Jonathan Turley: Cheney should have been an un-indicted, co-conspirator
By Logan Murphy Sunday Jul 01, 2007 7:15pm
The right wing apologists are out in force today, attempting to defend Scooter Libby and the President's decision to commute his sentence. Who better to counter the lies and spin than constitutional law professor, Jonathan Turley? The apologist, R. Emmett Tyrrell, Editor In-Chief of the far-right leaning American Spectator was no match for Shuster and Turley. He not only applauds Bush's decision to commute Scooter's sentence, he believes he should have been given a full pardon.
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Shuster asks him what position he took on the Clinton impeachment and watch the spinning begin. Shuster doesn't give him much wiggle room, calling him on his hypocrisy. Turley repeats his assertion that Vice President Dick Cheney should have been an un-indicted, co-conspirator in this case all along..
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So who was surprised by this?
It's obvious Bush promised Libby a pardon so Libby would keep his mouth shut.
Bush is now clearly part of the conspiracy.
With this action Bush once again in the tradition of Dick Cheney, tells America to go fuck itself!!!!! This is the most criminal administration in the history of this country.
Bush ADMITS that Libby broke the law, obstructed justice, covered up for other peoples crimes, but that he shouldn't have to face any consequences. God damned republicans!!!!!
remember how everyone was celebrating fitzgerald? a bush apointee. I to this day think he was in on the fix. why was nothing found? why was there no crime except a lie? it was all just a giant fucking snow job. what worries me, much like central america during the late 70 and 80's is what are were we not seeing while we watched this? What Afganastan have we missed with all this smoke being blown up our asses?
Yes. Indict him.
The Judiciary is gonna jump right on that. Someone call the AG.
I like John Dean's idea of having Fitzpatrick immunize Libby, then reconvene the grand jury.
By the way. I'm hoping for my own commutation of sentence. What chance is there that the Preznit will commute my sentence of 18 more months of a Cheney/Bush administration?
A government run by criminals.
Plain and simple.
PurplePatriot @ 6:
Yes, I know ... Fitzgerald.
IMPEACH. start a movement.
Bush Bites @ 2:
Absolutely. The stink of a quid pro quo arrangement is all over this. The amazing thing is that they have no shame in doing this.
In terms of whose behavior was more criminal, clearly Martha Stewart was more of a danger to society than was Scooter Libby by virtue of the fact that the former served time for, what would seem, on the surface, to be a lesser crime.
Bush 2000 Flashback:
"So when I put my hand on the Bible, I will swear to not only uphold the laws of our land, I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God."
"In my administration, we will ask not only what is legal but what is right. Not just what the lawyers allow, but what the public deserves."
For the history, see:
"Neither Right Nor Legal: Libby and the Bush 2000 Standard."
Angry One @ 12:
Amen, brother. Thank you for that. Restoring Honor and Integrity to the White House
Screw them all, traitors traitors!IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACH IMPEACHI MPEACHI MPEACH NOWWWWWW
They sure know how to work the system to cover each other's asses. No rule of law can seem to stop an administration that makes up the rules as they go along and to take advantage of every power they have.
I'm REALLY starting to like David Shuster. I didn't think to much of him before, but he's been impressing me lately.
clinton lied to his wife, bush lied to the world. Impeach!
Shuster has facts and information and knows how to challenge spin. I think it's called journalism?! It was a very intelligent conversation and Turley was also impressive. I recall him being no Clinton apologist and has been very consistent.
Impeach. Indict. Incarcerate.
One lying smirking traitor pardons another lying smirking traitor. Treason all around. Happy Birthday, America, from the Bush crime family.
IMPEACH.
If you use the Mac browser "Safari" this website crashes the browser.
Just started today, as far as I can tell, and its been happening all day.
-Rob
What is Fitz saying about this?
Never mind that this power of pardon/clemency/commutation or whatever is an intrusion of the administration into the territory of the Judiciary. It was provided for in the constitution, but should only be used in the rarest of cases. This is a clear abuse of power.
