So the Cliff Barnes of the real world has given his "farewell" address. So he is just about gone. There is an extra tip for whoever figures out the "Cliff Barnes" idea.
I would remind you that he now has the other $350 billions of funds, since the Senate said OK today. I would remind you that he can pardon thousands of people in the next few days.
Here is how I see it, and I hope that I am wrong.
First, he pardons everyone that ever did a favor for him for federal crimes, either committed or intended, and this includes Cheney. There is a precedent there, since damned old Ford pardoned damned old Nixon for everything. It will hold up in court.
Now, Bush sends the money to his friends, just like he did through the Secretary of the Treasury last time. Another $350 billion to the rich folks, as if they need it. None to folks who actually paid it into the Treasury. Same as it ever was.
Unfortunately, my hat is made of sort of stiff straw, so I will not promise to eat it, but I think that this might happen (please do not worry that I am giving them any ideas, because they have the finest minds, like Gonzalez, LOL! to think of these things). Just a few minutes before Obama is sworn in, Bush can resign.
With Roberts at his right hand, Cheney immediately becomes the 44th President, and signs his pardon of Bush. Thus, everyone is untouchable in the United States (not looking good for European vacations, but that is better than the jailhouse), and then, minutes later, Obama is sworn in as President.
It is all legal, and can not be undone because it is a Constitutional right for the President. Do not laugh at me if it does not happen, but think about the possibilities. I think that it is a strong possibility.
The downside for them is that Presidential pardons work only for Federal offenses. If any state can show that crimes were committed there, they are free to prosecute them under their laws (Texas, are you looking? I will wager that some crimes were originated there).
I am not very forgiving of Bush. I suspect that most of you here are not, either.
Warmest regards,
Doc