Why Is It........................

sherwood

That a politician can spout off classified info to the press but a SEAL can't mention something that MIGHT be classified? Just saying.

mkk41

When ya go into the military and volunteer for certain 'additional duties' like Special Operations , apply for and get a security clearance , you promise , swear and sign an agreement not to divulge such things.

Divulging such info can endanger you , your family and friends , and the family and friends of fellow operators who may still be actively engaged in current anti-terror activities.


Never know if and when Abdul Muhammed might load his taxicab with explosives and drive into his next booksigning.

sherwood

I signed those papers before I started working for DOD 40 years ago. I'm still requird to follow them now after 4 years of retirement. Why can't a politician sign the same thing? Are they above the law?

mkk41

sherwood wrote: »

Why can't a politician sign the same thing? Are they above the law?

Yes , they apparently, and unfortunately are.

Defense contractors have security briefings reminding them not to discuss what they do , but some politician can pop in with a full press crew and print whatever they want to make it look like they are responsible for you having a job.

I can find info about stuff we build at work on the 'net that I can get fired and prosecuted for asking about at work.

Dr. db

Idiots are always held to a lower standard.

woodsrunner

If you hold-or held-a Top Secret Sensitive Compartmented Intelligence Clearance you are held to extremely high requirements in what you write or say verbally. You are even totally restricted in travel to certain countries of the world and cannot even fly commercially over these countries, and there are other areas that require prior approval before you can visit.

Remember the old TV program "Hawaii 5-O? A former civilian intel type was instrumental in helping scrip-write the program.....up to a point! The first program that aired back, when? the 1960's or 70's? resulted in the deaths and capture of over 30 intel/counterintel agents operating worldwide including a couple of US citizens within the first 72 hours of being aired! A slip of the lip can certainly sink the ship :yikes: Some politicians, unfortunately, have a very bad record of talking about classified subjects even though in intel briefings-a daily thing in government agencies-the degree of classification is stressed. Fortunately, however, most-the vast majority-of political leaders are very "shut-mouthed about things highly classified!

sherwood

woodsrunner. You are correct about the first part. But times have changed now and the rules are not so stringent as before.

tennmike

Because politicians have diarrhea of the mouth and constipation of the brain?

sherwood

But why are they above the law?

bruchi

Politicians are the "ruling class" everything and anything goes for them!

NN

tennmike wrote: »

Because politicians have diarrhea of the mouth and constipation of the brain?

This is it. They could be prosecuted as well; but, then most of them would have to prosecute each other.

bullsi1911

Selective Enforcement of the law is the first sign of tyranny

mkk41

sherwood wrote: »

But why are they above the law?

It is actually all part of being in congress. They're teflon. It is part of the job that they cannot be prosecuted for certain things. Their cronies have to vote to prosecute them. Info leaks? They'll just blame it on a subordinate. Kinda like the vote to impeach the POTUS.

Who else can vote to give themselves a pay raise?

Buford

sherwood wrote: »

That a politician can spout off classified info to the press but a SEAL can't mention something that MIGHT be classified? Just saying.

Some things you just don't do. As to the politicians, they should also be held accountable.