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THE WAY IT IS: Typewriters hurled over Scooter Libby fiasco
By Steve Thomas
A little background here might help... I grew up in a fairly political family. My father was a solid Democrat. In what can only be seen as an odd way of rebelling, I became a Republican.
I put up yard signs for Kit Bond in 1972 and was happy when Richard Nixon was re-elected. People weren’t getting drafted anymore and in my kid-world, things were pretty good. As time went on, I found myself more in line with moderate Republicans who effectively managed the Cold War and tried to keep government out of my life. I thought Ford, Reagan, Bush #1 were all good presidents. I thought Jimmy Carter was a well-meaning screw up, though he’s become a first-rate ex-president. I thought Clinton was okay because for the most part, he was a moderate. It’s worth noting that Clinton started getting things done when Republicans took over Congress and he had someone to fight with and bargain with instead of trying to manage Congressional Democrats, a task that compares unfavorably with roping cats.
I thought George W. Bush started off well enough. He responded to 9/11 with the right amount of diplomacy and force. I never thought much of his tax cuts - I’m not rich - and I found his constant harping on family values and morals to be distasteful. (It made me think of the Sermon on the Mount: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” But who I am to quote the Bible without sounding like W?).
I supported the Iraq War in the beginning, but as its mismanagement grew, so did my disillusionment. Yet I remained a Republican.
Then the rains came. When the New Orleans levees gave way, so did my belief in the Republican Party. This was an American city, pulverized by nature - though with plenty of notice, unlike an earthquake - and although the local and state authorities (which were Democrats) reacted with monumental ineptitude, I had confidence that a Republican administration would get the situation under control and lead a swift rebuilding.
That hasn’t happened. Instead, a great American city has been left to pull itself out of the mess while thousands of American citizens haven’t been able get decent housing or assistance from the federal government, which is firmly in the hands of the Republicans. Maybe the Republicans were grossly incompetent or simply indifferent because most of the hardest-hit victims were poor or non-white or both. No matter what, a Republican administration showed itself to be either monumentally inept or cruelly, methodically callous.
Either way, I didn’t want anything more to do with the Republicans. So I declared myself an Independent and have been so since. It was hard for me to walk away from a party that had been my political home since my youth.
Now Bush has commuted the jail sentence of former aide Scooter Libby. After being convicted by a jury and sentenced by a judge to 30 months for obstruction of justice, Bush pulled the plug on incarceration after a higher court ruled that Scooter had to start doing time while his appeals progressed through the system. Bush exercised his Constitutional authority and kept Scooter out of jail, saying the sentence was excessive.
This made me think about what Hunter S. Thompson wrote after Ford pardoned Nixon in 1974:
“Well... this is going to be difficult. That sold-out knucklehead refugee from a 1969 ‘Mister Clean’ TV commercial has just done what only the most cynical and paranoid kind of malcontent ever connected with national politics would have dared to predict...
“If I followed my better instincts right now, I would put this typewriter in the Volvo and drive to the home of the nearest politician -- any politician -- and hurl the g****** machine through his front window ... flush the bugger out with an act of lunatic violence then soak him down with mace and run him naked down Main Street in Aspen with a bell around his neck and black lumps all over his body from the jolts of a high powered “Ball Buster” cattle prod.
“But old age has either mellowed me or broken my spirit to the point where I will probably not do that -- at least not today, because that blundering dupe in the White House has just plunged me into a deep and vicious hole.”
After Bush scrubbed a stay in the gray bar hotel for Scooter Libby, I sat in my study for a long time, drink in hand, and eyed my 1970s IBM Selectric typewriter with dark intentions. Would I have to do jail time for chucking an old machine through a politician’s window in an act of angry protest while Libby roamed free? Once charged, I would be obliged to find an attorney who would defend me on the grounds of justifiable outrage and a strike for common sense. In the end, though, I would just have a lamentable conviction on my record and have to pay for the living room window of someone who might be just as fed up as I.
Libby should have gone to jail, period. He was found guilty, sentenced by a judge and his bid to put off his jail time during appeals was rejected by a panel of judges. I think the man who prosecuted the Libby case, Patrick Fitzgerald, put it well in his statement after the commutation:
“We fully recognize that the Constitution provides that commutation decisions are a matter of presidential prerogative and we do not comment on the exercise of that prerogative.
“We comment only on the statement in which the President termed the sentence imposed by the judge as ‘excessive.’ The sentence in this case was imposed pursuant to the laws governing sentencings which occur every day throughout this country. In this case, an experienced federal judge considered extensive argument from the parties and then imposed a sentence consistent with the applicable laws. It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals. That principle guided the judge during both the trial and the sentencing.
“Although the President’s decision eliminates Mr. Libby’s sentence of imprisonment, Mr. Libby remains convicted by a jury of serious felonies, and we will continue to seek to preserve those convictions through the appeals process.”
At least one sentence of that statement is worth repeating: “It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals.”
It reminds me of another quote, but this one from a fictional character, attorney Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s classic, “To Kill A Mockingbird:”
"Now gentlemen, in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal. I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and of our jury system. That's no ideal to me. That is a living, working reality.”
The president’s action in the Libby case has made this living, working reality into a debased, sad fantasy. Unless all men are equal before the bar of justice, no man is equal before the bar of justice. The commutation of Libby’s sentence undermines the faith of the American people in the system of justice, underscoring a growing perception that this nation is increasingly unequal, that there is not one American dream but instead many American nightmares, that we are no longer a nation where competition and compassion can coexist in a unique if sometimes uncomfortable fashion.
Instead we are faced with some ugly questions and answers:
-Among the American military, who is dying in Iraq and Afghanistan? For the most part, people who found their best economic opportunities in the armed services, though love of country has always outweighed dollar signs among soldiers I have known.
-Who has been left to sink into despair in the wake of Hurricane Katrina? The poor, who had little to lose, but lost it all anyway.
-Whose jobs are disappearing overseas as the result of trade policies? The working poor and the lower middle class who are finding fewer and fewer opportunities for work.
-Who is having the hardest time finding health care coverage? The people who can least afford it.
-Who is most likely to go to jail? Anyone who isn’t Scooter Libby, a guy with a lot of dirty secrets about the man who had the power to commute his sentence and who, with a stroke of a pen, did just that.
America has never been a perfect, fair, country motivated only by unconditional love. It has never been a paradise or without its great flaws. However, no matter how big the flaws, there have always been even greater strengths to light the way into the future.
Now, George Bush and his cronies are showing America in the worst possible light. They are illuminating the chasm between the weak and the powerful, the rich and the poor, the connected and the disconnected. They are doing all they can to find a death row cell for the American Dream and when crunch time comes, giving none of us hope for a commutation of that sentence.
I guess it’s no surprise. This administration has found comfort in secret courts, domestic spying, defying Congressional subpoenas, smudging the protective line between church and state, developing policies behind closed doors, ignoring corruption and treating compromise with contempt. When it comes to the big things, they have learned all the wrong lessons from the past. When it comes to getting away with things, they have learned how to succeed on a grand scale.
It’s unlikely this Congress will ever impeach George Bush because his people - some of who were close at hand during Watergate - didn’t make any Watergate-like tactical errors: no tapes, no smoking gun, no hard evidence of deliberate wrongdoing. That doesn’t make them any less guilty of what Theodore H. White described as the underlying deed that undid Nixon:
“The true crime of Richard Nixon was simple: he destroyed the myth that binds America together, and for this he was driven from power.
“The myth he broke was critical - that somewhere in American life there is at least one man who stands for the law, the President . . . That faith holds that all men are equal before the law and protected by it; and that no matter how the faith may be betrayed elsewhere, at one particular point - the Presidency - justice will done beyond prejudice, beyond rancor, beyond the possibility of a fix.”
Cops will continue to do their duty, prosecutors will continue to do theirs and judges will do likewise, but guilty men everywhere will find comfort in knowing that the justice system can be treated like a whore, if you have enough money or clout or both. Mob bosses will admire Bush’s loyalty to a closed-mouth soldier and petty criminals may well want to do better than small crime because they’ll realize that big crime pays big dividends.
Pass a bad check and go to jail. Attempt to subvert the justice system and never see the inside of a cell. Thanks a lot, George Bush.
Yet a small part of me won’t give up on our country. I think it can be brought into a better future with a healthy application of more democracy via the ballot box. I don’t know who will get my vote in the future, but I won’t surrender to the anger and cynicism that grip me right now.
Having said that, I will confess that I plan on cleaning my old Selectric. I want to rid it of the dust and grime acquired by sitting unused on a shelf. That way I can be prepared for whatever else may come because I cannot, in good conscience, hurl a dirty typewriter.
Subscribe To Lake AlertsI put up yard signs for Kit Bond in 1972 and was happy when Richard Nixon was re-elected. People weren’t getting drafted anymore and in my kid-world, things were pretty good. As time went on, I found myself more in line with moderate Republicans who effectively managed the Cold War and tried to keep government out of my life. I thought Ford, Reagan, Bush #1 were all good presidents. I thought Jimmy Carter was a well-meaning screw up, though he’s become a first-rate ex-president. I thought Clinton was okay because for the most part, he was a moderate. It’s worth noting that Clinton started getting things done when Republicans took over Congress and he had someone to fight with and bargain with instead of trying to manage Congressional Democrats, a task that compares unfavorably with roping cats.
I thought George W. Bush started off well enough. He responded to 9/11 with the right amount of diplomacy and force. I never thought much of his tax cuts - I’m not rich - and I found his constant harping on family values and morals to be distasteful. (It made me think of the Sermon on the Mount: "Take heed that ye do not your alms before men, to be seen of them: otherwise ye have no reward of your Father which is in heaven.” But who I am to quote the Bible without sounding like W?).
I supported the Iraq War in the beginning, but as its mismanagement grew, so did my disillusionment. Yet I remained a Republican.
Then the rains came. When the New Orleans levees gave way, so did my belief in the Republican Party. This was an American city, pulverized by nature - though with plenty of notice, unlike an earthquake - and although the local and state authorities (which were Democrats) reacted with monumental ineptitude, I had confidence that a Republican administration would get the situation under control and lead a swift rebuilding.
That hasn’t happened. Instead, a great American city has been left to pull itself out of the mess while thousands of American citizens haven’t been able get decent housing or assistance from the federal government, which is firmly in the hands of the Republicans. Maybe the Republicans were grossly incompetent or simply indifferent because most of the hardest-hit victims were poor or non-white or both. No matter what, a Republican administration showed itself to be either monumentally inept or cruelly, methodically callous.
Either way, I didn’t want anything more to do with the Republicans. So I declared myself an Independent and have been so since. It was hard for me to walk away from a party that had been my political home since my youth.
Now Bush has commuted the jail sentence of former aide Scooter Libby. After being convicted by a jury and sentenced by a judge to 30 months for obstruction of justice, Bush pulled the plug on incarceration after a higher court ruled that Scooter had to start doing time while his appeals progressed through the system. Bush exercised his Constitutional authority and kept Scooter out of jail, saying the sentence was excessive.
This made me think about what Hunter S. Thompson wrote after Ford pardoned Nixon in 1974:
“Well... this is going to be difficult. That sold-out knucklehead refugee from a 1969 ‘Mister Clean’ TV commercial has just done what only the most cynical and paranoid kind of malcontent ever connected with national politics would have dared to predict...
“If I followed my better instincts right now, I would put this typewriter in the Volvo and drive to the home of the nearest politician -- any politician -- and hurl the g****** machine through his front window ... flush the bugger out with an act of lunatic violence then soak him down with mace and run him naked down Main Street in Aspen with a bell around his neck and black lumps all over his body from the jolts of a high powered “Ball Buster” cattle prod.
“But old age has either mellowed me or broken my spirit to the point where I will probably not do that -- at least not today, because that blundering dupe in the White House has just plunged me into a deep and vicious hole.”
After Bush scrubbed a stay in the gray bar hotel for Scooter Libby, I sat in my study for a long time, drink in hand, and eyed my 1970s IBM Selectric typewriter with dark intentions. Would I have to do jail time for chucking an old machine through a politician’s window in an act of angry protest while Libby roamed free? Once charged, I would be obliged to find an attorney who would defend me on the grounds of justifiable outrage and a strike for common sense. In the end, though, I would just have a lamentable conviction on my record and have to pay for the living room window of someone who might be just as fed up as I.
Libby should have gone to jail, period. He was found guilty, sentenced by a judge and his bid to put off his jail time during appeals was rejected by a panel of judges. I think the man who prosecuted the Libby case, Patrick Fitzgerald, put it well in his statement after the commutation:
“We fully recognize that the Constitution provides that commutation decisions are a matter of presidential prerogative and we do not comment on the exercise of that prerogative.
“We comment only on the statement in which the President termed the sentence imposed by the judge as ‘excessive.’ The sentence in this case was imposed pursuant to the laws governing sentencings which occur every day throughout this country. In this case, an experienced federal judge considered extensive argument from the parties and then imposed a sentence consistent with the applicable laws. It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals. That principle guided the judge during both the trial and the sentencing.
“Although the President’s decision eliminates Mr. Libby’s sentence of imprisonment, Mr. Libby remains convicted by a jury of serious felonies, and we will continue to seek to preserve those convictions through the appeals process.”
At least one sentence of that statement is worth repeating: “It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals.”
It reminds me of another quote, but this one from a fictional character, attorney Atticus Finch in Harper Lee’s classic, “To Kill A Mockingbird:”
"Now gentlemen, in this country our courts are the great levelers, and in our courts all men are created equal. I'm no idealist to believe firmly in the integrity of our courts and of our jury system. That's no ideal to me. That is a living, working reality.”
The president’s action in the Libby case has made this living, working reality into a debased, sad fantasy. Unless all men are equal before the bar of justice, no man is equal before the bar of justice. The commutation of Libby’s sentence undermines the faith of the American people in the system of justice, underscoring a growing perception that this nation is increasingly unequal, that there is not one American dream but instead many American nightmares, that we are no longer a nation where competition and compassion can coexist in a unique if sometimes uncomfortable fashion.
Instead we are faced with some ugly questions and answers:
-Among the American military, who is dying in Iraq and Afghanistan? For the most part, people who found their best economic opportunities in the armed services, though love of country has always outweighed dollar signs among soldiers I have known.
-Who has been left to sink into despair in the wake of Hurricane Katrina? The poor, who had little to lose, but lost it all anyway.
-Whose jobs are disappearing overseas as the result of trade policies? The working poor and the lower middle class who are finding fewer and fewer opportunities for work.
-Who is having the hardest time finding health care coverage? The people who can least afford it.
-Who is most likely to go to jail? Anyone who isn’t Scooter Libby, a guy with a lot of dirty secrets about the man who had the power to commute his sentence and who, with a stroke of a pen, did just that.
America has never been a perfect, fair, country motivated only by unconditional love. It has never been a paradise or without its great flaws. However, no matter how big the flaws, there have always been even greater strengths to light the way into the future.
Now, George Bush and his cronies are showing America in the worst possible light. They are illuminating the chasm between the weak and the powerful, the rich and the poor, the connected and the disconnected. They are doing all they can to find a death row cell for the American Dream and when crunch time comes, giving none of us hope for a commutation of that sentence.
I guess it’s no surprise. This administration has found comfort in secret courts, domestic spying, defying Congressional subpoenas, smudging the protective line between church and state, developing policies behind closed doors, ignoring corruption and treating compromise with contempt. When it comes to the big things, they have learned all the wrong lessons from the past. When it comes to getting away with things, they have learned how to succeed on a grand scale.
It’s unlikely this Congress will ever impeach George Bush because his people - some of who were close at hand during Watergate - didn’t make any Watergate-like tactical errors: no tapes, no smoking gun, no hard evidence of deliberate wrongdoing. That doesn’t make them any less guilty of what Theodore H. White described as the underlying deed that undid Nixon:
“The true crime of Richard Nixon was simple: he destroyed the myth that binds America together, and for this he was driven from power.
“The myth he broke was critical - that somewhere in American life there is at least one man who stands for the law, the President . . . That faith holds that all men are equal before the law and protected by it; and that no matter how the faith may be betrayed elsewhere, at one particular point - the Presidency - justice will done beyond prejudice, beyond rancor, beyond the possibility of a fix.”
Cops will continue to do their duty, prosecutors will continue to do theirs and judges will do likewise, but guilty men everywhere will find comfort in knowing that the justice system can be treated like a whore, if you have enough money or clout or both. Mob bosses will admire Bush’s loyalty to a closed-mouth soldier and petty criminals may well want to do better than small crime because they’ll realize that big crime pays big dividends.
Pass a bad check and go to jail. Attempt to subvert the justice system and never see the inside of a cell. Thanks a lot, George Bush.
Yet a small part of me won’t give up on our country. I think it can be brought into a better future with a healthy application of more democracy via the ballot box. I don’t know who will get my vote in the future, but I won’t surrender to the anger and cynicism that grip me right now.
Having said that, I will confess that I plan on cleaning my old Selectric. I want to rid it of the dust and grime acquired by sitting unused on a shelf. That way I can be prepared for whatever else may come because I cannot, in good conscience, hurl a dirty typewriter.
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The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of LakeExpo.com.
Karl LeRay wrote on Jul 10, 2007 1:46 PM:
" Bravo ...I could not have said it myself. For those who think you're Clinton bashing hopefully they will become mature enough to know you are using the examples to better outline your views rather than brow beat. - leray.us: a Paris Hilton Free website!
"
Laurie wrote on Jul 10, 2007 4:02 AM:
" You were never a Republican... and no real Republican will buy any of your story.
Wrong. This is the only kind of real Republican. Wake up from your stupor, member of the 25%. "
chaileann wrote on Jul 10, 2007 12:36 AM:
" What continues to amaze me in all of these discussions are the continual idiotic 'one liners' that are used by people to supposedly prove their point. If you can't 'dazzle 'em with brilliance, baffle 'em with B.S.' seems to be the play of the day. Don't bother with facts or issues, just say some school-yard comeback and impress everyone. To Chaz...your Katrina comment is ridiculous...just saying that the '1st relief was prompt', is so totally outrageous. To cement your brilliant deduction with 'the Democratic Gov got a $50,000 desk and Nagin got a few million that went into 'appropriate' pockets'? That evidently is your knowledge of the Katrina situation and you felt so bold to share it with others. And to Tom, Katrina situation in MS and LA was very different in many ways, mainly because the damage was a larger area in LA, but to your comment that MS Reps had to take care of themselves. You know why? There were no tv cameras documenting the victims trauma. There was no one that heard them crying out for help for many days-until their Rep got back to Washington. Plus, they didn't have Rita. "
chas larson wrote on Jul 9, 2007 12:05 PM:
" First..Katrina....the first "relief" was veery prompt....The Democratic Gov got a brand new $50.000 desk. The next several million went through the Democratic Mayor into appropriate "pockets". So much for worrying about those folks.
Scotter was a political pawn. The real players, Pelosi/Reid/Bush/Chenny wouldn't stand up and face each other. Libby's offense was a non-crime that wasted millions of tax dollars so the back room politicians could stay on the front page for day after day. Clinton pardoned everyone from billionairs to Terorists...the common denominator was who paid Billy & Hillary what they demanded.
And the mainstream media continue to publish #$%^&* for the suckers who pay for it all. "
Jessica Fry wrote on Jul 9, 2007 9:32 AM:
" Brilliantly composed, though most of the comments which follow your article are undeserving, if not at times, completely irrelevant, and underscore the entire message. They haven´t however, clouded my perception of excellent prose with a message that clearly needs to be heard by all those who continue to support the administration in office. "
Jersey Joe wrote on Jul 9, 2007 8:29 AM:
" This is a great article that I picked up from crooksandliars.com. I'm no liberal. One point: Your conclusion that salvation lies at the ballot box is also threatened by this administration. The current hullabaloo about US Attorney firings, which sounds wonkish and political, overlooks what may be an even greater transgression than giving the court system a bias in favor of the well-connected. No one says it, but there is strong circumstantial evidence that the administration was trying to use its law enforcement power to negate the ultimate check on tyranny, the vote. "
POST AMERICAN wrote on Jul 9, 2007 7:16 AM:
" WTF happened to WMD's hunt for Nine Eleven Conspirator Osama Bin Laden?
regards
Not Democrat, Not Republican, American! "
Dawn wrote on Jul 9, 2007 2:49 AM:
" Clean, or dirty, I'm glad you hurled your typewriter! I still stand by our President. "
chaileann wrote on Jul 9, 2007 2:01 AM:
" Good article, just a couple of comments re Katrina. FYI, Blanco-D became Gov of La 2004. Prior Gov was Republican Mike Foster for 8 yrs! Nagin is Dem but leans well into Rep territory alot. Many of who wrote comments re Katrina being 'a fabrication' and all the other false 'talking points', lacking facts that have been fed and repeated, not just Katrina but the other subjects illustrates how uninformed they are. N.O. and all Louisiana did follow hurricane & emergency preparations and procedures. (the bus photo is a non-issue, there were thousands of vehicles flooded) FYI Once the Gov declares a state of emergency and requests from Pres, federal assistance, that is how FEMA is engaged. By the way, why was FEMA not reponsible for Louisiana disaster but all other states are covered w/no outcries? How much exactly was spent during the 2004 FL hurricanes, or other state declared disasters over the years? Factual info is all over the internet, just type in Katrina timeline, you might be enlightened. As to why taxpayer money should rebuild NO, because failure of federal levees destroyed it and also because Louisiana people pay taxes too. "
oddjob wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:48 PM:
" I wonder how many of the Republican commenters pining for a strong leader to rule the country recognize that such a form of government is not a feature of a democracy? I wonder how many of them recognize that they are pining for fascism?
I wonder how many of them consider that the greatest generation sacrificed the flower of its generation so that we would NEVER have the very sort of government they most desperately want? "
Tod wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:26 PM:
" You, sir, are a pre-Reagan Republican, I think. He has ruined the GOP, and Bush II is what we have to show for it.
Good article! Nicely done. "
Truth B. Told wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:10 PM:
" I wish I could say that I'm surprised about the misinformation being spread by the neocon mouth breathers posting on this site. Using Fox "news" and Rush Limbaugh as your sources of information about daily events will lead to this kind of confusion. This administration was sold to the American people as being accountable and more forthright than the previous. So where does the commutation of Libby's sentence fit into this? All we hear from the apologists is that well Clinton did it! Which of Clinton's pardons occurred with over 500 days to go in his term? How many of them involved members of his staff? Oh and by the way, the *conviction* Libby rec'd was for LYING to the grand jury. Last time I checked, that was a felony! This group LIES about everything; wars, attorney general firings, torture, wiretapping, energy policies, protecting pages, missions to Mars (heh). If they told me it was raining, I'd have to look out the window. Since this is America, the mouth breathers are welcome to their delusions, but stop projecting them to those of us who inhabit reality. "
Evan's Mom wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:58 PM:
" Sorry, Evan had to go to bed. The transcript:
REP. DAVIS: The IIPA Act makes it a crime to knowingly disclose the identity of a covert agent, which has a specific definition under the act. Did anyone ever tell you that you were so designated?
PLAME: I'm not a lawyer.
DAVIS: That's why I asked if they told you. I'm not asking for your interpretation.
PLAME: No, no. But I was covert. I did travel overseas on secret missions within the last five years.
DAVIS: I'm not arguing with that. What I'm asking is, for purposes of the act -- and maybe this just never occurred to you or anybody else at the time -- but did anybody say that you were so designated under the act? Or was this just after it came to fact?
PLAME: No, no one told me that. And that --
DAVIS: How about after the disclosure?
PLAME: Pardon me?
DAVIS: How about after the disclosure, did anyone then say gee, you were designated under the act, this should not have happened? Did anybody in the CIA tell you at that point?
PLAME: No. "
Mike wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:47 PM:
" I'm a budding journalist in college right now and I just wanted to say, your column gave me a lump in the throat and some swelling in the eyes.
It powerful all the way through but the ending was so...perfect. Thanks. "
Evan wrote on Jul 8, 2007 8:31 PM:
" SamB,
Your wife is wrong. Not only was Plame covert, she was working on Iranian nuclear intelligence! It amazes me how many people still don't know this:
http://www.rawstory.com/news/2006/MSNBC_confirms_Raw_Story_report_Outed_0501.html "
The Oracle wrote on Jul 8, 2007 8:21 PM:
" Great article. BushCo can be summed up thusly: criminal conspiracy, criminal incompetence and criminal negligence. For instance, one of the criminal negligent acts by BushCo after Hurricane Katrina involved the over 800 million dollars offered by other countries to help Gulf Coast citizens adversely affected by Katrina. The last I heard, BushCo only accepted about 12 pecent of the relief funds offered, leaving 88 percent uncollected and unspent. Why? What could possibly be the rationale for not accepting these funds and putting the money into a hurricane-recovery escrow account? Approximately 700 milliion dollars could have gone far in helping our fellow citizens along the Gulf Coast either relocate or rebuild. I accuse BushCo, therefore, of criminal negligence. Comparable to the criminal negligence exhibited by BushCo in not planning for the aftermath of the Iraq invasion. The initial shock at the outright criminality of the Bush administration has turned into numbness, but I will definitely make it into a voting booth in November 2008 to register my utter disgust with what certain Republicans as well as certain DINO Democrats have done to our democracy. Maybe, just maybe, the damage can be reversed so our children don't have to pay for it. "
Long Tooth wrote on Jul 8, 2007 6:10 PM:
" "When it comes to the big things, they have learned all the wrong lessons from the past.
