Five Major Papers Say, Don't Pardon Libby (LAT: "A pardon would be...an insult to the nation.")

[DeepModem Mom]

Editor&Publisher: Park That Scooter: Five Major Papers Say, Don't Pardon Libby
By E&P Staff
Published: June 07, 2007

NEW YORK In the aftermath of the sentencing of Vice President Dick Cheney's former chief of staff, Lewis "Scooter" Libby, to 30 months in prison for perjury, obstruction of justice and lying to FBI agents, earlier this week, some newspaper editorials have advocated a presidential pardon. But the Chicago Tribune, a strong backer of George W. Bush in his campaigns for president, declared today, "That shouldn't happen."

The Philadelphia Inquirer stated: "There are persistent calls for Bush to pardon Libby. That would be as arrogant and improper as the original scheme. While Libby was undoubtedly following orders, his culpability remains. He lied to federal agents investigating one of the most reckless and potentially dangerous political hit jobs in years."

The Denver Post: "The question that now has Washington atwitter is whether Bush will pardon Libby and, if so, when. The case was embarrassing to the White House from the start, focusing attention on the administration's clumsy handling of the Iraq war and its critics. A pardon also would be damaging, despite what Libby supporters think."

The Los Angeles Times: "A pardon would be bad politics, deep injustice and an insult to the nation. Libby was convicted of a serious crime and sentenced in accordance with federal guidelines. President Bush has no legitimate reason to disturb that sentence."

USA Today: "Pardoning Libby would send a message that it's OK to attempt to thwart the criminal justice system if you're an important player in Washington. Washington already sends enough messages of that sort.

"A pardon would also say that people who work for the White House are above the law if they think they're doing the president's bidding, because the president could always let them off the hook."...

http://www.editorandpublisher.com/eandp/news/article_display.jsp?vnu_content_id=1003596255

[Occulus]

1. And I still am not certain he won't end up being pardoned.

Bush is just that brazen. He'll do it and say, "what ya gonna do, punk? Impeach me?"

*sigh* I wish I had confidence otherwise. But, I don't.

[Gman]

2. Paris Hilton gets out of jail, Libby gets pardoned...

could the timing of Libby's release have been any worse?

[jgraz]

3. Yeah like every fucking breath * takes isn't an insult to the nation

[EST]

4. In a word-"AMEN!" n/t

[Edweird]

5. Insult to injury. Like we didn't see it coming.

And it IS coming.

[Solly Mack]

6. Pardoning Libby would be consistent with the Bush administrations

attitude and actions over the last several years.


"...message that it's OK to attempt to thwart the criminal justice system if you're an important player in Washington."




"....would also say that people who work for the White House are above the law if they think they're doing the president's bidding"


"... deep injustice and an insult to the nation. "


" That would be as arrogant and improper ..."