How many more legs will Rove find to stand on?

[BSmack]

Looks like The Agency is starting to shoot back. First they back up Tenet (2 years too late) and now it looks like only a fool or a traitor could have misunderstood Plame's undercover status.

Plame's Identity Marked As Secret
Memo Central to Probe Of Leak Was Written By State Dept. Analyst

By Walter Pincus and Jim VandeHei
Washington Post Staff Writers
Thursday, July 21, 2005; A01

A classified State Department memorandum central to a federal leak investigation contained information about CIA officer Valerie Plame in a paragraph marked "(S)" for secret, a clear indication that any Bush administration official who read it should have been aware the information was classified, according to current and former government officials.

Plame -- who is referred to by her married name, Valerie Wilson, in the memo -- is mentioned in the second paragraph of the three-page document, which was written on June 10, 2003, by an analyst in the State Department's Bureau of Intelligence and Research (INR), according to a source who described the memo to The Washington Post.

The paragraph identifying her as the wife of former ambassador Joseph C. Wilson IV was clearly marked to show that it contained classified material at the "secret" level, two sources said. The CIA classifies as "secret" the names of officers whose identities are covert, according to former senior agency officials.

Anyone reading that paragraph should have been aware that it contained secret information, though that designation was not specifically attached to Plame's name and did not describe her status as covert, the sources said. It is a federal crime, punishable by up to 10 years in prison, for a federal official to knowingly disclose the identity of a covert CIA official if the person knows the government is trying to keep it secret.

Prosecutors attempting to determine whether senior government officials knowingly leaked Plame's identity as a covert CIA operative to the media are investigating whether White House officials gained access to information about her from the memo, according to two sources familiar with the investigation.

The memo may be important to answering three central questions in the Plame case: Who in the Bush administration knew about Plame's CIA role? Did they know the agency was trying to protect her identity? And, who leaked it to the media?

Almost all of the memo is devoted to describing why State Department intelligence experts did not believe claims that Saddam Hussein had in the recent past sought to purchase uranium from Niger. Only two sentences in the seven-sentence paragraph mention Wilson's wife.

The memo was delivered to Secretary of State Colin L. Powell on July 7, 2003, as he headed to Africa for a trip with President Bush aboard Air Force One. Plame was unmasked in a syndicated column by Robert D. Novak seven days later.

Wilson has said his wife's identity was revealed to retaliate against him for accusing the Bush administration of "twisting" intelligence to justify the Iraq war. In a July 6 opinion piece in the New York Times and in an interview with The Washington Post, he cited a secret mission he conducted in February 2002 for the CIA, when he determined there was no evidence that Iraq was seeking uranium for a nuclear weapons program in the African nation of Niger.

White House officials discussed Wilson's wife's CIA connection in telling at least two reporters that she helped arrange his trip, according to one of the reporters, Matthew Cooper of Time magazine, and a lawyer familiar with the case.

Prosecutors have shown interest in the memo, especially when they were questioning White House officials during the early days of the investigation, people familiar with the probe said.

Karl Rove, President Bush's deputy chief of staff, has testified that he learned Plame's name from Novak a few days before telling another reporter she worked at the CIA and played a role in her husband's mission, according to a lawyer familiar with Rove's account. Rove has also testified that the first time he saw the State Department memo was when "people in the special prosecutor's office" showed it to him, said Robert Luskin, his attorney.

"He had not seen it or heard about it before that time," Luskin said.

Several other administration officials were on the trip to Africa, including senior adviser Dan Bartlett, then-White House spokesman Ari Fleischer and others. Bartlett's attorney has refused to discuss the case, citing requests by the special counsel. Fleischer could not be reached for comment yesterday.

Rove and Vice President Cheney's chief of staff, I. Lewis "Scooter" Libby, have been identified as people who discussed Wilson's wife with Cooper. Prosecutors are trying to determine the origin of their knowledge of Plame, including whether it was from the INR memo or from conversations with reporters.

The Wall Street Journal reported Tuesday that the memo made it clear that information about Wilson's wife was sensitive and should not be shared. Yesterday, sources provided greater detail on the memo to The Post.