What do you expect after over six years of constant demonstrations that this is a criminal enterprise posing as legitimate government.
And just think..the smirking trud knew all along that he was going to do this and he again thumbs his nose at the law and the American people.
fuck liberdose
tommor night oberman is going to ask bush cheny to resigh on his commentary!
"Are we men, or are we mice" (pussies)
If we on the left do not rise up and take to the streets, then we are mice!
FUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!
Ah man, KO was on fire tonight.
Of course, w gets the worst award.
Geez.
This Libby commutation should put all of us on notice.
Combine it with all of the hoopla coming out of Britain this week, and the fact that this is the longest Independence Day weekend in a long time, I'd say that this week is ripe for THE BEHIND THE SCENE REICH-WINGERS doing something in this country this week, then using it to rebuild Scooter Libby's image along with Bush's, by employing him in some high profile role that they claim that only he can perform.
I wouldn't put anything past these criminals.
id say bush thinks americans are pusseys
liberdouchebag said be afraid , lets get behing this dictatorships take over , fuck a bunch of liber dicks
I'm outta comments. I'm worn down, but not giving up!! What bullshit.
Did I hear Turley correctly? He had been expecting Cheney to be indicted as an unindicted co-conspirator?
Time to march, people.
We 'march' every week -- what have YOU been waiting for?
• Protesting on the 4th of July is a tradition. Where will YOU be protesting on that day? (I will be with friends doing a 'banner drop' on a freeway overpass. Should be some fun).
How much do you want to bet 41 told 43 he had to commute Libby's sentence over the weekend on the boat.
Boy Wonder has no balls that weren't lent to him.
truth hunter @ 35:
Yeah. out of this ridiculous backward country.
OK. I'm juiced up again. Someone shoot this Tyrrell guy. I've never heard so much shit leak out of someone's mouth in one sitting before.
"This Libby commutation should put all of us on notice." -- ST
You weren't on notice?
"Combine it with all of the hoopla coming out of Britain this week,"
H'yeah, two amateurish episodes that have ZERO to do with anything.
THIS is a terrorist:
"...using it to rebuild Scooter Libby’s image along with Bush’s"
NOTHING will 'rebuild' the image of any of these clowns. They are on the downside of their adventure, and it is time to update the paranoia.
Demand Justice -- leave off on the hysteria.
Come on people. Go here and vote.
http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/19570520/
dvbetty @ 23:
Let's see...what did he say...how about "Did the check clear yet?". "What time is lunch.", "Another day, another useless indictment.", "What time do I tee off with Dick.", "I don't know...maybe the embassador to Ireland, if not, maybe the Czech Republic."
Kevin Simms @ 40:
Naah...I prefer porn sites to jerk off to.
tyree @ 31:
Agreed, tyree. Remember those battery commercials in which Robert Conrad dared someone to knock the 9-volt off of his shoulder? All bluff. We gotta call him on it.
Dang it Bush! You should of pardoned some Puerto Rican terrorists. Oops, I guess that has been done already. Politics over safety. THE LEFTS NEW MOTTO!!!!!
Once again, the country is divided, this time between those who want to uphold the rule of law, and those who believe in the rule of men. Fortunately, the margin is becoming greater on the side of those who want to uphold the rule of law.
What a spit in the face of the jury which listened to this case, believing that they were actually instrumental in upholding justice in this land. Ha ha, says bush. And GFY, says Cheney. And Libby just keep his mouth shut.
I wonder if Turley now regrets his advocacy of impeaching Clinton for perjury. There was no underlying crime there, remember that, just a man who was unfaithful to his wife. The bush administration is unfaithful to the entire country.
Mike @ 44:
Yeah, there's some good troll math. x=x+1.
Right.....
"Bush is now clearly part of the conspiracy."
Ya think so?
Naaaaaaw - Bush is a freedom fighter dude! He makes the tough choices to save America. The constitution and a system of justice that merits the name were some of the small sacrafices he knew we would make if we knew what he knew.
