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Compare, and contrast
Jul. 2nd, 2007 06:44 pmBush decided to commute I. Lewis (Scooter) Libby's sentence. It is the fourth time, in more than six years, he has exercised the presidential perogative to commute a sentence.
He said some pretty things; some of which are either outright lies, or reflect a sense of the way the world works which is at odds with any reasonable person's.
Mr. Libby was sentenced to thirty months of prison, two years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. In making the sentencing decision, the district court rejected the advice of the probation office, which recommended a lesser sentence and the consideration of factors that could have led to a sentence of home confinement or probation.I respect the jury’s verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby’s sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.
My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby. The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely. He will remain on probation. The significant fines imposed by the judge will remain in effect. The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting….
I don't recall what the "probation department" recommended, but Fitzgerald asked for more than the judge handed down, and what the judge handed down (for several felony convictions) was in the mid-range of the federal sentencing guidelines.
Lets compare the statement he made above with things Bush has said in the past; since we've been told what a steadfast sort he is; no "flip-flopper" he.
Each of us is responsible for the decisions we make in life. The old [juvenile justice] code used to say if you commit a crime it is not your fault, it is our fault. The new code recognizes that discipline and love go hand in hand. Our new juvenile justice code says there will be bad consequences for bad behavior in the state of Texas. We want you to understand you are responsible for the decisions you make in life. It’s called tough love.
Right Choices for Youth Jun 14, 1999
My job is to ensure our state’s laws are enforced fairly. This is a responsibility I take very seriously. On October 28, 1981, Mr. Gary Graham was found guilty of capital murder and later sentenced to death by a Harris County jury. The murder marked the beginning of a week-long crime rampage during which Mr. Graham committed at least 10 armed robberies. Two of his victims were shot, one was kidnapped and raped at gunpoint. Over the last 19 years, Mr. Graham’s case has been reviewed more than 20 times by state and federal courts. Thirty-three judges have heard and found his numerous claims to be without merit. In addition to the extensive due process provided Mr. Graham through the courts, the Board of Pardons and Paroles has thoroughly reviewed the record of this case as well as all new claims raised by Mr. Graham’s lawyers. Today the Board of Pardons and Paroles voted to allow Mr. Graham’s execution to go forward. I support the decision.
Press Release “Bush’s Statement on Gary Graham” Jun 22, 2000
But I think this one sums it up, I am proud that our state is tough on crime. We have the highest incarceration rate in the nation. We have tough mandatory sentences for those convicted of crimes, and short leashes for those on parole.
www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/faq_index.html 12/31/98 Dec 31, 1998
He said some pretty things; some of which are either outright lies, or reflect a sense of the way the world works which is at odds with any reasonable person's.
Mr. Libby was sentenced to thirty months of prison, two years of probation, and a $250,000 fine. In making the sentencing decision, the district court rejected the advice of the probation office, which recommended a lesser sentence and the consideration of factors that could have led to a sentence of home confinement or probation.I respect the jury’s verdict. But I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive. Therefore, I am commuting the portion of Mr. Libby’s sentence that required him to spend thirty months in prison.
My decision to commute his prison sentence leaves in place a harsh punishment for Mr. Libby. The reputation he gained through his years of public service and professional work in the legal community is forever damaged. His wife and young children have also suffered immensely. He will remain on probation. The significant fines imposed by the judge will remain in effect. The consequences of his felony conviction on his former life as a lawyer, public servant, and private citizen will be long-lasting….
I don't recall what the "probation department" recommended, but Fitzgerald asked for more than the judge handed down, and what the judge handed down (for several felony convictions) was in the mid-range of the federal sentencing guidelines.
Lets compare the statement he made above with things Bush has said in the past; since we've been told what a steadfast sort he is; no "flip-flopper" he.
Each of us is responsible for the decisions we make in life. The old [juvenile justice] code used to say if you commit a crime it is not your fault, it is our fault. The new code recognizes that discipline and love go hand in hand. Our new juvenile justice code says there will be bad consequences for bad behavior in the state of Texas. We want you to understand you are responsible for the decisions you make in life. It’s called tough love.
Right Choices for Youth Jun 14, 1999
My job is to ensure our state’s laws are enforced fairly. This is a responsibility I take very seriously. On October 28, 1981, Mr. Gary Graham was found guilty of capital murder and later sentenced to death by a Harris County jury. The murder marked the beginning of a week-long crime rampage during which Mr. Graham committed at least 10 armed robberies. Two of his victims were shot, one was kidnapped and raped at gunpoint. Over the last 19 years, Mr. Graham’s case has been reviewed more than 20 times by state and federal courts. Thirty-three judges have heard and found his numerous claims to be without merit. In addition to the extensive due process provided Mr. Graham through the courts, the Board of Pardons and Paroles has thoroughly reviewed the record of this case as well as all new claims raised by Mr. Graham’s lawyers. Today the Board of Pardons and Paroles voted to allow Mr. Graham’s execution to go forward. I support the decision.
Press Release “Bush’s Statement on Gary Graham” Jun 22, 2000
But I think this one sums it up, I am proud that our state is tough on crime. We have the highest incarceration rate in the nation. We have tough mandatory sentences for those convicted of crimes, and short leashes for those on parole.
www.governor.state.tx.us/divisions/faq_index.html 12/31/98 Dec 31, 1998
