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This blog is the work of an educated civilian, not of an expert in the fields discussed.

Saturday, April 14, 2018

Libby Again

And Also: The joint effort with the UK/France to bomb Syrian chemical weapons targets is probably illegal.  It very well, at least under current rules, may not be "war" as implicitly required by the Declare War Clause, but a use of force versus a sovereign nature can be illegal regardless. It is also of questionable value. The fact to other nations were involved suggests it is not merely some sort of "Wag the Dog" scenario at least. Tinker tinker.
For perjury and obstruction of justice, [Libby] doesn't deserve a day in prison ... the disgrace to his name (as if these people care) and a $250K (easily paid either by his deep pockets or his pals, including supporters like Fred Thompson) fine is enough. Oh, and probation. Jumping over a turnstile might get you more time. But, hey, that is a quality of life crime. Nothing like helping in the outing of a CIA agent to punish someone for calling your people for lying us into war.
That's me on this blog over ten years ago.  Yes, I disagree with Timothy "reasonable Democrat" Noah on the point.  Perjury and obstruction of justice in the course of an investigation regarding the outing of a CIA agent is worth some prison time. Reference is made to a "double standard" in reference to Bill Clinton. The context of the situation is not the same (I might add -- I'm older and more tired now -- "asshole") and Bush could have waited until he served some time.

Finally, the commutation itself is arguably obstruction of justice, the whole affair blocking finding the whole truth in the Plame Affair, one of the most infamous matters arising in the Bush presidency.  The old gang is kinda back together now with Trump pardoning Libby (who I refuse to give a stupid nickname) though as with Arpaio and somewhat less so the other person (both FOX News troll pardons) it is basically symbolic. The guy got his law license back and unlike various other felons can vote again.

As explained at the link, no, the pardon is likely messaging for others. Either way, yet again, the pardon power has been abused.

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