It is all perfectly lagitamate.
Emmett Tyrrell: No crime had been committed to begin with. That was established. Uh-and...
So what Tyrrell is saying in effect is that if since nobody was convicted of murder in the OJ trial, therefore no crime was committed.
[...] and Liars has a great clip from MSNBC slamming the decision here.More [...]
It's about time someone in the media aggressively questioned the workings of this criminal administration.
Schuster deserves a medal. He shouldn't, because it's the job of all journalists to question why our leaders (Democrat or Republican) do what they do, and hold their feet to the fire when they do something wrong.
Unfortunately, Murdoch has corrupted the very meaning of the Fourth Estate, from being an invaluable and necessary informant for the public to being a cheerleader and apologist for the State.
A Gov't of the Crooks, by the crooks and for the crooks.
No one really gives a shit. Do you see anyone marching on DC... No!
We're all to scared of the big bad Bush. You'll be named an enemy combatant and disappear.
Evil only exists when good men do nothing...
The MSM has turned into nothing but a propaganda machine for JIM CROW LAW and his Kagaroo courts
Cheney an unindicted co-conspirator? How about making him an INDICTED co-conspirator.
The KKK is in the WH... They just don't wear the sheets anymore....
Why are all the republicans such a bunch of cocksuckers? it's ok to impeach a president but not an aid...for the same crime (essentially) You go repugs...your the real American's, right?
There Should Be An Ongoing Cover Up Case
Lend me this hypothetical: When the prosecutor started to get close to charging Scooter Libby, Bush and Chaney assured Libby, as long as he would not implicate any higher officials, he would not go to jail. End hypothetical. Is that possibility beyond those that would out a CIA agent for revenge?
At this point, the investigation should resume; there must be a rule-out a conspiracy is not in progress. Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald's job is not over, and he needs to now assure the American people he will continue to investigate any and all possible criminal agreements related to Scooter Libby's case. Yes, we are in the conspiracy phase of Libby's crime, and it is unfolding right before our eyes. It does not get any clearer then this.
Commuting Libby will not be in the American media very long, for the media is too conservative. In fact, most right-wing media organizations will relegate this story to "the back of the bus" so it will be overlooked. This leaves the job of exposure up to the Blogger-sphere. It has to come from the internet, so oil your fingers because we have a job to do. First, we must air our outrage and insist Fitzgerald, in a "matter of fact" way, continue his investigation.
This administration is corrupt, as Joseph Wilson put it, from the ground up. The Republican congress is complicit in this administration's corruption when they take an automatic supportive stance. All these factors will pay nice Democratic dividends in the next election. Our task is to keep these crimes before the American people, in spite attempts by Republicans to bury it. In short, keep the shit fresh.
Joseph
Ahh, to watch Tyrell desperately grasp for some tiny, minute, thin straw - and come up with jack. Schuster does well with calling his hipocracy.
Sh*t, Paris did time.
The time is right for Impeachment. Let the proceedings begin. Cheney, Bush and Gonzalas, all three simutaneously. Don't forget, Libby can be subpeonaed to testify before Congress. If he lies before Congress he can still be charged again. It won't be a get out of jail free if Bush and Cheney are under impeachment.
I have rewritten an updated version of our Declaration of Independence for 2007. Ihope you all will take a few minutes to read it and pass it on to friends and relatives.
http://myfightfordemocracy.blogspot.com/2007/07/new-declaration-of-indep...
Tyrell: "I have an entirely different take on it (supporting prosecution of Clinton for lying versus supporting pardon for Libby)"
Of course, you do. You also have an entirely different take on reality, where (according to your gossip rag), Clinton was a cocaine runner and murdered Foster. In fact, you found ways to implicate him in nefarious deeds all around the globe.
And your sucker readership swallowed all of it, hook line and sinker.
well i know one thing.
the american spectator is best used as litter box paper.
Emmett Tyrrell is a guttersnipe, a groveller, an amoral lickspittle.
To call him a whore is a gross insult to real whores.
