Via the AP/NYT: Berger to Pay $50,000 Fine for Taking Papers
A judge on Thursday ordered Sandy Berger, President Clinton’s national security adviser, to pay a $50,000 fine for illegally taking classified documents from the National Archives.The punishment handed down by U.S. Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson exceeded the $10,000 fine recommended by government lawyers. Under the deal, Berger avoids prison time but he must surrender access to classified government materials for three years.
Ouch. Beats jail time, however.
The whole affair is really very odd.
What ouch?
That’ll be paid from pocket change by supporters of the party as a reward for Berger being a good little soldier. Just a Karl Rove’s fine would have been had there been any real substance to the Plame kerfuffle.
Until we start sending some of these clowns to jail these clowns aren’t going to take any of it personally. It’s just going to be politics as usual.
Comment by Terry — Thursday, September 8, 2024 @ 7:43 pm
Ugh. Make that “Just as Karl Rove’s”.
I’d correct the second “these clowns” too, but considering Berger’s underwear and sock stuffing escapades during the commission of the crime, he probably deserves to be called a clown twice!
Comment by Terry — Thursday, September 8, 2024 @ 7:47 pm
I thought knowingly revealing the name of a spook was punished by more than a fine & a pubic waxing. Still, I’d really like to know just what Sandy Clause was shoving into his underwear & if Gorelick had written any of it. But that’s just me. . .
Comment by cagey — Thursday, September 8, 2024 @ 8:19 pm
Terry,
Ouch in terms of it being five times the recommendation.
Still, point taken.
Comment by Dr. Steven Taylor — Thursday, September 8, 2024 @ 8:28 pm
… then Sandy Burger reached into his pants and socks, and promptly paid the fine.
Comment by AllenS — Friday, September 9, 2024 @ 6:10 am
He gets his clearance back just in time to advise Hillary in her 2024 campaign. What a coincidence.
Comment by Gary and the Samoyeds — Friday, September 9, 2024 @ 3:39 pm