MyDD :: Passportgate has LEGS

Passportgate has LEGS

by Setrak, Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:10:08 PM EST

I know, I know, we're all sick of the various gates. But I got your attention.

After a conference call with the State Department, the claim now is that senior management did not even know about this until this afternoon.(!)

I got some questions that I'm not seeing and I'm hoping some of you have answers.

When were these contract workers fired?

What is the reason for lower-level management to fail in passing these incidents up to senior-level management? Those aren't contractors, they're civil servants.

What sort of investigation did the lower-level management partake in that led to them firing contractor workers?

Did any other Presidential candidates have their files violated?

And this isn't just some breach, this is a HUGE breach. So much of Obama's personal information is in those files. Social security numbers included. There are disclaimers on these terminals that warn of the consequences.

Tags: legs, passportgate! (all tags)

Permalink :: 51 Comments :: Post a Comment

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (2.00 / 1)

Geez.

What we now know.

There was NO investigation. The IG was just notified. Two employees were gone and fired - but the IG cannot talk to 'em now.

This is ridiculous. We have the word of an administration filled with liars that it was just 'imprudent curiosity'?

Gimme a break. It's not even that they conducted some sham investigation and said there's nothing here... THEY DIDN'T EVEN HAVE AN INVESTIGATION and want us to trust there's nothing here.

Please.

Independent Counsel.

Give us the names.

We'll do the research if the State Dept cannot even be bothered to go a quick google check.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:17:13 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Unfortunately the State department is irreconciliably filled with progressives. Most are NOT Bush appointees.

Until recently I was selling drugs, and now I'm selling Obama T-shirts.

by switching sides on Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 04:37:15 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Nothing new (2.00 / 2)

Did any other Presidential candidates have their files violated?

Bill Clinton in 1992.

by Coldblue on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:19:16 PM EST

Re: Nothing new (none / 0)

Right.

And we got the name of the accessor and found she had ties to the Perot campaign.

We need to know who these supposedly "low level" employees were. We need to know their political affiliation. We need to know if they've ever worked for any party, candidate, or campaign. We need to know if they've ever made any political donations -- we need to know, as we found out about the Clinton snooper, if they have familial ties to any potential Obama opponents.

I suspect GOP dirty tricks.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:23:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What if it was Obama fans or supporters (none / 0)

who were just a little too amazed by/interested in him?
I'd almost prefer to think it's McCainCo creeps,
but if it was some sort of "innocent" facination, it won't look good for Obama.

by sgary on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:01:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What if it was Obama fans or supporters (2.00 / 0)

From what I understand, these terminals have clear warnings about the consequences of accessing private information. I don't have confirmation but I think you have to actually acknowledge that to even access the files.

With that said, there are more questions emerging.

Who are these contract workers? Who's the contractor? Have they contributed money to McCain?

Who are these low-level managers that failed to pass the information up when it happened? Are they civil servants or political appointees?

When did these contract workers actually get fired and/or suspended? Wasn't the contractor told about this? Why didn't the contractor send out a reminder after the first incident?

Did any other candidates have their files searched?

Also, how did it come to Rice's attention today?

"Behold, I send you out as sheep amidst the wolves! Therefore, be as wise as a serpent, And as harmless as a dove."

by Setrak on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:06:46 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What if it was Obama fans or supporters (2.00 / 0)

Wait.

You're telling me that somehow there is a reading of this, of Obama's private info illegally accessed not once, not twice, but three times -- over the course of two months while it was essentially covered up, and that somehow there's a way it "won't look good for Obama"?

How in the world could this have an angle that "won't look good for Obama"?

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:16:58 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What if it was Obama fans or supporters (none / 0)

It's a Clinton supporter who thinks this story is a blessing for Obama, and thus doesn't like the story.

"Behold, I send you out as sheep amidst the wolves! Therefore, be as wise as a serpent, And as harmless as a dove."

by Setrak on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:18:18 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: What if it was Obama fans or supporters (none / 0)

This story is a blessing for everyone still pissed over the PATRIOT act, FISA, and every despicable thing this administration has done to undermine our civil liberties.

I'm a steadfast Obama supporter, but the only way this is a "good" thing for him in my eyes is if he uses it to find some newfound enthusiasm for the FISA issue. I know how he voted - and I do appreciate that - but I wish he would be taking the lead on the issue.

I would LOVE to see a press conference with him, Dodd, and even Feingold -- hell, I'd love and want Clinton there, too -- to stand on the steps of the Capital and stick this right up Harry Reid's ass. Never, ever, ever, ever give them an inch on civil liberties, because they already take a mile illegally. We don't have the time or the balls to properly investigate the privacy laws they HAVE violated... we certainly don't need to be writing weaker, new ones for them.

