guys today.

DU - all the contributors/participants in the celebrated Plame Threads

FDL - Marcy, Jane, christie, TRex, Rayne, Needlenose, and dozens of others

TPM - Josh and his fine crew

Rawstory - Larissa and the rest of the crew

Dkos - played a part

Future Attorney General of the United States Patrick Fitzgerald and crew

Feel free to add kudos...

BTW - it's Jim Beam for me...

[Annces]

49. Justice was served to Libby

I am glad Fitzgerald and Judge Walton were key players in this case.

[nannah]

100. terrific site: thanks for the link. n/t

[joeunderdog]

55. "National Security! National Security!!"

I've been hearing that as the basis for everything in the last 6 years. But now that they have something it actually applies to, all you hear is nothing.

:puke:

[WiseButAngrySara]

60. If that isn't the sad ironic truth! ....n/t

[WiseButAngrySara]

61. Wonderful day and wonderful thread of many H2O Man.

Thanks!

:kick: and R!

[bleever]

68. But Scooter saved Halloween!

And when Vicki Toensing invited the Libbys over for dinner during the trial, they declined, to spend the evening with their kids!

The towering arrogance of his defenders is just astounding. The uber-patrician bleating about how Scooter is one of theirs and just not the kind of guy to do this sort of thing likely had the opposite effect on Judge Walton than intended.

[H2O Man]

69. Reading the letters,

I was reminded a bit of "Claire" in the movie The Breakfast Club. They really believe that they are special, and that all the kids in "school" share their high opinion of themselves.

(And, of course, I also thought of Scooter starring in the remake of "How I Won the War.")

[fooj]

70. A question...

Did Pace and Meyers THANK the treasonous, rat bastard for the unnecessary deaths of our troops?:grr:

Pace should be demoted or worse. He's ACTIVE military.

Doesn't he have an obligation to defend and protect our TROOPS? How the hell is he doing that by supporting a member of this administration that has committed TREASON? Our military is broken. Our troops are on 3rd and 4th deployments. Libby lied to cover up the lies that placed us in Iraq to begin with. I want Pace's head on a stake. I see it as a direct dereliction of duty. Have I completely lost it?

Plame (Brewster-Jennings) had her assignment. Because of these war criminals, we don't have any "intel" on the ground...not to mention ALL of the other problems this has created. It's beyond OUTRAGEOUS. Pace needs to go. Again, am I totally losing it, H2OMan?

[H2O Man]

71. I agree.

Those letters are disturbing.

[bleever]

77. KO just raised your exact point, fooj!

I guess you're not totally crazy. :)

[fooj]

78. Really? I have KO on TIVO. Good thing, eh?

Thanks for letting me know I'm not CRAZY!!!

[troubleinwinter]

82. Honor

An active duty general supports someone who outs a covert CIA agent who is dedicated to our national security, the destruction of her network of operatives, supports perjury and obstruction of justice. He supports a man convicted of these treasonous crimes.

Why isn't this general writing to demand maximum penalty for this treason?

I'm with you, fooj. Pace's head on a pike.

I feel like I am living in a fiction novel.

Where is honor, devotion and dedication??

HAH! I used to think generals were loyal to our country, not traitors.

[fooj]

86. Well said.

:thumbsup:

[Catherine Vincent]

72. Hi Patrick!

Where are the letters? Did I miss them? I'll go check Fitz's website.

[H2O Man]

73. Post #50

has the link, I think.

[Catherine Vincent]

76. Thanks, Luv.

I hadn't read the whole thread yet.

p.s. check out Wilson on Olbermann...he's sporting a beard.:)

[stop the bleeding]

80. So this is it...

The OP is in a way shielded from Rover's leaky mouth, meanwhile Fibby serves 2+ years in the Fed. Kinda like when the mafia has one of their peeps do time to protect the rest, and just like the mafia Fibby will be "well off" once he gets out of club fed. Not many chapters left in this book. Thanks to all, I really learned A LOT over the last several months.

[spuddonna]

81. Today was a good day for the rule of law...

I hope that the civil case for the Wilsons goes as well...

[and-justice-for-all]

85. I want Cheney sentencing! nt

[ProudDad]

88. I hate to rain on the parade but...

My bet is that scooter boy will appeal and be allowed out on bail during the appeal.