Quite the contrary. They learned the "big things" long ago, Thomas, and all too well. Hell, they wrote the book. But their "big things" have nothing to do with your own.
Someone upthread figured you were never (really) a republican.
On the contrary. You personified its bread and butter. You actively supported their candidates, and cast your vote for their party. The GOP has remained constant throughout. You changed, not them.
You got suckered, that's all. But you wised up, and that's what counts.
My observation should in no way be construed as an endorsement of the democratic party, either.
"
Steve again wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:34 PM:
" "Gumbo with salsa" hmmmmm.... but anyway, Amrericans need to be ...quite obviously >>American. The strict definition of the word is "home-ruler". Hardly any in the Northern Hemisphere and in supposedly "developed" countries deserve the title "American" anymore, since they delegated the authority of their homes to their prospective governments. Shame on us, since I also live in what is/was called North "America".
"
Celia wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:33 PM:
" Plame was NOT covert. Read the damn transcripts. She never admitted she was but intimated it; under cross, she was forced (under penalty of perjury, at least let's give her credit for that) to clarify that her various verbiage when it was all boiled down to "cover or not" was NOT. I watched the hearings on C-SPAN and the transcripts are available for those who care (which excludes all Dem's apparently). "
Brie wrote on Jul 8, 2007 5:13 PM:
" Well written article! I love love love how the boilerplate opposition response is, "Clinton did this. Clinton did that." Yet another attempt to take the focus off the current administration and the topic at hand by focusing on a man who's been out of office for seven years. Putting "rule of law" and "Bush administration" in the same sentence is now both funny and sad. "
Robert wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:30 PM:
" My comments aren't for you, but the Republican zealots who call you a fraud for not thinking like them.
Clinton was wrong and so is Bush. Clinton should have been removed from office; ditto for Bush.
The greater scandal is Bush's because he took us to war on a lie. Everyone forgets the air occupation of Iraq successes; 1 billion dollars a year compared to the 8 billion we're spending each month in Iraq, and not one losst American life.
The Bush administration failed the whole Gulf Coast.
If this is what being a mainstream Republican means, the party is doomed. Ron Paul remains the only diamond in a field of manure.
As for the Selectric I had the privilege of building them at the Austin factory in 1980. It remains a Cadillac among typewriters. What a walk down memory lane.
In closing Libby outed a covert CIA agent to discredit that agent's husband, Wilson, who publicly refuted the administration's position Iraq was seeking the uranium to build a nuclear weapon.
3600 plus Americans have died for that lie. Honestly, who committed the greater crime, Clinton or the current Bush? "
Brie wrote on Jul 8, 2007 4:00 PM:
" Well written article! I love love love how the boilerplate opposition response is, "Clinton did this. Clinton did that." Yet another attempt to take the focus off the current administration and the topic at hand by focusing on a man who's been out of office for seven years. Putting "rule of law" and "Bush administration" in the same sentence is now both funny and sad. "
Bonkers wrote on Jul 8, 2007 3:40 PM:
" All you GOoPer apologists that have to bring Clinton into every conversation from the commutation of Libby's jail sentence to the age old "Is this porridge too cold?" debate, I say this:
I want to bring all of you halfwits over to Clinton (who hasn't been president for over 6 years) and shove your heads right into his pants. That way you can be as close to him as you have always dreamed, Clinton Envy appeased, and not have to bring him up EVERY SINGLE BLOODY TIME one of your republican criminals commits a crime or lays yet another whopper of a lie.
Steve:
Nice article. But I can't help but think that I and a lot of other folk knew how worthless Bush Jr is in 2000 and the same should have been obvious to every thinking adult in America by 2004 and yet you voted for him twice. And now we all get what YOU deserve. Though, to be truthful, I can't even hold you responsible for your share in the current state of affairs just for your two votes, since the pretender squatting in the White House lost both of those elections anyway.
"
Allen wrote on Jul 8, 2007 2:29 PM:
" I'm amazed how many comments have used the "but... but... Clinton!" excuse to slap a gold star on President Bush's actions. One self-identified Republican said his mother would have merely commented: "it's the pot calling the kettle black." MY mother would have said: "Two wrongs don't make a right." We these posters ever given such sage advice in the upbringing? "
symphonyofdissent wrote on Jul 8, 2007 2:21 PM:
" Thank you so much for this honest and truthfull post. It is difficult to view the state of America and not feel cynical and dispondent. The Libby commutation was just the cherry on top of a mound of injustice for me. Of course, it now keeps Libby from talking or revealing what he knows, so it makes perfect sense in terms of the administration.
The act that truly broke my faith in the current federal government had to be the Terri Schiavo case. Having the president and congress intercede in matters of a state cout decision violated the fundamental principles of federalism in such a profound way that it clearly revealed the hypocrisy in those who claim states rights and then purse the exact opposite course.
The Iraq was was a catastrophy form the start, but I am not so cynical to believe that those who proposed it did not believe it would actually make the world a better. A resonable person could have seen that this was folly, but at least this folly was deeply and truly held.
The Libby commutation and Plame ousting, the politization of the justice department,and the GSA can not bejustified "
kate johnson wrote on Jul 8, 2007 1:14 PM:
" Maybe the repubican partisans could ask scooter about clinton's pardon of marc rich, since the scooterman was his lawyer...
Why misplace your sympathy on a man who actively lied with the blessing of his boss, to take us to war? The swallowing of camels and straining of gnats.
"
Pinky wrote on Jul 8, 2007 1:01 PM:
" The only real mental illness is in the people that continue to revel in the cruelty and greed shown by this administration. "
DittoHead wrote on Jul 8, 2007 1:00 PM:
" I worship at the altar of Rush, the drug addict, and when I need solace I go to Bill O'Reilly, who has enough money to pay for sexual harassment. When I need to learn about courage in battle I've got Dick Cheney (5 military deferments). The Republicans just leak courage, don't they? When will stop listening to dead ender Republicans that hide behind women and babies? So brave behind the mike and on the web but in real life they are cowards.
"
Richard Allison wrote on Jul 8, 2007 12:59 PM:
" Do applaud & fully share the sentiments expressed by Steve Thomas. Bush 41 referred to those outing our agents as the "most insidious traitors".
My feeling likely follows from growing up in the national capital area enmeshed in USDoS, military, CIA, etc and my own service in Viet Nam.
The Plane, Wilson, Libby, Iraq, White House sage & accompanying spin, focuses in part on talking-point (known lies?) like "was she covert"; the CIA affirmed that thru their referral and maintained so from highest levels.
It is fair more disturbing however that fleeting mentions Brewster Jennings have all but disappeared from this discussion.
While sharing the outrage of Bush 41 regarding the outing of any agents in this case the entire brass plate company established of years as a key stone of our nuclear WMD intelligence efforts was destroyed. That this would be consciously done by neo-cons hawking mushroom cloud smoking guns is an enormous crime. "
nonny mouse wrote on Jul 8, 2007 12:58 PM:
" What an excellent piece - hope it gets the wider audience it well deserves. I've always believed (even as a born and bred liberal Democrat) that there are thoughtful, compassionate Republicans. What a shame that the Republican Party has driven out their best and brightest like Mr Thomas... well, a shame for the Republicans and a blessing for all those working hard to turn this country around again and take it back those 'monumentally inept and cruelly, methodically callous' criminals masquerading as Republicans. I look forward to the day when we, once again, have an Honourable Opposition. "
SGT Custovic wrote on Jul 8, 2007 12:10 PM:
" Take it from a three time combat veteran: Thanks for being a great American. This pretty much is the same way I feel these days. I used to be a Republican but now I am a Libertarian voting for Democrat Party nominees and those honest Republicans still left. I have had enough from the Republican Party. "
KingCranky wrote on Jul 8, 2007 12:08 PM:
" Clinton didn't pardon anyone who could do him damage he let Jim & Susan McDougal serve prison time, unlike W's cowardly coddling of Libby
Almost 6 years after 9-11 and the thug who gave the go-ahead for the worst terrorist strike in history is still walking around free, clear and easy
bin Laden is laughing about his good fortune in having a President who's so easy to lead around by the nose, like the most docile of livestock
And regarding Valerie Plame
How, logically, is the US safer as a result of Plame's outing?
Since Plame's undercover network of overseas operatives and double agents was exposed as well, how, logically, is it now easier to recruit those same operatives and double agents needed to keep WsMD from rogue regimes, groups & individuals?
How, logically, did outing a covert operative like Plame increase the trust level between this Administration and our intel analysts and operatives?
By letting bin Laden achieve his aims, if you support W, you support bin Laden
Maybe you W lackeys feel safer with bin Laden free to green-light & bankroll further anti-US attacks
I don't "
Terry wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:48 AM:
" (a) The FINE remains because Libby's "defense fund" has raised $6,000,000, not too hard to pay a $260,000 fine from that.
(b) Even the judge isn't sure that there is a "parole," because the law requires some jail time before parole can start. So, probably no parole, either.
(c) A pardon would mean that Libby could no longer claim the Fifth Amendment; a commutation means he still can. That's why the pardon won't happen until January 2008 - but it will happen - if Bush is still president. "
JRoyale wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:20 AM:
" I too grew up Republican, but left that pile of sleaze and hypocrisy along time ago. The Republicans have completely sold out to the corporations - not that the Democrats aren't as well. But the Dems are by far the lesser of two evils.
As for Scooter... he will get pardoned during the Great Pardon of Jan 19th, 2009, when all Bush loyalists receive their get out of jail free cards. Which is unfortunate as all of the Bush's lieutenants are corrupt to the core and deserve to spend the rest of their lives in jail. There isn't an honest one among them and the damage they've will take several decades to repair.
As for our dear leaders, Bush, Cheney, Rove and Rummy, I do hope one they they are all dragged to the Hague to answer for their war crimes. "
Shade Tail wrote on Jul 8, 2007 11:10 AM:
" It is incredible how polarized our country has become. Critical thinking is a crime now. Republican extremists are busy vilifying Mr. Thomas because he has the audacity to think for himself rather than obey the Bill O'Reilly line of thinking. Democrats face the same thing if they point out that their party leadership is a pack of inept right-wingers, or that there is *no* consensus among scientists that humans are responsible for global climate change.
You will toe the party line or the enforcement squad will make you sorry. Where else have we seen this kind of party loyalty before, and what were the consequences? Answers: Nazi Germany and Stalinist Russia, and totalitarianism.
Lighten up, Americans. We need to get rid of the extremists ruling us, not join them. "
Alan wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:56 AM:
" Very well done, sir. You have articulated the thoughts of thousands, if not millions, of Americans.
*looks over at a typewriter* If it was mine, I'd hurl it too. "
BaScOmBe wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:47 AM:
" Thanks for that. One does not need a party affiliation to understand. Many of us feel what the author feels. "
numfar wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:47 AM:
" You can tell from most of the disparing comments, that if you critical of anything a Republican does, then you are a Democrat.
Notice in the 2nd post from Mr. Rankin..."You were never a Republican...and no real Republican will buy any of your story."
They remind me of doting parents who refuse to believe their little angel would do anything wrong. If something happened, it certainly wasn't their little angel's fault...it must have been that other child, or the teacher, or the coach.
Being critical of your party or your country doesn't mean you don't love and respect them. The opposite is true. Looking at your party or your country objectively and taking steps to change those things that are wrong is the best way to to do that. "
JGabriel wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:39 AM:
" Joel Rankin wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:54 AM: " You were never a Republican... and no real Republican will buy any of your story. " Robert Dearmore wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:03 AM: " Your are not and were not a true Republican!! " Perhaps Mr. Thomas prefers to be an *AMERICAN*.
"
JGabriel wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:31 AM:
" Michael wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM:
" Scooter Libby was railroaded from the beginning. Why he was not fully pardoned is beyond me."
See my post below. In short, Bush commuted Libby's sentence instead of pardoning him so Libby's right against self-incrimination would be preserved.
In other words, commuting Libby's sentence (instead of pardoning Libby) was a more successful strategy for continuing to cover-up Bush and Cheney's own crimes.
What is so difficult to understand about that?
"
J. SLUGMAN wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:22 AM:
" SCOOTER HAS PICTURES of the Bush Adminstration, that is the bottom line. "
JGabriel wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:22 AM:
" ps2515, July 7, 6:37AM:
'Thanks for voicing your thoughts on this issue; all along, Libby's trial has been confusing. I agree with much of your sentiments. Still, I fail to see any difference b/w Bush's pardoning Libby and Clinton's pardons as he left the White House.'
The differences are that Bush's commutation of Libby's sentence:
A) Obstructs investigation into Bush and Cheney's own actions, and,
B) The commutation preserves Libby's 5th amendment right against self-incrimination, permitting Libby to continue stonewalling about the VP's role in the Valerie Wilson leak.
In other words, had Libby been pardoned, he could be forced to testify truthfully in front of Congress, without resort to the Fifth amendment, because you cannot incriminate yourself in a matter for which you are already pardoned.
Commuting the sentence instead of pardoning Libby is simply a way to continue the cover-up.
Clinton's pardon of Marc Rich, probably the most questionable of Clinton's pardons, did NOT block the investigation of ANY matters relating to Clinton, unlike Bush's commutation of Libby's sentence.
That's the difference: Bush's commutation blocks investigation into his own wrongdoing; Clinton's never did. "
RobBez_92107 wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:15 AM:
" Wow - I can't believe the number of Rush clones commenting here! To them, one question: Why did Scooter lie? No "just forgetful" excuses, "no underlying crime" nonsense (Plame WAS covert), WHY DID HE LIE? A lawyer, lying during a criminal investigation, lying to a grand jury, WHY? The answer, of course, is to obscure his bosses' crimes, and his pardon is nothing short of obstruction of justice by the sitting president of the United States IN PLAIN VIEW. Impeach VP Dick first, then the Chimperor.....President Pelosi in '07! "
spicegal wrote on Jul 8, 2007 10:09 AM:
" Excellent piece. I considered myself an Independent before Bush came along. Now, I solidly support Democrats because they are the only viable opposition we have, and my values have definitely turned progressive. As for all the vitriol spewing Republicans who insist on hurling insults at the author of this excellent article....apparently the definition of a true Republican is one who is so blindly loyal to and in lockstep with its leadership that it ignores massive wrong doing while totally disregarding facts or reason. How very sad, and another reason I will never vote for another Republican. They clearly lack the ability to either think for themselves or understand right from wrong. "
Cason Cherry wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:54 AM:
" You've obviously not heard, but more than half of our working population is made up of baby boomers. 60% of those people will be retiring in the next 10 years leaving an ever growing demand for skilled AND unskilled laborers. As for healthcare, keeping it privatized allows for the highest quality of healthcare coverage. You seemed to be aiming at healthcare socialization which will undoubtedly decrease the quality, availability (YES, I SAID AVAILABILITY), and will consume an inconscionable amount of American tax dollars. But it only makes since right? Since we already offer government housing, medicaide and food stamps and tax relief for the poor we should also pay for their medical bills. The problem with doing that can be outlined in Russia's socialist healthcare system; and Canada's healthcare system. "
Ken wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:37 AM:
" RE:Elrey Jones wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:25 PM:
But Elrey's comment belies what is so messed up in this country. I mean are things so divided that we would rather side with a proven sworn enemy than with someone who we share an intimate knowledge of an operating system? Why would any American wish to join Al Qaida for any reason? Sir, your words reveal a hatred that is not that far from that of Al Qaida.
If that is how you feel, move to Iran. If you are not willing to move there, reach out your hand to your neighbor and say "hello freind." And then make the effort to make democracy work. Yes, get involved in the political process we call democracy. "
gsj wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:30 AM:
" Again, and for the last time. Parallels between Clinton's and GWB's pardons are illegitimate. A more apt comparison would be between GWB's pardons and those of his daddy's. Bush I destroyed the Iran-Contra investigation with his pardon of Weinberger (eta alia), just as GWB's guarantees the silence of a felon with knowledge that could hang his superiors.
"
aimai wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:25 AM:
" Republican voters voted for what they got--the rest of us chose differently and we also got stuck with their bad choices. Republican and indpendent voters were offered a pretty clear story on who bush was and what he would do in office:
compassionate conservativism
dismantle wall between church and state
repeal pro-consumer laws and regulations
defund OSHA and the EPA and other regulatory groups responsible for health and safety.
swing the court to the right and prevent individuals from having their day in court while guaranteeing rights to corporations and donors to the right wing
prevent women and families from choosing abortion or other family planning services.
etc...etc...etc... You know what they say about the republican party? Come for the tax cuts and stay for the bigotry? Well, y'all came to the republican party for a lot of different reasons and when you stayed you got crony corruption, nepotism, destruction of an american city, waste and fraud on a massive, halliburtonesque scale, and the utter loss of blood, treasure, and honor on the international field.
You voted for it, and you got it. don't come crying to the rest of us that you were duped. "
AIMAI wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:15 AM:
" Interesting essay on the Thomas's evolution from a lazy, self centered, easily duped republican voter to an angry, hypercritical, "independent" voter. But more interesting than that are the number of right wing commenters who explicitly prefer to be robbed and duped by their own party than take a chance on the democrats--one commenter early on even goes so far as to say that he would rather align himself with Al Quaeda (misspelled by the commneter) than ever align himself with the white/black/brown hordes of traitorous fellow citizens who are democrats.
There's a pretty common thread here among the right wing voters--its tribal loyalty to the republican party over and above any kind of reasoned debate. You voted for Bush *because he represented a party machine* that promised a specific set of goods/goals including a) good government, b) honorable government, c) demolition of the barrier between church and state, d) a right ward shift in the supreme court into a pro-business and anti-consumer stance, e) compassionate conservativsm, f) a "humble foreign policy" (remember that one), g) no "lock box for social security, h) funnelling of taxpayer money to right wing religious groups,...cont'd. "
louie wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:09 AM:
" FEMA was solely responsible for Katrina. get the facts about the plan FEMA wouldn't release. FEMA was supposed to act pre-hurricane.
citizensforethics.org would be a good start for you that blame Nagin with that stupid bus argument "
oddjob wrote on Jul 8, 2007 9:00 AM:
" "This administration has found comfort in secret courts, domestic spying, defying Congressional subpoenas, smudging the protective line between church and state, developing policies behind closed doors, ignoring corruption and treating compromise with contempt."
You neglected to mention their enthusiastic embrace of torture, which is a war crime. That they use an Orwellian euphemism coined by the Nazis ("enhanced interrogation techniques") to make it sound as if they don't embrace the use of torture as an official policy of the state does not change the reality. "
Cora Zhone wrote on Jul 8, 2007 8:31 AM:
" Thank you, thank you, THANK YOU, Steve Thomas, for giving back to the world the only thing you are capable of giving us--yet another explicit example of how Liberalism is indeed a mental illness. "
Matthew Gold wrote on Jul 8, 2007 8:25 AM:
" I found this to be a wholly predictable and poorly written opinion piece. Like most liberal rants, this one also confuses balanced, objective writing (including all facts relevant to the discussion) with sheer emotionalist entertainment. The only comment left worth making here is: Move over, Michael Moore! You now have a budding challenger to your claim of Most Irrelevant Con Artist Who Makes A Great Noise Signifying Nothing. "
Sam B wrote on Jul 8, 2007 8:07 AM:
" As embarrassed as I am to admit this, I must retract my entire statement of 7/7 at 10:58 PM. My wife (better half) pointed out to me, accurately I might add, that had Valerie Plame been a covert CIA operative then Richard Armitage (the one person who the investigation found actually did make public her status) would have been tried and convicted. He wasn't even arrested. Clearly, her official status was not "covert" at the time of Armitage's statement. Also, she pointed out that a "commutation" does not insulate anyone else from anything Libby could do to implicate them; it deals only with the prison sentence. Libby is still has a felony conviction. In fact, his days of being at risk for "testimony" (about himself or others) is over. He's already convicted. So the commutation of just the prison sentence does nothing to shield Cheney, Rove, or Bush. That's why I love my wife. She often has a better grasp of facts than I do and she can reason them out better than I can. Oh well, at least I still have my honesty. "
Maria Huaros wrote on Jul 8, 2007 7:58 AM:
" First, President Bush did not pardon Libby; he commuted the prison sentence and that's all. The felony conviction remains. The fines remain. The upcoming disbarment remains. The disgrace remains. A pardon, on the other hand, wipes all of that out. Not so for Libby. So throw 9/10 of the pro-Dem comments on this blog out simply on the basis that they don't know what they're writing about (calling it a pardon). To them, clearly it's just another opportunity to express hatred. Second, to those who write that President Bush's commuting the sentence for Libby was "worse than any pardon Clinton did" I ask WHAT DOES THIS SAY ABOUT Dems? Bottom line, the commute just means that Libby doesn't have to spend time in prison, that's all. His life is still ruined. Dems are supposed to be the party of compassion, of healing, of sensitivity, of "feeling one's pain." Most Democrats who've commented here seem to delight in wanting Libby, who committed the same crime as Clinton (lying under oath), to go to jail? Now mean spirited! How so very personally mean spirited!! "
davenotralph wrote on Jul 8, 2007 7:57 AM:
" Politics like nature, abhors a vacuum. If the GOP can find a decent candidate(?!)for '08, who represents the true values of the party, the giant sucking sound we hear will be republicans returning to the fold. "
Roybean wrote on Jul 8, 2007 7:30 AM:
" Many good thoughts in your article. However I do not fault the communitation of the prison sentence of Libby. We can all speculate on what information Libby may or may not have, but it is pure speculation. He was not a violent criminal and he certainly did not disclose the identity of a secret CIA agent. "
James wrote on Jul 8, 2007 2:47 AM:
" Bravo. I couldn't have said it better myself. If they cannot uphold justice, it may be up to us to do so. "
Robert Silvey wrote on Jul 8, 2007 12:22 AM:
" Great piece, Steve! We need a to unite the United States, and you have put your finger on some of the crucial ways to do it: fairness and justice and opportunity for all. I've quoted your eloquent words at a couple of blogs, Rubicon and Scholars & Rogues. Thanks! "
Robert Silvey wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:26 PM:
" Great piece, Steve! We need a to unite the United States, and you have put your finger on some of the crucial ways to do it: fairness and justice and opportunity for all. I've quoted your eloquent words at a couple of blogs, Rubicon and Scholars & Rogues>/a>. Thanks! "
Sam B wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:58 PM:
" Bush's commuting of Libby's prison term is very different from any of Clinton's pardons. In particular, Bush's action serves to directly insulate VP Cheney and Bush him from possible prosecution for an act of treason. The underlying crime in the case of the White House betrayal of an undercover agent of the CIA, helped to ensure that the unjustified war in Iraq would go forward. Because of this potentially treasonous crime, and the subsequent cover-up by White House officials, many thousands of people died unnecessarily.
Note the actual court documents filed by Fitzgerald detail the covert status of Ms. Wilson at the time of her betrayal (not simply an outing) by the White House, see:
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/18927332/site/newsweek/page/2/
“She traveled at least seven times to more than 10 countries,” the document states. “When traveling overseas, Ms. Wilson always traveled under a cover identity … At the time of the initial unauthorized disclosure in the media of Ms. Wilson’s employment relationship with the CIA on 14 July 2003, Ms. Wilson was a covert CIA employee for whom the CIA was taking affirmative measures to conceal her intelligence relationship to the United States.” "
wilder51 wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:49 PM:
" Amazing to read some of the so-called "conservatives" here still spewing their hatred of anything or anyone questioning the brilliance of Herr Bush. Anybody that STILL defends the most corrupt administration in U.S. history has FORFEITED all rights to have ANY opinion about ANYTHING. Forever. Bush and Cheney are hands-down the worst EXECUTIVE BRANCH in U.S. history and their unbroken record of corruption, failure, and incompetence proves it. The vast majority of Americans now know it and hate their stinking guts for what they've done to our military and to our country. The only place on the entire planet that still likes Bush and where he can walk among the people without fear is Albania (1/20th the size of Texas). What a pathetic man. As for "Five Deferments" Chickenhawk Cheney...even the Albanians hate him. The only time he can leave his underground bunker is to shoot fellow hunters in the face or to pick up his loot from Halliburton. History will remember them and their supporters as a sickening stain on the Constitution, and on America and its way of life. "
Lee wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:46 PM:
" Many of the readers don't believe you were ever a Republican. Well, neither do I. You sound much too intelligent. "
Paloma wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:45 PM:
" Steve, thank you for your wisdom and grace. I hope to be reading more of your stuff soon - perhaps some ideas about how to get our country back. Can anybody explain how we got to hate each other so much in this country? Who in their right mind can compare Clinton lying about sexual transgressions with the lies of Cheney, Bush, Rove, et al? These "real Republicans" are fueled by hate and vitriol, and they are frightening. Truth, facts, reason, common sense - apparently nothing matters to them, except hating people who disagree with them and conspicuously aligning themselves with the righteous and the macho. Start a movement, Steve - people like me need a leader! "
Tom wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:43 PM:
" Every president gives controversial pardons. Even though I liked Clinton, I was disappointed and upset at the Rich pardon.
