Libby Lied, but Justice Served

Yesterday, some justice was served when I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby was sentenced to two and a half years in prison and a fine of $250,000 for lying and otherwise obstructing the investigation into the leak of CIA agent Valerie Plame's identity. The former chief of staff to Vice President Cheney, Libby was one of the highest-ranking officials in the government. U.S. District Judge Reggie B. Walton noted that "individuals have to understand that when you transgress the law there are consequences," stressing the seriousness of Libby's crimes as a reason for the stiff sentence, according to NPR.

Libby will find out next week when he has to report to prison. On June 14, the judge will decide whether Libby can remain free while appealing the verdict. In the meanwhile, I imagine the White House will be diverting attention from the possible pardon they will give Libby.

Forgive me, but a presidential pardon would be inexcusable.

Comments

[Rusty Cawley]

I'm no fan of Scooter Libby or of Martha Stewart. But it is a very dangerous situation when prosecutors are allowed to convict defendants for "obstructing an investigation" as a substitute for convicting them of the underlying crime. It's an abuse of prosecutorial power and shouldn't be tolerated.

The best cure I can see if for all such cases to go to the president for consideration of a pardon. That will take that weapon out of the prosecutor's arsenal, and force them to prosecute on the merits of the underlying case.