mdoneil writes “Clinton National Security Advisor Sandy Berger admitted taking classified documents from the National Archives. He also admits taking notes and stuffing them in his pants.
Berger admits he inadvertently took the documents and he admits losing them. It seems the Clinton Administration had a lot of problems with people losing documents.
Berger continues to advise the Kerry campaign.”
Let’s do something! 😉
Hang him, says I! Yep, those Clintonites sure were a stickyfingered lot. Let’s make an example of him. We can all (all Amercians!) be grateful we have a new administration that doesn’t run around stealing documents. They just kinda lose them.
Gergen on Today show
David Gergen, no left winger, says that Berger admittedly took copies of documents. He also left with notes he took. Both are violations, but hardly “theft”. As for “stuffing them into” his pants, I guess that is another way to describe putting something into your pocket…
Where were the archivists who witnessed this? Why didn’t they confront him? I’ve got a sneaky feeling I know why.
I know!
It is all part of the vast right wing conspiracy.
The Chicago Sun Times says:
Berger and his lawyer said Monday night he knowingly removed the handwritten notes by placing them in his jacket and pants, and also inadvertently took copies of actual classified documents in a leather portfolio.
One would think if they meant pockets they would have said pockets. Pants seems quite clear to me.
Heck even Salon which is of course an organ of the Republican Party :), says pants, not pockets.
Now, we can all understand how this could be an error. I inadvertently take home classified documents bound in leather portfolios all the time. I also have inadvertently discarded confidential national security papers as well. Heck I even misplace the car keys from time to time.
Yep it is the vast right wing conspiracy manufacturing stories, that is why it was front page in USA Today but page 17 in the NTY.
There is no possible way to spin this to something benign. Illegally taking anything is stealing, illegal taking classified national security documents is simply an egregious and remarkably dangerous violation of the public trust and indeed criminal. If Martha gets five months Sandy should get life if convicted.
Re:I know!
I think the quality of “leaks” in DC is really going down hill. How long has this been under investigation? And even the Kerry camp didn’t know?
Re:I know! So do I! 🙂
Yep, it has been going downhill, but then there’s whose faucet it is too! Half a dozen of one and six of the other as my mom always says. Since we’re good at finding papers in some guy’s pants (yuck!) maybe we can find those pesky WMDs too.
Sandy Berger and Watergate
Classified documents are vital to our national security and are the property of the United States. President Nixon’s downfall was a result of the break in at Watergate and the coverup. The President was a major part of the problem and in fact had committed a crime aginst the American public and compromised the trust the people have in the presidency. Nixon resigned which is an admission of guilt. Mr. Berger betrayed a public trust for what seems to be political motives. He just resigned as an advisor to the Kerry campaign. Would the public be as indignant about his involvement in this crime as well as any other who either instigated him or ordered him. Government documents especially those involved in national security are the property of the United States not any administration. This is unpardonable in this time of war. Is winning a campaign worth compromising national security. Why is this action and posssible coverup any different than the Nixon antics of three decades ago.