Pardon Me
There are rumors that, if convicted, Scooter Libby may be pardoned by President Bush. Jay Leno has joked about it (doing the old "pardon me" joke--like I have above--that was tired back during Watergate) and now it's in Kausfiles.
I understand why the Framers gave the President the power to pardon (Article II, Section 2, Clause 1). Our chief executive officer should be allowed to overturn wrongs done in extraordinary cases. It's too bad they didn't put an exception in for crimes that further, or even seem to further, the interests of the pardoner.
Otherwise, there's nothing to stop the President from ordering crimes committed, with the understanding if the criminal is caught, he'll be pardoned.
I have no strong opinion on the prosecution of Libby. Regardless, if Libby is convicted, Bush should leave it alone.
posted by LAGuy @ 2:28 AM
2 Comments:
Let's not forget Bush senior, once he knew he wasn't coming back, pardoned some of his pals. So why shouldn't Libby hope for a last-second post-election pardon?
Lawrence Walsh? You've got to be kidding. This is the guy who indicted Friday before the election. Not only was that a proper use of the pardon power, Bush should have had him assassinated.
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