CIA Censors My Book: Personal Payback or Protecting National Security?

What a whirlwind! After a short and fitful night's sleep, I started the book tour with the Today show, quickly followed by radio interviews for NPR's Fresh Air and All Things Considered, and then The Times of London for openers. I really enjoyed the longer format allowed by the radio interviews rather than trying to cram everything I want and need to say into a 10 second sound bite for TV. My story is, in some ways, a complicated one with many different aspects and seems to lend itself best to longer, thoughtful answers. I have just finished blogging on FireDogLake, the web site that covered the Libby trial live. I learn something every day from the vast blogging community which has followed this case so closely. And I have to say, after the onslaught of attacks over the last 4 years, being among friends in the blogosphere feels good. It was pretty lonely out there sometimes. This evening, I'll be on Larry King Live, along with Joe (via a feed from Santa Fe. Hey, someone has to stay home and watch the kids). I enjoy doing events with my husband which thus far have been only private fundraisers because we have lived through the same story but have very different perspectives and reactions to all that has happened.

Most of the questions have been as I expected: Why did I join the CIA? What did it feel like when I saw my name in Novak's column the first time? Didn't I expect some terrible consequence to befall me when Joe published his 1,500 word op ed piece in The New York Times? What about the charges of nepotism that have been alleged against me? All of these I have tried to answer as fully and honestly as I could, keeping in mind, of course, my legal constraints. What hasn't been discussed in any depth yet is the full story of how the CIA fought to censor large portions of my book by maintaining that I can not acknowledge my Agency affiliation prior to January 2002, although so much about my career is already in the public domain. I believe that this decision by the Agency has nothing to do with protecting national security, and everything to do with further punitive action against me and a way to demean or diminish me and my responsibilities at the CIA. For those who wish to know more about the ongoing court battle with CIA over this issue of how long I may say I served my country and accompanying censorship issues, please visit a website set up by my lawyers for that purpose: www.fairgameplame.com. It is a very user-friendly site with all the information necessary to have a better understanding of the First Amendment fight behind this book. I'll hope you'll take the time to look at the site because this legal battle helps to illuminate a larger pattern of extra-Constitutional behavior by this administration.

I just learned the other day that my scheduled Tuesday appearance on the Charlie Rose show has been canceled. The show's producer said it was because Charlie Rose wanted to prepare for an appearance next week by CIA Director General Michael Hayden. How ironic is that? I could have told Mr. Rose a few things about General Hayden, but I'm sure he'll do a fine job with his interview questions without me.

Comments

[Freedoms Friend]

This administrations complete disregard for all laws Civil , Criminal, International and for your countries constitution knows no bounds, I wish you great success with court battle but as we saw in the election of 2004 the courts are corrupted too!

[Fightnmad]

Valerie-

There are those, 100's of thousands of us, who are with you in your fight to keep the flames of liberty alive. Dear lady, you are not alone, and never have been.

We the People SHALL prevail against this malignant administration and the widespread corruption that has sucked the lifeblood from this wonderful country.

My sincere hope is that it be sooner rather than later, and this can only come about with people who are willing to risk life, limb and liberty.

(And Sweetie, don't feel so bad about having the CIA redact and censor portions of your novel, because I am forced to perform self-redaction lest the "powers-that-be" misunderstand MY intentions, and then I would misunderstand theirs, and on and on...)

;)

Fightnmad

[Libsrule]

I would disagree. I think the numbers are in the MILLIONS who support her. Easily.

[911wasAnInsideJob]

Let's see: 20 years in the CIA? OK, 1986: CIA funds and arms Osama Bin Laden and the Taliban; CIA outed for bringing Crack Cocaine into Los Angeles; "In my 30­year history in the Drug Enforcement Administration and related agencies, the major targets of my investigations almost invariably turned out to be working for the CIA." -- Dennis Dayle, former chief of an elite DEA enforcement unit.

And let's not forget: from early 1990s running foreign interrogation centers (read: torture), etc. etc. etc.

And you think Valerie Plame is one of the good guys? Well, maybe now that she's seen the other side of political life in America she will be. As she makes her millions in book sales.

I don't begrudge her that and I do admire Ambassador Wilson's courage. I was hoping Fitzgerald would pin the tail on the right ass. But how could that happen in the United States of America? Not too likely...

So, America: how does it feel? to be on your own, with no direction home, just like a rolling stone...

I suggest some John Pilger. Look him up.

[TRYKER]

Valerie, keep on keeping on, you are not alone.
Since the "truth" is redacted in your writing, why not "ghost write" a Novel?
You could pull a reverse-Frey where you say you're writing a novel, fictionalizing and fabricating and calling yourself a... brunette..­.the story could remain the same.
Its never felt like your case is really over, there is more to come. You'll get justice...­someday.

[peterg76]

I'm just guessing but I imagine the CIA would cover up its own or Dick Cheney's crimes before they would worry about a petty vendetta or national security. So don't take it personally.

(Heck, since the CIA is now in the business of political spin, the last thing they need would be someone actually knowledgeable about counter-pr­oliferatio­n, so they probably would have laid you off anyway.)

