Scooter Libby's Fate

I probably shouldn't get involved, because what I'll say won't please anyone, but let's talk a bit about Scooter Libby.

I'm not going to go over the whole case, again. Just let me say I doubt there was a concerted campaign by the Bush White House to smear Joe Wilson (with the truth) regarding Valerie Plame. In fact, when the investigation started, Richard Armitage told Colin Powell he may have been the one to leak the information, and Powell made the decision not to tell anyone, so the pro-war people in the administration didn't even know who the leaker was.

I also believe no crime was committed before the investigation, and that Fitzgerald pretty much understood this from the start. Also, the evidence they got Libby on (for lying to the FBI and to a grand jury) probably had enough reasonable doubt attached for acquittal, but the jury (based on statements they made after the verdict) were at least partly driven by improper considerations (not unlike the Martha Stewart jury).

But that's all behind us. The question now is what should be done with Libby. After all, Bush is leaving and I'm guessing he believes Libby doesn't deserve his punishment. Nevertheless, I'm against a pardon.

If Libby didn't work for Bush, sure, pardon him. But it really smells when a President, even if he's doing it honestly, let's someone go whom others believe was committing crimes on the administration's behalf.