The appeal will drag out for about another year and a half and then...

bush will pardon him as he goes out the door of the white house in Jan of '09...


Scooter boy won't even spend a day on the inside.

[comtec]

90. Nope! The judge was explicit

Read above, he said that Libby would not be able to go free while appealing the decision. he HAS to go to jail!
The only question is WHEN?

IMHO, Libby won't serve his entire 30 months. Not because he'll weasel out of it, but because he'll have some kind of accident either IN jail, or just before he gets in. Remember Kenny boy Lay. Jailbirds have a nasty tendency to DIE in this administration when they realize the *ies have left them out to dry. Kenny boy was about to turn evidence I think when he had his 'accident'.

[JTFrog]

91. Judge said he didn't see

any reason for Libby to be released pending an appeal.

[19jet54]

92. Perjury & Interfering with an Investigation

... just like Martha Stewart, except she was not the Cheif of Staff to the Vice President of the United States. She did her time - Suck it up Big Boy, or we'll take away your "Scooter" :)

BTW - Now that you are a convicted Felon - you cannot vote or own a firearm!

[ProudDad]

112. Not Entirely True

"a convicted Felon - you cannot vote"

Only in the most fascist of states, for the rest usually ONLY when in custody or on parole:

http://www.sentencingproject.org/Admin%5CDocuments%5Cpublications%5Cfd_bs_fdlawsinus.pdf

It's screwed anyway. Why should anyone be disenfranchised for being "convicted of a 'crime'"???

[H2O Man]

114. Interesting.

Thanks for posting that link. The idea of disenfranchising felons has been, in my opinion, a way to keep a specific social class from participating in elections. Florida 2000 comes to mind.

[coeur_de_lion]

93. I always had faith in Judge Walton

I'm very pleased with the outcome.

We waited a long time for some justice on this issue. It isn't the Rove "frog march" we had all hoped for 3 years ago but it is something.

Thanks for posting this, H.

:hi:

[H2O Man]

94. Hello!

It's actually far more important than Rove being nailed. Rove is not a policy-maker. He promotes, sells, and implements policy that others make. And he enjoys engaging in dirty politics.

The push to invade Iraq came from Paul Wolfowitz and Scooter Libby. They were pushing that idea since before Bill Clinton was president. The OVP ran their intelligence operation from the OSP, and had the WHIG sell it to the public. Some of their operations were intended to be secret; for example, OSP officer Larry Franklin engaging in espionage with the AIPAC guys.

When Ambassador Wilson challenged the administration's lies on WMDs, the OVP/OSP/WHIG viewed it as him fronting for a small group of WMD experts from the Agency. In March '02, they decided to do a "work up" on him. The WHIG wasn't running the investigation. It was headed by Cheney and Libby, using their connections in the intelligence community, and some from the OSP. When they had the information on Valerie Plame, they gave it to Rove to spread around Washington, hoping the media would pick up on it. When that didn't happen, Libby took matters largely into his own hands. He went to Miller, Fleischer and Cooper.

Though Rove is one of the public faces of the administration, and really needs to be held accountable for his role in Plame and other illegal activities, Libby was a more significant target. He is largely responsible for the war in Iraq, and all of the damage that has done in the US and in the Middle East.

[JoePhilly]

95. Its more than that ...

The Administration was using multiple leakers, Armatige, Rove, Libby, etc in an attempt to make Plame's name common knowledge among members of the press. Doing so would make it impossible to figure out who first leaked her name and CIA position. Each would just point to some one else and you'd get a big circular mess. And everyone would be covered.

In his initial testimony, Rove lied too. But his lawyer learned, (I believe from Judy Miller's lawyer, could be another) that Fitzgerld already knew Rove leaked. Rove went back, and ReREMEMBERED to correct himself.

Libby tried to hang his knowledge on Russert. He assumed that one of the other leakers MUST have reached Russert (a favorite target of admin leaks). The problem was that no one had reached Russert (yet). If Russert HAD known Plame's name when he spoke to Libby, Libby's lie would have worked. It would have been plausible that Russert told him first. Since Russert had not heard, Libby was busted.