[sarge]

Well, Valerie, I think we know by now that furthering the agenda of the Bush administration trumps national security every time. So, I vote for "personal payback". Tell Joe thanks for his help on the Darcy Burner campaign. And for you frustrated progressives out there that are disgusted with the lack of leadership and guts of our Democratic majority, I have a candidate for you: Go to Darcyburner.com and DONATE money. She's got guts, and isn't afraid to take on Democrats. She has never held office, and isn't beholden to anyone...u­nless you count the likes of Joe Wilson, General Wesley Clark, General Paul Eaton, and (since Valerie mentioned FireDogLake), Jane Hamsher, among others that are supporting Darcy. Darcy almost knocked off Bush lapdog Dave Reichert last November, and is taking another swipe at him. This is an important seat (Bush recently visited Seattle to do a fundraiser for Reichert). Please, SEND MONEY! www.darcyburner.com !:)

[Kajur]

Charlie Rose become more and more an administration mouth piece. His apprehension on delicate subjects is very well visible.

[Uselessboy]

Given the packing of public broadcasting management with Republican political operatives, well, duh.

It's become the Limbaugh Polite.

[JSquercia]

Or is it Limbaugh Lite

[TXfemmom]

Hopefully, someday you will be able to tell all of us something very interesting and informative about a whole lot of people who have done things not in the best interests of this country.

For now, stay strong and do the best you can and we all appreciate your service to this country.

[GalHart]

It has crossed my mind that you are no longer going to be interviewed by Charlie Rose precisely because CIA Director Hayden is to be interviewed, not just because Charlie needs "preparation" time. I acknowledge that this sounds a tad conspiratorial but in America today and given this administration's track record when it comes to you -- forgive me my conspiracy thinking this once.

[Uselessboy]

Consorting with the enemy is very expensive in America in terms of further access to patriots.

[Knowbetter]

Huh?

[johntal]

Aside from the fact that you are married to an honest man , you are obviously beautiful AND intelligent. I wonder if it is part of the Repugayclins problems with you?

[JimmyT]

Madam,
As a veteran of the U.S. Navy Nuclear Submarine Force and held a top secret clearance for the duration I offer you my whole hearted support. What happened to you is so egregious I am left speech-less. What gets missed over and over is the concept of 'NEED TO KNOW'. I seriously doubt ANYONE (including Dick Cheney!) had a need to know your NAME OR OCCUPATION.
Your case is vitally important to regain whatever confidence the CIA had from it's foreign allies and indeed the American People.
I wish you all the best and support your fight to right a most odorous wrong.

[LIR]

Isn't it curious that many of those in the know, like you, Jimmy T, are standing behind Valerie. It's only the traitors and cowards who aren't. Ms. Plame and her husband are standing up for what's right, and many of us at Huffpo honor your service.

[BruceA]

Ms. Plame,
Thank you for telling your story, I can't wait to buy your book. We all need more real Americans like you and your husband.
Bruce A.

[kevenseven]

Ms. Plame,

My regards to the Ambassador, who I met the other week in La Canada.

Have you heard that Richard Armatige is the ONE who outed you?

The ONE and ONLY!

And that he is a liberal Bush hating Democrat???

OK. Seriously, this is how desperate the lie machine is. The winged monkeys will be along in a moment, but I wanted to ask you to clarify that business between the Ambassador and Pincus of the WaPo where the Ambassador APPEARERS to be claiming knowledge that the could not have had at the time he indicates, not having seen the BOGUS FRAUDULENT LETTERS.

My last hurdle and I will then stand with the two of you to my death.

Bush et al are traitors.

[LostRedSock]

First of all, I want to say thank you for your service to the country. This administration is appalling in it's total disregard of the Constitution. They talk about security, yet they commit acts of treason by outing you and your entire operation, thereby putting all Americans at risk. It's a frightening level of hypocrisy, even for politicians.

Keep fighting the good fight, and we will do our best to support you and bring those that targeted you to justice!

[loki]

Its really a shame that this is what America has turned into. Our Government is less trustworthy and just as ruthless and cut throat as those we fought to stop in the gulf war and removed in the Iraqi invasion.

[cavegal]

Hi Valerie & Joe,

Please consider appearances on "The Daily Show" with Jon Stewart and a stint with Bill Maher. They will not reduce you to a ten second sound bite.

I find the CIA's behaviour odd considering they never behaved the same way toward's Bob Baer and his books "See No Evil" and "Sleeping With the Enemy". Although portions of the material in his books were censored (blacked out), he has pointed out in interviews that much of the information is available through other news sources for individuals willing to do a little research.

I am very much looking forward to reading your book and hope that in the near future you will be visiting Austin, TX for a book signing. Don't worry, we are far enough away from the radioactive Crawford Ranch for you to be safe.

You are the epitomy of Grace under Fire! You and your husband are a credit to this nation and I thank you for the service you have done for our country.

[dustdevil]

I am also from the Texas Hill Country. I would not advise you to go on the Bill Maher show.
Jon Stewart, maybe--but Keith Olberman, definitely.
As for Bob Baer, in his book "See No Evil" he revealed that the CIA does not have agents operating outside our embassies in countries we are not friendly with. These countries have to know that our embassies are full of spies. No wonder so many of them are bombed.
Bob Baer has also recently come forward to say he
does not really know who attacked us on 911. You can check this out on this link.
http://patriotsquestion911.com/

[AKJM]

Forget Bill he has lost his cool.
Do go on KO's show, I'll be sure to see you.
And, Ms Plame, Joe did real good.

[cavegal]

Thanks for the link fellow hill country dweller. I saved it in my favorites.

I grew up in the middle east. CIA brat. I've read both of Bob's books (the non fiction ones) three times and they are part of my growing reference library on the middle east.

[Uselessboy]

Bill's always been most likely to panic where the middle east is concerned.

[puddytat]

I believe that she is already scheduled for an interview on Countdown with Keith Olbermann tonight on MSNBC.

[Nano]

Thank you for your service.