The material in the memo about Wilson's wife was based on notes taken by an INR analyst who attended a Feb. 19, 2002, meeting at the CIA where Wilson's intelligence-gathering trip to Niger was discussed.

The memo was drafted June 10, 2003, for Undersecretary of State Marc Grossman, who asked to be brought up to date on INR's opposition to the White House view that Hussein was trying to buy uranium in Africa.

The description of Wilson's wife and her role in the Feb. 19, 2002, meeting at the CIA was considered "a footnote" in a background paragraph in the memo, according to an official who was aware of the process.

It records that the INR analyst at the meeting opposed Wilson's trip to Niger because the State Department, through other inquiries, already had disproved the allegation that Iraq was seeking uranium from Niger. Attached to the INR memo were the notes taken by the senior INR analyst who attended the 2002 meeting at the CIA.

On July 6, 2003, shortly after Wilson went public on NBC's "Meet the Press" and in The Post and the New York Times discussing his trip to Niger, the INR director at the time, Carl W. Ford Jr., was asked to explain Wilson's statements for Powell, according to sources familiar with the events. He went back and reprinted the June 10 memo but changed the addressee from Grossman to Powell.

Ford last year appeared before the federal grand jury investigating the leak and described the details surrounding the INR memo, the sources said. Yesterday he was on vacation in Arkansas, according to his office.

The dominoes are starting to fall. Better get some soap on a rope for Rove.

[tough love]

Big surprise, if anything ever comes of it.

Bu$h has already back tracked like a bitch on his original hard line statement about cutting anyone who would commit such a treasonous act, ever since the public found out the despot was his very own Turd Blossom.

All Self_Servers Suck.

[DrDetroit]

How pathetic is this???

1) No identified sources. I wonder why... :roll:

2)

A classified State Department memorandum central to a federal leak investigation contained information about CIA officer Valerie Plame in a paragraph marked "(S)" for secret, a clear indication that any Bush administration official who read it should have been aware the information was classified, according to current and former government officials.

Hmm, that's interesting. If the paragraph was marked "S" for Secret, then why would Pincus then note in the following third paragraph:

Anyone reading that paragraph should have been aware that it contained secret information, though that designation was not specifically attached to Plame's name and did not describe her status as covert, the sources said.

The obvious conclusion Pincus is trying to reach is that Valerie Plame's name was classified "Secret" and that the designation should have been clear to anyone reading the memo...

HOWEVER, the fact that the "Secret" designation was not attached to Plame nor was she described as a "covert" agent.

WTF is the point? Many classified documents contain information that is publicly available and therefore, their inclusion is a "Secret" document does not mean that those public facts are now protected as a classified "Secret."

3) It's obvious that Plame's CIA employment was public knowledge given that she told her friends and neighbors and because reporters knew about it before even mentioning it to Rove.

As well, how "covert" could she have been if she could be seen entering and leaving CIA headquarters for several years?

4) This is another example of yet another Rove hit piece.

[BSmack]

How pathetic is this???

1) No identified sources. I wonder why... :roll:

After what happened to Wilson, can you blame them?

2) Hmm, that's interesting. If the paragraph was marked "S" for Secret, then why would Pincus then note in the following third paragraph:

The obvious conclusion Pincus is trying to reach is that Valerie Plame's name was classified "Secret" and that the designation should have been clear to anyone reading the memo...

HOWEVER, the fact that the "Secret" designation was not attached to Plame nor was she described as a "covert" agent.

WTF is the point? Many classified documents contain information that is publicly available and therefore, their inclusion is a "Secret" document does not mean that those public facts are now protected as a classified "Secret."

3) It's obvious that Plame's CIA employment was public knowledge given that she told her friends and neighbors and because reporters knew about it before even mentioning it to Rove.

4) This is another example of yet another Rove hit piece.

When the only information in the paragraph is Wilson's status and said paragraph is marked secret.... well you do the math.

Looks like the piece is hitting the mark. The more you scream, the more we know the stick is hitting the right spot. Keep spinning bro.

[DrDetroit]

What happened to Wilson?

And there was no spin in my post. In fact, Pincus is the one spinning.