However, the Libby pardon is fundamentally worse because it is part of a cover-up of the current administration's actions. Bush removed any incentive that Libby had to tell his story and implicate others in the administration.
Clinton bailed out a rich friend, which was very bad. Bush, with the Libby pardon, is perpetrating a cover-up -- unconscionably, horribly bad.
I personally think that all pardons should be able to be overturned by a 2/3 vote of the Senate. Amendment anyone?
"
A Republican & Christian wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:38 PM:
" Don't forget, there is no greater evil, no greater sin than unjust war. Bush and his corruption ridden cronies prove that point every hour of every day in Iraq.
Amen and Amen "
Kamau wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:38 PM:
" You haven't learned much at all. This type of thing has been going on in America for centuries. The problem now is it is getting close to your doorstep. You ask the Indians or Africans or Chinese how American justice has been to them and you'll get far different responses than this drivel you're talking about. No sir, America has been corrupt and ugly for a long time - you simply will not accept those facts probably because they hit too close to home.
I've found that people who smoke don't really enforce smoking rules all that much.
Suck it up buddy - take off those rose colored glasses, the truth may set you free. Or it may shatter your life - either way, it is still the truth. "
chris wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:37 PM:
" wow. I always look at the person not the party. That works really well when things are not 50/50. It is amazing how things become more about the party than the people when things get so close. Anyway, nice story. "
Douglas G. wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:34 PM:
" It's worth noting, that nowhere in the constitution, does it empower the federal government to spend dime one, to repair damage wreaked by nature. The repair of a city lies within the STATE government. I heard a story once about Lincoln while he was running for president, he was talking with a perspective voter and commented that the government should have helped people out when a fire had burned down their home, and the man said that if he felt that way, he couldnt vote for him, When asked why, the man said, that nowhere in the U.S. Constitution, did it advocate the use of federal funds for such an issue. That remains today.
That being said, Americans are the most giving people in the world, and I thing the country would have easily made contributions to the state of louisiana for repairs to the city of new orleans. "
Robert Gates wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:29 PM:
" Unfortunately, this writer fails to overcome his own emotionalism and presents what is clearly an insular, flabby, and incoherent argument. He has forgotten or, worse, ignores an analyst's first principle: To make clear what is fact from what is opinion and, if offering the latter, then to buttress that opinion with very carefully substantiated background and context. It's a wonder to me how many partisians commenting here echo his sentiments when the very "crime" that Mr. Libby was swept up in is identical to what President Clinton commmitted himself. Strange absence of the same cacaphony of agreement back then, as I recall. But the bottom line is, as we all know, the Dems are not interested in reason, in what's best, in what works, or in the betterment of this country. Their only interest since November 2000 has been and continues to be reclaiming power at any cost. "
Galacian wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:19 PM:
" Thanks Steve. I too, during the Nixon years, watched as loyal Republicans came painfully and sl;owly to recognize how their patriotism, good will, high-values conservatism and hard work were manipulated by the unchecked paranoia of Republican power. Unlike you I have always been an Independent - leaning toward Libertarian... so I had a different feeling of the betrayal of trust then...I was not surprised then.. I am not surprised now.. just betrayed as then.
We have gone through the same cycle again... some 40 years later.. but without the checks and balances we had in place then through Congress and the Supreme Court. Congress betrayed us first(both sides)not only by creating this mess with rubber stamp approavals of the eosion of our liberty but has added to the betrayal with an overwhelming lack of courage. Completing the betrayalk, the Supreme Court is likely to rule to this power as they have begun to demnstrate in all recent cases. The famous words hold true today, "He who would give trade liberty for safety, deserves neither". Thanks for yourwonderful piece. The rest of the nation needs to read you. "
Daniel Webster wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:12 PM:
" Let's see, a Republican prosecutor prosecuted Libby before a Republican judge, whose sentence, falling within mandatory federal guidelines for sentencing was approved by an appellate court mainly consisting of Republican judges, and yet this whole Libby thing was a Democratic setup? Man, you guys will be drinking the Jim Jones Jungle Juice along with Bush in the bunker, won't you? George W. could dance naked in the rose garden, pissing on the bible, and some of you would find nothing wrong with that. "Jesus had it coming, that dirty, liberal pimp. Love thy neighbor, indeed..." "
George wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:05 PM:
" It seems to me that the main difference between Republican and Democrat philosphies of governing are that the former operates as if any means justifies the desired end; the latter that a noble means will produce a worthy end. Now if we could only get them to co-operate.. "
Brett wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:59 PM:
" Yeah, "well reasoned." The writer's talent doesn't rise above high school girl rhetoric with his silly, ham-handed, and overused literary device by yet another clever--not quite intelligent, but clever--libs: "I was this, I was that, now I'm the other. Oh my! And here's my story." True intelligence (to say nothing of, um, honest) is grounded in fact and principle. And the facts that you've left out (as have the lockstep chorus of sycophants who think you should get a Pulitzer) are simply this: The Clintons are the whores. I know, I know, you Dems think that you know the definition of the word. Think again (if you actually know how to think). Better yet, first research the meaning of "to think" before you do anything else. You'll find that it encompasses more than just clever word play. Real thinkers, real leaders, people who are actually worthy of having their work admired base their opinions in something other than feelings. You're a dilletante, Steve Thomas, and alas, nothing more. Go national?! Go back to high school first. "
Maury wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:58 PM:
" Very, very well written. A balanced, insightful piece! May we have more people come to this awareness. "
Joan Donahue wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:45 PM:
" Bravo! Thanks for having the guts to write what the rest of us are thinking. "
ejhickey wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:35 PM:
" I am not surprised that preesident Bush issued a pardon to Mr. Libby. In today's moral climate , right and wrong do not matter. The only things that matter are using poitical power to hel your friend or interest group and to make money. "
Vic Anderson wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:33 PM:
" More spreading Bush inure. Fling (the) Nasty(s) (Thing), already! "
Elrey Jones wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:25 PM:
" When will Ted Kennedy ever serve time in jail for his lies about killing a woman? When will the racist Jesse Jackson serve prison time for taking money from his PUSH and giving it to his pregnant girlfriend? When will Bill Clinton spend time in prison for the absolute corrupt and filthy corrupt pardon of the Marc Rich human trash? Libby is a pathetic human as is Bush but the Demofithycrats are scum of the Universe. I'd join Al Qaida in a heartbeat before I'd associate with that sell out bunch filthy white, black, and brown human trash. "
Tinstaafl wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:23 PM:
" Who are you???
You have two "Posts" here. No where is where here is... and on the Net your Name shows up as the host of "This Old House" Why should we take your word that you are a "Conservative" Or Were a "Republican"??? Both of your "Posts" are Left Center at best...
And there is No Bio or anything I can find on this site...
So, Who are You?
Tins... "
Theatreche wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:12 PM:
" I was a Republican in 1964 and organized my college campus for Goldwater. With Johnson implementing Goldwater's Vietnam policy, and with that policy transparently catastrophic, supported always by Republicans, I left the party for the wilderness, then for the Democrats. That lasted about a year and ended with Robert Kennedy's death. I was on my own. But then I found I wasn't on my own. Many people were deconstructing the myth of electoral democracy in the US, and yet talking about moving on to new and energetic forms of democracy -- economic democracy, cultural democracy, educational and pedagogical democracy, political democracy! I"ve spent 40 years on this path and have no room or time for cynicism. There's too much to do. I am very happy, however, to read the story of another former Republican who has learned behind the GOP cliches are endless piles of privilege. Careful, too, because Democrats mainly just feel badly that democracy, peace, and justice are so marginalized in the US. Hundreds of wonderfully progressive movements, working for new democracies, are also welcoming all kinds of "formers" into the ranks. Cynics need not apply. "
MWD1 wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:09 PM:
" Steve must be about my age (55) because he recollected much about the American event as I remember them happening . When Bobby Kennedy was shot and the Democrats couldn't come up with anything better, I too became more conservative. After all, the folks burning flags and bras weren't impressing me either. Steve's article was an great read, but the most powerful statement he made is that he is now Independent... and probably the "silent majority" of us are not Republican or Democrat because neither of these two parties fully represent "we the people." I want change, but I certainly don't want another Bush-Clinton interation. How a real change... how about a Fred Thompson and Joe Lieberman ticket? "
Bob H wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:08 PM:
" Brilliant article. It is the best misrepresentation of so called facts I have seen in a long time. Libby was investigated at length for a non-crime. You didn't see anyone indicted for outing Mrs. Plame did you. Why? She didn't qualify under the LAW of being a covered person or covert. The special prosecutor knew who leaked her name well before he ever had anyone talk to Libby and that person did not work for the President or the Vice President. I hope I never get the opportunity to say "I told you so" when terrorists level one of our cities or kill countless families in shopping malls and schools. We all better put our hats back on straight and figure out how we are going to protect this country regardless if we are democrats, republicans or independents. We have a rough road ahead and we are not nearly as prepared as Britian is. "
victor wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:06 PM:
" First this is a great piece. I have been folowing this story since it broke, to watch and see how it plays out as they all play out and that is the point, they all play out. Please America don't get bored with this and keep it fresh and in the spotlight. For all of you who don't understand what is going on see this Bush had to set him free or after a short while in jail he would probably start saying to himself was this realy worth protecting Bush and Chaney for? If you have only half a brain you know the truth and they where afraid he would break down in Jail and start telling the truth. So you don't bring down the entire government, you let him go free. I have a hard time trying to understand how others don't get that. I have a MPA worked for the government for 15 years at its highest levels and had to take a fall for my boss so I know just what is going on. We need to keep this story going and going not get tired of it because tthere is a lot more here. "
bubba wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:05 PM:
" if you want to run for public office, you should be excluded from doing so. they are all crooks. "
Paul wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:03 PM:
" Your story would have some credibility had there been some recognition of Billy Bob and Hillarys lies and pardons. The one sided presentation belies your leanings. My God man, wake up, both sides are equally corrupt. Those that villify Bush and love BB and Hillary are miles beyond stupid. They are useless. "
myFortune wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:58 PM:
" Thanks for writing a piece of op/ed that reflects my feelings as well. For me the tipping point was the lack of accountability by this administration on how the billions of dollars allocated to the Afghan and Iraq wars. Here is an administration that has fooled its Christian constituency by being evasive in providing full accountability for the BILLIONS of dollars spent in Iraq. Now, mind you, I am for the free market system but the idea that these funds could have been diverted to undeserving individuals makes me cringe. I sure I hope this administration did not foster such injustice. Think about it for a moment, two "soldiers" in Iraq, one works for the Army and the other an independent contractor. Both are subject to the same risks. But one is paid much much more than the other. And now, think about who is behind such a policy.
If you wanna point out incompetence and mismanagement of the executive branch, start the audit and don't stop until we get full disclosure on how BILLIONS of dollars were spent in Iraq war.
May God save this republic. "
H Hara wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:58 PM:
" It is not what punishment that deserve Libby that matters. It is the fact that these smokeskreen which is represented by Libby and his action which is revealed by the procesusion as the tip of the iceberg, that matters. We quicly forget, the perspective of how this administration manipulated the information, the truth that they knew of, and put us into agreeing wholeheartedly to going into the war in Iraq.
Untruth. That is what we should punish. For that the whole administration should stand to apologyze. Not Bush alone, but mostly Chaney. They are the one who are bringing the GOP and its value down. "
Mike B. wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:58 PM:
" As a republican who has had to deal with a lot of the same issues over the past 8 years I thought the article was beautiful. Honest and thoughtfull... unlike most of the comments. "
Jeff Hinderson wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:52 PM:
" Until the American people involve themselves in the running of their own country America will continue to fall from its place in the world into those places reviled by the world. Wake up America! You are killing us all! "
Dan wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:45 PM:
" I think in another life you wrote the words that I had in my head but could never write so well. I was with ya from the first sentence. "
Robert K wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:37 PM:
" In most ways I am a Conservative. I tend to vote Republican. Hell, I admit I voted for both of the Bushes. Unfortunately the last one was a mistake he is not conservative he is a fascist. He and his are above the law, it seems. Not just Libby, but the warrarntless spying, the use of National Security Letters, suspension of habeas corpus. As one of or founding fathers said “Those who would trade safety for freedom deserve neither.” "
fernando alian wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:30 PM:
" what is most puzzling to me is not the pardon or the corruption by the republicans but the acceptance of such behavior by the average american.fairness was the biggest word in the american vocabulary. it is as though it went out of the window with the sixties. "
noun wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:52 PM:
" Perhaps the first clue as to the 'cowboy attitude' we continue to see displayed at the Whitehouse was the act of spitting in the face of the UN by dishonoring their charter and obligation to negotiate disputes.
Bush had a chance to have the world join us when we entered Iraq and told them that the USA did not need them and would go it alone if necessary.
Had he been but willing to wait for a consensus to develop we would have had more than enough help to assure the Iraqis that their security would be assured. Instead, with the Bush tactic, we brought them anarchy.
And we now continue to insist that they should trust us?
Anyone remaining a Republican based on that track record should stay out of a voting booth. They are not sane enough to be allowed on the street let alone to vote. "
Irene wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:49 PM:
" Thanks to Google's random links to media sources for headline stories I came upon this outstanding article. Steve Thomas has put it all together in a painful, comprehensive and ultimately disheartening commentary. He speaks for me, far better than I could. There is much in this article to address but the most recent outrage is the Libby commutation. While constantly seeking stronger sentencing in federal courts in this case Bush has set himself above the law and ruled that Libby's sentencing was extreme.
Frankly I did not get a lot of pleasure from Libby's conviction, since I felt he was a scapegoat and we never did get to the truth of who was responsible. but I'm sure an examination of others sentenced under federal law will also find a lot of people who are "suffering" and whose families are "suffering" and whose reputations have "suffered." Bush's compassion never seems to go beyond his loyalists. Of course he had the right to commute the sentence but his suggestion that the sentence was inappropriate is yet another symptom of his disconnect from ALL the people. "
n brandt wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:38 PM:
" Those who defend Bush, saying, "Well, Clinton did it first!" are ignoring the primary issue of outrage, for me at least. Bush's move effectively cleared himself of accountability in a case in which he was implicated.
Yes, commenters, we get it. Clinton pardoned a lot of people and some of them were his buddies. A president, any president, using his power to help his buddies is bad. But at least Clinton had the decency to rule out a pardon for himself when he was under the gun. The current president seems to share no such restraint.
I personally hope for a censure of this administration, but my belief that this government truly represents the people would be somewhat restored if we at least used this miscarriage of justice as a learning opportunity and pass legislation preventing further misuses of power granted to governor or president. IT SHOULD BE ILLEGAL TO GRANT CLEMENCY IN A CASE IN WHICH YOU ARE INVOLVED. "
Jolie wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:02 PM:
" Steve,
Your story of political involvement is very similar to my own, except all my politics stopped the day my city New Orleans was destroyed and my government and many Americans abandoned her. My fellow republicans would not listen to the accounts of eye witnesses. They were too eager swollowing up the swill of "everybody's to blame but us." Politics is not a game. Real lives are involved here. I cannot call this my country again until the criminals in the White House, criminals I am part of putting there, are out of power. Then maybe my healing can begin. Thank you for showing me our plight matters to you also.
"
X wrote on Jul 7, 2007 5:55 PM:
" Good article. Well written. The comments however - some are just plain stupid. To the guys who think she was not covert. Suppose you were her contact in a former soviet republic. Suppose you were her contact where ever it is they don't like Americans. Let there be no doubt when she was identified anyone who worked with her, for her, maybe even had lunch with her, was and is at risk. I used to know a guy who would always pick his seat in a restaurant, never in the middle, always in a corner, never near a window. If you wanted to see if he were inside, you had to go in, and he was always, always positioned to see all the doors. Her contacts outside the US who are still with us are no doubt doing the same thing, today. Perhaps for the rest of their lives. Covert agents of any enterprise are always, always, always, covert! I am not a democrat. This fine Republican caper is one of the most un-American events in US history! "
Howie wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:43 PM:
" The list of crimes/screw-ups/post presidential behavior/alleged crimes by present/past presidents is a reflection of human flaws. However, I list them in the order that they harm America. 1) Clinton not nabbing bin Laden when he had the chance. 2) Reagan not recognizing the terrorist threat when Marines were killed in Lebanon. 3) Elder Bush not finishing off Saddam in the 1st Gulf war. 4) All presidents past/present in neglecting a tight border control/visa control/alien control.5) Nasty partisan politics (esp dems, e.g., J. Carter bad mouthing the Country) which divide the country & seem to indicate attainment of political power supercedes the welfare of the U. S. 6) Bill & Hill's outrageous public/private behavior while 1n/out of office places these political grifters (my opinion of these 2 is unprintable in this forum)@ the top of the list as our Country's worst examples of what this country is or was about. 8) ALL PRESIDENTS: Total waste of $ for decades + not balancing the budget + "Pork" + no IRS (sales tax instead) etc... so the Libby affair is minor, but reflects political imbalance (Clinton's pardons were MUCH WORSE)! "
Grizzly Adams wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:32 PM:
" This is triumphant piece. As a fellow "non-descript writer from a small town newspaper" I have to say my hat is off to Steve for this one. After all, since the apparently brainless, endlessly arrogant windbags that have largely taken over big-time journalism in this country don't have the balls (or the wit or the basic human decency) to say these things, someone's got to say them. Bravo, bub.
BTW, Clinton pardoned a bunch of folk, yes. Even his pal Marc Rich, who was undoubtedly a dirty dude. The point is, Bush pardoned a guy for committing partisan political crimes essentially ordered by his own administration. That's the kind of thing that's supposed to happen only in crapholes like Uzbekistan, and the kind of thing that, at least in less "civilized" lands than our own, gets corrupt regimes tossed out on their butts, sometimes sans heads.
Added to the long list of crimes, indignities and unbearably stupid blunders committed by this administration, it should be pretty clear to anyone with a still-functioning brain that Bush & Co. are corrupt to the bone and unworthy of even the most feeble-minded (go Limbaugh drones!) defense.
Steve rocks. "
Tony wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:30 PM:
" Although I feel all politicians have to look out for private interests, that is the only way they can raise the money to get elected, this administration only caters to those interests. Why are the corporations flourishing and our less advantaged Americans dying in Iraq, along with thousands of its citizens in a war that was created on a false or wildly exaggerated premises,that has grossly increased the wealth of the corporate entities in good standing with this Administration.
The commutation of Libbey's sentence is only one more event that demonstrates how there are two USA's, one for the privileged and one for the commoners. I'm sure historians can point out other Administrations that have looked out for their own, but I defy them to find one where the best interest of the ordinary American is held in so low regard.
This Country could be so much better if our elected officials would remember the premise "That All Men Are Created Equal" and they were not elected to serve their friends to the detriment of the United States and its citizens.
A very thought provoking and cogent editorial
"
Santos wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:30 PM:
" I guess I'm cynical. I expect politicians to move the agenda of their particular constituents. Commuting Mr. Libby's sentence falls in line with the loyalty that Bush has shown to his subordinates. Not pardoning him makes it so that he can plead the 5th if asked further questions and be covered. The Bush family and its presidency has duped the religious right that got them there and used them to move their agenda for oil companies and landed gentry to obscene excess.
The only saving grace in our system of checks and balances is that the other branches of government should be keen enough to counterbalance the executive. They have been totally ineffectual in stopping the executive branch and are just as guilty of the mess we're in. "
jaybird wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:27 PM:
" to Robert Dearmore:
a little spoonful of salsa in Gumbo is muy sabroso! (and helps the medicine go down.) Take it, boy, take it. "
Michael Osborne wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:24 PM:
" Thank you for putting into words unspoken feelings that have been festering within me for quite some time.
I believe that both parties are sell-outs, and I also call myself an Indepentent.
In truth, those who call themselves Independent, are Moderate. However in our two party system, the power-mongers feed off of polarization. For the Left and the Right, pretending there is no Middle allows them to stay in power.
It is time to return to sanity, common sense, and consensus. You remember, like the founding fathers wanted...
Let's reject the Loonies on the left and the right, let's have a relevant independant political party. How about a party made up of people with a platform based on commonalities and common sense. "
jaybird wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:21 PM:
" To all those who accuse the author of never being a Real Republican: sure, its irrelevant to any sort of argument or retort on the issue at hand, but the perceived republican-ness of the author matters in other ways. Apparently, the guidelines for being a Real Republican are becoming narrower and narrower. Let's just concede that ground: okay, maybe all those moderates and swing voters aren't really Real Republicans after all. Just round 'em up and boot them out of the party, why don't you? Send them little cards saying they're allowed to vote for someone who isn't completely deranged, morally bankrupt, criminally incompetant or a non-achieving connection-whoring lifetime failure. Thanks, guys! "
Jacob wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:04 PM:
" I find your view on the Iraq War to be somewhat interesting. Personally, I felt that the war should have been opposed from the beginning, when Bush was so intent on sidestepping the objections of the international community. It felt like the President wanted Saddam Hussein to be the imminent threat he painted him as, rather than what he turned out to be. It's only NOW when the violence in Iraq is spiralling out of control, when their security depends on us the most, and when the mockery of our nation and armed forces is at an all-time high that we should be committing ourselves to cleaning up the mess we started and helping Iraq rebuild. "
Bob wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:03 PM:
" A very long time ago I used to be a covert operative trained by Uncle Sam. Anyone with a memory who met or knew Valerie Plame Wilson can now associate any organization or people she was with with the CIA.
Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy. Connect the dots.
The clandestine world is not an on and off proposition. Sources, methods, contacts take years or decades to develop. The trust in leadership is broken.
Were it the Soviets, they would have shot those who exposed one of their operatives.
"
Inri Porter wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:56 PM:
" You voted for this idiot Bush...you deserve everything that you get. And more. Thanks for the war, you brain-dead right wing wretch. "
JacklynDre wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:50 PM:
" Steve Thomas . . . thank you, thank you, thank you. Time to go national now. "
Jay wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:43 PM:
" That was the most well written article I've read in a long time! Very beautiful and to the point. I wish other people could see the problems in our nation as clearly as you pointed them out above. Sure there are the hating republicans replying back to you... but that's okay they are angry and I can understand why. Afterall it is completely their fault we have the tyrant in office that we have now so they want to try and shift some blame to other people... "Whoa what's that?! Look there!" Trying to pull the attention off themselves... come on hating republicans cry your river of tears here and we are offering our shoulder for you to cry on... its okay keep bashing with your comments... we understand:) "
Bill Reed wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:34 PM:
" This may be the most commented internet op/ed ever. And I'll be most of the people responding really don't know what the whole Scooter Libbey trial was about. They just feel that it's either time to get Bush (always, in their opinion), or it's time to blame the libs (again, it's their fault for this). I'm not entirely sure when we became so polarized, but I honestly feel it started on election day in 2000 when Florida came in a tie. I think the libs made it clear that they were going to hate GW on everything; and they've pretty much done that. Not that the man needed that much help, but do you honestly think he's evil? Wow. Regarding New Orleans, that was a disaster of monumental proportions (an area larger than Great Britian was destroyed by the storm), and I'm pretty sure that no government could have reacted any faster than this one did. Remember that the states are the first responders to these issues. Everybody just take a pill, please! "
Tom Carson wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:32 PM:
" So, Let me get this straight.... If we impeach and remove George Bush from office.... Then who becomes President???? Now there is something more terrible than what is going on now. I'm afraid we are going to have to wait this one out... God Bless America... God Help Us.... "
Jim S wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:30 PM:
" After reading the article online and seeing that there was a comments section I have to say that I'm not at all surprised by the vitriol that has been heaped on the writer. There are many, especially in his part of the state who are completely and utterly blind in their loyalty to GWB and refuse to listen to anything for news but the mirrors to their ideology that are Fox, Rush, Hannity and the rest like them. Good article, one of the better ones I've read. And BTW, back when he was supporting Bond I was an independent who thought he sounded pretty reasonable and voted for him. I haven't done that in years and never will again. I am a proud member of the Anyone-But-A-Republican Party and cast my vote accordingly in order to just keep anyone who gives people like Bush more power.
