Bush senior team leaks crucial CIA information.

[Epidemic]

I do not know about the risks involved in the CIA, so could someone please tell me what the big deal is. The supposed leak of CIA operative wife's name would appear to be irresponsible to say the least.

However that is not what happened appears to have happened. In fact it would appear that the term operative (bringing to mind a person in harms way) was in fact desk bound office personel, an ANALYST (bringing to mind a number cruncher with good spelling).

The second part of this story seems to be lacking some convenient information as well. The fact that the reporter admitts that the name of the ANALYST wife was to be witheld as per the source's request.

The constant misrepresentation of the title of operative again begs the question is the media biased. It is sorta like comparing a cop on the undercover vice squad with the temp in the mail room in terms of risk.

Are CIA analysts secret need to know names. Or does one go to H&R Block and identify your job title like everyone else?

In closing though, I hate leaks (if this was a leak?). From police investigations to war plans I think that leaks should be plugged with severe prejudice. I am sick of insiders leaking half information to the press at every turn. With the sheer volume of leaks I believe that the prisons should be full of leaky people.

[Epidemic]

^bump^

[shahani]

CIA operative wife's name

Not the wife. The wife is the CIA spook. Her name was compromised.

Probably that smart ass Karl Rove.

Thinks he's God.

Could well be, seeing how he's manipulating GWB.

[MTAtech]

Under the Intelligence Identities Protection Act of 1982, it is a crime for anyone who has access to classified information to disclose intentionally information identifying a covert agent. The punishment for such an offense is a fine of up to $50,000 and/or up to ten years in prison.

If Ms. Wilson is such an agent, somebody should go to jail.

[wallie_x]

I can't believe the DemocRAT smoke and mirror machine is trying to pull this hoax off on us. The White House under the last president had more leaks than a tin cup blasted by a 12ga. with #4 buckshot. This is hyped up who-to-do about nothing, shear hyperbole. Yet the attacks dogs of the demo's propaganda feces machine act like Bush and his staff are guilty of something heinous. Moreover, Robert Novak, the one whose article started the whole thing, said his source (the alleged informant) was not from the White House.
Get Real. To me this shows how low the left will stoop when it comes to tying to discredit the Bush administration.

[shahani]

I don't think there's anything left of the Bush Administration to discredit.

There is talk of Mr Rove doing a sneaky thing like this and endangering the life of an innocent person for political reasons. But then that is Mr Rove.

This information was leaked to six reporters and only Mr Novak reported it. From a localised incident, this has the the potential of blowing up in Mr Bush's face unless he takes immediate action and does not encourage under handed cover up.

Let us wait and see.

[Quidam]

Can't the Patriot Act be somehow invoked to pressure Mr. Novak to reveal his source? Harassing citizens and compromising civil liberties seems to be its intent. Let's put it to use in this case.

(Too lazy to find irony smiley)

[shahani]

Well, it was probably done in an indirect way with Mr Novak not actually in contact with the actual source.

These spooks are circumvent to a fault and sneaky as hell.

But, yes, hopefully the peep that did it will be exposed, disgraced and kicked out of the White House.

[Pexster]

From CNN.COM's lead story --

"If she were only an analyst, not an operative, we would not have filed a crimes report" with the Justice Department, a senior intelligence official said.

I'll also point out that this person had worked undercover overseas in the past. Mr. Novak wrote in his column today (and I believe previously, as well) that he was told publishing her identity would put her in jeopardy during future overseas travels. So how on earth can he justify doing that to a fellow citizen?

[MTAtech]

Originally posted by wallie_x
I can't believe the DemocRAT smoke and mirror machine is trying to pull this hoax off on us...Moreover, Robert Novak, the one whose article started the whole thing, said his source (the alleged informant) was not from the White House.

Wrong again.
Not only did Novak NOT say his source was not from the White House, he said it was TWO SENIOR ADMINISTRATION OFFICIALS. That makes it important (but in some people's mind not as important as a presidential blow job.) Disclosing this information is a crime - unlike Clinton's BJ.

Here is Novak's statement, "Wilson never worked for the CIA, but his wife, Valerie Plame, is an Agency operative on weapons of mass destruction. Two senior administration officials told me Wilson's wife suggested sending him to Niger..."