By now, I’m sure, you’ve heard all about the commutation of the sentence of Scooter Libby by President Bush. Instead of two and a half years in the pokey for obstructing a Justice Department investigation, he’s getting off without jailtime, just a quarter million in fines, as well as a significant legal bill, both of which likely will be paid by friends of Libby and political allies. Sen. Harry Reid (D-NV) has come out to suggest that history will judge President Bush harshly for his abuse of power, and I suspect over the coming days, the words will only get harsher. I’m sure by week’s end, we’ll be hearing all about how this decision is a violation of lady Justice with a baseball bat.
But it’s all just Washington Justice. Reagan pardoned Weinberger pre-emptively. Clinton pardoned Mark Rich in his last weeks of office. Nixon was pardoned by Ford. It’s Washington Justice.
Pardon those who sin in office, for the American Public cannot abide a politician in jail.
Unless he’s Jim Traficant.
This post appeared in its original form at DC Metblogs
I live and work in the District of Columbia. I write at We Love DC, a blog I helped start, I work at Technolutionary, a company I helped start, and I’m happy doing both. I enjoy watching baseball, cooking, and gardening. I grow a mean pepper, keep a clean scorebook, and wash the dishes when I’m done. Read Why I Love DC.