As far as Clinton's pardons, perhaps some people should be reminded that those were actions taken by Clinton at the end of his time in office. We have yet to see what Bush will do at that time in his administration since it is 18 months away. "
James wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:28 PM:
" The Republicans who have responded so hatefully to Steve's very reasoned and gentle column just reinforce my opinion of them: That they absolutely do not care about anything. They have no morality. They have no honor. They have no respect for the institution of law. In their minds, there is no crime a Republican can commit. The ends justify the means. Fortunately, they are just the die-hard 26 percent who will burn in their fuhrer's bunker right along with him rather than ever face the truth that he is a lawless, reckless sociopath who doesn't even care about his own party enough to act with respect for our Constitution. So, die-hard Republicans, you can go down in flames with your feckless leader. I'm sure he'll be all right because he's a millionaire. But you've voted against your best interest time and again out of spite. Not so much because you liked Bush, but more likely because you hate and loathe anyone who won't march toward fascism with you. You're on the losing side now. Let your corrosive hatred eat you alive. "
nth wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:26 PM:
" Very well written, very well reasoned. I applaud you. But reading through many of the comments to your article, I am appalled at how many are denying you were ever a Republican because of your current views! I can't imagine Lincoln or Goldwater or Eisenhower throwing mud in the face of the rule of law the way Bush has done in the Libby debacle. I guess it's gone from "my country right or wrong" to "my president right or wrong." bah humbug. "
will elliott wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:16 PM:
" Steve Thomas you write so convincingly, but from this writing its plain to me that you're no conservative now - or ever have been - I'll bet! nice try fella! "
Jude wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:46 PM:
" Excellent piece -- I live in the Ozarks and am an Independent, although I've been forced into embracing the Democrats in the last years as I became dismayed by our governance. I wrote a similar article as political editor and blogger, provocated by the sense of loss that flooded me this Fourth of July.
http://planetwavesweekly.com/resources/old_glory.html#1
I'm interested in the Republican sentiment in the commentary -- I can't seem to wrap my mind around this phenomenon; do they all still want to have a beer with a guy that wouldn't waste his time on their middle-class selves? Who refuses to pardon, to borrow a Lou Dobb-ism, the patriotic border guards that rot in jail? Bush still gets his "blind loyalty" and a harrange about Bill Clinton in a "two wrongs DO make a right" defense?
Bush may not have much to lose with this latest escapade, but the Republicans do. They refuse to acknowledge that, as well. Todays polls show that 46% of the public wants Bush impeached, Cheney 54%. Bush does them no service but they're too defensive to care. They'd best get on with it -- time's about up for their great experiment. "
gavagai wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:30 PM:
" There's a lot of talk about "outing a CIA operative". Well, we know who outed her - Dick Armitage - so did Fitzgerald *before* the Libby interrogation. And we know she wasn't a protected operative or Fitzgerald would have prosecuted Armitage (equality before the law and all). Where's this great conspiracy? Is anyone denying these facts? "
THG wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:25 PM:
" I agree with most of what the author said. As for him being a democrat, republican or independent what does it matter. He is a citizen with free speech, so far. Another 4 years of bush and his mob, and that may not be true. The President and it seems most of those around him are very arrogant. They do what they wish and care less about law or what the majority of the American people want or need. I don’t believe that any self respecting parent would let their children behave in the manor that bush and his cronies are acting. Yet there is no public outcry, no congress that will stand up to him. Hail king bush and the lords and ladies that protect him. He has done more to erode the constitution and freedoms than any other president in our history. All said and done at least bush will leave office; with his legacy; as the worst President this country ever had. "
Nicki wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:08 PM:
" I must preface this with "I no longer believe in ANY policital party", once becoming a politician, ones integrity is apparently up for sale. That said, I can agree with portions of your article. Bush has become obsessed with his "VETO" authority. He is stumbling through the remainder of his term in office with blinders on, refusing to readdress any decision he makes, no matter how badly it plays out. Even Presidents are only human, and through history all great plans (including our Constitution) have left room for amendments, GW only understands "stay the course" even when he has arrived at a dead-end on his road to success in the Middle-East . . . he just keeps butting his head against the curb and refuses to make a turn, or to realize that the U.S. will never create peace there. He has removed Sadam (who I personally saw as an evil on the same level as Bin Laden). The time is now way past to leave there, bring our remaining brave soldiers home and redirect their efforts to our needs here in our own Country; natural disasters and immigration problems, etc. "
John wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:07 PM:
" Best written here so far: "Look in the mirror and throw the typewriter at yourself." Compared with the Clintonistas--let's just take TWO $200,000 donations to their library engineered by Hillary's brother, then PARDONED--George W. Bush is a saint.
Steve Thomas, you remind me of the good little 'Rat C-SPAN callers who phone in on the Republican's line to claim that "ooh, ooh, I'm so disallusioned."
Know what the tip-off is? I'll tell you because 'Rats aren't bright enough (despite their braggting of nuance and gravitas and intellect--um, with worse grades, by the way)... here's the tip-off, Stevie: The "ooh, ooh" whiny part.
You were never a Republican. "
fear and loathing wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:04 PM:
" The conservative Republicans of this administration have done more to undermine American values while espousing those same values as their motivation for everything. Morals? Ethics? They are hypocrites and liars all the way to the top. Impeach!!
People who lazily compare this to the past have no valid argument for justifying the present. "
jonesy wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:02 PM:
" A few comments.
To me we are all Americans first and Republican or Democrat second.
As an American I am happy to share my tax dollars with Katrina survivors, Rep and Dem alike, As an American I gladly support those who serve in our armed forces rich or poor. As an American I believe no one should be above the law individual or business. As an American I am for my fellow citizens and against those who oppress them. As an American I see red, white and blue not just red or blue.
The post regarding Katrina as a problem for local government is just stupid. If your house is burning with your family inside I hope the local fire department doesn't share the same contempt for responsibility as you do or they could also assert you should have been better prepared to handle it with more practice, effort or funding toward escape routes, smoke detectors and prevention measures and since you didn't we can't see coming to your aid. People die but who cares they aren't my people and besides they should have planned better.
American? "
Alien wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:02 PM:
" It looks like America getting closer and closer in its political life to the "Democratic" Germany at the beginning of 1930th. Democrats and Republicans hate each other to the same degree as communists and fascists.
Before Rome was ran over by barbarians it was destructed by Romans itself. "
Walt wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:59 PM:
" This was a Democratic dirty trick from the word go. Libby forgot some facts and they tarred him as a liar and some idiot jury fell for it. Then the judge went beyond the beyond to lock him up. Libby will still be disbarred if he looses his appeal and will pay a hefty fine. FOR WHAT? being forgetful. Pay attention to what is really going on people. Pay attention. If Bush wanted to go "all the way" or "full hog" as one commenter said, he would have pardoned him outright. He didn't because he knows that Libby is likely to win on appeal and be exonerated entirely. This gives Libby that chance. I can't believe you were ever a Republican. I think you are just a liar about that and a violent one to boot. Something doesn't go your way and rage and violance is your natural instinctive reaction. Grow up. "
Tim wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:55 PM:
" Your writing style is as purely American as it gets. Well-rounded thinking, - I agree with my whole heart.
thanks. "
Javier wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:48 PM:
" Let's see, Nixon handed out 860+ pardons and did not even serve his full term in office. Bill Clinton issued 396 pardons - 3 more than Ronald Reagan's 393. So what's the big deal with the number of pardons handed out by Clinton? "
Stephen Lord wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:46 PM:
" Steve Thomas delivers a concise and compelling argument for impeachment. The government and the reflection it casts on this republic, resembles a science experiment that has gone horribly wrong.
We were a nation conceived and created with one primary objective: being governed by the rule of law not men. Is it cynical to think that this government is all about politics, greed, money and power with no regard for the nation, its future, the good of the planet, its inhabitants or any person outside their privileged class? No. The shear audacity of this administration is mind boggling.
When our nation's founders (the thoughtful privileged class of their time, I might add) found themselves in this situation, they addressed it by revolting. This contorting grip on our system of laws may require a revolution to reconstruct. Would impeachment change our course or merely remove from our sight that which we find displeasing leaving a core corporatist governing reality--the best democracy money can buy? You decide. What will your course of action be? A hurled typewriter? Perhaps something a little more revolting is in order. "
Steve from St. Joe wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:45 PM:
" Let's see . . . I'm a non-descript writer for a small-town newspaper. How do I get national notice? Hey, I've got it! Jump on the "Scooter-shoulda-done-the-time" bandwagon, throw Bush overboard, claim to have "seen the light" and become an independent, and for good measure, credit Jimmy Carter for being a "first-rate" ex-President.
Steve, as a political columnist (if that's your day job), you, above all, should recognize that the Democrats were just lying in wait for the President to make ANY kind of move in this case - he could have pardoned Libby, and thrown Cheney to the lions, and GW would STILL have been skewered, and you'd have been right there with them.
I hope you get national notoriety again during the next administration, so that we can read what a fine and ethical job they are doing. "
Elvina wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:44 PM:
" Why is this looked at as a Republican or Democrat matter? This is not a discussion about football games where you defend your guy no matter what he did just because he's on your team. George Herbert Walker Bush said outing a CIA operative is TREASON. Check out how TREASON has been delt with in the past. The people that are repeating the Limbaugh mantra that she wasn't a CIA operative simply haven't followed the story. It wasn't a Democrat that asked for investigation into Who in the whitehouse outed her it was actually the CIA. She was working in Iran under the auspices of a fake energy company. When her name was revealed IMAGINE what happend to the people in those foriegn countries associated with this fake company... We will never know how many actually died because of this. The fact is that when her husband Joe Wilson wrote an article about what he didn't find in Niger Rove, Cheney and crew were exposed for making up false evidence to go to war. This was latter substantiated by The Downing street memo. The outing of Plame was a vendetta because her husband told the truth and Bush don't likeit "
Dennis wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:42 PM:
" I hope that everyone has got this off of their chest now. We cannot micro manage our country, that is why we elect representatives. If they don't do the job the way we would like we throw them out and get new ones. The problem starts from day one when they get to Washington they start raising money to get reelected instead of working on the peoples business. And Remember, for lawyers it is not Right and Wrong, it is Winning and Losing. "
WB wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:40 PM:
" Wow, fantastic article. Well written. Couldn't agree more. Think we're about identical partisan-wise. I considered myself a republican till about the early/mid 90s when I realized they didn't really practice any of the stuff they preached.
Anyone who's still an R. should check out the Libertarians -- they're actually serious about the stuff you probably claim to identify with.
What really blows me away, or makes me sad for this country is the people who still support d**khead Bush (posting here, obviously.) What does it take to piss you people off?
The old "cult of personality" has alowed many sick minded leaders to rise to power and stay, but W doesn't even have that. He is a f*****g idiot that has difficulty completing a sentence, and people STILL defend him. "
moolahgone wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:36 PM:
" After watching Scooter scoot, I have an empty feeling regarding this country, just like I had when Rich was pardoned. I've concluded that there are two alternatives: take your money and move far away, or stay an ferment revolution if you have no money. The only 'correct' party is neither republican or democrat.
Given that I have money, I'm leaving... "
Amber wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:34 PM:
" I've never been a Republican, or a fan of the party. That being said, I have always been of a conservative mindset, and found myself in sympathy with Republicans on many occassions. However, I share what seems to be a more and more common disillusionment over the current administration's handling of the events of the time. I find it curious that a Republican Congress and Senate didn't hesitate to consider impeaching Clinton over a little sex, but a Democratic Congress and Senate haven't said a word about impeaching the current President over a mishandled national crisis. Go figure. "
zakur wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:34 PM:
" Hey, Joel Rankin, and the other dozen or so bushies claiming the author was never a Republican - try educating yourself a little before tossing around such a blatant fallacy:
http://www.logicalfallacies.info/notruescotsman.html "
Tom McGlinn wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:34 PM:
" Very well put. If you agree or do not agree with this view, this individual did express his view. He will not die because of expressing his view in this country. He can also express his view on religion and not be afraid of being sentenced to an end not deserved.
We do live in a society where you can express yourself and that is GREAT. We can all be thankful for living in a country where you can speak your mind. "
Albert wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:33 PM:
" A commutation or pardon can serve the ends of justice, or it can be personal and sleazy. The Libby commutation, personal and sleazy, is also an interference with the checks and balances of American government. In keeping Libby out of prison, Bush is shielding himself from the possibility that Libby would rat out the administration in a deal to reduce his prison sentence. By not issuing a full pardon, Bush leaves Libby in jeopardy so he can plead the Fifth if called to testify. Libby is also left beholden to Bush in the hope of a future pardon. When Presidential power is used to quash an investigation into possible Presidential wrongdoing, then I think the President's actions become obstruction of justice and a "high crime" worthy of impeachment. (We saw this when Nixon fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox.) Even if there is no impeachment, maybe the Libby commutation has made Bush's arrogance so transparent that the fireworks and anger at Bush will keep going long after July 4. It's high time for the American people to see Bush for who he really is instead of the Father-protector he touts himself to be. "
SkiBum wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:32 PM:
" I love those with Bush Derangement Syndrome. The world-class stupid statements are a delight to read. It makes me endlessly happy to see how sorry you and your world are. Keep it up and make me even happier! "
K Mucha wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:29 PM:
" The president and vice president of the united states have broken multiple laws and scooter libby is going to get a full pardon in order to keep them from being impeached. That is why they are stonewalling the congressional inquiries, the is no other reason.
Republicans will try their constant spinning of the facts and faux noise will continue to broadcast their manipulated facts to distort the facts and the obvious truths. The democrats will continue to spin their lack of success with bush and cheney as beyond their control.
It doesn't matter what anyone else has done in the past. There are certainly many ways to blame someone else for the bush admin behavior. What matters is what is going to happen now.
If bush and cheney have not broken the laws, they should provide the information that supports that position. Clearly not the case here ... both claiming to be above the law via executive priviledge instead of providing the information to the investigation.
The situation should be boiled down to following the rule law. No ridiculous interpretations or claims. Provide the information or face impeachment.
My position has nothing to do political parties. "
Tex from Texas wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:29 PM:
" You are a bitter person. And all that tripe about being a Republican...I call you out on bullshit. A RINO perhaps for a time, but never a Republican in terms of how the party is characterized - or at least USED to be.
"
steve wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:24 PM:
" I sounds like you are deeply troubled emotionally...from registering Republican because your father was a Democrat? You are hysterical in your outrage over the Scooter Libby affair? Well, pull the lever for Hillary and get back to your roots, if that is your catharsis....but, please don't think for a moment that you were a Republican.
Politics don't change much from administration to administration(it's a shame). Why commuting the Libby sentence would come as a surprise can only be a surprise in itself. Thou doth protest too much, Mr. Thomas. (BTW, I never heard a Republican quote Hunter S. Thompson, who had his own major issues.) But, spare the rest of us your transparent shock. It's a good idea if you toss your typewriter, word processor, and computer, so that the rest of us don't have to witness your breakdown over the same nonsense that occurs time and again, from administration to administration. "
Joe wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:23 PM:
" Very nicely done.
For the posters who question the underlying crime, you need to turn off the Fox and the Rush. Valerie Plame WAS covert, and a crime WAS committed. That is only disputed by partisan water carriers, and anyone who does dispute it is misinformed or a liar. That's a fact. The CIA has clarified her status many times. Libby kept the justice system from running his course, and 30 months is WELL within the sentencing guidelines for the crime committed.
Defenders of this administration should be very ashamed and, in my eyes, have forfeited the right to be called Americans. This isn't how Americans behave. "
Anonymous wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:22 PM:
" If you honestly believe that it's just in the past ten years that the president's been corrupt, that the rich get free while the poor get broken, and that the government doesn't give a rat's ass about the individual man on the street, then the word for you is not "disillusioned" or "frustrated". It's "naive".
Don't vote, it only encourages them.
"
Jon wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:22 PM:
" I agree with the story. Only thing I would add is that New Orleans residents need to *not* rebuild in the same low areas where they will just be flooded again.
"
Steve wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:22 PM:
" Nice summary of the Libby fiasco. It is obvious that Libby had the power to sing some pretty stunning songs, and probably one of those was thathe was ordered to leak the CIA secrets by his boss or above.
In pointing out the ineptitude of Bush, our beloved 43rd president of the US, you missed that he broke and ignored at least 6 (SIX) international treaties agreed to by earnest hard work of prior presidential adminstrations, including the Geneva conventions, by setting up Guantanamo and torturing prisoners (constant perssurized questioning IS conasidered torture by it) and holding them in secret and without charge.
America has a lot of undoing to be done in 2009. If a president can simply ignore treaties, what country can trust the US? The great international countries should hold our feet to the fire and insist that the US constitution have a better check and balance on the the conduct of our president--not simply a political two party system.
I still have a hard time believing that my country of freedom invaded and is now occupying another sovereign country "
Rob wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:20 PM:
" The Democratic Mayor of NOLA and Democratic Governor of Louisiana fabricated the Katrina mess. The civil defence City buss drivers ran away, leaving people to die. The Feds were kept waiting for days at the border. You were duped into thinking otherwise. NOLA is still a mess because of Nagen. You get what you vote for. Want more messes? Vote Democrat.
The Plame Affair was fabricated by Joe Wilson who listed his own wife in Who's Who as a worker for a known CIA front company. He outted his own wife!! Next he lied about what happened in Niger, and has not been questions on these issues because partisans want an issue, not the facts.
Libby got convicted for having a poor memory about a discussion on the topic of a non-crime, i.e. outting Plame. At least he didn't cut up incriminating documents like Sandy Burger, or end up with a multi-point conviction like Henry Cisneros, a Clinton cabinet head btw.
"
Blindterrry wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:19 PM:
" Whoever you are Thanks! I had just turned 18 in October of 1972. My first vote in an election went to Richard Nixon, I voted for him because I believed him.......
I am from a family of 15, I was in Catholic school in 1960, we did the Rosary to get Jack elected,I recall hearing that one, only has one president, he was mine, granted I was a boy, my heart was broken in '63, I came of age in '74.
I was disgusted for years but continued to vote, (admittidely at times it was challenging to continue exercising my democratic right). But save this article at a very critical time for me( I was waiting to see the outcome of the Libby trial and sentencing as a more than defining moment for this band of.....)and the gelling of ideals.
The 2008 election was to be the year I put it down, finished. Unable to bear the denial any longer that perhaps my vote does not count, or it doesn't matter anyway, or worse they're all the same. Obviously not true but very seductive. There's you keep swinging.
Again Thanks!
I hope many read your article!! "
John wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:19 PM:
" Libby is a pawn. Dick Cheney is responsible for the leak of Valerie Plame's identity to strike back at Joseph Wilson because he presented an intelligent argument against war with Iraq before the Iraq war. Libby doesn't deserve to go to jail and that's why his sentence was commuted. "
Rob wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:18 PM:
" The Democratic Mayor of NOLA and Democratic Governor of Louisiana fabricated the Katrina mess. The Feds were kept waiting for days at the border. You were duped into thinking otherwise. NOLA is still a mess because of Nagen. You get what you vote for. Want more messes? Vote Democrat.
The Plame Affair was fabricated by Joe Wilson who listed his own wife in Who's Who as a worker for a known CIA front company. He outted his own wife!! Next he lied about what happened in Niger, and has not been questions on these issues because partisans want an issue, not the facts.
Libby got convicted for having a poor memory about a discussion on the topic of a non-crime, i.e. outting Plame. At least he didn't cut up incriminating documents like Sandy Burger, or end up with a multi-point conviction like Henry Cisneros, a Clinton cabinet head btw.
"
Robert O'Dell wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:12 PM:
" Article 2, section 2 of the Constitution gives the President the right to 'Reprieve and Pardon" In my own usage and in that of my dictionary, a reprieve has to do with time. Commute has to do with a change. In this case, a reprieve is a delay of execution of the sentence. A commutation is a change in the sentence, which is what Mr. Bush has done.
Mr. Bush has three Constitutional choices: to delay the application of Mr. Libby's sentence; to pardon him; or to refuse to get involved.
A 'strict constructionist' would have to say that Mr. Bush has acted without Constitutional authority. And, no, this is not a small point. The law rests on the meaning of words. Unless the meaning of the word 'reprieve' or of the word 'pardon' has changed in the past 215 years to include 'commute', he has no more right to commute Mr. Libby's sentence than I do. "
Douglas wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:09 PM:
" Great article.
The posters should stop with the comparisons to Bill Clinton. It is common for presidents to go through a list of pardons at the end of their terms (which I don't agree with,) but for our current president to immediately commune a sentence for a crony in a case that, without Libby's help, may have led directly up the chain to the White House, is inconceivable. Actually, it is par for the course with this administration.
Most Democrats AND Republicans that I know are fed up with this administration, and his approval ratings show it. So, the twenty-something percent of you that are still in his corner, well, even the Cleveland Browns still have fans. Unfortunately, politics shouldn't have die-hard followers like sporting events. Being objective about both sides of the aisle evokes great decisions. "
Gary wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:04 PM:
" Give me a break. "Yet a small part of me won’t give up on our country." How mighty big of you. You sound like all of the other whinning liberals.
On New Orleans....Liberals always trying to blame someone (Usually Republicans)instead of accepting responsibility. Be honest and tell the whole story about New Orleans. Liberals governed by liberals. On the poor....Never in history has there been a more prosperous time for our country and the rest of the world. Never has there been a more prosperous time for minorities also. You can thank rich people. I love rich people. They are the ones that spend money on cars, houses, restaurants, furnishings, etc. No big deal. It just benefits all of the poor and working class. But liberals want to be poor little victoms. Most rich people became rich by hard work, sacrifice and a spirit of entrepreneurship. Bye for now you poor suv driving, Nike wearing liberal poor folks. Here some kleenex. I use to be a liberal...when I was 18 and and didn't know any better. "
clueless wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:03 PM:
" What is about facts that escape the GOP? Nixon, oops, W apointed the judge who did not understand why Scotter could never tell the truth in his court. W's judged called him a lier. Thats why is singled out, he lied to everyone in the investigation.
Bush 1 pardoned those who ran a private war out of the White House. Democarcy at its lowest, a private war funded by drug money. Those folks deserve a pardon, and indeed Col. North is deserving of hero status in the GOP.
Yes the GOP sure showed us how to run the USA.
Oh yeah, the WMDs turned out to be an old vechicle by the Jordian boarded left over from the 1st war. More facts of no interest to the GOP.
"
Liz wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:57 PM:
" I live in New Orleans. There are no words that can relate the disgust I have for the present set of people in the Executive Branch (yes, Cheney is in the Executive Branch). The party holds up a set of ideals about a fantasy of American ideals, but what they really care about is getting their nut of money to buddies in Bechtel, Halliburton, GE, etc. They make me ashamed to be part of the same political system. And people all over the world are also disgusted.
I suggest some of you who posted about how great the president is should come on down here in New Orleans for awhile. Go volunteer with one of the churches or "liberal" non-profits that have stepped in to do the work that should have been paid for by the insurance companies to whom we have paid premiums (AllState, AIG, etc) or by the federal government. I believe in the people who have come here and not an ounce of those in power. I dare Cheney to spend a couple of days in a gutted house or FEMA formadahyde filled trainer. "
Matt wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:57 PM:
" This guy was never a republican. He voicing no outrage at the fact that a special prosecuter can be commissioned to investigate a non crime, find nothing, yet put people in jail on hearsay evidence. It was a partisan witch hunt and Bush was right for commuting the jail time.
On the other hand if it really was "lying" that commands so much jail time why didn't Clinton go to jail for lying about sexual relations? Clinton lied intentionally while Scooter "lied" only if you except a bunch of "witnesses" with axes to grind over his word.
"
Joe wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:53 PM:
" What happened within this country's justice system that makes perjury acceptable. Libby lied on the stand. Guilty. All other gobbly-gook aside. "
Paul C wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:53 PM:
" I think Bush has acted very consistantly with this Libby comutation. For all of his religious lip service it is clear from the facts that he and the republicans have no social consience. The democrats at least try to convince us that they do.
The bottom line is this, most of the people eligble to vote don't care enough to do so. NOTHING will change for the better till that changes. TAKE A STAND, RIGHT OR WRONG, GO VOTE NEXT TIME! Politicians count on the fact that less than half of the eligible voters will vote. DO IT!!!!! "
Tom wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:52 PM:
" I found your article interesting. I will add that the Democrats in New Orleans, including just about all state and locals, sat on their hands asking who would fix their problem. The Republicans in Mississippi who were just as hurt went to work the next day to rebuild their lives. As for Scooter lying, isn't that what Clinton did? If we lock up all the people in D.C. who lie, who will be left? "
Dean Carpenter wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:52 PM:
" Like this doesn't happen every day in local, state and federal courts. Every time the President does it near the end of the second term the press beats it's collective breast in self righteous indignation.
