Posted on 07/20/2004 10:21:48 AM PDT by we_will_prevail
7/20/2004 12:54:00 PM
To: National Desk
Contact: John Feehery or Pete Jeffries, 202-225-2800, both of the Office of House Speaker Dennis Hastert
WASHINGTON, July 20 /U.S. Newswire/ -- Today, House Speaker Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) released the following statement regarding allegations that former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger removed highly classified terrorism documents and handwritten notes from a secure reading room during preparations for the 9/11 Commission hearings:
"I am profoundly troubled by allegations that former National Security Advisor Sandy Berger removed highly classified documents from the National Archives regarding the Clinton Administration's handling of terrorist attacks prior to the September 11th attacks.
"What could those documents have said that drove Mr. Berger to remove them without authorization from a secure reading room for classified documents?
"What information could be so embarrassing that a man with decades of experience in handling classified documents would risk being caught pilfering our nation's most sensitive secrets?
"Did these documents detail simple negligence or did they contain something more sinister? Was this a bungled attempt to rewrite history and keep critical information from the 9/11 Commission and potentially put their report under a cloud?
"It is my understanding that Mr. Berger shoved this classified information into his clothing to smuggle them out of the National Archives. Press reports indicate that Archival staff became concerned when documents began to disappear and specifically marked additional documents to track them. A number of those documents also turned up missing.
"Mr. Berger has a lot of explaining to do. He was given access to these documents to assist the 9/11 Commission, not hide information from them. The American people and the 9/11 families don't want cover-ups when it comes to the War on Terror. They want the truth. And so does the U.S. House of Representatives."
And red meat is so good. Too bad, huh.
It's the proper course to take, to appear above the fray. Let Sandy Berger get tried in the media, they need a juicy story, since the election campaign must look boring to them. We find out that Slick was at least as misinformed as Bush was, more likely, we find that Slick's people strengthened AQ.
The country gets reminded of the fact that the 9/11 terrorists infiltrated this country during the Clinton administration, not on GWB's watch. If the White House beats the drum, no one will be able to hear the press beating it.
What if Bergler was to flip, go into the witness protection program, and really cause the Clintonistas trouble!
"tighty-whiteygate"
Then comes the investigation:
wedgie-gate
But seriously, what are we going to do, impeach Clinton? I don't see Bush sicking the Justice Dept on this one. He is ever so careful to never appear partisan.
I wonder if Karl Rove had this in mind the other day when he said three huge things would happen before Nov.?
One theory is he already did flip, long since. That's why he continued to bash Bush even though he already knew his "goose was cooked". So Berger is rolling over on the really big fish - Bubba.
I'm sure he is deeply saddened too. seriesly
Supposedly he 'forgot' to take his briefcase into the private viewing room, which is why he had to 'stuff his socks and pants'. I wonder if the surveillance camera caught all that on tape. One would presume so.
"Let's hope republicans weigh the country's safety against their own personal future and decide to do what's right."
Fat Chance!
Exactly. That is the info I have been waiting for. Everyone is acting as if they are, but if there are other copies of these documents, then there is no evidence of a nefarious deed.
I don't think the White House has a say on who Justice investigates. Remember this was started in October of 2003 by the FBI and the Archives themselves.
isn't nice to be able to visualize the Kerry 04 headquarters right now in panic and disarray after this scud lands right in the middle of their convention planning and days before they were to bow down on their knees and worship the 9/11 comission's final report. I bet Kerry personally wrote some of their recommendations.
the leadership is growing cajones, GOOD 'bout time
"Prediction:
The unanimous 9/11 report will be be put on hold at the end of the week because of suddenly developed dissenting opinions."
That is exactly what Representative J.D. Hayworth (R-AZ) called for on the House floor this morning around 9am.
Even Tim Russert will have to ask about the socks. Or give up any credibility he has left.
"If the White House beats the drum, no one will be able to hear the press beating it."
One can hope I guess. We will see. I am not to sure of it though.
"What ever it was .. it was pretty damning for Sandy to put his future on the line like he did"
What future? We hope it will be in Prison Orange.
Actually Kerry is a bigger fish at this moment in history. Hope his scales get scraped in this somehow.
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