He asserts that anyone reading the memo should have recognized that the info re: Plame was classified "Secret," though, as Pincus notes just two paragraphs later, the classified designation was not attached to Plame's mention in the memo.

Now that's spinning.

When the only information in the paragraph is Wilson's status and said paragraph is marked secret.... well you do the math.

LOL!!!

Dumbshit...maybe you missed:

Anyone reading that paragraph should have been aware that it contained secret information, though that designation was not specifically attached to Plame's name and did not describe her status as covert, the sources said.

[BSmack]

He asserts that anyone reading the memo should have recognized that the info re: Plame was classified "Secret," though, as Pincus notes just two paragraphs later, the classified designation was not attached to Plame's mention in the memo.

Maybe you need an English language refresher in the form of a pop quiz. When the subject of said paragraph is Valerie Wilson and said paragraph referencing her status is marked SECRET, is it a good idea to?

1. Call every reporter you know with the information

2. Only call reporters you know will not rat you out

3. Never say a word in public about the subject EVER

What's your answer dipshit? Did you think the secret info contained in the document was Wilson's marital status?

At the very least, it is now patently obvious that the CIA was trying to protect her identity and the "her status was no longer covert" arguments are bullshit.

[DrDetroit]

I see, nothing really happened to Wilson except that he made millions from the sale of a book.

Ponderous!

Maybe you need an English language refresher in the form of a pop quiz.

Don't argue with me, dumbshit. Pincus' own source said that the designation was not attached to Plame's name. Now was her covert status cited in the memo.

BTW -

1) Rove was not retailing Plame's name. This we know Cooper and Novak. Really, B, there's no need to blatantly lie about Rove did.

2) Rove didn't call anyone with the information...liar.

3) He didn't discuss it in public, but with people who raised the issue first.

The secret info we know, from this very article, was not Plame's identity as a CIA agent. And how do you know the memo contained anything re: Wilson's marital status? it;s pretty clear what was in the memo.

How is it obvious that the CIA was trying to protect her identity?

This was a not a CIA memo, but from the State Department.
The classified designated, as your article notes, was not attached to her identity.

This is a single memo, neither issued by the CIA nor designating Plame as covert or protected.

BTW - why would the CIA be trying to protect her covert agent status at this time?

The CIA had accidentally outted her to the Russians and Cubans already.

The CIA had already returned her stateside from assignment abroad 6 years before that.

Idiot.

You may stop lying now, bitch.

[BSmack]

This story is so last week.

That's what you said 2 years ago.

[DrDetroit]

And the only reason it resurfaced is because Matt Cooper lied through his teeth.

He was released from his confidentiality obligation over two years ago by Rove.

Cooper cashed in on this rouse by lying that he was only released from it the day he testified.

Not surprised you're on your knees sucking off liars...

[BSmack]

And the only reason it resurfaced is because Matt Cooper lied through his teeth.

Smear the whistleblower? Check.

He was released from his confidentiality obligation over two years ago by Rove.

Counter with unverifiable information likely gleaned from right wing talk radio? Check.

Cooper cashed in on this rouse by lying that he was only released from it the day he testified.

Smear the whistleblower again? Check.

Not surprised you're on your knees sucking off liars...

Gratuitous homosmack? Check.

[DrDetroit]

Smear the whistleblower? Check.

Cooper is not a whistleblower, liar.

Wilson is not even a whistleblower. Whistleblowers tell the truth.

Counter with unverifiable information likely gleaned from right wing talk radio? Check.

Unverifiable?

No, this was the grand jury testimony provided by Rove and communicated to us by his lawyer Luskin. And, to date, Cooper has not disputed this. I wonder why?

Smear the whistleblower again? Check.

Not smearing. He lied. Period.

Gratuitous homosmack? Check.

The truth hurts, eh?

I notice that you have NOTHING to support your blatant lies that you've posted. Not surprised.

[BSmack]

Smear the whistleblower? Check.

Cooper is not a whistleblower, liar.

Wilson is not even a whistleblower. Whistleblowers tell the truth.

Ah, more smearing, less verification. Good to see you sticking w/ the M.O.