YOU CANNOT TRUST THIS ADMINISTRATION ON MATTERS OF CIVIL LIBERTIES.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:43:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

It's the Bush administration at it's best. Are you surprised? I wouldn't be surprised if they've done this and worse on both Obama and Clinton, what with they free reign they have on wiretapping and other electronic eavesdropping without the need for warrants.

by zenful6219 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:20:43 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Remember, during the 2004 election, there was all of that concern that the Bush administration was using their spying program against Democratic candidates. I don't remember the details of why we were so adamantine that had happened, but there was much meat on those bones.

by Little Otter on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:24:03 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Two of the employees were fired and one was suspended. Jeralyn Merritt over TalkLeft has a list of exactly what is in the files. The same thing happened to Bill Clinton in 1992. Armando (who is an Obama supporter) at this point thinks it's curious low employees rather than anything nefarious. We shall see.

http://www.talkleft.com/story/2008/3/20/ 20559/3085

by Little Otter on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:21:00 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (2.00 / 0)

I trust this administration not in the least.

No way in hell I trust some unnamed Bush administration employee that it was just 'imprudent curiosity' as State claims.

Given this administration's conduct for the last 7 years -- I cannot believe ANYONE would.

Why did it take THREE breaches over TWO MONTHS for this to even make it to the IG? To Obama?

There are a lot of questions here, especially for an administration with a deep, deep history of lies, malfeasance, dirty tricks, and political shenanigans.

The Bush administration cannot be trusted.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:26:35 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Honestly, if it was one breach rather than three, I would be more suspicious. But I don't think it's out of character for them to spy. I also don't think it's out of character for contract employees to get curious and do something they shouldn't.

I'm saying I won't be surprised however this unfolds.

by Little Otter on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:32:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

But that's the thing...

Who says it was just low-level contract employees?

The Bush Administration.

Until we have names - we don't even know for certain that the employees that did this were truly what the WH claims... maybe they. maybe they're just temps.

...and maybe there were WMDs in Iraq.

...and maybe no one in the administration would EVER reveal the identity of an undercover CIA operative.

...and maybe we can trust their FEMA nominees.

...and maybe we can trust they aren't breaching FISA to perform large scale searches over our communications and bullying telecoms into going along.

This administration gets NO benefit of the doubt.

Until we have the actual names and they can be properly vetted by either an independent counsel or the media, we cannot even trust it was whom they claim.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:40:11 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Jeralyn's post (2.00 / 0)

cites what was in the standard passport file circa 1992. Plenty of reason to suspect it's been expanded.

Democratic Candidate, US Senate, Wisconsin 2012

by benmasel on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:55:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Jeralyn's post (2.00 / 0)

With the creation of Homeland Security and such?

That's a good point.

Quite frankly, now I'm really interested to see exactly what's in such a file...

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:58:22 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Freedom of Information Act? (2.00 / 0)

I don't remember what all it covers - but would a Freedom of Information Act request force them to pony up a copy of anyone's file? I got a peek at my FBI file that-a-way. Frankly - I was shocked that I had one - but it seems everyone who went to college had one. And I used to belong to the SCA (Society for Creative Anachronists). Back in the 70's they were on the FBI's watch list. I guess the government thought they needed to fear people running around the countryside with broadswords. I'd also befriended some `campus radicals' while in college (ooooh!). Back then (as now, I'm guessing) the FBI just didn't have any sense of humor they were aware of.

Anyway - has the Freedom of Information Act been altered in any way by BushCo? If not - then doesn't any government agency have to provide personal records upon request? Even passport records?

by The Fat Lady Sings on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:14:13 PM EST
[ Parent ]

You're blurring FOIA and Privacy Act. (none / 0)

Privacy Act lets you see your own file, and limits what can be released about you to others under the Freedom of Information Act.

I should do another round of requests.

Democratic Candidate, US Senate, Wisconsin 2012

by benmasel on Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 12:33:20 AM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Three lower level employees who just all happened to be only interested in Obama on three separate occasions? No one else, just Obama? It could be nothing, but it's incredibly suspicious.

This administration is not sinking. This administration is soaring! If anything, they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg!

by venavena on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:25:32 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

From what I understand, there's a clear warning to users about accessing files without authorization..

