Memories of Christmas Past: Bush Daddy's Christmas Eve Pardons.

[jobycom]

http://www.nytimes.com/books/97/06/29/reviews/iran-pardon.html

Six years after the arms-for-hostages scandal began to cast a shadow that would darken two Administrations, President Bush today granted full pardons to six former officials in Ronald Reagan's Administration, including former Defense Secretary Caspar W. Weinberger.

Mr. Weinberger was scheduled to stand trial on Jan. 5 on charges that he lied to Congress about his knowledge of the arms sales to Iran and efforts by other countries to help underwrite the Nicaraguan rebels, a case that was expected to focus on Mr. Weinberger's private notes that contain references to Mr. Bush's endorsement of the secret shipments to Iran.

But in a single stroke, Mr. Bush swept away one conviction, three guilty pleas and two pending cases, virtually decapitating what was left of Mr. Walsh's effort, which began in 1986. Mr. Bush's decision was announced by the White House in a printed statement after the President left for Camp David, where he will spend the Christmas holiday.

Mr. Walsh bitterly condemned the President's action, charging that "the Iran-contra cover-up, which has continued for more than six years, has now been completed."

snip

Mr. Bush described Mr. Weinberger as a "true American patriot..."

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Merry Christmas, y'all, and be sure to check your headlines tomorrow morning. Maybe not just after you eat, though. That nut didn't fall far from the tree, to paraphrase Mommy Bush.

[Captain Hilts]

1. Yep. Covered his own butt to ensure that it's okay to privatize foreign policy. nt

[valerief]

2. Honor among thieves. nt