Unverifiable? No, this was the grand jury testimony provided by Rove and communicated to us by his lawyer Luskin. And, to date, Cooper has not disputed this. I wonder why?

Ah, so all we have is Rove's word. And you wonder why Cooper hasn't bothered to refute him? Why should he? Everybody knows that Rove is lying. He lied 2 years ago when he said he had nothing to do with this. Why should anyone belive his further attempts to cover up?

Not smearing. He lied. Period.

The truth hurts, eh?

I notice that you have NOTHING to support your blatant lies that you've posted. Not surprised.

More smearing and homosmack. Might as well play to your "strengths".

[DrDetroit]

Ah, more smearing, less verification. Good to see you sticking w/ the M.O.

Straw man...check.

Ah, so all we have is Rove's word.

It's grand jury testimony. And unlike you people, I'm sure that Rove believes that he should not lie to a grand jury.

And, what does Cooper's silence on that indicate?

And you wonder why Cooper hasn't bothered to refute him? Why should he? Everybody knows that Rove is lying. He lied 2 years ago when he said he had nothing to do with this. Why should anyone belive his further attempts to cover up?

There you go again.

Everyone knows Rove is lying? Hardly. But we all know who is no cooperating. The NYT and Judith Miller. Who is she protecting?

BTW - he said he had nothing to do with "outting" Plame as a CIA covert agent.

The first person to indicate that she had been a covert agent was David Corn who was told, quite openly, by Joesph Wilson.

Nigga wha???

More smearing and homosmack. Might as well play to your "strengths".

Straw man...check.

[BSmack]

It's grand jury testimony. And unlike you people, I'm sure that Rove believes that he should not lie to a grand jury.

I can't even communicate how hard I'm laughing. The Internet has not yet devised the appropriate symbology.

[DrDetroit]

It's grand jury testimony. And unlike you people, I'm sure that Rove believes that he should not lie to a grand jury.

I can't even communicate how hard I'm laughing. The Internet has not yet devised the appropriate symbology.

Straw man and ad hominem attacks...check

[DrDetroit]

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,163162,00.html

Ex-Intel Officers Back Valerie Plame
Wednesday, July 20, 2005

WASHINGTON — Eleven former intelligence officers are speaking up on behalf of CIA officer Valerie Plame (search), saying leaking her identity may have damaged national security and threatens the ability of U.S. intelligence gathering.

In a statement to congressional leaders, the former officers said the Republican National Committee (search) has circulated talking points focusing on the idea that Plame was not working undercover and deserved no protection.

There are thousands of U.S. intelligence officers who work at a desk in the Washington, D.C., area every day who are undercover as Plame was when her identity was leaked, the 11 former officers said in a three-page statement.

The former officers' statement comes amid revelations that top presidential aide Karl Rove (search) was involved in leaking Plame's identity to columnist Robert Novak (search) and Time magazine reporter Matthew Cooper, and that Vice President Dick Cheney's chief of staff, Lewis Libby (search), also was a source for Cooper on the Plame story.

The leaking of Plame's identity followed public criticism leveled against the Bush White House by Plame's husband, former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Wilson. He suggested the administration had manipulated intelligence to justify going to war in Iraq. A criminal investigation into the leaks is ongoing.

"Intelligence officers should not be used as political footballs," the 11 said. "In the case of Valerie Plame, she still works for the CIA and is not in a position to publicly defend her reputation and honor."



I'd sure hate to have been one of Plame's overseas contacts from the past when the Bushies outed her.

Dumbfuck...the CIA outted her to the Russians and Cubans years ago.

Not that I would expect you to know wtf you are talking about...

[DrDetroit]

There are thousands of U.S. intelligence officers who work at a desk in the Washington, D.C., area every day who are undercover as Plame was when her identity was leaked, the 11 former officers said in a three-page statement.

Plame wasn't undercover, idiot.

I simply posted what the ultra-honest FOX network reported.

Straw man, much, Sudden?

[Felix]

Dumbfuck...the CIA outted her to the Russians and Cubans years ago.

Not that I would expect you to know wtf you are talking about...

According to you, she's been outed by everybody EXCEPT Rove.

Note to Meltroit--I see you've now discovered "strawman". Now grind it into the ground just like everything else.

