John Dean's latest article on Traitorgate

[diplomats]

Slowly, and steadily, more information about the unauthorized disclosure of Valerie Plame's CIA identity, and the reasons for it, have become available. As it has, I've been examining, assimilating, and trying to understand it. I've also realized that the apparent criminal activity may be more widespread than it initially appeared. (In an earlier column, I offered a preliminary discussion of this issue.)
News accounts, principally from The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, The Nation, ABC News and NBC News have amplified on original reports. Information available from the White House has also added to the story. In light of this additional information, it is obvious that the Bush presidency has what might be politically diagnosed as a nasty subcutaneous problem - an ugly little sore that is festering and spreading.
It is too soon to know if this mess is malignant. Or terminal. Yet, this I do know: If mistreated, or untreated, this growing problem is going to become lethal for the Bush presidency. This is the Administration's first serious political scandal, and it is replete with legal problems and criminal implications.

more ...

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20031010.html

[Cha]

1. Who knew that this was ..

"the Administration's first serious political scandal, and it is replete with legal problems and criminal implications."

All they have gotten away with so far...

A phoney war
An Attack on New York, Washington, and the Pennsylvania Field!
The Freakin' Enron Scandal and Energy Crises

[lovedems]

2. Maybe we'll see Rove frog marched after all!

It is only a slight possibility, but wouldn't that be sooooo cool?

[calimary]

3. I just had a wild thought - that should comfort some of us...

Most of us are worried that there may not be enough oomph to push bush out of the White House next November, for whatever reason. BUT: I would humbly suggest that - beyond just hoping for that outcome,

PERHAPS THE MOST CRITICAL THING WE NEED TO ENSURE FOR THE NEXT ELECTION:

MAKE SURE WE TAKE BACK THE HOUSE AND SENATE!!!!

That could even be MORE important than staking it all on getting bush out.

Hre's why: This John Dean column:

http://writ.news.findlaw.com/dean/20031010.html

(snip)

What counts as "fraud" under the statute? Simply put, "any conspiracy for the purpose of impairing, obstructing, or defeating the lawful function of any department of government." (Emphasis added.) If telephoning reporters to further destroy a CIA asset whose identity has been revealed, and whose safety is now in jeopardy, does not fit this description, I would be quite surprised.
If Newsweek is correct that Karl Rove declared Valerie Plame Wilson "fair game," then he should make sure he's got a good criminal lawyer, for he made need one. I've only suggested the most obvious criminal statute that might come into play for those who exploit the leak of a CIA asset's identity. There are others.

(snip)

THIS is why it's ABSOLUTELY PRIORITY ONE to retake the House and Senate. Whether or not bush wins the election. If, heaven forbid, he DOES win, if we retake the House and Senate, there will be a majority vote to move on really invesigating this whole scandal, for an Independent Prosecutor (assuming we don't have one already) and then - the start of criminal trials AND impeachment proceedings!!! This lays the ground work.

[Woodstock]

4. I hope everyone in America reads this article

It's a great summary of what has gone on to date.

And refutes some of the talking head stories that only the direct leaker is in hot water.