Pardon Me?

Or at least commute my sentence?

I have always found it odd that the President of the U.S. of A. can just pardon anyone at any time. I didn't realize it was within the powers to commute a sentence, as GWB just did for "Scooter," but it makes sense. If a President can set aside the judgment of the judicial branch completely, modifying it should be allowed, too, I guess.

Countless people have opined about this case, and now there is even more kindling for the fire. One might even suggest that GWB just added gasoline.

The guy was convicted for his part in outing an operative of the U.S. Intelligence community. Apparently, he let slip Classified information. Yet, for the crimes for which he was actually convicted, he received a 30-month sentence. The federal prosecutors indicate that's consistent with similar sentences for those not presidentially-connected. So, how does GWB (or the minority whip) justify calling it "excessive?" They don't. Justifying would require reasoned arguments supported by factual data. They, instead, just need a sound-bite.

Remember the TV show "The West Wing?" It had many episodes which helped us to thoughtfully consider aspects of politics, especially presidential politics, which we might neglect, but which are truly filled with dramatic possibilities. The issuance of pardons was dealt with more than once, and it showed the kind of serious thought which ought to go into a President mucking with the outcome of a judicial decision.

Then again, the honor and integrity of Jed Bartlet are fictional, just as he was. That we will ever have a person holding the office and those characteristics in real life is the stuff of fantasy.