It has long been the case, and the Libby debacle is just the latest example, that there are two justice systems: one for ordinary folks like you and me, and one for the politically connected. Actually, there are several: one for the rich and one for the poor; one for whites, and one for blacks; and so forth.

The mitigating factor for Libby was, Bush's lying (he does that a lot, in case you have not noticed) statement notwithstanding, hsi close connection to Cheney. After all, in lying, he was only protecting Cheney. And why should he go to jail for that?

Rita, while I'm sure a fine chap, just doesn't have the pull to call forth hundreds of letters in his support from the great and the good. Nor has Bush ever heard of him. Why, then, should his sentence be commuted?

Protass's error is one of naivete. He thinks that there is or should be one justice system for all. Foolish man.

That's Bush's defense too: in commuting Libby's sentence he was only protecting Cheney. Let Libby go to jail and he might consider cooperation with Fitzgerald. Pardon him and he can't plead the fifth amendment.

Like father, like son.

I have a great deal more respect for the father than the son. An interesting thought, I think the only reason Jeb Bush isn't running for president is because his brother has so besmirched the family name that he knows he would never get elected.

The father did pardon all of the participants in Iran Contra, even before some were charged. That was certainly intended to cover his own ass.

The father did have a success or two to his credit, I'll give him that. It is too bad his son can't claim a single redeeming act while he was president.

I agree. Bush I was an OK, though far from great, president. His response to the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait was, in my view, measured and appropriate. He upheld the rule of international law but realized, as his callow son and scheming incompetent advisors apparently did not, that going to Bagdhad would be a losing move. He also showed courage in raising taxes to close the budget deficit, as opposed to currying favor with Big Money by cutting taxes while raising spending.

His record was, of course, blemished. For example, his invasion of Panama undermined the international rule of law. And his infamous pardons were, well, infamous.

Bush I's greatest success was in using his CIA connections to negotiate the timely release of the hostages in Iran the day after the presidential election. That is what led to the Iran/Contra affair and that is the only reason that he landed a spot on the Reagan ticket. The Reagans had no use for the Bush family otherwise.