Scooter Libby

Newton's Third Law says that for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. In the commuting of Scooter Libby's prison sentence - we have just seen the Third Law in action in the political realm.

Judge Judge Reggie B. Walton said that Libby had to spend the time awaiting his appeal in jail. President Bush said no - not so much. Judge Walton's ruling was an action and President Bush commuting the sentence was an equal and opposite reaction.

It is important to note that Libby was not pardoned. To have pardoned Libby would have been to have Libby admit guilt. Libby probably strongly believes he has done nothing wrong - that he is a victim of an over-reaching Special Prosecutor. By commuting his sentence and not pardoning him - President Bush has left open the door for Libby to appeal his conviction and clear his name.