Contemplate a stupid act like throughing a typerwriter through a widow while our republic slides into an aristocracy. What an impotent pansy. "
Puzzled Independent wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:50 PM:
" Wow, are you serious? You think Ford's pardoning of Nixon was somehow bad for the country? Historians almost universally agree that it was the right thing to do, even though it was hugely unpopular and certainly eliminated Ford's chances at re-election. Libby's prosecution was political to begin with. Both the democrats and Republicans waste time and our money attacking each other instead of working together to find meaningful solutions for health care, immigration, the environment, etc. Katrina was a fiasco, but everyone shares the blame in that one. Look at our do nothing congress now. They have passed one major bill in the first 6 months of this year and are going on an extended vacation! I weap for my children's future. "
Dubya Snubya wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:50 PM:
" Look, Why can't we all get along here. Did anyone not take heed to Rodney King?
The Clintons and Bushs are Corporate Whores. Let's get someone in who represents THE AMERICAN PEOPLE not the rich. This is why we are in the predicament we are in! "
Matt wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:45 PM:
" And to all you people complaining about Clinton:
Bringing up Mark Rich is just an excuse to make Clinton look bad and distract people from what is really important; Scooter libby was convicted of obstruction of justice in connection to the outing of an UNDERCOVER CIA AGENT.
This isn't just about money. This is about PEOPLE'S LIVES and NATIONAL SECURITY. Libby's conviction of obstruction of justice implies that he protected higher up officials who outed Valerie Plame because her husband was a political enemy.
What truly happened, we'll never know because Libby, beyond any reasonable doubt, obstructed the investigation. In my mind that is treason.
So complain away about taxes and corrupt democrats, you look awfully hypocritical defending a man who helped compromise our national security during a time of war. "
gavagai wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:40 PM:
" Somewhat disingenuous self-characterization I think.
“... Mr. Libby remains convicted by a jury of serious felonies”
Only after the defense was denied the opportunity to point out that no crime was committed and hence Libby had no motive to "cover up". Subsequently a juror was quoted on TV saying words to the effect that they had to hold someone to account (for the "criminal" leak).
"At least one sentence of that statement is worth repeating: “It is fundamental to the rule of law that all citizens stand before the bar of justice as equals.”
You mean Democrats and Republicans I presume? Clinton, Bergen? Or maybe Dick Armitage? Wait, the leak was not a crime, sorry - forget Armitage.
"The president’s action in the Libby case has made this living, working reality into a debased, sad fantasy."
Compared to say a President who pardoned (not commuted) a $10 million contributor, who was a fugitive.
"For the most part, people who found their best economic opportunities in the armed services"
Dishonest draft service logic (factually false too). "
Bart wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:37 PM:
" Like mutually assured destruction, natural disasters are supposed to be bad, thats why they are called disasters. "Were we directed from Washington when to sow and when to reap, we should soon want bread." --Thomas Jefferson The Federal government is not the answer to disaster preparedness. Its wonderful that most of us don't support the war now, although we supported it then. We should hate the war, but are not be paralyzed. Who supports war? George W. was handed a tough hand of cards, and he has done pretty good. I far from agree with him on numerous topics, but I think its a tough job, and he is doing a better than average job. This above all: to thine own self be true. You are a moderate socialist, not a moderate conservative. "
Chris wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:37 PM:
" Bush could easily have waited until his last day of office, and then pardoned Libby, but, as is painfully clear, Libby has incriminating evidence on Bush and Cheney taht Bush fears. Thusly the deal had to be for Commutation. "
Jon Strauss wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:36 PM:
" I could care less about the demarcation of party lines. Any president that willfully uses his power to subvert the written law is slime.
"
Will wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:35 PM:
" I am by no means condoning what President Bush did but former President Clinton did the same thing after his Impeachment and lied to a grand jury about his actions even though his actions should not have been on a world stage this article is very well written and I am in total agreement with the author just because someone knows the president doesn't mean they should get special treatment even though Libby was probably told to lie to the grand jury by the president himself. "
JuneBudd wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:34 PM:
" Comments are well taken. One point I would add: Members of the Supreme Court have lost their aura of being above petty politics.Probably this virtue was not entirely deserved, nevertheless, when they gave the office of president to George W.Bush they made people wonder if they decide other questions of law without resorting to their political leanings. "
scarsz wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:34 PM:
" I glad to read the what I feel but didn't how to put into words. About all I can add is that stupidity should be painful... maybe if was the people would have done something a long time ago about this corrupt administration as well as the corrupt politicians that supported the administration. "
Milhouse wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:32 PM:
" In reading this comments thread, I'm struck by the difference in the presentation of opinion from those on the left and those of right. One side presents as shrill, reactionary and barely articulate. The other calm, reasoned and succint. "
Jason wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:31 PM:
" You are so missing the big picture.
You're forgetting that Libby lied under oath in order to hide the conspiracy within the administration to fabricate "evidence" that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction. Bush was just protecting his fall guy. The real criminals are in the white house.
Read this:
http://www.lewrockwell.com/roberts/roberts130.html "
Michael wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:30 PM:
" Great article separating myth from spin. Thank you for your honest appraisal sans partisan spin. Clinton cannot honestly be justified in the wrong he perpetrated while in office any more than Bush can now. Those who justify evil conduct in office by pointing at the wrongs of others are bringing our Country down to the level of "Pigpen Partisan Politics" at the expense of the Republic.
"
Mike wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:30 PM:
" Several posts point out the problem with the die hard "Bushies" that are still willing to fall on the sword for their leader. Every fault is countered with an example from history where a leader was worse. Sure, Clinton had his faults and Bush is not as vicious as Hitler. But why do the "Rushies" and the "Bushies" always compare GW to the world's lowest common denominators? You do the Math! That's the only way they can justify their insidious failures. "
Matt wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:29 PM:
" This is one of the most interesting and well written articles I've ever read. This country needs more writers like you. "
Mike wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:29 PM:
" Several posts point out the problem with the die hard "Bushies" that are still willing to fall on the sword for their leader. Every fault is countered with an example from history where a leader was worse. Sure, Clinton had his faults and Bush is not as vicious as Hitler. But why do the "Rushies" and the "Bushies" always compare GW to the world's lowest common denominators? You do the Math! Save the typewriter, it may be the only weapon left after this President and this administration strips the country barren of any possibility of dissent. Bush is the most unconscionable President in US history and has taken the most egregious steps to flaunt the constitution and the will of the people. Long live Hunter Thomson and the rest of us poor bastards who try to make sense of this mayhem for an unwitting public. "
Jeanne McQueen wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:27 PM:
" I never could understand why Fitzpatrick even questioned Libby after he already knew that Armitage had been the informer of ex-CIA Plame. She wasn't even a secret cia person when her name was made public. The whole court affair sounded completely political and I couldn't for the life of me figure what made Fitzpatrick be so aggressive against Libby. "
M Byrne wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM:
" Well stated. Don't kid yourself however, GW is playing from the same Reagan playbook. Both were inept but one could read from a script.
"
Michael wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:26 PM:
" Scooter Libby was railroaded from the beginning. Why he was not fully pardoned is beyond me. And why is it when Bill or Hilary fudge their testimony in front of the court it is funny and cute. But a republican forget a detail? He should be put to death! Your agony over Libby is absurd and amusing. "
Jeff wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM:
" Jimmy Carter a first-rate ex-president? Dude, you departed the Republican Party long ago, you just never realized it. "
jenestig wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:22 PM:
" Spoken like a true democrat. Where was your outcry when the PRESIDENT did not know what "is" means? One thing i never hear your type say is; this entire mess was started by Carter, and flourished under Clinton. Now this mess has to be cleaned up because a reprobate was more concerned with getting a bj than running the country. an your dad was a was some stinking hippie, thrilled with the us loss in vietnam. the reason we arent winning is simple. Pink handed liberal elected officials should keep their mouths shut, and allow the men to fight. "
Mike wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:21 PM:
" Save the typewriter, it may be the only weapon left after this President and this administration strips the country barren of any possibility of dissent. Bush is the most unconscionable President in US history and has taken the most egregious steps to flaunt the constitution and the will of the people. Long live Hunter Thomson and the rest of us poor bastards who try to make sense of this mayhem for an unwitting public. "
dave wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:19 PM:
" First half of this peice of crap has no thing to do with libby. This guy sounds like a closet democrat who will make up anything to attack the republicans, but try to sound like he is one so he has crediblity. Im not buying it, this guy is a joke. "
Andy wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:17 PM:
" All,
Please don't forget that the previous dirtbag president Clinton fully pardoned Mark Rich, a tax evader, only because his wife donated money to the democratic party.
This is an insult to every taxpaying American. If I have to pay, then eveyone should pay. "
Tom wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:16 PM:
" I understand your feelings, but why would Bill Clinton's pardoning of criminals not get you just as angry? Was it the nature of the crimes? I find both Parties distasteful but since I hate the Democrats more I still vote GOP. "
Robbie Brewington, League City, Texas wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:04 PM:
" Well said, Mr. Thomas. Very well said, indeed. I'm a lifelong Democrat who shares your disappointment (although I probably would have phrased it more strongly). After listening to so so much blather from 'Republicans' over the past 7 years, it's wonderful to find a Republican with whom I can agree!
I have an old Remington typewriter that needs a good cleaning. . .
"
Peter wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:03 PM:
" This is as eloquent and powerful a statement as I have seen in many months -- perhaps years. It puts Bush and Libby in context, not as the disease but as symptoms. It deserves to be widely disseminated and discussed. "
kirk wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:02 PM:
" your stupidity is only surpassed by the crap that you spew..
this is far less than what clinton did when he was in office.
well see come election if you even think the democrats have half a chance
then i want some of the drugs your on
i am SICK TO DEATH of the the left wing media bias
ill be smug and laughing when fred thompson is in office
"
Malengine wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:55 AM:
" I'm a lifelong Democrat, and I'm rarely shocked when Republicans in office back legislation that will, in the long term, screw the poor. That's just par for the course. Having said that: Clinton abused the public trust in like fashion when he pardoned all those folks on the day he left office, including Mark Rich.
I am surprised that you didn't get disillusioned when we went into Iraq. Like all Americans, after 9/11 I was saddened and enraged and I wanted someone to pay. And despite the fact that I voted for Gore, Bush handled himself well in the run-up to Afghanistan. We went through the proper channels and TRIED to get the Taliban's regime to let us go in after bin Laden. But Iraq had nothing to do with 9/11. NOTHING. The administration's conflation of the two disgusts me, as it will anyone who looks at the facts. We went to war against a sovereign power under false pretenses, and it was the single worst abuse of executive authority I can think of.
Everything since then can probably be explained by callousness and monumental incompetence. "
Sophie G wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:54 AM:
" I am not optimistic that US elections will be more effective than the lobby or that federal judges, so arrogantly replaced by Bush in key electoral states, will not protect GOP malfeasance during the elections. We have become a corrupt nation of gargantuan proportions and can no longer claim altruistic goals since we uncontrovertibly invaded Iraq not to spread democracy, but to gain control of their oil and to benefit Halliburton, et al.
I am also concerned that Americans may soon be shocked and awed by the agreement already signed by Bush with Mexico and Canada to create a North American Union similar to the European Union, eliminating the borders between Canada, the US and Mexico, for travel, work, etc. between those countries effective in 2010.
Therefore, in less than 3 years any legislated immigration policy will be moot since our borders will be open, eliminating immigration deterrents to millions from Mexico.
Of course, it's only logical, since the Republicans share Mexico's "trickle down" economic policy which is turning the US into a 3rd world nation.
Hasta la vista to jobs in the US (immigration + new global trade agreements)!
"
John wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:50 AM:
" I couldn't agree more. But how do we, the vast majority in this country that are being used every day, change things. Getting rid of Republicans
and electing Democrats may have some short term benefit, but let's all be
real honest - in the long term Democrats
are not going to be that much different.
Some things will look different - war in Iraq will end - civil liberties will be restored - more money will be spent of getting New Orleans repaired - hopefully taxes on super rich will be increased - BUT we must all realize that the issues facing this country are
much larger than one party can or will fix - it just is not in their best interests. The middle class will continue to bear the brunt of higher costs, higher taxes, and lower wages. Oil imports will continue to rise, affordable health care will still not be resolved, Social Security will still be a mess, etc. etc.
Fixing this is going to take you, me and about 100 million more standing up and saying "I'm mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore"
"
sam wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:49 AM:
" Well. Another citizen screaming, "Hang him!" instead of, "Justice tempered with mercy." Let's see: Clinton pardoned a long list, over 400 people who were convicted by a court in the same justice system everybody is defending today. On his last day in office, as a sort of "I'll show you," he pardoned a long list including an ex patriot convict and a criminal whose pardon was lobbied by a member of his family. As I recall, the outrage was so intense that it appeared in the media for one day and then disappeared. Libby, on the other hand, was convicted of either lying or bad memory (certainly a possibility,) in the midst of a of public service. the judge (political leanings?) threw the book at him in spite of several mitigating circumstances submitted in court. If so determined to defend the legal system to the infinite degree, the Duke students should be in jail and the prosecutor being given a ribbon for public service. No! The justice system is often wrong! That is precisely why our founding fathers included the means of a final reprieve. Don't toss it! "
bahana wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:49 AM:
" For the first time I feel a sense of collective connection and common cause in our mutual disgust, bewildered amazement and bitter sadness at the atrocities of the this administration; someone called it the motivation of the reptiian brain, a preconscious status; some call it the self righteousness of the religious right which as it turns out, is the same fanaticism of the terrorists we call our enemy. I believe that the implicit integrity of this connection will move through this and more. "
PuWeiTa wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:47 AM:
" Don't blame George. After all, he was democratically twice elected to the Presidency of the greatest country on earth in history. As one Canadian official remarked during a recent north-east electric blackout "When is the last time the Americans blamed themself?"
Put up and shut up. "
Peter wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:39 AM:
" I only have one problem with this article, the statement about supporting the Iraq war until it became mismanaged. I think a lot more people than realized understand that the war was a fraud from the start and want someting done about it, why hasnt there been an investigation into war fraud? Where are the Democrats when you need them? A lot of us want to see some blood but the Democtratic Party leadership are concerned about looking 'responsible' ahead of the elections. The 'mismanged' thing distracts from the issue of the process of us getting into the war in the first place and is an obvious cop out. "
Raj wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:39 AM:
" At the risk of adding fuel to your outrage, may I mention that Scooter Libby was the lawyer who defended Marc Rich the financier for over a decade against tax fraud. Marc Rich fled to Switzerland and it is well know that he was eventually pardoned by Bill Clinton just before he left office, sparking national furore.
"
Craig Snyder wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:36 AM:
" "all men are CREATED equal" Not true, as it is WRITTEN by our CREATOR, here, Exodus 4:11, and here Romans 9:21! Men are to be SEEN as equals, as seen here, Act 17:26, or as BETTER than ourselves, as seen here, Phillipians 2:3.
If one says something about GOD ALMIGHTY, the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, it has to be PROVABLE by HIS WORD, the King James Bible!
Yeah, you have to look up those verses, it'll do ya good. Do you remember how?
In the service of the TRUTH, the LIVING WORD, JESUS CHRIST,
Craig "
Les Kooyman wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:35 AM:
" From the citation of Hunter Thompson to Atticus Finch, brilliant. Absolutely on target. I would only add that when W commuted Libby's sentence he broke the unspoken contract between America and its citizens: that in the end, all are equal before the law. That is a very powerful unspoken compact. When such compacts are broken, especially with the arrogance and downright meanness shown by the current bunch of criminals in the White House, revolutions can result. "
John wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:35 AM:
" I wish I could put into words the way I feel about the character of George Bush as well as this article does. But, if the Democrats can't get elected after this; we deserve Jed. "
kd7mnr wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:32 AM:
" I to thought that president bush had a good start then I started to see things go south really South. I saw the total disregard for law and for Life. Lies started to flow like water. And the good taste I had for this president has failed.
It was plain that even the simplest things were made hard things like immigration, Transportation, Why we have the most secure airport's in the world But our country is the most pores in the world and the word secure is a joke. "
Chris Nordstrom wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:32 AM:
" Why is what W did any worse than what Clinton did which was to pardon and/or commute the sentence of numerous jury-convicted felons? Please tell me you were consistent with your rants when that happened? "
Ken Ballweg wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:32 AM:
" Thank you Steve Thomas.
Brilliant piece of writing. Well said. "
Brian wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:31 AM:
" I've never read your work before and I'm impressed. With your discourse, intellect, and outrage.
It seems that the outrage of late almost unanimously comes from people who had already made their minds up about these guys before hand, its nice to see someone who has assessed the administration on a case by case basis come to the same obvious conclusions.
"
JonR wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:30 AM:
" Oh please Steve Thomas! What a bunch of hyped-up claptrap! You liberal elitist are so wrapped around the axel about Libby you don't see the real problems that surround this country. You could not get Rove out so you obsess over Libby. The whole Valerie Plame witch hunt is/was a joke and you know it! Your semantics over Libby is hypocrisy at its worst. Just like the Clintons chiming in on this subject. The masters of paid-for pardons! Why don’t you harp on them Thomas? However I expect no less from "journalists" like you. Another example of why “mainstream” news is no longer relevant. "
Richard Wilkinson wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:28 AM:
" Thanks, I wish there were more like you. I work with reporters and editors and I like them even though they are mostly a bunch of whores but I need them to get something done.
dentoncounty.info "
Tai Ble wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:26 AM:
" I'm glad someone else is at outraged about this as I am. While I find it hard to vote for a Democrat, I will no longer vote for a Republican (with the notable exception of Ron Paul). "
cooper wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:22 AM:
" well hello crybaby,
grow up.
have you forgotten all the knuckleheads clinton pardoned.
even though you profess to be an independent, you certainly sound like another disgruntled democrat, who are by the way all alike, for the party to hell with the country, how about you make a move to iraq and let out troops keep you alive there, you certainly dont deserve the liberty you have here in this wonderful and God blessed country. oh yea i forgot, you were a rebel as a child, it figures.
cooper "
Gorgonzola wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:20 AM:
" Now after all that watch the dumbell vote for another corrupt republican "
tom wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:20 AM:
" Mr. Thomas:
You have written the best commentary per Bush I have ever read -- cogent, beautifully written.
Great Stuff "
Kurt Dowdle wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:16 AM:
" The founding fathers fought against the principle of "privilege" which broken down to its Latin roots means "private law." Equality has been giving up ground to privilege for the last 100 years. If we would open our eyes a little wider, we would see that inequality is now the norm. We should have started throwing typewriters long ago. "
Ken wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:14 AM:
" What about Clinton's pardon of 200+, mostly with much more serious offenses & convictions...and for $$$ for the library...and Sandy "Burglar" who got of VERY easy. Richard Armitage "outed" Valerie Plane...and Carter, who you say is a pretty good ex-pres..is anot only an America hater, but a fool. "
Gemweight wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:13 AM:
" Wonderful commentary on the ugly underbelly of America and the scum administration that exposes it in such tawdry fashion. I too am a disillusioned Republican who goes back to Eisenhower but will go forward in a different party. "
Jean wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:12 AM:
" A bumper sticker in a working class neighborhood in Denver:
Sometimes a patriot has to defend his country from his government. "
Li Sing wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:11 AM:
" It helps a little bit to see the words from someone else's mind that are tangled in my own throat. We must do something. I can only think of the protests that we ( a child of the sixties) put on in the streets to bring the attention required to make a change...I hope that protest is rumbling beneath the surface ready to explode. Mr. Bush has built a wall between his inner circle and the people of America...Mr. Bush...Tear down this wall.
V said..."People should not be afraid of their government, government should be afraid of it's people." "
Dick wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:09 AM:
" Mr. Thomas, I would like to know what you wanted to throw when President Clinton pardon 100+ the day before he was leaving office. You did write about it didn't you. Tell us where we can find the Clinton pardon story. "
Lee Jenkins wrote on Jul 7, 2007 11:03 AM:
" Corruption and ineptitude find their place among both the Republicans and Democrats. The myth of justice upheld is no more broken now than when Clinton was president. His presidency was mired in allegations of corruption, sexual misconduct, and illegally trading military secrets with China, among other things. As for controversial pardons, Bush has a long way to go to catch up with Clinton.
None of this justifies further corruption, of course. But when it comes to getting away with things, the Democrats have succeeded on the same grand scale as the Republicans. The Democrats have their own list of failings no less severe than the Republicans. If it were not so, the Democrats would never have lost control of the house and senate during Clinton's administration.
It is tempting to indulge in a dramatic protest, but throwing typewriters is unlikely to solve anything. Any meaningful change will require the majority of Americans to see through the partisan propaganda. Corruption and ineptitude will continue as long as we believe they are the domains of one or other political party. "
Sean wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:58 AM:
" I would just like to remind you that many other presidents have pardoned controversial people as well. Gene Gerard wrote in his article for HNN Network:
"Carter gave amnesty to the Vietnam draft resisters, and commuted the sentence of armed robber Patty Hearst. Reagan issued a pardon to George Steinbrenner of the New York Yankees for illegal campaign contributions he made in the 1960s. George Bush, Sr. pardoned Iran contra scandal figure Caspar Weinberger. Clinton infamously pardoned fugitive financier Mark Rich, whose wife had been a major contributor to the Democratic National Committee."
"George W. Bush is now notable for issuing so few actions of clemency. In comparison to his 31, Clinton averaged 228 during each of his administrations."
You may not like the pardon President Bush gave to Mr. Libby, however, I am certain that there were those that did not appreciate the pardon Former President Clinton gave to Mr. Rich or any of the others mentioned above. Granting clemency should never be about political issues. It should always be about mercy and grace, unmerited favor. For those who are believers in Christ they live by grace and mercy everyday and are ever thankful for it. "
Jon wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:51 AM:
" It seems odd to me that someone who went Republican because he liked that they tried to keep government out of his life would leave it because it didn't intrude enough (Katrina). The problems that Katrina exposed was not the incompetancy of any single politician (though there was some), but the fallacy of our culture of increasing reliance on government to solve our social problems, when there is no evidence of the government ever solving any. Two years later there are still people who are relying on government housing after Katrina. If they can't support their own living expenses by now, the fault lies not with the government. It is time for some personal responsibility. I absolutely believe in helping those who need it, but sometimes the most compassionate thing to do to help someone is to make them pull themselves up. If we hadn't been relying on government so heavily both before and after Katrina, N.O. would have been rebuilt by now.
As far as Libbey is concerned, I hope, for continuity's sake, that you were even more upset that Clinton committed the exact same crime (and more), yet recieved no jail time. "
Donovan wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:47 AM:
" Perfectly apt - I sympathize with the frustration. When such a travesty last occurred in D.C., the same people calling for leniency for Scooter's perjury were demanding blood from another perjurer and explaining "high crimes" to me - I expressed my outrage at the hypocrisy to the defenseless tulip beds on the Hill. "
jim r wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:47 AM:
" Bush has relied on "I have nothing to lose" thinking, and miscalculated. The truly disgraceful Libby commutation will prove to be the spark which ignites a popular firestorm leading to impeachment proceedings in the House. The public is just a bit ahead of Ms. Pelosi at the moment. Wait 30 days. "
Patrick wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:43 AM:
" You pretty much read my mind and stated intelligently what I have been feeling since the begining of the Iraq War.
I too left the Republican party in disgust and defected to the Democratic Party. Now they show me that they aren't going to do anything either, and the candidates for President are a bit alarming! Clinton or Obama....hmmm, I'll take Richardson, but he'll never get the nod.
These people are out of control, and the only people who can get that control back, are we the voters.
So vote people for God's sake. "
David Yates wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:36 AM:
" You are correct on all points, sadly, but one. Were it not for the perversion of the ballot box, George W. Bush would never have become President.
His crimes (documented and proven to everyone but a court) began long before his term of office. It was, and apparently still is, our political naivete allowing him, time and again to commit acts that boggle the mind with their temerity and malevolence.
The worst of it is that he is only one of a
cabal whose purpose is to circumvent and subvert the will of the people for corporate gain. Even the military is now dependent on the Corporate stranglehold of Blackwater's mercenaries, Halliburton, KBR, etc. and the ultimate beneficiaries are cartels and contributors (eg., vulture capitalist corporation operators, scam artists like those who bilked billions through Enron and the Saudi Royal Family, et al.) whose sophistication and amorality leaves those who believe in the rule of Law, Justice and the Will of the People dazzled in disbelief.
Consolidation of the Press has kept Americans uninformed and electronic voting machines will soon make the secret
ballot a thing of the past.
Resistance may be futile. "
Phil wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:32 AM:
" Well said. I think nothing sums up my feelings about America than roy Zimmerman's song, "America" which begins: "America is a '57 Chevy, that veers to the left, and then lurches to the right," and continues, "America is a pawn shop window, with Old Glory decals in the window, made by children in China." Another verse goes, "America is a Japanese fiddler, in Branson Missouri, playing Louis Armstrong." The verses are cynical, but the chorus has hope: "God bless the firefighter, God bless the video clerk, and God bless America, it just might work."
