Scooter Libby guilty - for now

Before Plame and Wilson fans, and other libs, celebrate....

from JoeUser Forums

So, the news is out that Scooter Libby has been found guilty on most of the counts he was facing in regards to the Valerie Plame outting.  For now.

The original news is here: Jury convicts Libby on four of five charges

Regardless of this current news, I would caution Plame, her husband Joe Wilson, and other liberals that might want to dance in the streets over the news to proceed slowly and cautiously. This guilty verdict may not last as the case is appealed in the future and various parts of the verdict wind up being stripped away over technicalities or other issues.

The original case and the charges filed against Libby were not that strong to begin with. Frankly, I'm a bit surprised that a guilty verdict was reached at all. That it was obtained by the prosecution is to the prosecution's credit, but whether it will stand up on all appeal remains to be seen.

So, before anyone starts cheering that Libby will be paying for his crimes, slow down a bit and see whether or not the verdict stands. Even if it does stand, there'll still be the issue of just what the punishment will be and in all likelyhood that punishment may very well be a trip to club Fed that results in some book deal or other enrichment of Libby that just rubs everyone's nose in it.

politics
3,122 views 6 replies
Reply #1 from JoeUser Forums Top
Justice in the U.S.A., such a fun thing to see worked to it's conclusion -- { Borat } NOT! { /Borat }
Reply #2 from JoeUser Forums Top
Given the parameters the judge allowed, I am not surprised.  They had no choice but to find him guilty.  I dont think it will stand on appeal.
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Reply #3 from JoeUser Forums Top

Interesting that Libby was charged and convicted for lying to investigators, but the guy (James Armistead) who was found to have "outed" Valarie Plame was never charged with any crime at all.  Could it be that Armistead just wasn't a high value enough target for the Fitzgerald to sink his political teeth into?

Maybe Libby should have just tucked classified documents into his pants, then he would have just lost his clearance for awhile. ;~D

Reply #4 from JoeUser Forums Top
Isn't this decision against Libby similiar to that of Martha Stewart? While she was initially charged and tried on one thing (stock fraud, I think), she was convicted and ended up doing time for lying to a jury.
Reply #5 from JoeUser Forums Top
Even if it does stand, there'll still be the issue of just what the punishment will be and in all likelyhood that punishment may very well be a trip to club Fed that results in some book deal or other enrichment of Libby that just rubs everyone's nose in it.


followed by a presidential pardon.

worked for the iran-contra traitors and i've no doubt it'll work for lil scooter.
Reply #6 from JoeUser Forums Top
FTR, it was Richard Armitage.

The juror's press conference after the conclusion of the trial was very telling. That Fitzgerald knew who had 'outed' Plame long before calling Libby as a witness is also very telling. Smells like he just kept his hook in the water long enough to catch something & justify his existence. Not sure whether justice was served here or not. Time may tell.