Disrespect for Authority

Libby's starting to flail like a drowning rat.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060223/pl_nm/bush_leak_dc
or, for more detail,
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/02/23/AR2006022302087_pf.html

Yesterday, his lawyers requested that his trial be completely dismissed because they contend special counsel Patrick Fitzgerald wasn't properly appointed.

Their argument is that since he was appointed by the Justice Department but didn't have to report to the Attorney General, John Ashcroft, Fitzgerald's authority is held "improperly."

Pshaw.

That's weak, man. That's really weak. They know the fucker's dead in the water if he gets to trial, and so instead of concentrating on a solid defense, they're trying to find technicalities on which the case could be dismissed. It's a common tactic (to my knowledge, which admittedly is not vast), and it's one that's used when there's no better defense. Oh, wait, except for the claim that inconsistencies in Libby's testimony were due to a faulty memory.

This is also highly ironic, given the administration's eager claims of full support and cooperation when the investigation first began. They were quite eager to play the part of the innocent bystander, but now that Fitz has laid (at least some of) his cards on the table, the tactic is to attack Fitz's credibility and "authority." What balderdash.

All in all, I take this as a good sign. It looks to me like a move of desperation, and that means the bastards are starting to feel the walls closing in around them. And don't forget, Rove is still under the microscope...

I could go for some coq au vin, I think. Extra bacon. And a glass of Carneros pinot noir.