Let's recognize the rule of law

Lewis "Scooter" Libby, Vice President Cheney's former chief of staff, was convicted on four felony counts of perjury and obstruction of justice for his involvement in the leak of CIA operative Valerie Plame's name, and was sentenced to 2½ years in prison.

Most observers of Libby's trial agree that he did not act alone and was simply part of a conspiracy. The testimony of administration officials and members of the press suggest the leak of Ms. Plame's name was part of a concentrated effort to discredit an individual critical of administration policy.

The determination to settle political scores at the risk of national security considerations should not be tolerated.

Special Prosecutor Patrick Fitzgerald, one of the nation's toughest and most independent U.S. attorneys, maintained that he could not file additional charges in the "leak case" because of Mr. Libby's obstruction.

In our system of government, all parties responsible for any wrongdoing should be held accountable for their actions. President Bush's decision to commute the sentence of Scooter Libby is contrary to our concept of the law.

All Americans should support the Senate Judiciary Committee's ongoing efforts to conduct intensive, bipartisan oversight of the executive branch, particularly in light of recent testimony about illegal wiretapping programs, the firing of nine U.S. Attorneys and the Plame affair. The testimony continues to raise serious questions about political undermining of the rule of law and we should commend the Judiciary Committee for demanding accountability.

Americans are seeking a more responsible form of leadership than we have had in the White House and on Capitol Hill in recent years. Our future actions must include a return to morality and once again demand that our politicians live by the rule of law.

Richard Nelson

Aurora