Watching the re-run of Victoria Toensing's testimony before the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I was once again reminded of how the Republicans will twist the truth and distort facts to advance their purpose. Ms. Toensing's testimony can be seen here, for those who missed it. (NOTE => pdf file for dial-up users)
Ms. Toensing stated, "... when I became Chairman Barry Goldwater’s chief counsel for the
Senate Select Committee on Intelligence..." in her testimony. One can reasonably presume that Ms. Toensing must have had a Security Clearance if she acted in any responsible capacity for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence. She also stated that, " ... I must assume that one specific goal of this hearing is to understand the difference between the two terms – classified and covert ..." implying that she understands the meaning of "Classified." The definition of "Classified," according to 18 U.S.C. 798, is:
The term "classified information" means information which, at the time of a violation of this section, is, for reasons of national security, specifically designated by a United States Government Agency for limited or restricted dissemination or distribution;
What is a "violation of this section?" From the same source:
(a) Whoever knowingly and willfully communicates, furnishes, transmits, or otherwise makes available to an unauthorized person, or publishes, or uses in any manner prejudicial to the safety or interest of the United States or for the benefit of any foreign government to the detriment of the United States any classified information—
[...]
Another definition:
The term "unauthorized person" means any person who, or agency which, is not authorized to receive information of the categories set forth in subsection (a) of this section, by the President, or by the head of a department or agency of the United States Government which is expressly designated by the President to engage in communication intelligence activities for the United States.
Anyone with half a brain understands that if someone is working for the CIA their employment status is probably "for limited or restricted dissemination or distribution." But Ms. Toensing is not just any half-brained person; by her own admission she either has, or has had, a Security Clearance.
For those who are not familiar with what is involved in getting a Security Clearance, here is a link to the application form. (NOTE => pdf file for dial-up users) The only thing that could make the inquiry more complete is the inclusion of a proctology exam. This is just the application. More information about Security Clearances can be found here.
Without disclosing any details, I will say that I have done "classified" work. All I can say is "it's classified." But I can state from personal experience that after completing the application, the briefings, etc., one comes to understand that you just do not talk about "classified" information. Period.
When I hear Victoria Toensing and her ilk splitting hairs over "classified" and "covert" and "undercover" I want to bitch slap them. I suspect that anyone who has any sense of what "National Security" is about likely feels the same way. And the irony is that these people are supposed to be the "law-and-order-strong-on-national-defense party." Sunsabitches.