* * TOP SECRET * *

[kentuck]

Not "Secret", but "Top Secret". It is now being reported that the memo that had Valerie Wilson's name on it was stamped "Top Secret". No one could read it and not know its significance. But one has to wonder where Robert Novak got her maiden name, Plame ?? Why did they withhold this information? Why not just come out and say it was "Top Secret"? Dribble...dribble...dribble...Stonewall and coverup...It always looks worse when it comes out just a bit at a time. Why not just come clean and get it over with??

[Peace Patriot]

1. Oo-oo-oo-oo-oo-oo, I think they daren't come clean on this one. n/t

[maddezmom]

2. it'a been reported before today

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=103&topic_id=140419

[JDPriestly]

3. Top secret

Because of the extreme importance to the national security of Top Secret information and information controlled within approved Special Access Programs, employees are not permitted to work alone in areas where such information is in use or stored and accessible by those employees. This general policy is an extra safeguarding measure for the nation's most vital classified information and it is not intended to cast doubt on the integrity of DoD employees. The policy does not apply in those situations where one employee with access is left alone for brief periods during normal duty hours. When compelling operational requirements indicate the need, DoD Component heads may waive this requirement in specific, limited cases.

http://www.ostgate.com/classification.html

[TomClash]

4. "It always looks worse when it comes out just a bit at a time."

You betcha.

How about that!

[Geoff R. Casavant]

5. My experience with classified information

is that, when a document contains information of varying degrees of secrecy, each paragraph has its own classification (Nonclassified, Confidential, Secret, Top Secret, and further compartmentalizations as necessary), and the document as a whole is classified at the same level as the most secret paragraph. This way, information can be redacted according to each reader's clearance.

So the fact that the memo as a whole was TS doesn't mean each paragraph was also TS, only that some info contained in it was TS. I read earlier today that the paragraph containing the Plame info was only "Secret." I look forward to reading the article tomorrow.

[CTD]

6. WSJ is to report that the paragraph was TS - NOFORN

Not only was it Top Secret but it was also classified as not to be shared with foreign intelligence services, even those from friendly nations.