Why aren't we doing more to identify, prosecute, and JAIL leakers of classified information to the press?

Question

I was in intelligence for most of my military career before retiring and continue to be amazed at how many different documents and how much clearly classified information is "leaked' to the press and others -- particularly liberal, Bush-hating rags like the New York Times.

I was always taught that disclosure of classified information to those without proper security clearances or the "need to know" was a most serious criminal offense. I was even outbriefed on leaving Southeast Asia in 1976 to not set foot in Cambodia for ANY reason, in any capacity for 5 years, apparently for security reasons.

I always followed my orders as there was nothing to indicate to me that they were illegal, and while highly-educated, I never considered myself an armchair lawyer with enough knowledge of the big picture to determine who could have access to classified info or who could not. Disclosing such information was simply criminal!

What is being done to identify and prosecute these leakers?

Answer 1

I think a lot of leaking is quite intentional, as a back-door way of getting things to the press and the public without having to acknowledge the source. For example, a presidential adviser might "leak" an idea they are considering without having to commit to doing it or not until they hear the public's reaction. If it is negative, they don't have to acknowledge there ever was such a plan.

The same would work for other government offices, of course, but it's most interesting when coming from the White House.

Answer 2

I agree with you 100% I was army intel, and knew some people who got burned by unauthorized leaks. One of the challenges is prosecuting them, especially in open court. The defendant can then try to introduce the evidence as defense, and often the government is reticent to allow it I know there are procedures for closing the courtroom, and who can be there, etc, but in our system it is often brought on appeal that it then wasn't a "fair and public" trial as is guaranteed in the Constitution. Interesting question...

Answer 3

OK, coming the military as well, I do agree, that is a TON of information is being leaked that doesn't need to be. In response to your comment. Don't start an intelligent argument with an ignorant statement. You may not like Democrats but who was it that outed a CIA UNDERCOVER agent? Oh yes, it was Bush's people. If you are going to try and make a good point than you might want to try and remain open minded and stop being bias. People say all the time that they aren't racist and then they dump on anyone different.

Answer 4

Let us find out who leaked Valerie Plame's identity to the press, shall we? The CIA, in its complaint to the DOJ, felt it was serious enough a breech of national security to warrant a criminal investigation. This works both ways.

For Sway: She was in foreign countries, recruiting angents as an NOC. Hardly a desk jockey. But your comments are irrelevant, the CIA is still pressing its complaint to the DOJ. Let's see where Waxmans investigation leads. Sounds like treason to me.

Answer 5

In my experience most, if not all, cases are kept from the public because of the nature of the crime and information involved. I think it would be disheartening to most of the American people if they truly knew the amount of classified material was being handed to the enemy. You would also find that our Gov. entities want to track these individuals and infiltrate their Intelligence agencies.

Answer 6

Nothing is being done, but let one "leak" the identity of a CIA Desk jockey and the liberals are up in arms.

EDIT - Juicy Plame was a desk Jockey NOT an undercover agent

Answer 7

I read Jay Rockefeller is the leaker and has a get out of jail free card so it's impossible to stop him

Answer 8

That will never happen... that's a joke they will never do it and nothing will be done!

Answer 9

nothing