In case folks don't know, classified documents are treated the same whether they are duplicates or not. And notes taken from classified documents receive the same classification as the documents they were taken from. If there was nothing to this story, the investigation would have ended soon after it started. The fact that it has gone on this long means that a violation occurred. You do not want to be the subject of a security violation investigation. Especially when it becomes clear you knowingly committed the violation.
Where are the video recordings?
You are 100% right here - but the national media is trying to blur this fact completely - The national news networks have either already killed this story or have talked about how wonderful Berger is (and how nothing really was done wrong) and that the Republicans are the one's with the real problem here - for trying to play politics with this -
It is mind-boggling to watch - but it is true - I really don't think this story will be allowed to get any legs - We won't hear about this after Sunday of this week - It won't make the nightly news again -
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emphasis on the issue of copies, framing the issue as though this was merely a matter of protecting and preserving historical documents instead of protecting the classified data contained in those documents.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.
Recall that Sandy Berger's attorney admitted Berger "knowingly" took top secret documents.
Those words hit me.
As in criminal statutes:
"Did knowingly, willfully, and maliously...."
Every single piece of paper is controlled - not to mention the bright, multicolored classification sheets attached front and back. And, that every single document, every copy, must be signed for and the original receipt kept in the control area.
Any Freepers out there who work/worked in classified area? I spent 34 years in such before I retired.
One other question, wouldn't Sandy Berger have been debriefed when Bush took office. He was no longer National Security Advisor and had no need for access. If this be the case, why was he (now uncleared) allowed to have these documents?
A couple of months after I retired, a big problem arose on a project I had been working on. They wanted me to come back to help out but security wouldn't allow it. Said I would have to have a background check and be re-cleared.
Incidentally, for all the clearances he received and for which he was briefed, he had to sign a statement concerning the handling of Classified Material. It plainly states that if you mishandle or give information to uncleared personnel, you WILL BE PROSECUTED!