“Bush’s Arrogance is a Slap in the Face
of the American People!”

Dr. Ivan Holmes, State Democratic Party Chair, Comments

on the Commutation of Libby’s Prison Sentence

Oklahoma City, OK – Today, Oklahoma Democratic Party Chairman Ivan Holmes criticized President Bush for commuting the prison sentence of convicted top aide to Vice President Dick Cheney, I. Lewis “Scooter” Libby, Jr.

“President Bush’s decision to commute the 30-month sentence for Libby illustrates that the President has no respect for the law,” stated Oklahoma Democratic Party Chair Ivan Holmes.

“President Bush is telling the American people that his political cronies are above the law, even when it comes to obstructing justice, perjury and endangering the life of former C.I.A. agent Valerie Plame. This is the wrong message to send to the country and the world.”

After Bush cited his concern for the suffering of the Libby family for his reason to commute the sentence, Holmes commented, “The President’s concern for Libby’s family does not consider the pain, distress and injustice experienced by Valerie Plame and her family. Nor does he consider that Mr. Libby’s actions put many other lives in danger by outing a C.I.A. agent. These are men and women who put their lives on the line every day to protect America, yet they can’t even count on their own Commander in Chief.”

“Sadly, this action is consistent with a Presidential Administration that will accept no blame for their misdeeds, like starting the war in Iraq based on false information and not being willing to withdraw our troops who are truly paying the price for Bush’s arrogance.”

“America can no longer afford the corruption that has riddled this presidency over the last seven years. Thankfully the Democrats have a strong field of candidates ready to restore honor and dignity to the White House and put America back on track.”

“By the time Bush leaves office he will have cemented his place in history as one of the worst presidents ever,” Holmes concluded.

-- ODP --