Iconoclasm: Signing statements and commutations

The Bush administration proved today that it is firm in the assertion of the privileges of the Imperial presidency.  While signing statements have castrated the institution of legislation in this administration, now the commutation of Scooter Libby's jail time shows that the sweep of a pen can protect presidential cronies from the true consequences of corruption and wrong doing.

It was the first week of July in 2003 -- a full four years ago -- that Joe Wilson debunked the president's claims that Iraq had been involved in seeing uranium ore (yellowcake) in Niger.  In the time since, the administration has destroyed Valerie Plame's career -- Wilson's wife.  The proof has been presented in court.  Libby was convicted of obstruction of justice -- a serious crime so close to the oval office.

And yet Libby's time is struck, like a signing statement, like an arrogant undermining of the rule of law.

What a sad statement to punctuate our July 4th with this year.

In the article linked above, Bush states:

 "My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr Libby," the president said. "The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely ... The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant and private citizen will be long-lasting."

Bush would not state that he would never pardon Libby at a later date, leaving open the possiblity of an outgoing full pardon at the end of his administration.

Although conservatives lobbied for this change, I truly believe it hurts the institution of the presidency.  Mr. Bush has sewn the wind -- what will his party reap if the Democrats sweep in the next elections?

I don't care what party he (or she) might represent.  I do not want a presidency in the US who can say "Checks and balances?  We don't need no stinkin' checks and balances!"

Not only is it disgraceful, but it endangers our constitutional safeguards.

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Shava Nerad, News and Opinion Correspondent:

Shava’s column, Iconoclasm, published several times a week to Gather Essentials: Newsis an examination of the provocative ideas emerging in media and world culture behind the news.

Shava Nerad has been working on the Internet for twenty-five years, at the boundaries of Internet and social issues.  She is executive director of The Tor Project as her day job.  She lives in Somerville, MA with her teenage son, her fiance (a professional magician and fundraising coach), and a corgi/dachshund mutt named George.

Opinions here have nothing to do with Tor. 

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