Appeals court upholds ruling in CIA leak

AP ^ | 2/15/05 | Mark Sherman

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WASHINGTON -- A federal appeals court on Tuesday upheld a ruling against two reporters who could go to jail for refusing to divulge their sources to investigators probing the leak of an undercover CIA officer's name to the media.

The three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit sided with prosecutors in their attempt to compel Time magazine's Matthew Cooper and The New York Times' Judith Miller to testify before a federal grand jury about their confidential sources.

"We agree with the District Court that there is no First Amendment privilege protecting the information sought," Judge David B. Sentelle said in the ruling, which was unanimous.

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I'm thinking the investigation points right back to Joe Wilson and the pre-Goss lefties at Langley. If the whole thing was a scheme for political gain to tarnish President Bush, I will laugh heartily for a sustained period. Note how Scooter Libby released the reporter from confidentiality. It appears Vice President Cheney's team has nothing to do with any leak, but they know far far more than Joe Wilson's Bush-haters can imagine...

[vpintheak]

Can't wait to see how this turns out.

[piasa]

fyi

[eureka!]

Yep. Only a story to hurt W. The 'rats and presstitutes did not expect this to go this far, figuring that W was beatable (historically he was) and they would again assume control of the DOJ. A terrible case of misunderestimation. Hehehehe...

[Dilbert56]

What's also hilarious is watching the MSM backpedal. When the finger of blame was pointed at someone in the Administration, getting to the bottom of this was vital to our national security. The MSM spilled over with sanctimonious fervor.

Now, when it's time for the truth to come out, the MSM's "right" to use anonymous sources is more suddenley important. Hah, hah, hah. Hoisted on their own petard.

[MamaLucci]

ping

[cyncooper]

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1343617/posts

Another thread there. (I am not playing posting police, just providing a link for those interested in various commentary on the issue)

[cyncooper]

Your analysis is what I've long thought, too.

And remember, the judge stayed the contempt sentencing for these reporters pending appeal. Well, the ruling is in. I wonder when they decide whether to go to jail or not.

[cyncooper]

Thanks for the ping!

[RKV]

Our national security depends on our security agencies being able to trust their employees. If they can leak and manipulate the press without fear of punishment, then the vital ability to trust your fellows disappears. When you are given a clearance, you commit yourself to your commrades in arms, and to your country to keep your mouth shut unless authorized. It is absolutely true that people can die if the wrong information gets out. I am very glad that this decision has been reached. It is in our vital national interest that those who breached their trust be found and prosecuted. It should be very interesting when these "journalists" crack.

[Fedora]

Thanks! :-)