Conscientious Objector responds to Bush's commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence

On a statement about commutation of Scooter Libby's sentence, President Bush said: "I have concluded that the prison sentence given to Mr. Libby is excessive."

Kevin Benderman said today: "I was imprisoned for 14 months after trying to apply for conscientious objector status after seeing the reality of the Iraq war." He is beginning a speaking touring with his wife, Monica Benderman. Their book "Letters from a Ft. Lewis Brig" is forthcoming later this year. She said today: "Parole was denied to Kevin because he had not been 'sufficiently rehabilitated.' What were they rehabilitating him from? Not wanting to go to war. During those 14 months Kevin would be sitting in a plastic chair getting shouted at; he was denied his mail at times, they tried to prevent his talking to his attorney and our congressperson. Meanwhile, Libby -- who covered up the truth on issues of war that affect the lives of people like my husband -- is going to walk away."