Excessive punishment differs depending on who you are

In light of George Bush's opinion that 30 months in jail was "excessive" for Scooter Libby's conviction on perjury and obstruction of justice charges, Josh Marshall comes across a news story from June 21st, 2007:

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court made it harder Thursday for most defendants to challenge their federal prison sentences.

Appeals courts that review prison terms imposed by trial judges may deem them reasonable if they fall within federal sentencing guidelines adopted in the mid-1980s, the high court said.

The justices upheld a 33-month sentence given to Victor Rita for perjury and making false statements. Rita is a 25-year military veteran and former civilian federal employee.

The prison term falls within the guidelines range and was upheld by the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, posing the question of whether sentences within the guidelines ordinarily will be considered reasonable.