"Behold, I send you out as sheep amidst the wolves! Therefore, be as wise as a serpent, And as harmless as a dove."

by Setrak on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:44:44 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

It's interesting that this same thing happened to Bill Clinton during Pappa Bush's administration. I guess there's no need for Bush junior to peek into Hillary's passport file since they've probably already done it.

by zenful6219 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:26:16 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

This is nothing new for Republicans. Hell these people used Homeland Security to track down Democratic Texas state legislators during the redistricting stand off

by rossinatl on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:38:15 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Yup.

My first instinct, after 7 years of Bush, is to think -- when the administration claims something was just an innocent, no big deal -- the worst.

One can always trust this administration to be completely untrustworthy.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:41:50 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

This just has GOP stench all over it, IMO.

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:38:59 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Watching Sean Hannity react to Newt Gingrich's comments on the whole debacle made my evening.

This administration is not sinking. This administration is soaring! If anything, they are rearranging the deck chairs on the Hindenburg!

by venavena on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:45:53 PM EST
[ Parent ]

A highlevel Bushco op (none / 0)

would have used access codes that don't leave accesible trails.

Democratic Candidate, US Senate, Wisconsin 2012

by benmasel on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:57:04 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

I think what's most interesting are the dates in question:

- Jan. 9th, 2008: the day after the New Hampshire primary

- Feb. 21st, 2008: the day of the Democratic debate in Texas

- March 14th, 2008: the day that the Wright story really hit

This on the same day as the "Is Obama Wright?" video leak from the McCain campaign is all quintessential Rove maneuvering.

Vote Who Sane '08!

by nafamabo on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:43:35 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

The McCain staffer was just a stupid incident. Sure, he has some jerks with his campaign, but if that was a part of anything nefarious they'd be smarter about distancing the source from McCain.

"Behold, I send you out as sheep amidst the wolves! Therefore, be as wise as a serpent, And as harmless as a dove."

by Setrak on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:45:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Here's the thing...

For a Republican - and while I'd never vote for him based on the policies he advocates (he's anti-choice, pro tax the poor/tax break the rich, a hawk of the worst sort) - I actually DO think, if one were to rank prominent Republicans, he's probably got a stronger moral compass and more integrity than most of them.

That said, after he clearly saw in 2000 that such a thing gets you nowhere in the GOP, I sometimes wonder if he doesn't have a little M. Daley in him.

Rich Daley is nowhere NEAR the crook his father was. Not even close. Of course, being lord of Chicago, he doesn't really need to be. I mean, even though I didn't vote for him last time out and probably never would gain, he's mayor of Chicago until he doesn't want to be. I think this position also means he in no way needs to really even look the other way at corruption. I think he just isn't interested in finding it.

I would sometimes wonder if McCain would go the same route... i.e., not so much even "looking the other way" -- but not trying too hard to root it out, either.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:52:47 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Wide coverage (none / 0)

It's front page news on all the big papers now. I have no idea what's going on here, but I doubt "simple curiosity" explains it all, especially given that it was a Perotista who did it to Clinton in 1992.

by elrod on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:48:51 PM EST

Irony (2.00 / 1)

President George Bush's Administration presides over a State Dept. that has the Democratic Nominee's passport records searched in 1992. In 2008, President George Bush's Administration presides over a State Dept. that has the likely Democratic Nominee's passport records searched.

I could barf.

by a gunslinger on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:51:35 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Uh-oh...anyone else just hear that report that one of the fired individuals (Maura Harty) is connected to Bill Clinton (he appointed her as an ambassador)?

Looking forward to better details...and I hope this isn't true.

No way. No how. No McCain.

by freedom78 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:52:32 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

I honestly hope so, too.

And right now - I absolutely believe this had nothing to do with the Clinton administration.

I firm believer in Occam's razor... the simplest answer is usually the right one.

The Bush administration is Nixon on steroids. Consequently, the simplest answer is Bush administration malfeasance... after all, McCain certainly doesn't want him on the stump with him -- and he certainly seems to have no interest in doing his job... how's a shrub to spend all his newfound freetime? There can't be THAT much brush to clear in Crawford.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:56:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

I'm inclined to reserve judgment until I hear a lot more, and this story is obviously still breaking.

No way. No how. No McCain.

by freedom78 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 10:57:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Since my conviction carries no powers -- and since, were one to guess the worst of the Bush administration at every turn, you'd look like an oracle -- I'll keep my eye trained on Bush.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:00:06 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Although illegal, it sounds like the type of scenario that plays out at major hospitals when celebrities are admitted.

Staffers access sensitive info and violate HIPAA.

