I really don't understand how "conservatives" can be calling for Bush to grant a full pardon to Scooter Libby. He was convicted of four felonies. Aren't these the same ones that are all for "three strikes" and you're away for life? Libby is now a four-striker, so shouldn't "conservatives" be calling for him to go away for life, instead of serving no jail time? Maybe this is why they believe he needs the full pardon, because otherwise, there is no justification for his sentence to be commuted; it is illogical -- but if the underlying crimes were absolved, then there truly is no need to go to jail. The whole thing is ridiculous and brings to mind a bunch of kids playing politics instead of house, where there is no real accountability or logic. For fuck's sake, Paris Hilton served over two weeks for driving on a suspended license. It wasn't like she was helping disclose secrets of national security or covering for those that did. And if these "conservatives" feel Libby's the unfairly treated scapegoat, how come they are not calling for the Justice Department to prosecute who was actually at fault?

All this entire situation does is continue to erode the credibility of the entire Republican regime. These are people who claim no laws apply to them and they can do whatever they want to secure "freedom and democracy" and even when caught look for ways to get out of it. I'm sorry. But those in the generation above me always wonder why my generation and younger are generally thoughtless, petulant, and assume no responsibility for our actions. But the answer should be obvious. It's because we have such poor role models. People who don't see the parellels aren't opening their eyes. It only takes common sense to see that the actions of those above us are our models for behavior, especially in a culture where we deride all other societies and mores and uphold our Ameritocracy as the pinacle of human civilization, blind to the limitations of this philosophy.

It has to stop. We need new leaders who are willing to be role models. Who will accept diversity and have integrity. One can hope.