This is the same approach they used in hyping WMDs. Some one in the VP's office leaks info to Judy Miller. She writes a piece on it. Then Cheney goes on Meet the Press and points to the Miller story as additional CONFIRMATION. They confirm each other, and the house of cards grows.

Libby was trying to cover not only the LEAK, but this tactic for manipulating the press.

[H2O Man]

96. TIME's Vivica Novak

was the person who warned Rove's lawyer. In the weeks after the Libby indictment, this little episode was reported on, though briefly.

[Straight Shooter]

101. I wonder how close an association exists between Vivica Novak and Pearlstine.

Why is Time aiding, abetting, protecting and defending criminal behavior?

[H2O Man]

109. I think it is

curious that the editors at TIME made a decision to withhold the fact that they knew very well the identities of two high-ranking administration officials who had been discussing Plame with at least one reporter -- TIME's Matt Cooper.

[JoePhilly]

105. Thanks, I thought I might not have had the right skunk! nt

[coeur_de_lion]

113. I was impressed that

the story made front page news on MSM. When I go to my online news page the very first story is always about the war. Yesterday it was Libby.

Your explanation certainly makes me feel better. Nevertheless, I do think that Rove played a very active role in outing Valerie Plame, and I would like to have seen him have to answer for that.

Right now it seems as if the B*** administration is bleeding from every orifice. Pardon my vulgarity. But at least some of the corruption has been brought to light. For years it was as if only a handful of people understood just how far this administration would go to further their ugly agenda. Now everybody is catching on.

[H2O Man]

115. I had thought

that the coverage of Paris Hilton would keep the Libby news out of the public's attention. But I remember that you visited a psychotic red-haired psychic in the the short town of Pallas, Fl, who predicted big things after a reading with her tiny dog.

[coeur_de_lion]

116. yes, well she was right

about Paris Hilton but wrong about the Libby sentencing. She must have been reading with the wrong dog for that one. Although chihuahua dogs, even telepathic ones, are notorious for lying.

But then, Martha never did did put too much store in the truth, so what does it matter? As long as she is happy.

I think I need a psychic reading. I wonder if the doggie is busy this week. Perhaps I need pay a visit to the little town of Pallas FL. Hope I'm not barking up the wrong tree.





:eyes:

[endarkenment]

97. The administration used their friends in the press to commit a crime.

This was not a case of reporters protecting confidential sources, this was a case of administration officials using reporters to destroy somebody's career, and in doing so committing a felony. The crime was committed under, and used, the cover of 'reporter confidentiality', which is quite a different situation than a crime disclosed to a reporter under a confidential arrangement, that crime having nothing to do with the disclosure itself.

It was the confidential disclosure itself that was the crime - the intentional leak of Plame's status - and that is the difference here.

[Festivito]

98. They're rebuilding "talking points" on NPR right now. Diane Rhem is away.

Susan Page replaces Diane Rhem and nicely lets RW talking points(i.e. lies) go unchallenged.

To me, aside from Diane, herself only, NPR has become almost a complete sham.

We learn on DR's show today that Valerie Plame WAS NOT ACTIVE, and
there WAS NO CRIME here, since she was not... AND,
they can repeat it over and over.

:mad:

[disndat]

99. Maybe Libby took the sword

for Cheney and Bush and maybe he will be richly rewarded. with a pardon and riches when he gets out. He was the original planner of this Iraq war with Wolfowitz, he must be willing to suffer the consequences like a good soldier for his deep belief. On the other hand, if he feels betrayed, then he might confess and tell all on Rove/Cheney/Bush, so why wouldn't they have struck a deal with him?

[JoePhilly]

107. I'd bet they have struck a deal ....

He's probably been writing a book since resigning. Not a kiss and tell, but a book that will attempt to paper over his lies.

I'm sure that the right-wing has already given hin the "high-sign", that when this ends, he'll get high $$ speaking tours, a high level position in a GOP think tank, a pardon, and a political TV show on Fox.

[mzmolly]

102. Unbelievable that our some endorse the notion of "taking orders no matter the consquence."

This nation was founded on the premise that our elected officials represent THE PEOPLE, not the narrow, illegal agenda of a handful of men at the helm.

Thanks again H20Man.