What exactly is contained on a passport file anyway? I'm curious what people would be able to find out about me from my files.

by njsketch on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:01:26 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (2.00 / 1)

how's a shrub to spend all his newfound freetime?

Wish he'd just go hunting with Cheney.

Even John McCain lusts after teh engels.

by sricki on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:01:28 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Although illegal, it sounds like the type of scenario that plays out at major hospitals when celebrities are admitted.

Staffers access sensitive info and violate HIPAA.

What exactly is contained on a passport file anyway? I'm curious what people would be able to find out about me from my

by njsketch on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:03:15 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (2.00 / 0)

Social security numbers are in there, amongst plenty of other stuff.

This wouldn't be a story if it wasn't sat on for months while it continued to happen. Since when do we have the 3 strikes rule for stuff like this? After New Hampshire, the day after the Texas debate, and on the day that the Wright story broke.

I don't know why you're playing lukewarm with this. I don't care when candidate it happens to, it is outrageous and all Democrats should be united in their support of an investigation which IS about to happen and for good reason.

"Behold, I send you out as sheep amidst the wolves! Therefore, be as wise as a serpent, And as harmless as a dove."

by Setrak on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:12:17 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

OK...now I'm not certain whether Harty was one of those who were fired, or if she was somehow in charge of this situation.

Unclear...

No way. No how. No McCain.

by freedom78 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:01:21 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (2.00 / 0)

Retired at the end of February. This means she is under no obligation to answer IG questions.

Under her watch, the first two incidents happened.

No report to seniors after first two events.

Third event reported by her replacement almost immediately which triggered investigations.

Hardy was appointed ambassador to PAraguay in 1997 by Bill Clinton.

Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.

by Walt Starr on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:12:32 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (2.00 / 0)

Which is why this will be taken out of the IG's hands, and turned over to the justice department so that the FBI can investigate these ex-employees. Don't forget also that this is a sitting U.S. Senator. If it appears the executive branch is dragging its feet Congress will step in.

John McCain supports privatizing Social Security.

by Travis Stark on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:18:54 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

This was a career Foreign Service officer, too.

She has been a part of the state department since 1981.

She has ties to all of the past four administrations.

Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.

by Walt Starr on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:35:00 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

Carfeer Foreign Service officer. Started her career under Reagan. Appointed to her last held position by Bush Jr.

Bill Foster would agree, Barack Obama has coat tails.

by Walt Starr on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:33:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

She was not a contractor (none / 0)

and "retired" a month or so ago.
She might have had some culpability for kicking it further up the ladder, but that's just Olbermanns take.
At this point, it's just as possible that Olbermann himself pasted on a fake mustache and got a temp job so he could get in there to peruse his man crush Obama's private data for prurient interests.

by sgary on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:15:04 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (2.00 / 1)

Everybody, from both camps, should be jumping on this story. While not directly relevant to FISA, it does hit home about what could happen with an unchecked Executive Branch in a way that dry policy speeches may not be able to do.

by rfahey22 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:16:41 PM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

You and I, sadly, to seem to be the only two people in COMPLETE agreement on that.

Maybe now it will be more than bloggers and the ACLU who decide this whole FISA thing really is worth understanding, rather than having neither the time nor inclination to do so, ala Joe Klein.

by zonk on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:21:48 PM EST
[ Parent ]

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

There seems to be a decided lack of enthusiasm from our friends on the other side.

by rfahey22 on Thu Mar 20, 2008 at 11:34:05 PM EST
[ Parent ]

What "other side?" (none / 0)

Do you mean the GOP, or the side that would like to get a few facts before we start speculating on wild conspiracy theories and hurling baseless accusations in hopes this obscures a story that has been detrimental to a particular campaign?
I think this series of breeches needs to be thouroughly investigated and reported by impartial journalists, the DOJ, and the FBI.
I agree that full disclosure needs to be made and the story should be put in context of privacy and human rights.
It should give us all pause about many recent data privacy breeches in the private sector involving credit cards, what celebrities more and more frequently are subjected to in hospital settings, and if possible, used to bring the whole FISA debate home.

But the last thing we need is for the story to be exploited and manipulated by a pompous partisian blowhard who's only goal these days is to tar his latest perceived opposition in hopes of a ratings bonanza.

by sgary on Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 12:01:26 AM EST

Re: Passportgate has LEGS (none / 0)

To put it simply, if these tenous connections to the Clintons are made more concrete, Hillary will not only lose the election, she will lose her political career. Everyone's thinking it, I'm just saying it. For the sake of the Democratic party, I hope it's not true.

by PittsburghPete on Fri Mar 21, 2008 at 12:04:17 AM EST

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