Fitz said the following (paraphrased):
He did not charge Libby for breaking the Espionage Act or the Secret Identities NOT because he did not break those laws. He didn’t charge him with those crimes for two reasons:
1) the false statements, perjury, and obstruction prevented Fitz from establishing crucial facts that he needed, to prove Libby’s intentions, knowledge, etc. that are elements of the statutes.
2) that the penalties under the 5 charges are severe enough to vindicate the violation of public trust that might have occurred if it were established that Libby violated the Espionage Act or the Secret Identities Law.
And that is true. Libby is facing a maximum charge of 30 years in prison.
The only use I want to see of the phrase “Talking points” from here on out is:
“That talking point won’t fly.”
From here on out, everytime a member of this Admin or their media hacks feed us a line, what’s our response? In unison, everyone:
“That talking point won’t fly.”
🙂
That talking point won’t fly.
That talking point won’t fly.
That talking point won’t fly.
(just practicing…)
🙂
which I liked, was along the lines of:
Libby lied when he said he didn’t know who the leaker was when it was him all along.
You rock, Bob.
But that was pre-election 2004, and at the time he had other priorities.
You should have heard Andrea Mitchell just bashing Bush … how weak he is .. how he needs help badly … how he squandered his political capital with an all-out drive on Social Security that failed miserably …
she kept using the words weak and “needs help.”
Hey. Whatever it takes, Andrea.
Oh shit … here’s Bush.
Typical Bush lyalty. “Everyone is innocent until proven guilty” Scooter served his country and the VP and ME admirably. I bet he did George. He is facing 30 years in prison for you and Darth!
Actually it wasn’t as painful to watch him as it usually is. He finally wiped the smirk of his face. Yes, George, this is serious!
Shall we all call our reps today and ask for a further investigation into the lies that led us to this illegal war? I am.
Believe me, I will, but since mine are all TP Repubs from Texas, I doubt I’ll have a lot of success. (BTW, I intended TP in the previous sentence to stand for “talking points”, but it occurs to me it could just as meaningfully stand for the TP on my shopping list.)
I have to go back to work now….ugh! Thanks to all of you for helping to keep all of us so well informed. Will there be a Happy Hour today at the Cafe?
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Clearly there is now an opening for Joe and Valerie Wilson to file a civil suit against Scooter Libby and perhaps WH officials who conspired to damage their reputation.
«« click on pic for bio »»
Patrick J. Fitzgerald
One question from reporter he did answer:
Q. Were you surprised in your investigation of how the Government runs its business.
Fitzgerald’s answer: “Yes”. – period!
TRANSCRIPT PRESS CONFERENCE
“Treason doth never prosper: what’s the reason?
For if it prosper, none dare call it treason.”
▼ ▼ ▼ MY DIARY
Oui…I just want you to know that I feel you are a major contributor to this site and not recognised nearly enough for all the information you pass along to all of us on a daily basis. So, thank you for all that you do. You are fabulous.
Ditto from me!
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Nails me with a 3, she does that to encourage me – you can do better, and I expect it too!
But she’s ok, perhaps the liquid plays a role today.
PS Just doing my bit in a happy community, glad to be part of it.
“Treason doth never prosper: what’s the reason?
For if it prosper, none dare call it treason.”
▼ ▼ ▼ MY DIARY
Ah crap Oui…will change that. I have a bad habit of missing the mark. Here’s an 8 for ya! LOL
Here’s your 4, Oui!
Haven’t had that kind of liquid for almost twenty five years come January…teehee. Sorry Oui!
What do people think is up with the following questions that are still unanswered (at least as far as I can tell);
Knowledge isn’t necessarily proof. Fitzgerald explained the disctinction fairly well I think. Good signs: the investigation is ongoing, though mostly complete; and a new grand jury will be available.
Libby seems to be the hinge point. Wonder how it feels to be part of a conspiracy to destroy a clandestine network charged with investigating WMD, in the middle of a declared war. To protect people who destroyed that network for political gain.
Then to see the prez wax poetic about “justice” and “protecting the American people”. Almost lost my lunch.
Surprisingly, Andrew Sullivan has it right:
At least someone on the right is showing some integrity today – even if it is Sullivan.
“The biggest aspen so far may be about to turn. Which other trees may fall?”
You can hear him thinking what a brilliant metaphor that is.
But Andy, will they make a noise if there’s no one in the forest to hear them falling?
“To every thing/turn, turn, turn/There is a season/turn, turn, turn . . .”
I have questioned Fitzgerald’s sympathies.
I watched him for the first time extended at his press conference and he looks totally straight.
I’m impressed Stu. Thanks for telling us about your change of perspective.
Me too! Don’t take this the wrong way, but I’m really, really glad he proved you wrong (for now at least). 🙂
Proved me wrong? How?
I’m missing something.
(Just woke up from my nap not long ago.)
I’m think I’m going to have to sleep for a couple of days now just to rest up to deal with all of the insane crap that’s coming out of the right-wing shills about what happened today. Either that or I really need to buy some nerf balls if I’m going to continue watching CNN and the wingnuts they’re bringing on to defend Libby becasue I’ll be needing something to throw at the teevee really soon.
Aw ‘Nip, don’t even bother to watch that for the next few days, it won’t have any menaing real soon. Fitz said on TV that he wasn’t going to speculate about further indictmentsw and his Deputy in the background was clearly enjoying that part. Wink, wink, nudge, nudge. It was especially fun watching Fitz artlessly let out that htere’s another Grand Jury right now that the judge will let him apply to for indictments. Snicker.
Wait for it. Do nice stuff, not watch nasty slimeballs on TV.
Thanks sweetie. 🙂