In the end, though, it isn't working because our elections are decided by a viscious cycle that starts with enormous campaign contributions that are used to fund sophisticated ad campaigns that present a contrived but convincing (to a majority of voters) image of the candidate who is elected and who makes sure the laws favor not the voter but the contributor. In short we have gone a long ways towards losing our democracy and we must somehow turn around and head back. If a hurled typewriter does the job, then I say clean 'er up!"
Phil Brewer
drphilbrewer@gmail.com "
Jim wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:30 AM:
" Everything in the article reflects the reality and frustration of GB and his cronies. The only thing more frustrating is that the American public failed to recognize GB's arrogance, his smerk, his incompentence, and his dishonesty seven or eight years ago. Had the American public taken their responsibility more seriously, the country could possibly have avoided the deaths, destruction and loss of the moral high ground that was once a proud and distinguishing characteristic. "
Eric wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:28 AM:
" Wow, extremely well written and succinct. It is a shame that people who so blatantly abuse the system are never held accountable. "
nervous investor wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:27 AM:
" So sorry that the media and a prosecutor with an agenda has lead so many astray. Mr Libby deserves justice ... not to be hounded until he utters contradictory statements or gets so confused as to issue statements that are incorrect .... You try to go through endless examination and cross examination with abusive, sarcastic and cynical prosecutors and a hostile press in full cry and see how long it takes until you make incorrect statements. Bottom line, despite the press and the prosecutor's comments to the contrary, Mr Libby has not been convicted of leaking Valrie Plame's identity to the media .... the man who did that was the asisstant to Secretary of State Colin Powell, the Former Deputy Secretary of State Richard Armitage, a man that was a hold over from the Clinton administration ... if you doubt that Armitage was the leak then please read the relevant article on CNN's web site headlined "Armitage admits leaking Plame's identity POSTED: 2:39 a.m. EDT, September 8, 2006". CNN is certainly not an organisation friendly to the Republicans, the President nor Mr Libby. CNN's current reporting still seems to ignore Armitage's confession. An Agenda? Propaganda? Honesty? Injustice? "
James Bailey wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:25 AM:
" You show a lot of anger over a subject of which you only a superficial understanding. You became a Republican to whine about your parents, but you whinned again when the issues became too intense, showing a lack of understanding. Now that "Scooter" has been shown justice tempered with mercy, you whine by throwing your typewriter at the issue---of which you lack understanding. Why can't you grow up? "
Art wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:24 AM:
" Amazingly analagous to my thoughts. Watching all these shenanigans for the past six years has been like one of those TWILIGHT episodes for me. I have awakened from this awful nightmare. The neocons and the Dummy have introduced the germ of a vicious disease into America, the only "different" country from all the others and the only way America can recuperate from this nightmare is to effect structural changes in the way we govern ourselves. If the government had done its job and not allowed to be bought by big money interests we wouldn't have monopolies in oil, media, manufacturing, retailing and a host of other enterprises. As Geroge Carlin (youtube - religion) says - the longer you live (I'm 72) the more you realize that things are F'ed up and those guys in the government need to be thrown out on their asses!!! "
Leslie Shatz wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:16 AM:
" Dear Steve,
Thanks for telling it like it is! I am a radical lefty but I really agree with all you've written. I hope everyone from all political stripes will join together and restore dignity to our political system. "
Barbara Passero wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:13 AM:
" Thank you, Steve, for saying everything I wanted to say. And you said it in just the way that may make an impression on the people who blindly follow the leader without thought or reason. I am different from you because I have always been a Democrat. I care deeply about the idealist values of the Democratic party. Many of us have seen this travesty coming since George W. first ran for the presidency. The man never served in the military yet mocked those who did serve. He's an alcoholic without recovery; his daughters are alcoholics. Yet The Republican party talks about family values. It's nuts.
I wish people could sit down and think. Look at the reality not their wishes.
Thank you again for your gift to the people of this country. God willing, I hope they can wake up in time to prevent the economic, physical, and moral disaster that the Republican party is preparing for us.
"
Joseph McCoy wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:13 AM:
" I have been wondering, and aguishing, about the Scooter Libby debacle myself. I cannot find the words to describe my disgust. This president has an arrogance unlike anything I have seen ina public figure. His quest for absolute rule with impunity in madness. All this, in full public view. No consequences for this President or his friends. Your article describes my feelings, spot on. However, I will hold my tongue on throwing clean, or dirty, typewriters. I tend to lean towards cleaning it. After all, we must keep the appearance of civility, and manners. A dirty typewriter could spread vile, and harmful, germs. Then you would be charged with bioterrorism under the Patriot Act, sent to a secret jail, get a hood over your head and get a spanking from Scooter's old boss Dick. But I really don't know. Only Donald Rumsfeld really knows. Because we know what we know, and don't know the known unknowns. . . . . . Okay, I'll stop. "
No Longer Republican wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:13 AM:
" Bush's slap to the judicial system, claiming the sentencing standards in this country are too strong, is just another sign of an adminstration out of control with no respect for the Office of the Presidency. "Get away with what you can and don't worry cause we'll bail ya out!" Paris Hilton served more time than Scooter?? "
JW in Georgia wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:11 AM:
" I think you and I have some of the same perspectives. But I would offer these views. The story in watergate wasn't the break-in, rather it was the coverup. You quoted one of my favorite historians, Hunter Thompson. Wish he were here for perspective. Compared to the Clinton pardons GW is an amateur. I am right now fighting my own battle with the system. Greed rules this country and it may be it's undoing. Try going after a greedy hospital and doctor and see where the real wrongs in America start surfacing.
Blessings "
Martha wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:10 AM:
" Beautifully stated. I'm struggling myself (a lifelong Democrat) with reconciling the fury I feel over the Libby commutation compared to the ennui I felt over the pardons Clinton issued at the end of his presidency. Am I just so tired of all the dirty tricks this administration has played -- or have I grown up enough as a voter/citizen that I can finally see that any act of pardon or commutation of sentences goes against everything right and fair about our legal system?
"
Dobe Doinat wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:10 AM:
" These thugs were successful in two succesive coup attempts in 2000 and 2004. Whoever actually voted for them, I hope you're happy...
To those whose vote weren't counted, because of untrustworthy electronic voting machines, in my opinion, all of us, let's please elect a grown-up who will tell The People the Truth! That we have been had by International War Criminals of the First Degree! Let them be prosecuted.
Let the Truth lead the Way. "
brother Juan wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:08 AM:
" Steve, this is wonderful. I wrote something similar a while back before the Libby debacle called "Fear and Trouble in America." Please take a look at http://goodman.typepad.com/. We really need another Hunter Thompson. "
Al wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:08 AM:
" I find myself in the same boat as you, as an ex republican - now independent.
I am also a Korean vet, served five years. And what I hoped to accomplish by serving is - definitely not the situation we see today. Our present day political parties and 'ole Georgie are making a mockery of what millions of vets died to preserve.
Not a nation of laws that today is becoming a farce - a nation with unprotected borders. With trade policies that seem to favor everybody on earth but legal American citizens, we just pay the taxes. With press "one" for english.
We the people has been replaced with - for the elites, multi-nationals, and the connected. The rest of us are just racists and zenophobes I suppose.
A nation where some of todays politicians take great offense when American voters even question their stands on issues, or make derogitory comments about them for doing so.
"
Gnarly Erik wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:04 AM:
" I’ve always been proud of my country and countrymen - until GW Bush was allowed to ascend his throne from which he and his ilk apparently can not be dislodged no matter how much damage he causes our country, or how many people may wish them gone.
For the first time in my life I am ashamed of my country and countrymen for allowing such an egregious thing to happen. We Americans have lost our way. Such is how mighty nations may falter and fail.
"
Robert C. Rogers wrote on Jul 7, 2007 10:02 AM:
" Right on the money....
My feelings about America are summed up in a song by John Lennon "Working Class Hero" Google up the lyrics. Funny 1970 was the year that song was wrote, was the Nixon years. 2007 and the same actors are doing the same thing today.
I'm sad what America has turned into. Ben Franklin must be thinking that our "democracy" looks more like colonial America pre 1776. W looks more like the king than a president. Taking care of "his" special subjects.
I know in my heart that if I was connected in any way of outing a CIA operative or lying to a court, I'd do time or be brought up on treason charges.
One thing I would do.... Anyone that can be tied to the outing of any CIA operative should loose their security clearance for life. No pardons allowed around it. That will keep the slime out of the system forever. "
Chris A. - Chicago, Illinois wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:58 AM:
" Mr. Thomas, this was a well written, thoughtful column. I don't know what the circulation is for your paper, but they shocld consider themselves lucky that you write for them. "
Rick wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:57 AM:
" Damn, I just threw out a rusting Selectric saying to myself, "I don't need this"
Damn "
MK wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:57 AM:
" Well said. This is the kind of Republican I grew up with, one who could face facts. One who didn't treat politics like it was sports franchise - my team, right or wrong.
I was a registered Independant for years, but re-registered Democrat to have an influence on primaries (though I nearly registered Republican for precisely the same reason) in an attempt to get pragmatic moderates into elections.
The current red vs. blue, left vs. right, New York Yankees vs. Brooklyn Dodgers fiction is damaging our country. "
JG wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:56 AM:
" why is it that liberals and Democrats always say "I was a Republican until George Bush..." as they then go into another blast about the President? How you write always gives it a way. As if claiming to having once been a Republican will make you sound more legitimate when you spout the liberal line. Most of the people I know believe liberals lie and risk national security everday. Not many people I know joined the military for economic advantage. Noone believes that NO was the Fed's fault, if the locals did what they should have it would not have been so devastating. Most of us believe that NO should not be rebuilt with our tax dollars. Most believe that Dems undermine the mission overseas while we (yes I am military) are in harms way for a noble mission, that wiretapping terrorists and supporters here is right, that those at Gitmo are unlawful combatants-terrorists-and should stay there until they are old a feeble and do not pose a threat, that America is good and right, that liberals control maintstream media for their socialist agenda & Libby should have never been charged! "
cecil wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:56 AM:
" Really. I do not, have not, and never will understand the volume of discontent over the "Libby" fiasco. So he gets out of jail. The man is tarnished forever, something worse than jail for a man of that former stature. And then there are the 140 pardons by Clinton in his eleventh hour of fame and frolic, the sum of which never rose to the level of discontent as witnessed in the Libby case. And Clinton pardoned some very bad men for purely political reasons.
I suspect this writer, despite his denial, still wears his liberal glasses. No others gnash their teeth and wring their hands quite like the "progressive" set; and all the while ignoring their own past indiscretions. "
Bill Stark wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:56 AM:
" A stirring analysis of the Bush administration. You did a great job of cutting through the neo-con spin and exposing the truth about the most corrupt, secretive Presidency in the history of our nation.
By the way, if you want another example of Bush's hubris, read Presidrntisl Directive 51. Scares the hell out of me. "
Charles-A. Rovira wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:55 AM:
" They would not get the irony of using a typewriter. Toss a brick and a cricket bat.
This makes Bush look like Hussein: Someone who disregards the law and treats it (along with all law abiding people) with utter contempt.
History will consign him to the same oblivion that we hold for petty criminals. "
Old Guy wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:55 AM:
" You make much todo about the commutation of Libby's jail sentence.
Why don't you review the pardons that President Bill Clinton passed out/sold at the end of his term. Talk about miscarriages of justice - most of those were beyond the realm of reason. "
Mick wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:54 AM:
" I hope there are more like you; republican in heart, moderate in head. They say a republican is a "democrat who got mugged." What do they call a republican mugged by a republican administration? "
DaveW wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:54 AM:
" It's hard to sympathize with the mob of GOP true believers who took several decades to see the true face of their party. Bush is that face. An ideology dedicated to greed, guns, and gangsterism could have no more perfect representative.
So, Mr. Thomas -- while you're whining about what a disaster this country has become, you might want to contemplate the pivotal role you and your fellow believers played in making it so. Maybe an apology to your fellow Americans would go nicely with your belated outrage.
Dave "
Daniel A. Boehnen wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:53 AM:
" Thanks for saying this better than I could have done. I too am a life long Republican, so disillusioned now that I want to vote against Republicans just to send a message. But my anger is reserved for Bush, Cheny, their cronies, and their arrogance. Sad to say, but Bush's credibiity is now so low that whenever he says something -- anything -- I instinctively think that there must be some truth to the other side. The only constant is that I feel I cannot have confidence in his judgment. "
S Davis wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:53 AM:
" Very eloquently put. For the sake of this country, I hope that there are millions of converts out there like you who will put a resounding end to this madness next year. I've got a feeling that it is going to be a show of the power of the voter of a historical magnitude.
I enjoyed your take on it all. "
Denny wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:53 AM:
" WHAT IS THIS PHONEY BALONEY YOUR WERE AT ONE TIME REPUBLICAN? sCOOTER lIBBY WAS FOUND GUILTY, BUT A GUILTY FROM TESTIFYING ON A FEDERAL INVESTIGATION THAT WAS A FARCE. 2 WEEKS AFTER FITZGERALD WAS APPOINTED SPECIAL PROSECUTER RICHARD ARMITAGE ADMITTED TO FITZGERALD THAT HE WAS THE ONE WHO LEAKED PLAMES NAME. CASE OVER SEVERAL MILLIONS OF DOLLARS SAVED. THE SAD THING YOU ALREADY NEW ALL THIS, BUT JUST HAD TO GET ANOTHER SHOT AT PRESIDENT BUSH. "
UncleTom wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:52 AM:
" Ask yourself, how did I vote last November? Did I aid and abet or did I vote to contain some of the damage this administration has done to America. That might be an indicator how you will vote next year. Be advised, it will take decades to recover if we ever do. "
Wonky wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:52 AM:
" You may be right in feeling betrayed by our current President ( I know I am) but once you start throwing stones....Former President Clinton got only a reprimand for liying to a Grand Jury, LiL' Kim got a year in jail for the same thing. When a person cocks that arm ho0lding that stone looking out at only one direction of the round glass house which they reside.... "
Chuck Lidz wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:51 AM:
" This is simply the most eloquent statement that I have seen of what is wrong with this administration and the trouble it has gotten us into.
Thank you. "
Another Independent wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:50 AM:
" Without doubt, yours is the sanest response I have yet to read in the media to the travesty that GW and his minions have visited upon this country. The "American Dream" talked about by Kennedy, King, and other great Americans has indeed become a nightmare of inequality, unethical (at best) decisions, and outright criminal behaviour. So much for America being the the best nation in the world if we condone this outrage with our silence! Thank you for expressing the truth so succinctly. "
Jim Swank wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:49 AM:
" Sounds like the same crap that Clinton pulled right before he left office. "
Les wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:49 AM:
" I may agree with some points, but i have to comment that you sir were republican in name only.
Your "ugly questions" list is like page one from the liberal handbook. Congratulations you are now your father. "
Old Guy wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:47 AM:
" Your accusation of W and the republicans as being responsible for the New Orleans hurricane disaster is way off base.
All cities, countys, states were supposed to have a viable emergency plan in place to cover such disasters.
Why didn't the governor and mayor execute their plans?
Why should the Federal Government be responsible for emergency evacuation when they are the farthest away from the problem? That is the responsibility of those nearest to the problem.
The responsibility of the feds is to provide aid for the aftermath. "
Frank wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:47 AM:
" 30 months in jail is an excessive punishment for a harmless offense. He should have been given as similar punishment to what Clinton received (law license lifted). And I agree that Clinton should not have gone to jail either.
Sandy Burglar, on the other hand, should have done some time. "
Pete wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:46 AM:
" Well thought, well put, and my feelings and beliefs as well.
Thank you for putting my feelings into words. "
Alex S wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:45 AM:
" Thank you. For the clarity with which you express your outrage. I feel that with this travesty of civility I have for once utterly lost my capacity to remain calm and clear. Throughout all that has happened over the past 4 years, I have continued to try and find the light; the true intent that may be at play. Finally, with this sordid and so fundamentally unfair an affair, offensive to every member of this society that is bound by law, I have run out of steam. I will never be a Republican again. I cannot. I have lost my political identity with this administration, and the other side is not helping as it, too, has sunk to a cheap level of discourse in its commentary. None appear to possess the class of Patrick Fitzgerald and his comments. I, for one, am done. My passion for politics, for the civil society we strive to create, went dead when Libby was told he should go free. Good night America. All I wanted to do was be part of making you great. We have made ourselves a worldwide joke. "
FW Adams wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:45 AM:
" Your observations are right on the money.
Thank you
Bush and company must be made to pay a price for their treason, or this great country will never be able hold its head up high again.
"
George Patrick wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:45 AM:
" Sorry about the emotional meltdown the author is experiencing. It seems remarkably similar to mine when I saw an independent investigator who had found the answer to the question of who leaked, but pursued his mission to indict someone, anyone! Why isn't no harm no foul a reasonable conclusion? No one seems to blame Joe Wilson for his memory about what was in his report. "
John Huffhines wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:44 AM:
" You've never been a republican, and much of your argument could have been leveled at Bill Clinton as well. I wonder why the Constitution gave the President the power to pardon? To be fair you should have looked that up and presented it as well.
"
Vulturetx wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:43 AM:
" Ok you seem reasonably informed on US Politics and Gov. So why are you getting upset at an obvious tatical action to counter democratic promises; to put pressure on the Executive Office second tier in hope of rolling some into testifying against their bosses?
When you have an opposition that thinks nothing of shotgunning charges,making bogus accusations and wild assumptions(like have a DEM Rep Leader say he will enforce a president's Executive Order?); you have to make defensive choices to cover your team.
Please don't waste both our time telling us how politicians should act. Present status requires decisions against a organized defined opposition. OR your side will lose, the argument, the vote, and maybe its status. Which BTW is why they don't abandon projects just because of mismanagement. Some goals are worth the higher costs for no on else would even attempt them i.e. Iraq.
"
Kevin wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:43 AM:
" New Orleans is what turned you away from the Republicans? Let's get something straight. The federal government is not the country's safety net for ignorance. It, and collectively the rest of the country who fund it, are not obligated to to be the savior. New Orleans was let down by the local and state governments. The federal governments role is to HELP the local and state government. Not run the whole show. After Katrina, people were asking why the federal government let the city go down hill. It didn't. The locals did. As a so called Republican, you should have seen that the federal government's role is to be a supporting actor. That is small government. If you really wanted the feds to take control and run the whole show then you should be a Dem and not a Rep or independent. "
Matt Smith wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:41 AM:
" How can "Clinton be okay" and W be a crony? Both are crooks. I am sick of the W bashers claiming Clinton was okay.
Scooter should be in jail. So should Marc Rich and Hillary's coke dealing brother - who sold pardons. Clinton abused his power to a far greater extent than Bush did. $400,000.00 to the Clinton library = one pardon. Saying one is "okay" and the other is not is unacceptable.
Look into the mirror, and throw that typewriter at yourself. "
Steve wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:40 AM:
" Were you this disilusioned when Clinton pardoned his brother's drug conviction? Pardons and commutations are there to fix a perceived wrong not necessarily a conviction that was technically incorrect. "
Rich wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:39 AM:
" Bravo! That was very well said and I think it embodies the current American sentiment. "
Dana wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:38 AM:
" Oh sure, you're a Republican! Scooter Libby-Mark Rich, give me a break. The tax cuts began an incredible surge of prosperity your beloved Democrats would end replacing them with government run health care. More American soldiers died on D Day than in 4 years in Iraq. How do you think the British are finding the terrorist networks? Asking nicely? You're as much a conservative as Michael Moore. "
Lee Ethetton wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:37 AM:
" That is a wonderful essay. You have taken the same road as I have in thoughts and emotions. I only think you left out the atrocities of congress. I wrote my senator, Kay Baily Hutchison about earmarks and her response was that they are small, only 1% of the budget. SMALL??? Add that up and it is a lot of money not accounted for.
Keep up the wonderful commentary "
Steve Guyer wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:36 AM:
" I agree but would like to add one comment; while this pardon was heinous, it really struck me as just a logical extension of this administration's stance on many issues. This was never more clear than the day we declared war on, and invaded, a sovereign nation who had not attacked us. This was the day I lost faith in what we, as a nation, say we stand for. That violation of morality and international law was inexcusable, regardless of our newfound fears. If we stand for freedom and goodness and right then we also must have the courage to risk the slings and arrows of a sometimes outraged world. "
Pasquale Freni wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:35 AM:
" Garbage. What was Clinton's punishment for purjury. What was Sandy Burger's punishment for stealing documents from the National Archives. Libby should never have gone to trial. It was a political witch hunt meant to hurt the President. Joe Wilson is the liar. If outing his wife was such a heinous crime why was Armitage not indicted?
And if you want to talk about pardons don't even go there unless you include Marc Rich and the outright sale of pardons for personal aggrandizement by WJC. 450 at last count.
I'm sickened by the the outrage of the anti-Bush crowd. Grow up. We're at war. Stop doing the job of our enemies. "
Still Republican wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:35 AM:
" Libby was convicted of telling the truth differently on multiple occasions. He is the victum of an out of control special prosecutor. Bravo Bush. "
Its been 3 years wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:34 AM:
" Go back and watch Fareheit 911... I'm sure you scorned it when it was released. I watched it again last night and was angrier than ever. "
So tired wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:33 AM:
" Thomas has expressed precisely my views on Bush and his cronies. But without anyone in the administration with enough integrity to come forward with public information about illegal doings, no one, least of all Bush and Cheney, will have to step up to their bar of justice. And without an opposition party with the courage to do what's right, our USA will continue to decend into third world status while those in power at the top will continue to parrot those "America's the greatest". All the while, they will continue to dismantle in a few years, a nation that took 200 to build. They should hang their heads in shame. I just wish there were an afterlife like Bush keeps mentioning, that would hold them accountable for their crimes. But alas, they will get away with it. "
Pat Vad wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:32 AM:
" Perspective? Take a peek at pardons granted by President Clinton on the eve of his departure from the Oval Office. Remember, these were PARDONS, not sentence commutations.
http://www.usdoj.gov/opa/pardonchartlst.htm
"
Sue C wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:30 AM:
" You sir are a liar when you said that you were ever a republican........you are obviously a progressive democrat and always have been. You are on the liberal media band wagon and it's on fire and going over a cliff! "
Ralph wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:25 AM:
" I too used to be a Republican, and question my paty affiliation. I see the Libby commutation as small thing when stacked against past history. Like pardons for F.A.L.N. bombers to help Hillary get elected. Or a pardon to help a relative, or a pardon for a contributor, like Mr. Rich.
Looks like it really is good to be a part of the "elected class" to me! Like business as usual in Washington D.C. Wether you like donkeys or elephants. "
Julia E. Cochran wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:25 AM:
" Wonderful article. I have found your change of heart regarding our government refreshing. I have come to be in favor of sending some burly gentlemen to Washington and, one by one, taking each of our representatives under each arm and throwing them out on the lawn and letting the entire process begin again. Although I can say my representatives in Illinois, Senators Durbin and Obama, have far more compassion than most, we all must begin to feel more confident that we are not being "sold out" on so many levels. Thank you for this article. You have been my voice when I feel my voice has been so blatantly ignored. "
Shirley McGinnis wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:21 AM:
" Have you forgotten the full pardons given by our ex president on his last night in office and to whom they were given? Did you vent then as you are now?
You need to think before you write. "
Joyce wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:20 AM:
" Where is your outrage over the pardons given by Pres Clinton? I believe that jail time for the "crimes" that Libby committed was way out of line - and the commutation was more than justified! "
Alan wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:18 AM:
" Thank you for not making the same errors others are... comparing Clinton/Rich with Bush-Cheney/Libby. Libby committed and was found guilty of crimes he committed while in the employ of the government. He should serve his time!
"
jstandfast wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:17 AM:
" Many thanx for the timely reminder of one of the good doctors most vivid,
vengeful screeds. And in a damn fine cause as well..... "
Ken Rubenstein wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:15 AM:
" Took you a long time to figure out what's really going on, Steve. Welcome home, now let's figure out what we can do to clean up this mess. "
Eve Ash wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:15 AM:
" Well said, Steve. One court that Bush can never circumvent is the court of public opinion. I'm putting my hope in that. "
S Royal wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:13 AM:
" 1)Why do you give such credence to some judge that you apparently don't know? As if all judges are infallible and have no political affiliations whatsoever...??? Do some research & you'll find most judges are linked to the Democratic party. The judge in this case was merely serving his political party.
2)Obviously very old news here, but most people believe OJ Simpson seems to have gotten away with murder...and thanks to the local & world news (both print & broadcast), "Dateline" and many other similar programs, I know of many others who have also likely gotten away with murder. Scooter Libby has NOT been accused of MURDER, at least not yet. Although, since he's now free, I'm sure there are plenty of Democrats out there who can find a way to pin some kind of felony on him.
3) The Clintons...they seem to have gotten away with quite a few things themselves (Whitewater scandal, the mysterious death of their friend Vince Foster, etc, etc).