Haven't you got some jury duty to shirk or something?

[DrDetroit]

Of course, Felix, you wouldn't recognize the very liberal usage of the word "outted."

However, that does not detract from the point that she was "outted" as a covert agent by the CIA...twice and by her won husband.

If you want to dispute that, go right ahead.

And calling a straw man argument what it is is not considered grinding it into the ground.

Now, copy-catting the Broken record troll...that is.

[Felix]

Of course, Felix, you wouldn't recognize the very liberal usage of the word "outted."

However, that does not detract from the point that she was "outted" as a covert agent by the CIA...twice and by her won husband.

If that's the case, then Rove's got nothing to worry about.

So when can we expect Bush to follow through with firing him?

[tough love]

S Sam Wrote:
Ex-Intel Officers Back Valerie Plame
Wednesday, July 20, 2005

There are thousands of U.S. intelligence officers who work at a desk in the Washington, D.C., area every day who are undercover as Plame was when her identity was leaked, the 11 former officers said in a three-page statement.

Those 11 IO's are nothing but fucking disgruntled liberal idiots - dr. mv

The leaking of Plame's identity followed public criticism leveled against the Bush White House by Plame's husband, former U.S. Ambassador Joseph Wilson. He suggested the administration had manipulated intelligence to justify going to war in Iraq. A criminal investigation into the leaks is ongoing.

Let this be a lesson to you about lying, kids.

1700ish GI casualties.
Billion$ wasted
200k plus needless deaths and counting
Tick tock escalating threat.

Don't grow up to be like Bu$h, children.

[DrDetroit]

Of course, Felix, you wouldn't recognize the very liberal usage of the word "outted."

However, that does not detract from the point that she was "outted" as a covert agent by the CIA...twice and by her won husband.

If that's the case, then Rove's got nothing to worry about.

So when can we expect Bush to follow through with firing him?

Did he break the law?

[BSmack]

If that's the case, then Rove's got nothing to worry about.

Yeah...I'm sure he's really shitting his pants now.

So when can we expect Bush to follow through with firing him?

When he's convicted of a crime.

That's funny. Before Bush said he'd fire anyone who leaked. He must be holding his cabinet meetings in a Waffle House.

[DrDetroit]

And there you go, again...lying as usual.

Why are you compelled to lie, B?

Bush said he would fire anyone involved in illegally leaking the name of a covert agent.

Period.

End of story.

But don't let that stop you from lying, as usual.

[At Large]

If that's the case, then Rove's got nothing to worry about.

Yeah...I'm sure he's really shitting his pants now.

So when can we expect Bush to follow through with firing him?

When he's convicted of a crime.

That's funny. Before Bush said he'd fire anyone who leaked. He must be holding his cabinet meetings in a Waffle House.

To be fair, Bush did say that anyone involved who has committed a crime would be fired. Now, he says anyone involved who is convicted of a crime will be fired. It all depends on which one he's held to.

You guys really love to fight about everything. That'd be a great show to watch. Dr. Detroit and BSmack, the new Odd Couple!

[DrDetroit]

Your initial prediction was based on nothing but pure speculation.

Your support for that prediction continues to be...zero.

It's time to modify your initial prediction.

As far as being "inept" ... wtf are you talking about?

It's great how people like you use hindsight as though the picture was all too clear in the first place and the leadership just ignored reality...

Fuck off.

[DrDetroit]

WTF do you know about his life as a businessman? And exactly how does that translate into the role of the President?

Also, wtf do you know re: any favors he might have owed to anyone? Of course, nothing.

Nice straw man, btw.

[DrDetroit]

I guess you're unfamiliar with Harken Energy Corporation.

Tom Hicks.

William DeWitt.

Mercer Reynolds.

Just a few of the names I mentioned way back when.

You said he owed them favors.

Well?

[Felix]

WTF do you know about his life as a businessman?

I know that he has essentially failed at virtually every level--what else should I know?

[DrDetroit]

WTF do you know about his life as a businessman?

I know that he has essentially failed at virtually every level--what else should I know?

Failed, eh? Uh huh.

And what does this have to do with anything?

