The Most Insidious of Traitors
© October 1, 2003
The Daily Brew
While witnessing the whole Plame-Treason investigation play itself out, it is important that we view the scandal as it really is, and not as the White House seeks to portray it.
Bush would have us believe that he does not know the identity of Robert Novak's source. In Chicago, Bush said " I want to know who the leakers are." These and other statements allow the White House to pretend they are the innocent victims of a rogue element within their ranks. This, in turn, creates a veneer of cooperation on the part of the White House as the investigation moves forward. The fundamental premise, however, is most assuredly false. Even a moment's reflection makes it obvious that Bush already knows the identity of Novak's source.
Consider the alternative. If Bush really didn't know the identity of the source, he could find out in less than ten minutes. If Bush really wanted to get to the bottom of the story, all he need do is summon Robert Novak to his office, look him in the eye, and say:
"Mr. Novak, I want you to put the national security interests of the United States of America ahead of whatever responsibility you may feel you have to the persons who committed treason by telling you Valerie Plame's name. I want you to give me their names right now, and if you do not, I am going to go on national television and tell the American public that I asked you for this information, and you refused to give it to me."
Does anyone believe for a second that Robert Novak is going to tell the President of the United States that he would choose to protect a criminal, even if it were his "source," over assisting a Republican President in protecting American national security? Does anyone believe for a minute that Novak would rather have the American public know that Bush asked him for this information, and he said no?
The fact that this conversation hasn't happened is the dead giveaway that Bush doesn't need to ask Novak to know the answer. Bush already knows who the leak is. The only other alternative, that Bush does not want to know, is even less plausible.
Consider that for a moment.
When one considers how easily the Bush administration could solve this mystery, the only rational presumption in the Plame-Treason investigation is that Bush ALREADY KNOWS WHO THE LEAK IS. To assume Bush does not know, or to assume that Bush does not want to know, is patent nonsense.
When interpreted in light of that presumption, the actions by the White House take on an entirely different veneer. The Bush administration KNOWS who the leak is. The fact that they have not revealed the name to the Justice Department or the American public tells us how important the White House feels it is to protect this individual. The Bush administration is telling us that they cannot simply ask for this individual's resignation. The Bush administration is telling us that, in their mind at least, the presidency is at stake. |
