Tuesday 3 July 2007

What Law? He's the President.

George W. Bush in his infinite wisdom has chosen to commute the prison sentence of former White House aide, Lewis Libby. If only we all had as influential friends when we did something wrong. This is an outrageous decision by Mr. Bush and one that will not be soon forgotten. I suspect the Republican primary candidates are less than pleased at this latest act, which I'm sure will only serve to unify the left come election time.
The statement which I find most interesting was Mr. Bush's comment that: "I respect the jury's verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence is excessive." Yes sir, perjury is a mere misdemeanour. What else does he think is beyond punishment - drink driving!

I find this a convenient time to make judgement calls surrounding the law. A couple of years ago a college classmate of mine left Shannon airport for a holiday in Boston. He was a fun-loving chap and sometimes a bit overly boisterous, but law abiding none the less. His 'crime' of going on holiday earned him an arrest on the tarmac in Logan, 12 hours in a holding cell, interrogation by US customs officials and a police escort back to Ireland.

Do you think that was fair treatment, Mr. President? Don't worry (as if), no one has been holding their breath for an apology.

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