The blogosphere and cable TV are abuzz about the commutation, but except that I'm surprised by the timing, I must admit I don't care. On a purely human level, I don't even mind. Scooter Libby risked everything to take one for the team. He lied to protect Bush, Cheyney and Rove. In a way, it's kinda nice to see they aren't going to let him twist in the wind.
Which is not to say that I haven't found the last 6 years enormously, profoundly disappointing.
I finally got a chance to watch the
PBS/Tavis Smiley Presidential Debate and was struck by all the issues that were covered. Subjects I don't believe I've heard this President talk about in depth, nor within the framework of his faith: Race, poverty, AIDS here at home, economic disparity, Katrina, outsourcing jobs and the crisis in Darfur. With the exception of Kucinich and Gravel, I realized I could be pleased and proud to have any one of those Democrats as my next President.
Instead we have a President who is pleased and proud to have appointed the judges who helped overturn Brown v. Board of Education.
Who allows Iraq to suck all the oxygen out of the atmosphere, confident he's doing the right thing because he's appealed to his "Higher Father" about this war.
Who is concerned about Terri Schiavo's right to life but, as governor, oversaw more than 110 executions.
Who fights more for the contents of IVF test tubes than for funding after-school programs, education, etc., for at-risk teenagers.
His brand of Christianity is so different from mine. His values are so different from mine.
I am not only offended by what George W. Bush does, I am offended that he cloaks it in religion. My religion. Especially when we live in a country that has a proud tradition of the separation of Church and State.
At least I
understand the Scooter Libby commutation.