He and his magazine funnelled $350,000 to the supposed source of the absurd Vince Foster murder-conspiracy theory which formed the centerpiece of the infamous "Arkansas Project" - the 'vast right wing conspiracy' against the Clintons, paid for by Richard Mellon Scaife and exposed by David Brock, former American Spectator writer, in his book 'Blinded by the Right'.
Tyrrell has all the credibility and backbone of a tapeworm. If this is the kind of person who defends Scooter Libby's character, no counter-argument is necessary.
I called the WH switchboard (202-456-1111) and got through to a polite but flustered sounding women who said try during regular business hours.
I just wrote the WH (comments@whitehouse.gov) with this:
Dear Whitehouse,
I hope every single person who reads this resigns in protest and out of shame for the actions George W. Bush. The commutation of I. "Scooter" Libby's prison sentence amounts to an obstruction of justice in an ongoing criminal investigation. The very people who might possibly be implicated in the crime of outing covert CIA agent Valerie Plame are also most certainly the ones breathing a sigh of relief over Bush's mockery of justice. The Whitehouse's premiere resident has cast a pall over the nation just before it is scheduled to celebrate the principals that motivated the founders to declare their independence from tyrants in the first place.
Clearly criminals reside in the executive branch and both the legislative branch and judiciary choose to do nothing. Please advise post haste as to what American citizens are to do under such blatant abuses of power.
To quote a document from July of '76 (1776) I hope Mr. Bush is familiar with,
"When in the Course of human events it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another and to assume among the powers of the earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature's God entitle them, a decent respect to the opinions of mankind requires that they should declare the causes which impel them to the separation.
We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed, — That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness. Prudence, indeed, will dictate that Governments long established should not be changed for light and transient causes; and accordingly all experience hath shewn that mankind are more disposed to suffer, while evils are sufferable than to right themselves by abolishing the forms to which they are accustomed. But when a long train of abuses and usurpations, pursuing invariably the same Object evinces a design to reduce them under absolute Despotism, it is their right, it is their duty, to throw off such Government, and to provide new Guards for their future security. — Such has been the patient sufferance of these Colonies; and such is now the necessity which constrains them to alter their former Systems of Government. The history of the present King of Great Britain is a history of repeated injuries and usurpations, all having in direct object the establishment of an absolute Tyranny over these States. To prove this, let Facts be submitted to a candid world.
He has refused his Assent to Laws, the most wholesome and necessary for the public good."
It actually goes on for a bit but I think the parts quoted pretty much cover it though for "the present King of Great Britain" I would substitute "the present resident of the Whitehouse."
I hope the document quoted is not considered to be too subversive as it has inspired our nation for well for over two centuries.
With deep respect for the Constitution of the United States of America (or at least what's left of it) and the Declaration of Independence that brought it about,
LanceThruster (actually, I used my real name)
~
CRAP! I misspelled "principles." Good thing dubya cain't spel.
Jesse @ 16:
David has been excellent on both Hardball and Olbermann. I don't watch Hardball anymore because Matthews has become so pathetic, but David is extremely competent.
The pardon will come very quietly after the anger dies down.
In fact, it might not make big news.
Steve Humphreys @ 19:
Sounds good to me, how about we start yesterday.
This is the icing on the cake.
The Repubs have lost their freaking minds.
The voting public is always going to look at the Repubs with a jaded eye.
The party of wholesale corruption in every corner of government.
What will the GOP (Greedy Old Peckerheads) think of next?
"Let’s see…what did he say…how about “Did the check clear yet?”." -- "liberal and proud'
'Liberal and Proud,' busy being the conduit for a ton of rightwing nonsense and slander.
"The time is right for Impeachment." -- Ron
• WHEN 20 REPUBLICAN SENATORS WANT IMPEACHMENT, it is time for impeachment.
Until then, WE DON'T HAVE THE VOTES.
For all those who think the Republicans will vote the facts during the trial, please go back to outfitting your grandmothers with wheels so they can be trolley cars.
they really put the screws to that lying moron tyrell.
boy, repubs look like such weasels. again.
