Scootin' On By....

So what did Cheney threaten to do if Bush took no action on Libby? And the commutation bought Scooter's eternal silence about what, exactly? Lots of interesting questions that will probably remain unanswered. We do know that because of Libby's crimes, we'll never get the whole truth about one of the most duplicitous episodes in U.S. history: the false pretense for the invasion and occupation of Iraq.

We also know now that Congress must find a way to restrict permanently the executive's ability to grant clemency. It won't be easy. But the Libby precedent will make the pardon process little more than a get-out-of-jail-free card for rogues willing to commit crimes involving war and national security with the tacit understanding that, if discovered, they will do less time behind bars than Paris Hilton. The key, of course, is timing and the executive's lack of accountability. At the very least, the White House's unfettered ability to intervene after a presidential election and before the next administration takes office must be eliminated. While that wouldn't have affected Libby's case, it would likely reduce beat-the-moving-van outrages like Marc Rich (something that, like most of Clinton's misdeeds, seems laughably insignificant now). In their next debates, the Republican and Democratic candidates should be asked about Bush's decision and the possibility of restricting the executive's power in this area. Get them on the record. Hang millstones where appropriate.

Last, if the Libby commutation is any indication of Bush's own sense of accountability at this point and Cheney's remaining influence, can there be much doubt about what comes next vis-à-vis Iran?