TO THE EDITOR:

President Bush on Tuesday defended his decision to commute the "severe" prison sentence of Lewis "Scooter" Libby and would not rule out the prospects of an eventual pardon for the former White House aide.

Bush said he felt that the jury verdict against Libby, for perjury and obstruction of justice, should stand but, "I felt the punishment was severe."

I believe that Bush's action is also "an obstruction of justice," as well as, an arrogant act of preferential treatment.

First, the punishment is exactly what was called for under the sentencing guidelines, no less or no more.

Second, many believe that Libby was the fall guy for Vice-President Cheney. By removing the prison-term for his crime, in effect, it removes a significant motivation for Libby to incriminate Cheney or possible Bush himself.

Third, Bush is the same guy that said "no" to the Pope when he asked Bush to intervene in the capitol punishment -- death sentence -- of the first woman sp sentenced in Texas when Bush was Governor. Bush refused and went on to set a record for the number of prisoners that were given capitol punishment, some of whom may have been innocent. Libby is not innocent. Cheney is probably not innocent. Bush also has set himself above the law. It may be time to impeach both Bush and Cheney, especially if he follows through on a pardon. It is certainly time to look to another political party other than the Republican party to provide moral leadership in our country.

Robert G. Walz
North Branch