CBS won't reveal memos' source - Stand may cause distrust, news chief acknowledges

The Baltimore Sun ^ | September 15, 2004 | David Folkenflik

[Cincinatus' Wife]

CBS News President Andrew Heyward said yesterday that his network will not reveal the source of disputed documents used to report that President Bush received favored treatment in the Texas Air National Guard, even though that decision may mean many Americans would distrust a 60 Minutes report on the subject. "I'm confident the story was appropriately vetted before it went on the air. It is the nature of this kind of investigative reporting that sometimes sources remain confidential," Heyward said in a telephone interview. "We're going to hang tough, even if that leaves some questions unanswered."

The charged political atmosphere surrounding the story has made it more difficult to identify sources publicly, he said.

"This is a political hot potato," Heyward said. "There's a kind of harassment, an attempt to intimidate, that I think gives people pause."

[Cboldt]

I do recall a case where someone altered elements of the command history, not for anyone's benefit, and got six-six-and-a-kick for his trouble.
Also, when it's "memo for file," it's considered an official record--even if it's the CO's "private" documents (basically, any communication about personnel under his command is considered official).

OK. I'll accept for purposes of analysis that memos for the file are official documents. I'm still drawing a blank on a case or a statute that would make these forgeries a felony. I'm not saying there isn't one, but darned if I've found it yet.

The fellow that got six-six-and-a-kick, sounds as though he affected somebody's legal rights via the forgery. Do you recall if that was the case? The only person affected by this forgery is GWB. None of the forged documents also appear in the official record, as produced by the Federal government repositories.

[Cboldt]

I do recall a case where someone altered elements of the command history, not for anyone's benefit, and got six-six-and-a-kick for his trouble.
Also, when it's "memo for file," it's considered an official record--even if it's the CO's "private" documents (basically, any communication about personnel under his command is considered official).

P.S. What is "six-six-and-a-kick?" Obviously, I don't have any military background!

[Poohbah]

The fellow that got six-six-and-a-kick, sounds as though he affected somebody's legal rights via the forgery. Do you recall if that was the case?

Nope. He merely altered the bureau numbers of aircraft accepted by the squadron.

Basically, it FUBAR'd the traceability of aircraft. Didn't affect people at all.

Six-six-and-a-kick = six months confinement at hard labor, forfeiture of all pay and allowances for six months, and a dishonorable discharge.

[gathersnomoss]

It is entertainment, not factual news. Who said it had to be factual under penalty of law? Rather walks and the sheeple will still watch the CBS Evening Reality Show as always.

"I may be vile and pernicious
But you can’t look away
I make you think I’m delicious
With the stuff that I say
I am the best you can get
Have you guessed me yet?
I am the slime oozin’ out
From your tv set"

[Cboldt]

He merely altered the bureau numbers of aircraft accepted by the squadron.

Holy sh!t!! He got off easy. Well, I can see that one being prosecuted, because he was affecting property records, for property still in existence, etc. The Killian forgeries don't have that quality. My guess, if I was to forge a bunch of record relating to the maintenance and so forth of a fleet of P-51's, it'd be a non-issue, becuase there is no military function affected any more, only history.

[GretchenM]

Jesus Christ would have difficulty being elected to any public office in America today, running under our current Rules of Engagement Smears. Just look at the accusations created about him: homosexual, had an affair with Mary Magdelene, religious nut/extremist, had "too much faith in God, making Him dangerous," mixing faith and politics, etc.