First time I've seen Tyrell on TV in years.
No wonder its been years. He's an anti-American weasel.
Here is Bush saying "I am a crook".
Who was that buffoon from, what is it, The American Spectator? What a lightweight and a whore. He's like someone's senile, blathering, right wing granddad.
On the other hand, Turley rocks.
I can't even begin to throw enough crap at The White House. There is not enough crap in the world to throw.
I thought this might happen, but to be honest - I never thought this administration would be that stupid. Bush has crossed every line in the sand. This man needs to be picked up by the scruff of his neck and deposited into the trash, and he is not fit to serve our nation. Bush is more corrupt than Nixon, and I honestly believe that he hates our Constitution. He has no respect for human life, honesty or law. He is the epitome of a little rich scumbag who needed to be punched in the face alot.
If Congress and the Senate don't pitch Bush's ass out the door (along with Cheney) before 2008, then we need to pitch their asses out to the curb, too. This nonsense has to stop. Bush/Cheney need to be unemployed as soon as humanly possible. No fucking around, no waiting. Impeach. ASAP.
This "no underlying crime" mantra is one of the most fallacious arguments I've heard. Obstruction of justice is a crime in and of itself. Ask Martha Stewart. When's someone going to ask for her take on this? :lol:
Cantor de Mambo @ 74:
Yes - I thought of that, too! And what she did had nothing to do with treasonous behavior during wartime. What is it going to take for this country to do something about this guy? Does he have to show up naked on TV, spread his cheeks and dump on a flag wrapped in yellow ribbons?
this is libby's pay off for not ratting out cheney and bush. where is the outrage? where is the impeachment. these men have committed treason. let us prosecute to the full extent of the law. if we do not, we lose our place as a beacon of civilization and we join the ranks of the other corrupt governments who have brought down a country.
Flash forward four years...
President Obama nominates Jonathan Turley to Supreme Court. Senate majority of 59 Democrates plus 1 Independant (not Republican Lie-berman) approve.
Unfortunately he's right.
Uh, here's a newsflash, Mr. Stanley. This country is no "beacon of civilization" to the rest of the world...
The Bush/Cheney years of political corruption, plus their immoral war (founded on deception and profiteering), as well as party-before-country idealogy, has seen to that.
Await the next Big Attack, 'cuz it's coming...
May as well replace those stars on the flag with yellow fruit, because this country is, now, officially a fucking banana republic.
Government reform needs to start with rope and a folding chair...
As to the outcome, who's surprised? Kudos to David Shuster for spelling it out for
R.Emmett. Turley is his usual sterling self.
And, by the way and why not, expect a lot of 'more in sadness than in anger' BS from the Congressional Dems on this issue. The only response to a smoking gun they can muster is a hanky to the nose.
The dems think they can avoid the negatives of impeachment and still win in 08. They need to impeach before they lie us into another war to retain their power.
CHENEY is behind the outing of Valerie Plame. Thats what the Scooter pardon is about. That is the root of the statements that Cheney is outside the executive branch and not bound by the security secrets order. That is why there is an executive order that lets Cheney declassify at will. They knew they were commiting a crime to get Wilson and protect their lies. All this legal controversy is designed to shield Cheney and Bush from accountability.
If Plame was covert, there WAS an underlying crime. Libby, Armitage, who cares: they were acting on orders from the white house. If we end up in Iran you can blame the chickenshit political posturing in Congress. They need to impeach the bastards now. When a crime has been committed (nsa wiretaps, treason, whatever) there IS NO EXECUTIVE PRIVELEGE.
They may not have the votes for impeachment, but I think if they start the ball rolling and force America to look at what is happening here instead of what is happening to Paris Hilton, people will start to pressure the republicans. Get a checklist of crimes on the TV where people can see it. Force it into the media and into peoples homes. The "clinton did it" argument works on the ignorant, we can't allow them to be ignorant anymore. We need to show them that this is corruption on a massive scale.
