Leak in Domestic Spy Program Investigated [“ ...could reach high into the White House”]

Los Angeles Times ^ | December 31, 2005 | By Josh Meyer

[johnny7]

The Justice Department inquiry could extend into all branches of the federal government

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department disclosed Friday that it was investigating who had leaked classified information about President Bush's top-secret domestic spying program — paving the way for a potentially contentious criminal probe that could reach high into the White House, Congress and the courts. Several U.S. officials familiar with the investigation — which is in its infancy — said it would be conducted by FBI agents trained in probing national security and counterintelligence matters.

The officials said the investigation would focus primarily on disclosures in the New York Times that Bush had authorized the National Security Agency to conduct surveillance on people in the U.S. without getting warrants from a special federal court established to approve them.

[DejaJude]

It's Rockefeller, Leahy, and that FISA judge who just resigned. Throw in some disgruntled CIA types and maybe a few Clinton holdovers at Foggy Bottom and that'l be a pretty good start at taking out the trash.

I've heard that the NYT said that their sources were "nearly a dozen" current and former government officials. I say we should call them "The Dirty (nearly) Dozen". Does anyone remember back in 2002 when the FBI was questioning Intelligence Committee members, congressional staff members and officials at the CIA and NSA for leaks? Remember they refused to take lie detector tests? If the reporters now say their sources were among this group, can they be in serious trouble for lying to the FBI? Isn't it a felony?

[TADSLOS]

The only "HIGH" is the one the LA Slimes staff is on.

[Tarpon]

I think it came on Friday at the COB, pretty standard. The Friday WaPo leak was the last straw.

[TruthFactor]

George Bush? He begged the NYSlimes not to publish. Why did you mention him?

This goes to the traitor Dems in Congress and their buddies in the intelligence agencies. Of that, I have little doubt.

[mware]

nearly a dozen" current and former government officials.

If anyone from the administration was involved they would have said current and former administrative officials.

This is not going to touch anyone from the administration.

[Shqipo]

"reach high into the White House"
--This is too funny. It's like they're trying to re-gift 'Fritzmas' to their pathetic readership.

[McGavin999]

Politically, I think you're right. I'm more worried about the legal aspect, which I imagine the Republicans will fumble with clockwork precision.

I really do think that this is going to be all out war. The president is really pissed about this because it has endangered the American people. He takes a lot of crap as long as the only ones who are hurt are the various politicians (including himself), but this one is different because the very lives of the people have been used as a political pawn.

This is NOT some little harmless or embarrassing leak, this was a DANGEROUS leak that seriously impacts the WOT and the lives of the American people.

We all may be totally disgusted with the people of New York and Los Angeles but the fact remains, they are Americans even if most are too stupid to understand how serious this is, and THEY are most at risk.

[grey_whiskers]

Saw your freeper page, liked that poem at the end.

Try this one on for size:

O God of earth and altar,
Bow down and hear our cry,
Our earthly rulers falter,
Our people drift and die;
The walls of gold entomb us,
The swords of scorn divide,
Take not Thy thunder from us,
But take away our pride.

From all that terror teaches,
From lies of tongue and pen,
From all the easy speeches
That comfort cruel men,
From sale and profanation
Of honor, and the sword,
From sleep and from damnation,
Deliver us, good Lord!

Tie in a living tether
The prince and priest and thrall,
Bind all our lives together,
Smite us and save us all;
In ire and exultation
Aflame with faith, and free,
Lift up a living nation,
A single sword to Thee.

--G.K. Chesterton

Cheers!

[Tarpon]

Likely a Democrat Senate leak, my take. Gonna be fun when the esteemed usual suspects take the stand in front of a Grand Jury.

[sgtyork]

Durbin has gone from ubiquitous to the invisible man. My suspicion meter has really jumped.

[Lurker]

I'd prefer a stout piece of hempen rope and a good old fashioned gallows, but that's just me.

L

[atlaw]

Right. "Reach into the White House..." these lunatics still do NOT get it. It is the Dinosaur Media's pet stooges who are going down this time.

The point of the investigation isn't to discover who printed the story (that would only take a buck to buy the paper and a few minutes to read it). The point of the investigation is to find out who in the government leaked the information, and I don't see why the White House would be considered off limits.

[sgtyork]

Agreed. Bush needs to spend a little time briefing the american people including the Senators names that were briefed, how he worked with the FISA courts. This could be a good teaching moment.

[RedEyeJack]

The LA Times is speculating that the leak came from the White House. Like you I find that fantastic... However, I believe the investigation should be into the facts and if Bush is involved, as the LAT dreams, then he should be punished. If "traitor Dems in Congress" are involved as you indicate then they should be punished. It is the act itself that is the crime, not who committed it. "Equal justice before the law" and all that stuff...

[Steel Wolf]

I concur. The left has set up their own defense. The more anti-Bush they have been, the stronger their defense that this is a purge will be, and the weakness Bush has exhibited in not responding to their repeated attacks over the past will doom this investigation and prevent justice from being served.

The reason for a lot of the double standards in place here is that the MSM is trying to counterweight the power of the White House, even if the White House isn't in the wrong.

The Valerie Plame issue versus the wiretap one is a perfect example. It's not the facts of the matter they care about. It's that they feel helpless against Bush, and they're willing to twist the truth as far as need be to restrain him. They genuinely feel that he is a greater threat to their interests then Al Qaida, and view everything through that warped lens.

[Tarpon]

No I think it was coming down the trail, just happened to be Friday. Bush was hopping mad at the last presser when this came up, he nodded towards an investigation was coming.

This is over the line treason -- Not a leak, not a whistleblower, just flat treason. People could die because of what has happened here, Americans in our country.

The dum Dems don't think it's a war, I knew 2 business associates who died on 9/11, it's a war. Their crime was they got on an airplane that day.

[Cboldt]

What is the definition of "session"?

The dates that Congress plans to meet and do business. Congress is out of session now. The 1st session of the 109th Congress is over. When COngress reconvenes, it will be for the 2nd session of the 109th Congress.

Could arrests come before they go back to work?

Technically, yes. I'll dream right along with ya' if that's okay ;)

[bert]

....Courts: Possible, but somewhat less likely. Judges, especially FISA ones, would be very well versed in how to follow proper Whistleblower laws, and would be very unlikely to risk open criminal activity when there are legal alternatives.......

I think you need to get a bowl and some sugar handy because these words may have to be eaten.

I was convinced the leaker was in the Rockefeller office until yesterday when on a similar thread a eureka light turned on..... there was a federal judge involved in the process and he resigned..