Of course, beyond the fact that this "inept" and "failed" businessman has fucking 'bode over all you Democrats???

KYOA, much?

[Felix]

Failed, eh? Uh huh.

And what does this have to do with anything?

Of course, beyond the fact that this "inept" and "failed" businessman has fucking 'bode over all you Democrats???

KYOA, much?

Jeez Meltroit, you're the one that keeps bringing up that he won the election. We know he won. With control of both Houses and the White House, and what we've been experiencing since he took office is the best they can do?

BTW, you were the one that brought up his life as a businessman, not me. So, provide me with an example of where he succeeded in private enterprise.

Should be a snap......

[DrDetroit]

Jeez Meltroit, you're the one that keeps bringing up that he won the election. We know he won.

Yet you people continue to try and snipe at him with bogus charges...I wonder why? Envy, much?

With control of both Houses and the White House, and what we've been experiencing since he took office is the best they can do?

We're doing pretty well, dipshit. Yep, we were attacked on 9/11, but only idiots like you would suggest that he should be held accountable for that.

Economy is in good shape. We're fighting terrorism aborad and not here. Things are straight here in the US for the most part.

WTF more are you asking for?

BTW, you were the one that brought up his life as a businessman, not me. So, provide me with an example of where he succeeded in private enterprise.

Fuckhead, try reading the thread. Sudden Sam first raised the issue.

You can remove your foot from your mouth, idiot.

You sure don't look like a bitch, but it's a good imitation you're running.

[BSmack]

BTW, you were the one that brought up his life as a businessman, not me. So, provide me with an example of where he succeeded in private enterprise.

This should be rich. Don't hold your breath waiting for an example.

[DrDetroit]

BTW, you were the one that brought up his life as a businessman, not me. So, provide me with an example of where he succeeded in private enterprise.

This should be rich. Don't hold your breath waiting for an example.

1) I didn't bring up the issue.

2) I'm not arguing that he is a good or poor businessman, I don't know either way.

3) It's completely irrelevant to anything we're discussing. Sudden Sam raised it to divert from the discussion altogether, which is not suprising given that he's a fucking idiot.

[Felix]

2) I'm not arguing that he is a good or poor businessman, I don't know either way.

I do--he sucks.

[DrDetroit]

2) I'm not arguing that he is a good or poor businessman, I don't know either way.

I do--he sucks.

You do, eh? I seriously doubt that.

In any event, it's totally irrelevant to his Presidency.

Not that I'm surprised that people like you have to rely on totally irrelevant shit to harangue this President with.

[Felix]

2) I'm not arguing that he is a good or poor businessman, I don't know either way.

I do--he sucks.

You do, eh? I seriously doubt that.

I've got links to burn on this one.......

In any event, it's totally irrelevant to his Presidency.

Starve a cold feed a failure....

Not that I'm surprised that people like you have to rely on totally irrelevant shit to harangue this President with.

Attack the messenger....check.....

[tough love]

S Sam Posted:
I feel more certain than ever that my prediction (at his first election) of massive corruption and dirty dealing during Bush's administration(s) has been, and will continue to be, confirmed through the years. Thirty years from now, if we survive Bush's final years, this man's two terms will be looked at as the most inept period of leadership we've had to endure in at least the last century.

That's well worth a re-read.

While the good doctor reaches for his stutter meds, mv trips like a cripple.

Great thread to not be a P_Ugly, btw.

[Tom In VA]

I feel more certain than ever that my prediction (at his first election) of massive corruption and dirty dealing during Bush's administration(s) has been, and will continue to be, confirmed through the years. Thirty years from now, if we survive Bush's final years, this man's two terms will be looked at as the most inept period of leadership we've had to endure in at least the last century.

You might be correct. But I'd like to review your explanation as to why you believe this would be the case, did you write it before and I missed it ? Or was it just an overall prediction ?

[Variable]

Not that Bush should be let off the hook for any of his administrations corrupt acts, but who was the last president that could be considered as "non-corrupt?" Jimmy Carter? Yeah, that went well for the US. :roll:

Sorry, but unless the death toll during Bush's tenure comes close to half that of Vietnam, LBJ's got that crown hands down.