Larry Johnson: Correcting the Record on Valerie Plame

[Newsjock]

http://www.tpmcafe.com/story/2005/7/22/23342/2018

By Larry Johnson
(Copy of my testimony to be presented on Friday, 22 July 2005 before a joint session of Congressional Democrats.)

I submit this statement to the Congress in an effort to correct a malicious and disingenuous smear campaign that has been executed against a friend and former colleague, Valerie (Plame) Wilson. Neither Valerie, nor her husband, Ambassador Joseph Wilson has asked me to do anything on their behalf. I am speaking up because I was raised to stop bullies. In the case of Valerie Plame she is facing a gang of bullies that is being directed by the Republican National Committee.

... As noted in the joint letter submitted to Congressional leaders earlier this week, the RNC is repeating the lie that Valerie was nothing more than a glorified desk jockey and could not possibly have any cover worth protecting. To those such as Victoria Toensing, Representative Peter King, P. J. O'Rourke, and Representative Roy Blunt I can only say one thing--you are wrong. I am stunned that some political leaders have such ignorance about a matter so basic to the national security structure of this nation.

... I voted for George Bush in November of 2000 because I wanted a President who knew what the meaning of "is" was. I was tired of political operatives who spent endless hours on cable news channels parsing words. I was promised a President who would bring a new tone and new ethical standards to Washington.

... So where are we? The President has flip flopped and backed away from his promise to fire anyone at the White House implicated in a leak. We now know from press reports that at least Karl Rove and Scooter Libby are implicated in these leaks. Instead of a President concerned first and foremost with protecting this country and the intelligence officers who serve it, we are confronted with a President who is willing to sit by while political operatives savage the reputations of good Americans like Valerie and Joe Wilson. This is wrong.

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[Pachamama]

1. Ah, the Chickens are coming home to roost....

:popcorn:

[Oversea Visitor]

2. Retired CIA Agents on offensive

Hmm why are all those coverts one doing?
The Republician better start checking their closets that someone not looking at their skeletons.

[DELUSIONAL]

3. so this guy admits he is a ninny -- he voted for bush

'cause he thought bush would know the meaning of "is".

He's a dumb shit -- but has recognized how damned stupid he was.

When that Clinton BJ or SEX . . . stuff was hot talk -- and people were talking about that "lying Clinton" . .. I just had a feeling that they were being set up to IGNORE the real deal -- Nixon style lying.

But I have to admit that that bushie gang is taking lying to a whole new level. I doubt this gang would know the truth of the truth slapped them on the butt.

[TahitiNut]

5. "a feeling that (we) were being set up"?? Yep. It's the 'Cry Wolf!' tactic

It's worked well for them. Hammer away at baseless crap until people are tired of all smoke and no fire ... then burn down the neighbor's house.

[merwin]

4. great editorial! recommended

[Starfury]

6. Recommended! n/t

[fooj]

7. They are up shit creek...

Finally, behavior that models courage and truth. Kudos.

Peace.

[ClayZ]

8. Kicked and Recommended!

:kick:

[rodeodance]

9. "I was raised to stop bullies"---great line. He is right on!!!!

[rodeodance]

10. " So where are we? The President has flip flopped...." GREAT line.

[jhain]

11. Finally

Does anyone else feel as if it has taken a century to see something like this in print?

Thank you, Mr. Johnson
Give 'em hell today!

[Maraya1969]

12. You can only write to O'Reilly if you pay for a premium membership

to his website! What a dickhead. I found this site but I don't know if the email will get anywhere.

http://www.creators.com/opinion_writetheauthor.cfm?pg=write&columnsname=bor