You have to read this column by Dan Froomkin of the Washington Post, detailing reaction to Pres. Bush’s commutation of Scooter Libby’s sentence. I’m sure there are those who thought it was a good idea and a fair move, but we also need to take note of those (many) mainstream folks who are just fed up. The problem is that this one action was so out of step with this Administration’s actions and policies on federal sentencing in other cases, was done outside the normal pardon or commutation channels, and was done without Mr. Libby even serving one day in jail. If Pres. Bush had commuted his sentence to 10-15 months (the sentence recommended by the U.S. Probation office), it would have gone down a lot easier. The fact that he did not suggests other motivations for this commutation, a suspicion the White House has done nothing to dispel.

July 7, 2007 

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There is too little plain talk nowadays.  Why do you think we listen so much to the "talking heads" instead of the actual newsmakers - we need analysts and experts to tell us what these people said and, more specifically, what they meant (because they sure didn't come out and say it!)   Enough!  Let's start demanding our politicians answer our questions with real answers, and explain themselves with sincerity, simplicity, and candor.