Is it safe to assume that very few users on YA have ever been to the National Archives???How many used the CRS

Question

Is that why they are so quick to believe fabracated lies about stealing origonals from the vault.

I'm not defending any action. But it is next to impossiable to remove an origonal doccument.

Maybe Danny Oceans could do it.

I actually Worked at the National Archives for a while.

What impresses me more than Sandy Burger getting files is How did he get them. He would need inside connections and the ability to get past security. That is no less than 4 people. All with Security Clearences.

It seems that people think the NA is like the Huckelberry Hights public Library. Where you can walk around and perouse the stacks.

No you set down and a research assistant gets you the material and you sign for every doccument.

Answer 1

It is safe to assume very few YAers have been to DC

Answer 2

I have been to the LOC and the NA hundreds of times.

While it is definitely difficult to steal original documents it is NOT impossible.

First off- Sandy Burglar had a TOP level security clearance, he basically had carte blanche access to whatever files he wanted. No one has general access to the files and documents(especially in regards to classified information). You have to request specific information and/or documents and then those documents are brought to you for review. That is what SB did and it was while he was "reviewing" this information he stole several items. Whomever brought him the information should have never left him alone, that should have never happened. But are you watched every second you are there?...NO you are not. I have been left alone before and even though it was only for a few minutes it was probably long enough that if I was so inclined I could have stolen something too.

Regarding CRS (and I assume you are referring to the Congressional Research Services)...they too have security clearances b/c they very often are reviewing classified files. Perhaps there is an assumption that if one has such a security clearance that they are not going to STEAL documents. Pffft.... we now of course know from Sandy Burglar's actions that certainly isn't the case.

To make matters worse was his "punishment"...it is nothing more than a gentle slap on the wrist. Wow...he's lost his security clearance for a few years...big freaking deal! That means in a few years he'll have access AGAIN. IMO that's crazy.

Answer 3

I've been.

No common man or woman could steal anything.

Answer 4

SO how did Sandy the Burgler do it? Keys perhaps? Then dump them in a trailer park?

Oceans 20... good one !!