"The big deal is he never told investigators of his independent inquiry to the CIA. The indictment alleges that Libby tried to lead investigators away from that."
You've been asked these questions in a dozen ways on a dozen thread, but I'll try again.
If Plame was not a covert CIA officer protected by the IIPA, what is the crime that was being investigated by Fitzgerald?
If there is no crime, how is Libby's testimony material?
If it is not material, how is it perjury?
And, also, can you name some other instances where someone had been indicted for perjury for similar non-material testimony?
Lastly, why is this so important to you? Do you think you have a higher regard for the rule of law than say, Joe DiGenova?
Well now, that's a question that has been asked for a long time. The only answer that I've read about that makes any sense at all is that while Plame was not specifically classified as "covert," she was in fact an agent under "non-official cover." Whether exposing a NOC is against the law or not, I do not know. But I suspect it might be. Otherwise, why would the Justice Department assign a special prosecutor to the case?
Fitz was charged with investigating whether or not there was a violation of 50 USC 421 or 18 USC 793. I don't believe the evidence supports a conclusion that there wasa violation of either; which put me, Toensing and DiGenova in agreement.
If there is no crime, how is Libby's testimony material?
The testimony is material in that it goes to one of the elements of the aforementioned statutes. As to 50 USC 412, the element that fails in "covert," as Plame was not, and as to 18 USC 793, there are numerous missing elements.
If it is not material, how is it perjury?
The testimony is material in that it goes to the element of whether or not a government agent disclosed Plame's identity.
can you name some other instances where someone had been indicted for perjury for similar non-material testimony?
Martha Stewert. I could find others, I'm sure, with research.
Lastly, why is this so important to you?
It's not important, I just find it interesting.
Do you think you have a higher regard for the rule of law than say, Joe DiGenova?
No.