S. Royal, Die Hard Republican
***The more I hear from Democrats, the more I like Republicans*** "
Ben Johnson wrote on Jul 7, 2007 9:03 AM:
" Kudos on a column filled with facts and heartfelt emotion. From one baby-boomer to another I say,"Thanks for the memories." American has not been Camelot since John Kennedy, but America has always stood on the side of good and justice. Even Nixon was ultimately forced to pay for his sins.
But now, I fear we have found a President who can indeed commit all wrongs and get away as if it were a natural part of our democratic system. This seriously worries me. Can it be that the Constitution that was so carefully crafted by our Founding Fathers really be nothing more than smoke and mirrors? It looks that way.
I am not only angry, I am worried. If a blundering idiot like Bush#2 was able to abuse and tread on all the fundamental freedoms that all Americans have held as absolutes, then what could a man do as President do who had serious intentions to become The American Emperor? Can the President really be above the law? What happens if he is impeached and refuses to leave office? Shades of 1935 Germany come to mind. "
Hairy Plotter wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:59 AM:
" And another "true believer" bites the dust. Where was this author's epiphany in 2000 when elections were being stolen and SCOTUS awarded the Presidency? Maybe now this author will more carefully evaluate those individuals running for office and not blindly accept what "the party" offers. The two party system has been hijacked by self serving interlopers that must be opposed by a united Independent vote to restore Citizen control. "
Wm Haburn wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:57 AM:
" I can agree that I am disappointed in the performance of President Bush. It must be remembered that Bush is dealing with representatives and sentators who seem more intent on protecting evil than promoting good.
If you want to make comparisons - then you need to identify the pardons made by President Clinton. I am much more disappointed in the Clinton Presidency than even the current problems of the Bush Presidency. Clinton's actions have caused more harm to our justice system than the Bush presidency. You also need to identify the actions of Clinton to cover his own violations when serving as President. You mention the rich can buy their way out - Hillary violated election laws but due to her access to expensive attorneys and politacal allies seems to be able to continue hiding her illegal actions. This, while taxpayers continue to foot the bill for the result of those actions.
"
Tony G. wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:43 AM:
" I've always seen the republican party as self centered businessmen, out to screw your average Joe. Sorry it took you this long.
I am sorry to see, you agreed with the senseless invasion of Iraq. "
Another Ex-Republican wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:38 AM:
" Steve Thomas is right on. But take a deep look at the cause of our problems:
It takes $3 million for a two-year term Congressional Representative to get re-elected. Big business provides the campaign money; ergo, big business controls the Country and threatens our democracy.
Our most important national priority is REAL campaign finance reform. "
Steve debo wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:37 AM:
" I wonder if you felt that President Clinton should have been Sentenced to a similar term for lying to investigators?
"
Bilboe Baggins wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:36 AM:
" Think someone could hurl a Scooter through a Selectric?...The upside of a downsided oil-$lickened "administration" who at least had prior awareness of the events of 9.11 and did nothing except - shoot a friend in the face. "
John wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:35 AM:
" You talk about how the administration did little for Katrina victims. Those same victims did little for themselves. The amount of fraud committed is astounding. What of the responsibility of the State? Why is the Fed being blamed for State failures.
And, what of the Bill Clinton last-minute pardons? You condemn Bush for approx 1/100th the pardons of Clinton.
I am not a Bush supporter, yet even I can see your argument lacks backbone. Best paint your pot some color other than black if you wish to cry fowl of the kettle.
You would sound more professional and intelligent if you commented on real facts instead of subjective pandering. "
Bruce H wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:34 AM:
" There is simply nothing more to be said. Steve Thomas'simple, straight forward, non-partison, non-ideological account of his disillusiomnent and it's cause reflect the same for so many of us. The concern that I have is the apparent lack of alarm and anger in the Country for the damage that this cabal has done and is doing to the fabric of this great Nation and to the only true power that we hold in the world.. our moral leadership.
Bruce H. "
Mark wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:31 AM:
" Thank you for the excellent job performance summary ! When will the politicians get the idea that we don't care which party they work for, only how they execute that power for the good of ALL the people. "
mb wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:30 AM:
" Very well written , dead on, and i like the hunter thompson reference. "
good one wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:30 AM:
" Good article. Instead of throwing typewriter, you could throw your vote on a democrat. "
K L Jantz wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:28 AM:
" Mr Thomas spoke of the ineptitude of the Republican party during a crisis, especially one born of natural disaster.
As a resident of Western Kansas, I have seen first-hand, the government circus when they came to town in Greensberg, Kansas after a tornado turned what was once a thriving, personable little town here in southwestern Kansas into absolutely nothing more than kindling wood and scrap. The show they performed for the media was not their actual performance. Not even close.
The credibility of our government is becoming suspect, as they turn their back in time of need so they can put their bast face forward for the media. "
Nicole Carroll wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:28 AM:
" I can understand and share your frustration with the Republican Party. I do however challenge you to find a president who didn't pardon someone for a crime. They don't exist. President Clinton himself pled his way out of the same charges Mr. Libby did, and served no jail time. Bush could have pardoned him entirely but at least had the gumption to admit that purjury is a crime, unlike his predecessor. Find some middle ground and some understanding if you can. "
James Simmons wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:24 AM:
" Thank you,--- You have taken a load off my chest. I thought I was going mad. I was beginning to think I was the only one who felt as I do about this administration. It is painfull, to someone who served in the military to protect our freedoms and way of life, to see how Bush and his cronies are raping this country. My family does not understand, but you sir, understand perfectly. Thanks again. JS "
Joe wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:24 AM:
" Interesting spin.
We can thank liberals for our divided county. Liberalism is superficial; it's all about "feeling good" instead of encouraging self-reliance. We've become a culture of entitlement through government programs and I submit Americans have fallen into the "government will take care of me" trap. This kind of expectation fuels many of the points you made. I personally do not work and pay taxes to support others who refuse to work.
Carter and Clinton were feel-good Presidents who did nothing except worry about America's image. I served during Carter's presidency and never felt more afraid for America (until Reagan took office). Dishonesty was Clinton's motto, with a mile-long list of unconscionable actions, lies and cover-ups. Who gave North Korea nuclear technology just to be "nice"? Who gave China missile technology?
I submit that, while Bush has made mistakes, we are lucky to have him as President. His unwavering love of country protects Americans and their rights. And, he inherited Clinton’s foreign and domestic mess (Enron, Middle East, etc.)
As far as commuting Libby's sentence, I have two words: Marc Rich. Have you forgotten?
"
Charles Pytleski wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:23 AM:
" Thank you for taking the time to write and to put into words how most of us feel these days. I felt so sad reading what is so true now of this great country. The sad part of this also is that an article like this--that could have started a revolution around 1776--will be no more paid attention to--than global warming is now. As long as enough poeple (who have the means) can have their personal peace and affluence--nothing will be done. However, if we start burning up from the heat every summer and enough of us finally realize we are being taken by the cronies and the massive unethical lobby system--it may be too late. Let let us keep talking and writing continuiously and louder and louder. Americans need to hear this stuff many times to wake up in this great country. For if we do this (writing, etc.) all too soon they may feel the injustice and begin to respond. "
Bill Guindon wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:21 AM:
" Thank you for a well written, well thought out, article that explains the current demise of the Republican party.
And many thanks to Google for listing it in their 'Top Stories' gadget. "
frankinnj wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:17 AM:
" mr, thomas.
with this piece you nailed how I feel about this administration. I am a democrat who leans hard left but I feel it is very important for all of our politicians regardless of political stripe to come to a consensus of what is important to us as a country and to debate the issues in good faith and ultimately come to a compromise (make law) that will benifit the country as a whole. The only difference I have with you is that I believe that this administration from the beginning of its term (which was won unfairly) as been set up to subvert the law for two main purposes 1- to act in the interest of the corporations ex: big oil $74 a barrel, the new bankruptcy laws written by the credit card companies (predatory lenders), and lets not forget how the prescription bill was set up by the pharmacuetical companies. 2- to create a more powerful executive branch and a far right leaning supreme court. to this end this adminstration has been very successful for themselves but unfortunately the other America suffers. "
Brent wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:07 AM:
" Thanks, Steve Thomas! This is certainly a well written article. The article says what I believe to be correct, but I am unable to put into words myself. It seems to me this Country is swirling down the drain as the "rich get richer and the poor get poorer." With all the wealth rapidly accelerating into the pockets of the politicians and big business the individual man is becoming less and less important, except to keep the self defined elitists well fed. We will know when we become a "third world country." China and India will begin to outsource jobs to us. "
Irene wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:02 AM:
" Thank you...Well said. So perfectly true. Sadly enough. SIMPLE GREEN CLEANER works well on oily messes, I would use that to clean my typewriter. "
B wrote on Jul 7, 2007 8:00 AM:
" I think it's about time that America started hiring people who posses the qualities & skills required for the difficult leadership roles which need to be filled. ~B "
Bob wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:57 AM:
" Thank you Mr. Thomas for expressing my sentiments better than I can.
I am a former Republican, yesterday I registered to vote as unaffiliated in the southern state where I have just moved. Throughout the Bush administration's six and a half years we have heard about faith based moral authority. George Bush has shown it is BS, he shows us that loyalty trumps legality, morality has no conscience. "
Schuyler The Cat wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:53 AM:
" Wow! Good, old fashioned op-ed. Steve - this was a very well done bit. From one disillusioned ex-hard-line Democrat to one disillusioned ex-moderate Republican – Thanks for a news item that was both thoughtful *and* entertaining. Oh, by the way – you didn’t mention whether you’re taking requests, but if (or when) you finally snap, could you please throw your Selectric at Ann Coulter instead of a politician? You wouldn’t even have to wash it first... "
David wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:51 AM:
" I am not sure why the inept response of the Bush Administration caused you to become an Independent.
The Federal government has NO business rebuilding New Orleans. I don't care how wonderful the city was. It is not the job of the federal government to rebuild it.
Government will always screw things up. The less government the better for all of us. But maybe you really are a big government guy...just wanting efficient big government! (Now that is an oxymoron).
There is not a dimes worth of difference between the Republicans and the Democrats. They are both on the road to socialism, inflation, and statism.
That is a good enough reason to leave the Republican and Democratic parties. "
David Steber wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:51 AM:
" The real crime in the Libby case was committed by the prosecutor who continued to badger witnesses even though he knew Armitage was the one who originally identified Plame, and that Plame was not an under cover agent protected by the law that prohibits the outing of under cover agents.
"
Robert Wilson wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:51 AM:
" A great, well thought out piece on a sad moment in our history. "
Dora Scione wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:51 AM:
" Well isn't that too bad. When the times get tough, the silly leave. "
Marsha wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:46 AM:
" This is one of the best articles I have read on the subject. He captures it all. "
Bob Ashburn, VA wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:45 AM:
" I only agree with about half of what you've written. Gerald Ford and Bush I good presidents; that's certainly debatable and anyone who has even half a kind word for anything Jimmy Carter has done better go back and read their history books again. Carter may be responsible for nearly all the problems in the Middle East and Bill Clinton probably accounts for for about 80 percent of the rest of our problems after having allowed the declassification of the submarine engine technology from Toshiba and the missile technology sale to China. As for tax cuts; you don't need to be personally able to avail yourself of them to benefit from the cuts.
I will say though that if you are not already a writer, you missed your calling. Your writing style is very good. I enjoyed the article in spite of my differing views. "
Tony LaRocca wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:45 AM:
" I agree that there are quite a few political problems with commuting Scooter Libby's sentence. However, the investigation to find the person who actually DID oust Valarie Plame, (which by far is the more important crime,) has been completely buried in all the brouhaha over this patsy. "
David Steber wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:44 AM:
" The whole Plame "outing" issue is bogus, and Fitzgerald is as guilty of abusing his power as Mike Nofong. Plame had a CIA sticker on her car, parked in her personal space at CIA headquarters, and publicly walked into the CIA building for work every day. If that's under cover, then I'm teh Jolly Green Giant. The author of this story seems to me to be a fraud who never embraced any conservative principles, and only claimed to be a Republican bevause he was in rebellion against his liberal father. By repeating the liberal lie that Bush's tax cuts only help the rich he udentifies himself for what he really is, a liberal trying to fool the gullible. Another clue is his assertion that Carter is a "first-rate ex-president", something only a true liberal of long standing would say.
Iy amuses me that liberals like this author think they are fooling people, but some will be fooled, and they are the ones that can't find their way to the polling places on election day without getting a ride from Democrat workers who also tell them how to vote. "
Scott Willits wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:43 AM:
" Guilty of what, a process crime? Which had nothing to do at all with the charge of outing a CIA agent. Furthermore the identity of the true leaker became known in the media during the trial. The grave injustice here is toward Scooter Libby and his family. Commuted, my eye, he should have been completely pardoned. "
Dorothy Rivers wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:43 AM:
" You're still growing up and learning. Here's just a few of the last minute pardons Bill (and the coat-tail riding Hill) approved:
Roger Clinton, Democrat, convicted of drug trafficing, drunken driving, illegal lobbying
Melvin Reynolds, Democrat, convicted of bank fraud
Susan McDougal, Democrat, convicted in Whitewater (done so to shield himself and the up-and-coming presidential wannabe. Senator Coat-Tails)
Marc Rich, Democrat, tax evasion
Carlos Vignali and Almon Braswell, Democrats, various crimes and who both paid Hugh Rodham (wannabe's brother) $200,000 EACH to donate to Clinton's Library.
There were approximately 700 more in Clinton's 8 year tenure.
So spin away, Steve, but when you're done I hope you're right again. Sadly you missed your first chance with the typewriter throw. The Clintons, due to their own personal nature, well DEFINED The Presidency in the role of whoring itself out for money, influence, even to protect their own sorry necks.
You're an intelligent man, Steve. But your article, like all DemoProp, targets only the stupidest in your readership. What a pity. And how predictable.
"
Tom wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:42 AM:
" A fine and thoughtful piece.
The current administration will go down as both the most inept and corrupt.
500 days - can hardly wait. "
Mike in Kentucky wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:40 AM:
" If this is an example of someone who left the Republican party I say good riddance! Can't imagine why he was there to begin with. How mean spirited and vile can this guy be? His rightful home is with the Democrats. "
Lee wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:40 AM:
" The President has the absolute right and perogative to commute and pardon as he chooses. That's as it should be. Time to get over this. "
Larry Signor wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:27 AM:
" Steve Thomas has written the most incisive and incriminating opinion of the Bush administration to date. "
Tom Lyons wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:26 AM:
" I also cut my political teeth in Missouri politics - a very short time before you. Unlike you I became an independent voter much sooner for very similar reasons. A short stint in St Louis law enforcement sharpened a dormant cynicism and leads me in this direction - mainly that Mr. Libby simply told the "boys", "If I set one foot into the Gray Bar Hotel, I'm going to blow the lid off this whole thing and you guys are going down! You have the power - now use it or else!"
Mr. Bush and his cabal decided not to test those waters and a half baked, no jail time, pardon was the result. Does that surprise anyone? "
Michael wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:26 AM:
" Thank you! This is one of the best articles that I've read in a long time. Well written--much appreciated. "
LRV wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:25 AM:
" Thomas has made point with more clarity than I have seen. He points out the greatest loss during this administration: the huge gap between the "haves and the have nots". I have been concerned about the fiscal gap, but he helps me see that the gap covers all of our America. "
deb christ wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:23 AM:
" Yep, a lot of wisdom in your article. Simple words for a messed up situation. I have been letting my anger over take me at times over this group of thugs in Washington and yet.....I also love what this country was and can be. So I'll plug along with you and others of our elk and endeavor to uphold and regain the elements that make this dream come back together. Bless you and keep hitting those keys - you have a gift for writing and the soul and heart of what is 'best' in a true American! "
G Stone wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:23 AM:
" Excellent material. As an old decorated vietnam vet with a BA ...and all that and a $1.50 buys me a cup of coffee...I agree completely. We the American people must must understand that this President and the current "staff" have now gone what I call..."Beyond Reason". We must return to reason before what is left of the middle class is completely destroyed. We must stop this "New World Order". Stand up America. "
Sacramento wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:20 AM:
" Thank you for your enlightenment. How you could have been pro-Republican after Nixon is probably because you're too young to have lived through the JFK assassination, which exposed the true murderous viciousness of Bush-type politicians. JFK was the last best president, trying to create a decent America after WWII's growth of secret control such as the 1947 Nat'l Security Act, which is still secret, which allows control of the media by gov't operatives.
Now, Wash DC is a crime-scene w. hardly any good guys. We should put yellow crime-scene tape around the whole city and throw everybody out, send in forensic accountants to follow the $2-1/2 trillion that is corrupting these weak sister mobsters.
It can easily be done, like it was with the Farm Bill showing every dollar of that $180 billion. "
Noah Singman wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:18 AM:
" You wrote:
"The president’s action in the Libby case has made this [the notion of equality before the law] living, working reality into a debased, sad fantasy."
The primary problem I have with this is your allusion that until the current president had done this, all was well with that "living, working reality." Surely you know better. I will not defend the president's commutation with the tu quoque fallacious argument that "Clinton did it, too!" But it's not tu quoque to note that yes, Clinton did it, too, and in at least as debasing a way. Clearly what is fantastic is the notion that we were all equal before the law until that nasty Bush showed up.
"
Bruce R. Gordon wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:16 AM:
" If you will pardon a descent to the ridiculous, but nevertheless relevant... The Paris Hilton circus is a piece of the same - wealthy young socialite has a "rash" and gets a get-out-of-jail-free card. After a storm of outrage, she's returned, but still gets reduced time; and will rake in big bucks for an interview about how awful it all was. If you or I had been pulled over for a moving violation, and been found to have an expired license, I suspect that having a rash would have gained us little sympathy or mitigation of our sentence. "
Anthony Tomeo wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:12 AM:
" Political corruption and corporate greed appears to be the downfall of our nation. I was once told that the first question that you have to ask before deciding how to handle a problem with another person is to ask first, "do they care?" If yes proceed, if no, don't bother. I am sorry to say that I don't think the current administration nor coroprate America care. The reason why New Orleans hasn't received help is because they have no political or corporate clout. I only have one opionion. This country was made great by people who got up every day and went to work. They only had one tool...their hands. I think that the next group of leaders has to realize people need to work and make a fair wage. The average American citizen need opportunities to be the lightening rod for the core tenent of our founding fathers...independence. Crap jobs at Wal-mart, sweat shops child care centers don't produce opportunites. I think of my parents and their brothers and sisters. They didn't have a lot of money but they did have jobs, health care and nice homes. Do we offer those opportunites today? "
American Cynicism wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:12 AM:
" Mr. Thomas, You are so right and I feel your anger and cynicism! I am not a deeply political person and I was not brought up in a family that ever discussed the issues or claimed party sides. I'm a pseudo baby boomer, born in 1964. I do have my opinions though and I'm sickened by our current administration. This whole Scooter Libby fiasco is a slap in the face of all Americans. Why aren't Americans screaming from their windows"I'M MAD AS HELL AND I'M NOT GOING TO TAKE IT ANYMORE". I'll tell you why they aren't, because they feel helpless. They don't feel they will be heard. We need to stand up and be heard though. We as Americans need to get mad and demand that people like Libby go to jail and do the time! That the people of New Orleans get the help they need. We need to get mad at the American CEO's lining their pockets with billions of dollars because American jobs are sent overseas. OK, I falling into the hole, I have to stop. But thats exactly what they want me to feel...helpless "
Mike Rhyner wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:06 AM:
" It seems odd that such a devote Republican as you state you were would comment so negatively toward the party over a horrific event of nature. The “government” of all citizens could have and should have performed better. The City, County, State, and Federal agencies all failed. You might want to check on this but most of that structure was Democratic(s).
You are creative in your ability to pull Katrina into the Scooter Libby case, very good (sic). Although, to most Americans the two are completely different.
Sounds like another snow storm from an impartial journalist.
"
Brad Anderson wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:00 AM:
" Very perceptive! This administration has a "Victory at any price & take no prisoners!" attitude and it has cost our nation its principles and our soul. It has taken a few years for perception to catch up to reality but much of the damage has already been done. Actions have consequences.
Democracy in Iraq is only "Democracy Lite", the power to vote for a government of the administration's choosing. Remember Cheney saying that we wouldn't allow an unfriendly govenment to take power? There is a feeling that we are headed for that here.
The "rule of law" has become politicized with Gonzales and now a Supreme Court deeply fractured along ideological grounds.
The "Patriot Act" was sold as a wartime necesity but with a pledge that it would never be abused or misused. Instead it became the "Domestic Spying Act" with the attendant abuse eroding our confidence in our national cops and intelligence system.
Scientific expertise and judgment have been forced to bend to meet religious and ideological "truths" and have lost credibility in the bargain.
Don't toss that "Selectric", keep using it as you have! "
Dr Wallace B Hicks wrote on Jul 7, 2007 7:00 AM:
" I wish I had written this! It's been in my heart wanted to be said for a while now.
Well Done, Steve. Your father would be very proud of you. "
bobnjersey wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:57 AM:
" your father knew better ... older is wiser.
these people know no shame. "
Samuel Taradash wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:54 AM:
" In any sort of decent world, Scooter Libby's name would become synonymous with well-rewarded mendacity. But it seems as though he will merely become one footnote among many in this record of corruption, deceit, greed and dishonor. Well said, Mr. Thomas.
The author is not alone in his feelings of anger and disgust. No matter how debased the offices of government may be, I think most people still hope for something better. But it worries me that we assume the best thing and only acceptable to do with these feelings of rage and indignation are to save them for the ballot box. It seems like there ought to be other tools available to the people when their leaders have flouted the laws they swore to uphold and treated their countrymen with such patent disdain. "
Earl Paige wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:44 AM:
" Thank you for validating my feelings on the Republican Party in general, and the Bush White House in particular. Sadly, we have all been betrayed at some level by this administration. While the responsibility ultimately falls on the President's shoulders, there is also a lot of blame to spread around his cabinet members and advisors. "
silverpelicanfeather wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:41 AM:
" Really terrific writinjg DOES exist in this nation rarely and this is the best of that.
And, not occuring to me until now, I think I'll be an Independent from the other direction so disgusted am I. "
disillusioned wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:40 AM:
" What a bunch of idealistic poppycock. You're living in a fantasy world if you think all people are equal under the law. Ideals are nice, but grow up. That's all they are -- IDEALs. And, what is law anyway, but a compilation of the biases of a handful of people who made them "IN THE NAME OF THE PEOPLE." Then there are the judges who supposedly interpret the 'law.' In reality they are nothing more than people who think they are god simply because they spent a few years in school. They believe they can make decisions that affect other people's lives with total impunity, because they can hide behind the 'law,' of course, as only they see it. The truth is any decision they make is based on their OWN PERSONAL bias. There is NO WAY there can ever be an objective decision based on 'law' handed down by a judge as long as the judge is a human and thinks. So, law IS about politics and popularity. The unfortunate thing is, as you say, the poor and powerless are neither popular nor very much involved in politics. "
ps2515 wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:37 AM:
" Thanks for voicing your thoughts on this issue; all along, Libby's trial has been confusing. I agree with much of your sentiments.
Still, I fail to see any difference b/w Bush's pardoning Libby and Clinton's pardons as he left the White House.
Couldn't the same, shouldn't, be spoken of re: Clinton's controversial comments?
Your Independent affiliation leads me to think you'd feel the same way about all the pardons he gave upon leaving the Oval Office.
I'm passing your comments along; thanks. "
Frank Castro wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:36 AM:
" That just shows how the elite can get away with murder. It was this country's last hope that this administration of corupption and deceit, was to be held accountable. It further proves that the rich and powerful truly are held to leser standards than the common citizen. This will no doubt widen the political and real division of this country. Corporate america for the corporations by the corporations.
president bush had nothing to lose in doing this. He has once again proven he is the puppet for the super wealthy,and mega corporations only. Already since 911 there ave been fewer prosecutions of white collar crime,Now this.
I could not believe what I was reading this morning,thinking it was some kind horrible joke. There will be a price to pay for such arrogance. The example you have set for this and next generation is "get away with what you can,and the consequences be damned.
Do you think showing this kind of weakness will keep the GOP in power? I think not. It is exactly the catalyst needed to rally the have nots',againt the haves.
If your going to continue on this path of elitism. "
R. Lyle wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:35 AM:
" Not sure if your anager is directed at the right people. I agree there is a lack of justice. The jury and the prosecutor in Scooter's case were loony.
The man was convicted for not remembering phone conversations. As for revealing a CIA agents name, the trail proved Scooter was not Novack's source.
