Defending Secret Program, Bush Claims Revelation Is Illegal.
The president berated The New York Times for revealing (here or here) his secret and illegal domestic surveillance. He had the chutzpah to say publishing the articles was illegal and damaging.
I authorized the National Security Agency, consistent with U.S. law and the Constitution, to intercept the international communications of people with known links to al Qaeda and related terrorist organizations…Yesterday the existence of this secret program was revealed in media reports, after being improperly provided to news organizations. As a result, our enemies have learned information they should not have, and the unauthorized disclosure of this effort damages our national security and puts our citizens at risk. Revealing classified information is illegal, alerts our enemies, and endangers our country.
It’s ironic for the president to declare in a public speech, that revealing classified information in this case is illegal, etc., but when the topic changes to the Plame Wilson investigation, he makes no comment. The Bush administration continues to operate under double-standards. Leaking classified information to damage a CIA operative and thereby all the elements associated with the operative is no big deal — Bush has yet to fire anybody in his administration and refuses to even comment on the issue. But, when information is published that “damages” his illegal program and his personal criminal acts authorizing the programs, he throws a temper tantrum.
Poor George, he was born with a silver boot in his mouth. (ed.note: quote from former Texas governor, Ann Richards).
I would think leaking the information to The New York Times would be illegal if done by a government employee. Several people need to go to jail or be impeached for their malfeasance: Karl Rove, Scooter Libby, Dick Cheney and all others associated with Plamegate; the source for the Times’ 12/15/05 piece and impeachment of George Bush for his illegal actions related to domestic spying.
The White House and GOP Congressional corruption may create several job openings, which Mr. Bush can take credit for and say its good for the economy.
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