I initially posted this as a comment, but I thought on this seemingly dark day, my words of encouragement (and possible talking points) could help provide some perspective to my greiving Kossaks. Remember, that coal in our stocking can be turned into valuable clean burning fuel...
As you've all heard by now, according to Rove's lawyer, Karl Rove will likely not be charged in the coverup connected to the outing of Valerie Plame.
While the right wingers will certainly be celebrating the apparent escape from danger by their patron saint today, (and many of us on the left are understandably disappointed) these are the facts they will hope you forget:
- One senior administration official has already been charged with felony perjury in this case. While this was a high-crime when relating to a BJ in the oval office, they now consider it a technicality. Nevertheless, there will be a trial and a public airing of the conspiracy to smear and intimidate war critics and whistleblowers in the run up to the war in Iraq.
- Lying, and being proven a liar in court are two drastically different things. No Clinton, aside from Roger has ever been charged with anything. Same goes for Ted Kennedy, and a slew of other right wing scapegoats. Gone from the Right-Wing analysis will be the efforts to claim state-secret privelege, prevent various administration officials from testifying under oath and the convenient 24 hour window between the breaking of this case and its referral to the justice dept.
- Karl Rove testified five times in front of the grand jury. While right wingers have been quick to label the Republican Fitzgerald as an overzealous partisan liberal, this move clearly demonstrates his prudence. It also signals that Turdblossom (Bush's nickname, not ours) has likely been singing.
No doubt, the White House is breathing a big sigh of relief today, but rest assured, fellow liberals, this is only the beginning. Let them have their fun, but remember, Karl Rove is not the problem, George Bush is.