If you are looking for someone to blame, blame we the america people who are so crazy that someone we be convicted for bad memory, and then the Jury Foreman who is suppose to be impartial comes out and says " we are only sad that the trial did not lead to Vice President or the Oval Office". There should your outrage be. "
Ripfree wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:30 AM:
" I can't tell you how many times I've heard a rabid partisan democrat cloak his vitriol in credibility by expounding his/her republican roots. It doesn't work, Mr. Democrat. As usual, you and your ilk underestimate the public. Libby was naive and needlessly helpful in volunteering to tesify, and got caught in a detail lie of faulty memory. All in a case that was already solved by that time. Yes, Fitzgerald knew who revealed Plame's name already. Case solved, never a need to question Libby at all. Look into whether Fitzgerald was getting back at Libby for successfully representing Mark Rich, a case Fitzgerald lost when Rich was pardoned. Revenge and the desire to get the VP are the motivations for this prosecution, not justice. Oh, how could a prosecutor ever do such a thing, you ask? Look at the Duke rape case, another example of a democrat trading justice for reelection. "
Frank Benjamin wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:29 AM:
" As another good person leaves the Republican party, the nation, step by step regains its heart.
Welcome back. "
Jack wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:27 AM:
" Fitzgerld and his conduct regarding this whole investigation would be a more appropriate topic for you to write about. Don't you see the real crime is the political missuse of the judicial system and the ambitious lawyer who put his career ahead of the law and justice.
How long will it be before Fitzgerld runs for public office? When this happens you might review the Libby afair and judge why a non crime investigation resulted in the conviction of a political staff member of the party who Fitzgerld will oppose in his new found political life. Yes loyalty has it rewards. Unfortunately for America and Libby Fitzgerld's loyalty wasn't the law but his future employment. "
Randy Long wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:25 AM:
" I quote you, "Instead, a great American city has been left to pull itself out of the mess while thousands of American citizens haven’t been able get decent housing or assistance from the federal government". Now show me exactly where in the US Constitution where it says that my government has the right to take money out of my pocket to reimburse idiots who choose to live in a city that sits below sea level. "Bush has commuted the jail sentence of former aide Scooter Libby." And Clinton did what??????????
Seems to me you need to get some facts straight. "
Barbara M wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:24 AM:
" Scooter Libby has been "Nifonged"
The real villan is this case is Fitzgerald who allowed the case to move forward with the full knowledge that Libby was the source of the leak on Valarie Plame's identity.
The investigation and trial was the result of an out of control legal system, congress, judge and jury. While I have some reservations about "Presidential Pardons" I truly believe that this case was more about getting getting at the Bush Administration than about truth and it should NEVER have gotten to court.
Fitzgerald, like Nifong should be disbarred for bringing forward a case with no merit. "
Therese wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:24 AM:
" What I really don't understand is why the citizens of this country don't stand up, take to the streets, and demand change.
I mean, don't these guys work for US? Can't we just tell them to, you know, get out? Isn't there a process where normal citizens can seek recourse?
I know we're all tired and stuck in the wheel of life and all, but I bet if for 72 hours nobody went to work, or if for that same three-day period every single one of us started calling our representatives, or if we all just decided to take a collective vacation in D.C. and showed up with signs and mob mentality, well...
Yeah, I know, while I'm at it I'd like a pet unicorn.
But really, man, well said. Beautiful. Honest. I'm sending it to everyone I know.
Keep up the good work.
Peace out. "
p hopkins wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:23 AM:
" STEVE
GREAT COMMENTARY WITH INSIGHT INTO WHATS REALLY ROTTEN AT THE TOP. I REMEMBER MY MANTRA DURING THE RUNUP TO THE FIRST GW ELECTION LOSS/WIN. "IF THOSE GUYS GET IN, HANG ON TO YOUR WALLET. YOU DONT GIVE OILMEN CONTROL YOUR ECONOMY, POLICIES, AND ADMINISTRATION. THESE GUYS ARE PROFESSIONAL GAMBLERS WHO WILL SINK 10 DRY HOLES TO GET ONE THAT PAYS OFF." WELL, WE GOT THE DRY HOLES, AT A COST IN BLOOD AND BOUNTY BORNE BY THE LOWER 1/2 OF OUR ECONOMIC FOOD CHAIN.
I COULD SUPPORT IMPEACHMENT FOR "AW SHUCKS" GW, BUT LETS FACE IT STUPIDITY AND HUBRIS DONT MEET THE TEST FOR CONGRESS TO ACT. THE REAL PUPPETMASTER CHENEY SEEMS TO HAVE COWED JUST ABOUT EVERYONE IN WASHINGTON- PRESS, POLITICOS, AND CIVIL SERVANTS- SO HE'LL PROBABLY NEVER SEE THE INSIDE OF THE GREYBAR FEDERAL HOUSING HE SO RICHLY DESERVES. I JUST HOPE WE CAN SURVIVE 2 MORE YEARS OF THESE HACKS. "
Albert wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:17 AM:
" A commutation or pardon can serve the ends of justice, or it can be personal and sleazy. The Libby commutation, personal and sleazy, is also an interference with the checks and balances of American government. In keeping Libby out of prison, Bush is shielding himself from the possibility that Libby would rat out the administration in a deal to reduce his prison sentence. By not issuing a full pardon, Bush leaves Libby in jeopardy so he can plead the Fifth if called to testify. Libby is also left beholden to Bush in the hope of a future pardon. When Presidential power is used to quash an investigation into possible Presidential wrongdoing, then I think the President's actions become obstruction of justice and a "high crime" worthy of impeachment. (We saw this when Nixon fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox.) Even if there is no impeachment, maybe the Libby commutation has made Bush's arrogance so transparent that the fireworks and anger at Bush will keep going long after July 4. It's high time for the American people to see Bush for who he really is instead of the Father-protector "
Tab O'Neal wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:17 AM:
" I greatly enjoyed reading your commentary and hope to read your work again. I would like to comment about the T&A advertising your webmasters have placed on the page your work appears on. There is no reason--other than greed--to insult the credibility and supposed quality of this site with that Midwest boat party ad flashing T&A. It brings your site down to the level of prurient spam. "
Therese wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:14 AM:
" Well said good man. Exactly. I'm baffled by the who-gets-away-with-what game and have been since Nixon, at which time, I was, um, let me think... 6 years old.
I'm a middle school teacher and a documentary photographer. I say there is plenty about America that is great, but then there is plenty about America that sucks rope, too.
I'm not down with invading other countries on misplaced principles. I'm not down with the dysfunction of our wants vs. needs.
I will say I love the freedom we have to articulate those issues and struggles and more, no matter how ugly the battle.
I may not appreciate Larry Flynt, but I'm thankful has a right (at times) to freely publish (with some minor restrictions of course).
As individuals, most Americans I know are good folks who care about their families and look after their neighbors in a hard spot. As a group, particularly these days when we are most obviously associated with Bush, Cheney, Rove, et al., I can imagine how the rest of the world watches us with a kind of fascinated horror.
MORE TO FOLLOW. "
Michael Reed wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:14 AM:
" Dubya may have been a bit of a disappointment, but consider this. Clinton PARDONED 140 people on his last day in office, while Dubya COMMUTED a portion of the sentence but did not pardon the conviction of Libby. One commutation versus 140 pardons. Why no outrage for Bill? Further, Clinton was impeached for the exact same crime as Libby, but got away scot free. Where's the outrage for Bill? Finally, Clinton's National Security Advisor - Sandy Berger - stole and destroyed top secret documents but got probation and a fine. Where's the outrage? I seem to detect a double standard at work here. "
John wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:14 AM:
" Does anyone remember when Khrushchev came to this country and declared that "We will bury you" (meaning that Russians will outlive us)and that the US would fall like a rotten apple from a tree? They could not compete in economic motivation or technological development but they were superb at political manipulation. Consider Philby, Blount, Burgess, Maclean, Strange, Walker, and many more as well as those unmasked. SunTzu says that the highest form of warfare is to get complete control of your enemy's assets without him ever knowing there was a war. Who now controls our assets? Is it the citizen? "
Steven wrote on Jul 7, 2007 6:02 AM:
" Bill Clinton pardoned a fugitive,and fired 125 prosecutors,because they were republicans.Were was your outrage then?? "
Albert wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:41 AM:
" A commutation or pardon can serve the ends of justice, or it can be personal and sleazy. The Libby commutation, personal and sleazy, is also an interference with the checks and balances of American government. In keeping Libby out of prison, Bush is shielding himself from the possibility that Libby would rat out the administration in a deal to reduce his prison sentence. By not issuing a full pardon, Bush leaves Libby in jeopardy so he can plead the Fifth if called to testify. Libby is also left beholden to Bush in the hope of a future pardon. When Presidential power is used to quash an investigation into possible Presidential wrongdoing, then I think the President's actions become obstruction of justice and a "high crime" worthy of impeachment. (We saw this when Nixon fired special prosecutor Archibald Cox.) Even if there is no impeachment, maybe the Libby commutation has made Bush's arrogance so transparent that the fireworks and anger at Bush will keep going long after July 4. It's high time for the American people to see Bush for who he really is instead of the Father-protector he touts himself to be. "
Ex-Republican wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:39 AM:
" Interesting. Like you, after some years of considering myself a Republican, I too became disillusioned with - and ultimately disgusted with - the Republican party and switched my party affiliation. However, for me, that time came during the first Bush administration. After two terms of Reagan and one term of the first Bush, I had had enough of the status quo and the strangle hold of the Christian right over the Republican party. But that pales miserably by comparison with what this current Bush (and the Republican party) has done/is doing.
What I don't understand is, with all that has happened in the last 6 plus years, what MORE would it take for you to actually register as a Democrat? With what Nixon and all those who were loyal to him did (and a lot of them are STILL in positions of power today doing their dirty deeds) and all that this president has done, you mean to say that the Democrats are worse?
Somehow, I don't think becoming an "Independent" is really saying much, nor is it any great loss to the Republicans. Like a battered wife, they know you'll be back. Eventually. "
n brandt wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:29 AM:
" Perhaps instead you could use that typewriter to contact your representatives. You could mention they got off lucky to be receiving the product of that Seletric instead of the machine itself, using your obvious gift with words to get their attention, but hopefully not a security detail. We must let them know, for both governors and presidents, it should be illegal to grant clemency in a case in which you are involved. "
L.A. Raider wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:11 AM:
" Steve, I like your story but you should be writing romance novels. It was very dramatic and it's writers like yourself that like to stir up the public. Clinton pardoned people yet I didn't hear you throwing type writers then. Why the stink now? I don't agree with everything the Bush administration has done but stop trying to stir-up trouble. That's all what journalist like to do. Why don't you go to Venezuela and write about them?...oh! I forgot...you might get thrown in jail for that. "
Arthur wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:06 AM:
" Wow. Good job. (I am amazed that Nancy Pelosi said impeachment is off the table.) "
Tab wrote on Jul 7, 2007 4:06 AM:
" No, don't waste a perfectly good typewriter on this idiot.
I'm glad that you made the move from the dark side, but why did you not go all the way?
It really has become an us vs. them scenario. Like you, I was independent. But I've seen too much. There's no pretending I'm "neutral" because there simply isn't a viable neutral position. It's either extreme or it's not. Since I'm "not", and that's the only choice, I'm dem.
Forgo the dark side! Embrace reason! "
Paula wrote on Jul 7, 2007 3:03 AM:
" Don't know much about your paper, but read your comments on Google ... they resonate deeply with us and we hope many other Americans feel the same way. Our Justice system has stood for something unique since designed by the Founding Fathers and that it has been so compromised by this administration does not bode well for any of us ... many thanks for a well-constructed and well-considered commentary. "
Les wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:41 AM:
" It's about time you woke up! there are still too many of you reformed republicans around who continue to allow themselves to be fooled. "
Rica wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:34 AM:
" Honestly, I do not think that any writer, of any political persuasion, has written anything that has resonated with my feelings of what has become of our country until now. Thank you.
Unlike you, I followed my parents' into the Democratic party. My father, a Vietnam veteran from a Baptist family and my mother from a "minority" family both chose the Democrats based, in large part, on the social upheaval of the 60's. I still agree with them in many ways, although I consider myself a moderate who was, reluctantly, ready to give Bush a chance and hope he meant what he said about bringing our country back together.
This said, I feel what is happening to our country is scary. This administration is spitting on the ideals of our founding fathers. They are using power, half-truths, the media, and our own fears to pave a dangerous way towards God knows what. Libby is yet another example of a power-hungry president who seems to no longer care about democracy.
We have three branches of government for a reason: we are a democracy, not a dictatorship. Take the time to be informed and vote. "
Larry wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:34 AM:
" I just reclaimed my IBM Selectric from its long time storage in the basement. Replaced the old ball with a new one that I had with it as well as the ribbon. Let me know when you are ready to give it a hurl, mine will be right with yours Steve.
Best regards
Larry "
Greg wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:26 AM:
" I'm with you, Steve. My government disgusts me. Let's remember that "Scooter" was caught up in a little white lie over the Bush/Cheney effort to discredit Wilson over their effort to finagle the US ("us") into a trumped up war.
With the pardon of Libbey, equal justice under the law becomes just another motto for a country I can recognize as only a myth. This is not my father's Republican party. "
Stephanie Sherva wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:23 AM:
" Thank you for letting me know that there is someone out there who thinks the same as I do. I couldn't have said it better. Again, thanks! "
maggie wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:22 AM:
" What LIbby might reveal in a kiss and tell book, or what cooperation to law enforcement he might have provided from prison, is why I feel he was given a commutation at this time. And if he continues his loyalty to the V.P. and President, he will likely get his pardon. Convicted, incarcerated, thwarted in future economic endeavors, Libby would have eventually turned to the best selling, reveal it all disclosure book. Who knows what he might have revealed about other activities in the White House?
Especially if he sees it as a White House that abandoned him in his hour of need.
I feel this act by the President is most likely related to keeping secrets that Libby knows, secret.
Languishing and abandoned in prison, Libby could have been a real wildcard for the Bush/Cheney legacy. Better to keep your friends close, and your potential enemies closer. (Maggie the Beagle) "
John wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:11 AM:
" I agree with you on almost everything about this Presidency. It has been a total disaster and disgrace, but I do disagree with the main point of this article. Libby had no reason to lie and had nothing to lie about. The prosecutor already knew the source of the leak and knew that no crime had been committed. His biggest crime was that he was trying help the FBI and he remembered incorrectly. A simple "I don't recall" would have ended the conversation, instead he tried to answer questions and an over zeolous prosecutor trapped him in factual errors. Just my opinion. "
Daniel wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:09 AM:
" So well said.
I've had too many concerns since the Bush Administration took office, but this article laid it out quite concisely. It does not only reflect my disdain in what Bushes policy's are doing to this country but also my desire for the ideal to be realized again, what it means to be an American, in the United States of America.
I am a sociologist at heart and by education but a veteran of the US Army as well, and I am torn. Things need to be changed and that attitude is growing all around me. I hope that the ballot box will be sufficient to make way for some changes, or I will be there with you, preparing to throw a typewriter as well. "
Lee wrote on Jul 7, 2007 2:04 AM:
" Ya must have hurled a Buick when Clinton PARDONED more than 100 criminals. At least Bush only COMMUTED the obviously politically motivated sentence. This was a political witch hunt and Bush did right. "
Richard wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:56 AM:
" I live in South Africa. Here, we've moved quite a bit. I've moved from a person with a conservative upbringing to solidly "independent", appreciative of the perspective of the other. I think it's the only way to be. Think your own thoughts.
The concept of the "rule of law" I've come to appreciate only in the last few years, but I consider it one of our proudest accomplishments.
Unfortunately in some places, kings still rule. "
Merle wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:52 AM:
" I truly believe that this scenario with Libby was a well executed plan if something happened along the way, he would be the fall guy and the pres would do as he did,the government always protects their behind,just like the Iran/Contra affair unrolled. "
Kenneth C wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:52 AM:
" The best so far, on this yet another fiasco from Bush. The rooster is coming home, for sure. Perhaps America will yet learn to vote the mind, not the heart, or the faith. "
HM wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:49 AM:
" Typewriter brigade-prepare your throwing arms...I have a feeling Mr. President is not done with his brilliant streak of tearing this country apart... "
Wayne Morley wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:44 AM:
" A rather long article but I wouldn't have missed a word of it and couldn't agree more. The highest office in the land should exemplify the highest human values and it's honor must be upheld above personal obligations and loyalties at any cost. GWB has made a mockery of everything the office of the president represents and it's the American people that hang their head in shame and disgust. Perhaps it's time for an Independent to take the reins and put Washington back on the path our forefathers had envisioned more than two centuries ago. The Bush clan and their cronies have have done more damage in this short span of years than the founding fathers would have dreamed possible. Impeachment and public humiliation are too good for GWB. Prison is the only answer "
Slobadan wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:41 AM:
" What a great piece. Funny and true. I've been hearing alot of arguments from conservatives that the Demon Clinton did the same thing by pardoning a racketeer just before leaving office.
1. Does that make what Bush did any more right.
2. Did Clinton's "Rackateer" friend have anything to do with putting a stunned, post 9/11 country on war footing with deliberate lies and exagerations, leading to the deaths of hundreds of thousands of people and the displacement of many more, causing anger and instability in the middle east and the erosion of our relationships with our most trusted allies while plunging the nation deeply into debt. RRRrrrrr!
I feel sorry for Scooter Libby. He most certainly was following orders. But he was compliscent and should have gone to jail if only for the crimes of the order givers. "
Kevin wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:38 AM:
" This is one of the finest pieces of political commentary I have ever read. The points-of-view expressed, as well as the progression of the author's thinking over the past few years mirror my own. Thus I am likely to look favourably on their expression! The elegance and precision of the writing and the language is a marvel to behold. "
robert golasky wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:31 AM:
" an justice for all, who said that???? just goe,s to show you who is immune from prosecution, thank,s george, move over nixon it,s my time in history, God bless president (bushy) he needs all the help most people won,t give someone they respectively can,t ( TRUST ) "
Hominid wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:30 AM:
" While I don't totally agree, I don't totally disagree.
I wonder, though, whether Libby would have the same slap on the wrist if he would have taken a deal like former president Clinton?
Also, I wonder: Where is all of the outrage that Fitzgerald knew that Richard Armitage was the source BEFORE HE EVEN BEGAN his investigation?
How is it that NO ONE is talking about that - nor have they been EVER.
"
nad wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:29 AM:
" I have never felt like crying like I do now .sad thing is bush just keeps hanging in there like nothing is wrong.how can we look other nations in the face ?bush is going to be the downfall of america .what can people do to get this man out? "
Daryl wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:25 AM:
" Your article started well up to the W did well with 9-11. That turned me off as a reader. Anyone who feels George W. Bush (a coward) who didn't respond to the attack the day of, who sat for 7 minutes like a deer in the head lights, who went buncker hiding after thinks that was a good response just turns me off. I understand the need to protect the Commander in Chief however, my feeling as a war vet is that when our country is under attack it is not the countries job to protect the President. It is the Presidents job to protect the country. He is a coward and an idiot.
Independent voter "
Brad Fregger wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:25 AM:
" Fitzgerald, knowing full well that no crime had been committed and who the "leaker" was proceed to "entrap" Libby, being sure that he would either "out" the VP or protect him. I see Fitzgerald as being immoral, if not illegal. In addition, he spent millions on a nothing case that only a "Bush Hater" would pursue.
It's this kind of legal stupidity that leads to a lack of faith in our justice system. By the way, the true nature of the case was held back from the jury because the liberal court and the prosecutors knew full well they wouldn't have convicted. And this is a legal system that you are proud of?
I suspect you are a pretender ... and, I wonder if your anger was just as strong when Clinton committed perjury out of self-interest. At least Libby did it out a loyalty. And, of course, Clinton's perjury damaged lives, while Libby's persecution was a "strut and fret upon the stage, signifying nothing."
If I was Bush, I would have pardoned him.
"
Mark Bohannon wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:19 AM:
" Very well put. I was raised by Republican parents. My father has passed on, however, and my mother has switched to Democrat. I wouldn't vote for another Republican if Jesus himself were running. Repubs have reduced our democracy to a fascist state. See you at the polls in 2008!!! "
Doug wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:19 AM:
" My experience and feelings almost exactly mirror Steves. Except for New Orleans, that is. It was the armpit of America and should have been bulldozed. I am heartsick over he Radical GOP and Cheney-Bush cabal's theft of the soul of our beautiful nation. "
john wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:17 AM:
" We like to stand on our principles but rarely is there anything but water and a litte mud under our feet. Clinton was guilty and impeached for the same offense as Libby, pardoned many more than President Bush, cleared the record of his drug dealing brother and today the Americn people pay millions of dollars to listen to him rant. My mother would say "it is the pot calling the kettle black."
It is popular to have a moral tirade over the President's action but those who sling the mud are often times flinging it from the pigpen in which they live.
You would be wiser to tell us of the thousands you gave to see that the people of New Orleans were loved than to harp on the lack of support from others. Example is a much better testimony of truth than fingerpointing.
Please donate your typewriter to the Salvation Army, they can sell it and use the funds in New Orleans, it would be a more productive statement. "
lyn wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:14 AM:
" You're brilliant! Just reading your essay is like God validating my thoughts. I am not alone. I am with others of stronger voice and WE will not be silenced. "
Brett Paatsch wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:14 AM:
" Ironically the sense of loss of confidence in the rule of law this American writer describes mirrors the sense of loss non-Americans experienced when Bush, against the UN Charter, (which the US Constitution mades, since ratification, part of the supreme law of the land), unilaterally overrode the security council and Resolution 1441 which gave Iraq a "final opportunity" - another act of putting himself above the law.
In the Libby decision Bush undermined American confidence. With Iraq he undermined the confidence of the world in the trustworthiness of Americans even on treaties aimed at "saving succeeding generations from the scourge of war". Americans have a duty to themselves and to the rest of us to act to support the rule of law.
Article 2, section 4 of your Constitution says "The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States SHALL BE removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery or other high crimes and midemeanors."
It is hard to imagine a higher crime than one which breaks the international treaty set up after WW2 "to maintain international peace and security" and leaves over 3500 US servicemen dead. "
Michael Burgwin wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:11 AM:
" Thank you Mr Thomas. You have expressed what so many of us feel about this President and his party. Democracy, the Constitution, and the rule of law mean nothing to them. Unfortunately, the other party's greatest strength, it's diversity, will also keep Congress from fulfilling its obligation to check the power of the President so that he does not do exactly what he has already done. "
Meghan wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:04 AM:
" Thank You! I feel exactly the same way! Very well written piece. "
Robert Dearmore wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:03 AM:
" Your are not and were not a true Republican!! You are quoting lib talking points... The Katrina disaster was just that, a natural disaster... The poor, down troden people of the Big Easy (predom. black) were third & fourth generation welfare families who have been taught by the democrats that they could not take care of themselves.. and they couldn't.. But nice try lib.... If you truly wanted to help, you would vote in a stong leader who would make the people work for their welfare check, like Rudy did as mayor of NY... The money that was supposed to be spent on the care and maintenance of the levees was spent by the world renouned corrupt and inept politicians of NE who spent it on big lunchs, etc. Chocolate Nagin is a joke... But those folks elected him, just as DC reelected crack smoking Marion Berry... Its albout the "folk".. The mexicans are moving in and will take over down there just like they have in So. Calif. How do you say "Como esta" with a crejol accent.. How will gumbo taste with salsa? "
Zac Chase wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:03 AM:
" Mr. Thomas,
Your writing was adept. Your tone was frank and your words rang true.
You have given me the all-too-rare experience of someone else writing what I am feeling. Thank you.
-Zac Chase
http://phoenixchase.blogspot.com "
bike mike wrote on Jul 7, 2007 1:01 AM:
" The Katrina "poor, who had little to lose, but lost it all anyway"?
Great article, woot. And thanks, I really enjoyed reading it. But the Katrina poor who lost it all "anyway" had much more than little to lose. They lost everything, including families, and families who lost one or two.
We must help them. Surely Mr. Thompson would. "
HunterSFan wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:56 AM:
" While I appreciate your quoting the Good Doctor Thompson for the purposes of this article, I can't say I feel anything but anger toward you (and millions like you) who are finally now paying enough close attention to this administration to realize what a den of corruption and incompetence it has been all along. Hunter S. Thompson sniffed out George Bush and his cronies for what they were early on - Nixon Part Deux. You have no one but yourself to blame for ever thinking this group of liars deserved another term. "
Outsider wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:55 AM:
" Since outsourcing of work seems to be the in thing these days, how about outsourcing the government and our administration ? perhaps some people can do a much better job...for less ? "
Joel Rankin wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:54 AM:
" You were never a Republican... and no real Republican will buy any of your story. "
Eru wrote on Jul 7, 2007 12:50 AM:
" I don't agree with the 30 months in jail---if Bush had commuted it to the minimum 15 I think I would've been fine. I don't know what to think that it's been commuted entirely.
My own Republican parents say: "Well, Bush knew the Democrats would jump all over him either way, so he just went the full hog." Oh, well, okay. "
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rhett wrote on Jul 13, 2007 11:06 AM: