John Dean offers a thoughtful after-action reports on Fitzgerald's indictment of Scooter Libby.
Dean argues -- correctly, I think -- that the real target is Dick Cheney. Dean argues -- correctly, I think -- that Cheney and Libby violated the espionage act when they conspired to "get" the Wilsons.
Dean does not, alas, fully address the question of whether Cheney is in legal jeopardy. We know that Libby and the Veep discussed Valerie Wilson's CIA status. But both men had clearances. The law permitted them to discuss such things as much as they cared to, for whatever reasons they liked, as long as they did so in private.
Fitzgerald will have to prove that Cheney not only knew the data but directed Libby to act as he did.
I personally feel certain that Libby acted under orders. Libby is a spear-carrier. He is Watson to Cheney's Holmes -- without the morality. Tolson to Cheney's Hoover -- without the romance.
Alas, a prosecutor requires courtroom-quality proof that Cheney ordered his subordinate to violate the law -- and as I see it, the only proof possible in this case is a confession by one of the insiders.
Since Bush controls the power of the pardon, and since Cheney controls Bush, Libby has little incentive to blab. His legal peril will end before Christmas of 2008. He need merely hold out until then.
5 comments:
actually, joe, i think dean did address cheney's legal jeopardy, describing the same scenario as you did. ultimately, libby is the 'firewall,' as dean puts it, and he'll be pardoned by bush and he knows it, so it's just a waiting game.
but these things are often solved by the strangest and most unexpected turn of events. think of how the fact of nixon's tapes emerged.
there are so many players in this godforsaken scheme to destroy our country, someone is bound to be caught up in it who will recognize they're going down if they don't turn.
plus, there's always the possibility that someone in a more 'real' position of power will 'produce' the necessary evidence to get rid of these bozos, as bush and cheney's usefulness continues to expire.
always maintain hope; without it, we're all doomed.
I agree that Dean addressed the issue, but the point he overlooked -- the point that EVERYONE overlooks -- is that Cheney and Libby were within the law when they discussed VP/W's CIA status.
Thus, it is not just a matter of proving that Libby got the info from Cheney. We need proof that libby got marching orders from Cheney. And THAT will be difficult.
Sometimes rulers give non-explicit orders to underlings. "Will no one rid me of this meddling ambassador?"
ah, quite so, joe. the chit chat about plame was legal, but what was done with it is another matter: who directed it and with what intent.
still, as for the outcome....
no doubt bush will pardon libby, even cheney and rove, if need be. but that will not stop the damage done, nor the potential for justice down the pike. in fact, it could have the opposite effect of inflaming the public at such flagrant injustice, which in itself fuels potential for justice down the pike.
there's more:
first, just this much fallout from one indictment has taken a huge toll on this administration and its power. and if the rumors of bush's disenchantment with cheney are to be believed (see newsweek), then he'll continue to distance him and perhaps turn a cold shoulder to any guarantees for pardon. not likely, but not impossible if bush sees it as politically expedient. just so much chum to the sharks if it saves his own ass; not necessarily bush's loyal style, but if he feels betrayed, it fits with his vindictive streak.
second, wilson and plame are likely to file a civil lawsuit that will continue to keep this mess in the public eye, and force all the players to testify, making for an even bigger mess, especially if a jury rules in their favor against any of them, much as we saw with oj simpson.
third, there remains the quite possible changing of the guard in congress a year from now, which will create all manner of havoc for the cabal, not least of which is a double impeachment, as well as further investigations into many if not all the areas of corruption, including cheney's unbridled siege of power.
fourth, as bush's power weakens here, the international community will smell blood in the water and come after these criminals in the world court. if there is no corrupt republican congress to protect them anymore, all i can say is god help them. and good riddance.
i suppose what i am suggesting here is that even though the cia leak case may not unfold at first precisely as we might see fit for real justice, this huge snowball of evil these demons have created has already started rolling back on them, with potentially crushing force. once it gains anything like momentum - which the polls and even the media appear now to suggest - there will be no stopping it.
yet more food for schadenfreude, i admit. there is that fine line between seeking revenge and justice we all must strive to keep in perspective. it may be better to wish on your enemies that they encounter many opportunities for growth in self-knowledge. seems a good spin on the inevitable satisfaction one feels when real evil-doers are publicly exposed and stopped.
but we cannot allow ourselves to sink back into the smug postures of victory. if we ourselves learn the self-growth lessons we would wish on our enemies, then we are compelled to do the work beyond voting demanded of all citizens of all democracies.
from a MichiGone political scientist...
Twenty Questions About Impeaching A Vice President
by Dr. Mary Maxwell
November 5, 2005
GlobalResearch.ca
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1. Q: How long would it take to eject a vice president from office by impeachment?
A: Theoretically it could be done in a day. In the morning a member of the House of Representatives could propose one or more Articles of Impeachment and then a vote could be called. A simple majority (50% plus one vote) is all that is needed to impeach. In the afternoon the Senate could try the case. A two-thirds vote is needed in the Senate to convict.
2. Q: Why is it so simple? ...?
SEE...
http://www.globalresearch.ca/index.php?context=viewArticle&code=MAX20051105&articleId=1185
Remember, all, that if Libby is pardoned he loses his Fifth Amendment right to refuse answers on the basis of self-incrimination.
If Libby is pardoned, he can still be called as a witness in related prosecutions. And, since he has a full pardon shielding him, he'd have to tell the whole truth about whatever he was asked (concerning the Wilson outing, at least). If he refuses he'll be jailed indefinitely for contempt of court. If he lies, he faces felony perjury charges.
The upshot is that as long as Fitz is actively investigating and/or prosecuting, the White House can't afford to pardon Libby. You can bet Bush and Cheney realize this.
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