okie wrote:Cycloptichorn wrote:Quote:employee of the CIA that probably was not covert by the way
Testimony in the Libby trial has shown that she was in fact covert, and her identity was confidential information. Just so ya know
Cycloptichorn
I am basing my statement on the fact that Fitzgerald has never claimed she was covert, that I am aware of
Just to be clear - From Fitzgerald's press conference:
Quote:Before I talk about those charges and what the indictment alleges, I'd like to put the investigation into a little context.
Valerie Wilson was a CIA officer. In July 2003, the fact that Valerie Wilson was a CIA officer was classified. Not only was it classified, but it was not widely known outside the intelligence community.
Valerie Wilson's friends, neighbors, college classmates had no idea she had another life.
FITZGERALD: The fact that she was a CIA officer was not well- known, for her protection or for the benefit of all us. It's important that a CIA officer's identity be protected, that it be protected not just for the officer, but for the nation's security.
Valerie Wilson's cover was blown in July 2003. The first sign of that cover being blown was when Mr. Novak published a column on July 14th, 2003.
Quote: and he has so far failed to indict anyone on those charges, and if he did, it would seem apparent that Richard Armitage would be first in line as the first leaker, that is if he can prove the leaker knew for sure she was covert, and not only that, but to prove the leaker leaked intentionally. Lots of hoops to jump through, and perhaps that is why he isn't going down that road, but then why go down any road with this investigation, if not that road?
On the other hand, Wilson might have been the first leaker, we don't know do we, because he has never been questioned in this regard by Fitzgerald that I am aware of. So much for his reputation of thoroughness.
It seems Fitzgerald has claimed that her identity was confidential. He may not have been able to produce evidence that she was outed according to the very strict IIPA, but he most definately asserted her covert status.
In addition - Tico too - I would like you to explain how the FBI wouldn't have known whether she was covert or not when they
were investigating her outing. All it would have taken is a single phone call to determine that her status was not confidential. There is every evidence that the FBI knew her status was in fact confidential, which is exactly why they proceeded with the investigation. It is the height of mendacity to imagine otherwise.
It has never really been in doubt that her status was covert, outside the mind of right-wing partisans. The only question was whether or not whoever outed her did so in a criminal fashion under the IIPA, and whether or not investigations into this question were blocked by those who lied to investigators in order to protect themselves or others.
All this stuff about Wilson outing his own wife - who we all agree did legitimate undercover work in the past, and who could not possibly be anything but in greater danger from such an act - is past the realm of believability, sorry.
Cycloptichorn