THE FACTS: Former CIA agent Valerie Plame accused the Bush administration of “carelessly and recklessly” revealing her identity as retaliation for her husband, former ambassador Joseph Wilson, criticizing the war in Iraq. Lewis “Scooter” Libby was recently charged, not with leaking her identity but with perjury and obstruction of justice. There have been no charges for revealing her identity. Was the leak justified?
Leak damages Plame severely\nRachel Fullmer is a freshman studying journalism and political science.\nLewis “Scooter” Libby’s inconsistent testimony seems to be reflective of something more than a busy public official with a failing memory. When you’re handling a case that literally has “secret CIA agent” written all over it, it seems natural that more lies from top officials would ensue. However, because exposing Plame’s identity devastated her career and Libby’s charges, the possibility of only 25 years for perjury and obstruction seems a bit light considering the circumstances. If Dick Cheney’s former chief of staff doesn’t take the heat someone should; perhaps Richard Armitage, who admitted he was the one who disclosed Plame’s secret occupation. Still, the seven-figure sum that Plame received upon finishing her book, “Fair Game,” could easily relieve her pain. That may have to be enough without judicial compensation for incalculable damage done to her livelihood.
Plame was asking for it\nEdward Delp is a graduate student studying public affairs.\nValerie Plame got what she deserved.\nFor the record, no evidence has been discovered that government officials intentionally leaked her identity. Not even Scooter Libby’s conviction has brought evidence of intent to light.\nFurthermore, in testimony before the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Plame sounded less like she was testifying before Congress and more like she was doing publicity for her book and lawsuit.\nThe leak itself is justified.\nI believe Plame and her husband were conducting their own foreign policy that differed from the Bush administration’s. As government officials who never stood for election this is a serious problem.\nThe bottom line is that there is no evidence of an intentional leak. Even if there was, it would not matter as the leak is justified.
