Posted on 07/21/2004 7:59:22 PM PDT by Bronco_Buster_FweetHyagh
Wow. Your genius spans threads......
I was going to stay quiet about this, and I'm liable to state the obvious here, especially to former US military communicators.
BUT...I was a NONCOM in the USAF for 13 years, and my primary role was supporting DISA (Defense Information Systems Agency) assets.
The DISA jobs in particular involved handling classified information. Unless other elements of the U.S. Gov't perform management of classified documents in a vastly different manner than the DoD, then Sandy Berger would have signed "some" document attesting that he understands the classification system, and proper usage of information afforded its protection.
In short, what I'm trying to say here is that for a person to gain access to the storage area where classified information is kept means that they've already agreed in writing on the prescribed methods and guidelines for the handling of such information.
To stuff it in your socks, walk out with it, and call it SLOPPY is to think that we were all born just yesterday. The public at large might believe this story with their Hollywood view of how "classified" information is handled, but anybody who has ever handled classified information at SECRET or above knows that in "real life" it's an entirely different story.
This is a plain and simple case. The man has essentially been caught stealing classified information, and the penalties prescribed for such offenses are known and on the "books".
I "think" Mr. Berger is in a real pickle. Think about it. He can either deal with the legal system at this point, or deal with what's happened to everybody else who was just getting ready to fink on William J. Clinton, and end up dead.
I'm going to guess that if our conservatives in power push this issue (and they SHOULD), that he'll opt for jail over having commonalities with Vince Foster, Ron Brown, and others.
Laura Ingraham will be happy to hear that. She's been wondering if it was boxers or briefs. LOL!
This is deadly serious stuff here, and while I realize that the media will probably bury it, this could possibly be the last scandal of the Clinton administration, post mortem. Somehow, I don't think we're ever going to be able to get rid of Bill Clinton.
BINGO!!!In the end these documents are yours and mine. If those elected and appointed by us refuse to honor their responsiblities....we need hold them accountable. Failure is to invite anothe 911....
People died as a result of that leak. Where was the Dems concern over that? I literally hate the bastards!
I guess you missed that the Drudge story is just reporting what the WaPo is set to report tomorrow. Some deep sixing.
Let's deal with what is, not what you fear.
No way is anyone going to take down a RAT. No way! They wouldn't live (in freedom) to tell about it and they know it.
Just ask Web Hubbell. He didn't get a pardon but Susan McDougal did and he spent almost as much time in prison as she did. Hillary wasn't happy because the "American People" found out that "Web was going to roll over one more time". It made "her husband" look like the criminal that he, she and they all are.
What I don't understand is how Berger thought he could get away with this. Did he think they had this wired, that he could simply lift the documents and not be caught? Secondly, as I understand it, the FBI (beyond searching his office and home) have not been in contact with him. So what has Berger been thinking these past 7 or 8 months? Did he think the investigation would just go nowhere so he didn't inform Kerry?
You've emphasized a critical point that's being overlooked in much of the public debate. The Berger defenders are engaging in clever misdirection with the constant emphasis on the issue of copies, framing the issue as though this was merely a matter of protecting and preserving historical documents instead of protecting the classified data contained in those documents. That tact allows them to make a deceptively compelling defense of 'no harm, no foul.' If all Berger removed were copies, and the originals were never in jeopardy, they argue, what's the big deal at the end of the day?
"They were only copies" is going to be the new "It's just about sex." If the debate is about classified data, we can win the day. If the debate is about document copies vs. originals, then the Dems will win.
If he leaked it himself it's to torpedo Kerry's press going into the Convention, or more likely, he was tired of waiting for the Govt. to make it's decision on prosecution and this makes them piss or get off the pot.
You hope?
I'm afraid to inform you this story is not going away.
Clinton was told in 2000 that Al Qaeda was on American soil and was planning a large scale attack, and he did nothing. He didn't even notify law enforcement.
Exactly. It's the information that's classified, not the piece of paper.
There wouldn't be any cameras in a SCIF. Nor would Berger have his leather portfolio with him to 'inadvertantly' slip things into. That is why he had to stuff his pants and jacket with the documents. If he brings a briefcase type bag with him, either he checks it at the door or it gets THOROUGHLY searched on the way out. Most SCIFs won't let the bag in at all. You even have to check your cell phone and MP3 player (it should be ALL of them, but evidently the National Archives doesn't run all that tight a ship).
Visualize this...
Democrats: Sandy Berger
Republicans: Fawn Hall
Game, set, match.
Unless the plan is for Hillary to swoop in on her broom at the last minute and grab the nomination from a terminally damaged Kerry.
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