Libby Made No Statement Of Remorse At His Sentencing Because He's Not Sorry

[DeSwiss]

Scooter Libby, ''The Perfect Firewall''
The disgraced Cheney aide made no statement of remorse at his sentencing - because he's not sorry.


Guardian Unlimited / Commentisfree.com
By Marcy Wheeler
June 6, 2007 10:00 PM

On Tuesday, Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff was sentenced to 30 months in prison, a relatively tough sentence for obstructing the investigation into the outing of the CIA spy, Valerie Plame.

At his sentencing hearing, Scooter Libby stood up to say a few words to the judge. In the American justice system, this is when those about to be sentenced voice their regret, a key part of any leniency from the judge. They admit their crime and their remorse for having committed it, and in return, the judge considers a lighter sentence.

But Scooter Libby did no such thing. Instead, he thanked the court for how nicely they treated Libby and his family during the trial. He named those who had been kind: Judge Walton's staff, court administrators, the US marshals, court security officers, and the probation office. He recognized, he said, that it was time for the court to decide on a punishment. And he simply asked that the court consider his entire life. "Thank you, your Honor," he said.

No admission of guilt, no statement of remorse.

Now, I am pleased that Libby thanked the court personnel for their kindness - the court employees were as kind to those of us in the media room as they apparently were to Libby, and they deserve public recognition for it (and for their public service).

But at the moment when most convicted criminals might show repentance, Libby effectively tied this conviction to the rest of his life, by all measures one of success and power. He - and many of his associates - have turned obstruction of justice into one more resume item.

more: http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/marcy_wheeler/2007/06/scooter_libby_the_perfect_fire.html

*** - We can only hope that Scooter shows the same fortitude and committment, the ol' stiff-upper-lip and all that, when the soap falls on the shower room floor. The guys always like someone who'll take one for the team....