As you're probably aware by now, Bush has been identified by Scooter Libby as the person authorizing the leaking of previously classified intelligence to discredit Joe Willson's claims. While there's no indication that Bush asked that he disclose the name of Valerie Plame or that he did anything actually illegal, it is apparent that Bush declassified and released intelligence purely for political purposes. For a guy that holds himself out as being wholly concerned with the nation's security and unconcerned with political wrangling, he sure seems to be mucking it up with the best of them.
This intelligence was classified at the time. In declassifying it, Bush must have made the determination that keeping this previously secret information secret was less important than attacking Joe Wilson. Who has our country's best interests at heart again?
Also, consider the following statements made by or on behalf of the President:
I always thought these claims were pretty thin, but when you consider that Bush was actually involved in the leaking process, I have a hard time viewing them as anything other than bald-faced lies. Of course, my displeasure with Bush is well-documented on this forum, so take it for what you will.
The daily White House Press Briefing should be fun today, though. McClellan's gotta be shitting himself prepping for the peppering he's about to endure.
Thoughts?
This intelligence was classified at the time. In declassifying it, Bush must have made the determination that keeping this previously secret information secret was less important than attacking Joe Wilson. Who has our country's best interests at heart again?
Also, consider the following statements made by or on behalf of the President:
President Bush, 9/30/03:
"I don't know of anybody in my administration who leaked classified information. If somebody did leak classified information, I'd like to know it, and we'll take the appropriate action."
President Bush, 9/30/03:
"If there is a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is. And if the person has violated law, the person will be taken care of. . . . I have told our administration, people in my administration to be fully cooperative. I want to know the truth. If anybody has got any information inside our administration or outside our administration, it would be helpful if they came forward with the information so we can find out whether or not these allegations are true and get on about the business."
President Bush, 10/28/03:
"I'd like to know if somebody in my White House did leak sensitive information."
President Bush, 10/28/03:
"I want to know the truth. ... I have no idea whether we'll find out who the leaker is, partially because, in all due respect to your profession, you do a very good job of protecting the leakers."
White House Press Secretary, 9/29/03:
"The President has set high standards, the highest of standards for people in his administration. He's made it very clear to people in his administration that he expects them to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. If anyone in this administration was involved in it, they would no longer be in this administration."
White House Press Secretary, 10/7/03:
"Let me answer what the President has said. I speak for the President and I'll talk to you about what he wants . . .If someone leaked classified information, the President wants to know. If someone in this administration leaked classified information, they will no longer be a part of this administration, because that's not the way this White House operates, that's not the way this President expects people in his administration to conduct their business."
"I don't know of anybody in my administration who leaked classified information. If somebody did leak classified information, I'd like to know it, and we'll take the appropriate action."
President Bush, 9/30/03:
"If there is a leak out of my administration, I want to know who it is. And if the person has violated law, the person will be taken care of. . . . I have told our administration, people in my administration to be fully cooperative. I want to know the truth. If anybody has got any information inside our administration or outside our administration, it would be helpful if they came forward with the information so we can find out whether or not these allegations are true and get on about the business."
President Bush, 10/28/03:
"I'd like to know if somebody in my White House did leak sensitive information."
President Bush, 10/28/03:
"I want to know the truth. ... I have no idea whether we'll find out who the leaker is, partially because, in all due respect to your profession, you do a very good job of protecting the leakers."
White House Press Secretary, 9/29/03:
"The President has set high standards, the highest of standards for people in his administration. He's made it very clear to people in his administration that he expects them to adhere to the highest standards of conduct. If anyone in this administration was involved in it, they would no longer be in this administration."
White House Press Secretary, 10/7/03:
"Let me answer what the President has said. I speak for the President and I'll talk to you about what he wants . . .If someone leaked classified information, the President wants to know. If someone in this administration leaked classified information, they will no longer be a part of this administration, because that's not the way this White House operates, that's not the way this President expects people in his administration to conduct their business."
The daily White House Press Briefing should be fun today, though. McClellan's gotta be shitting himself prepping for the peppering he's about to endure.
Thoughts?
When you think about it, the whole developed world really is kinda like an episode of Seinfeld. Some pointless, inconsequential event takes place, and when you mix our inability to weather a storm with our inability to management ambiguity.........shazam......social catastrophe. It's kinda sad in this day and age so few people have feelings of self empowerment. It's too bad because our presidents from now on really are just going to be pretty figureheads in a suit. There sole purpose will be to make us feel better regardless of what is actually going on. Clinton kinda fit that mold........Bush? not so much.
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