Pirate's Cove

Interesting

Even so, there is a basis for clemency in these particular cases. The 16 were convicted of such crimes as seditious conspiracy, possession of unregistered firearms and interstate transportation of a stolen vehicle. However, none of their actions have been linked to any incidents of violence. The sentences for these crimes, as long as 90 years in some cases, are out of proportion to what would be meted out in cases not involving association with radical groups. A chorus of church leaders, including John Cardinal O’Connor, along with former President Jimmy Carter, has joined with Congress members representing Hispanic communities in asking for clemency for the 16 men and women.

At a time when the United States must be vigilant against terrorism all around the world, the Administration cannot afford mixed signals about its tolerance of violence. At the same time, justice demands that sentences fit the crime as proved in a court of law. The long sentences in the case of the men in this case resulted, at least in part, from their declining even to contest the charges. The cause of justice and mercy may well be served with shortened terms. But the President needs to address the legitimate concerns that politics, rather than principle, may have played an undue role in his thinking. (9/9/1999)

Here we have the Times flying all over the place to say that Clinton’s clemency was A-OK, but that it appears to be political. They knew Clinton did wrong, but wanted to find a reason for it to be sorta right.

Most legal pundits have stated that Libby’s sentence was out of proportion with his crimes. If memory serves, Clinton served no days in jail for not only the exact same crimes, but a few others, as well. Yet, now the Times seems to be advocating tougher sentencing. Intellectual knots.

Let’s skip on to Slick

In Iowa to promote the presidential candidacy of his wife, Senator Hillary Rodham Clinton of New York, Mr. Clinton was asked by a radio host, David Yepsen, “You had some controversial pardons during your presidency; what’s your reaction to what President Bush did?”

“Yeah, but I think the facts were different,” Mr. Clinton said. “I think there are guidelines for what happens when somebody is convicted. You’ve got to understand, this is consistent with their philosophy; they believe that they should be able to do what they want to do, and that the law is a minor obstacle.”

“It’s wrong to out that C.I.A. agent and wrong to try to cover it up,” Mr. Clinton added. “And no one was ever fired from the White House for doing it.”

Has anyone defined "is" yet? I guess it is OK for him to grant pardons for cash donations.

Anyhow, I wonder when Bill will call for the prosecution of Dick Armitage and Bob Woodward.

I see that Bryan is having a grand old time with the latter story.

They’ve (Clintons) chosen to confront it they way they choose to confront everything–by lying, dissembling, and then going on the offensive.

Huzzah.