Turdley?
But...but...Scooterpie's kids have been traumatized by daddy's ordeal. Whaaaaaaaaaawahhhhhhhhhwaaaaaaaaahhhhhhh.
30 months in jail...nooooooooooooo...too harsh
No "underlying crime". Just WTF does that MEAN? The guy was convicted of perjury and obstruction of justice -- THOSE JUST HAPPEN TO BE FELONIES!
Ugh!
Happy birthday America. How's that constitution working for you these days?
David Shuster's performance was, in my opinion, inspired. A journalist who actually understood not only the facts, but the context confronting a spinmeister respectfully, but forcefully. It's what we should have been seeing from our media for the past six years.
He exposed Emmett Tyrrell for the dishonest buffoon he is simply by presenting the facts and not allowing him to get away with spewing tired talking points that have already been shown to be lies. I also appreciated that he was evenhanded, not allowing the Democratic strategist to make ad-hominen attacks without calling her out on it. I hope his star is on the rise and we see more of him.
All of these rightwing ass-hats were screaming bloody murder when Clinton was impeached....
Where was the underlying crime argument then?
It was "what about the children" and "The rule of law"
Just like puppies, they need their noses shoved in their own hypocritical sh*t....Just as Schuster did to this ass-clown!
But, since they are all Reality Challenged, it's easier to get through to a puppy, must of whom have higher standards AND a soul, compared to these Neo-Con spawns from hell..
LibertyLover @ 10:
Actually, this is less for Libby, then for the rest of the minions, who MIGHT be dragged into this, as more and more of the evils of Lord Cheney come to light.
The message: Fall on your sword, lie and keep us safe, and we will bail you out.
Next up, (in spite of all this wailing how HARD a fine and him being disgraced will be on poor Scooter) is a nice 7 figure job for Scooter somewhere in the extended Bush Corporate Crime Family.
Get the message? The Mafia rules hold: Take one for the Godfather Cheney, and will take care of you?
Rat us out, and we kill your children!
First, R. Emmett Tyrrell reveals himself to be an intellectually dishonest hack.
Second, how refreshing it is to see an additional (aside from Olbermann) broadcast journalist actually doing the job the way it's supposed to be done, including challenging lies, untruths, distortions and ommission the instant they are uttered.
Libby's Pardon: Fly the Disgraced Red White and Blue at Half Mast this 4th
.
Dick Cheney and George Bush are a disgrace to our country. They are skillful liars as are all psychopaths. In fact lack of concern for community or democratic values as in putting oneself above the law combined with habitual lying defines psychopathy. It defines Cheney and Bush.
I personally don't think Scooter is a psychopath on the order of Cheney and Bush. I believe he lived in an environment where lying and duplicity were practiced daily on the most egregious levels. Living in this environment day in and day out, he had little practical knowledge or experience that there could or might be even one possible iota of repercussion for bold faced lying. Lacking the snakelike skills of a Cheney or Bush he blew it.
That Scooter, the person, should not have to spend years in prison strikes a sympathetic chord with me.
That Scooter, the representative of an administration that adheres to no moral system in the pursuit of power and economic gain, should avoid justice makes me vomit.
I think we should fly all American flags at half staff this 4th and until these mendacious psychopaths are escorted out of the White House, one way or the other. Better yet perhaps, would be to visit or demonstrate in D.C. and simply leave flags at the White House gates and the Supreme Court building. This, turning in of the flags, will represent that the Red, White and Blue is used only for propaganda by Bush, Cheney and the neocon party and it no longer represents American values. It has been disgraced.
--cognitorex blogspot-
It's refreshing and delightful to see David Shuster host Hardball. I think he'd be a great host of his own show.
He deftly and factually counteracts nut-winger guests when they start spewing their worn GOP talking points.
Is it possible to have Shuster on his show - maybe replace Hardball and Chris?
Now that we're officially a Banana Republic now, we'll be lucky if they read us our Carmen Miranda rights.
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