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Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper

By Jeralyn, Section Valerie Plame Leak Case
Posted on Tue Jun 28, 2005 at 08:06:30 PM EST
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A hearing is scheduled for tomorrow for reporters Judith Miller and Matthew Cooper to determine when and if they have to report to jail.

[U.S. District Court Judge Thomas] Hogan is expected to reaffirm his original order, which would mean the reporters could be in jail as early as this week. Miller declined to comment on the case itself, other than to say she was disappointed at the high court's decision.

Judith Miller has launched a website to publicize her case.

Time said today that Cooper is deciding whether to turn over the requested docments and avoid jail:

While New York Times officials have maintained that Miller will not reveal the source who leaked to her the identity of CIA agent Valerie Plame, a source close to Time Inc. told E&P that the company is considering handing over documents that would reveal the source. Cooper declined to comment.

My prediction from before the decision was handed down stands: Miller will do the time standing on her head (parlance for without a problem) while Cooper will fold to avoid jail.

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    Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper | 9 comments (9 topical)
    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#1)
    by Sailor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:40 PM EST
    My prediction from before the decision was handed down stands: Miller will do the time standing on her head I beg to disagree TL. I don't think she has the courage of her convictions (no pun intended.) And you of all people (who haven't actually served time), should know; a week is a lifetime, 18 months is unfathomable. I don't understand why any reporter would feel allegiance to a source who lied to them.

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#2)
    by Talkleft Visitor on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:40 PM EST
    Sailor, speaking professionally, when it's something you have to do, you do it. Without whining. Examples: Martha Stewart, Lea Fastow, Susan MacDougal. Those that can't do it, cough up the info. Personally, I have no idea if I could do a weekend let alone a week. Hopefully, I'll never have to face that quandry. I do know that I would never be a reporter who speaks to "unnamed sources" promising confidentiality because there isn't a federal privilege. Every professional is charged with knowing the privilege law as to their profession. And if you can't stand the heat, get out of the fire. Before it comes to this.

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#3)
    by Last Night in Little Rock on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:41 PM EST
    I have really mixed emotions about this. On the one hand, I fully support the right of the press to withhold sources under the First Amendment, even if the Supreme Court does not buy that argument. On the other, the dirt bags that outed Valarie Plame may be guilty of treason, aside from the crime of outing a CIA agent. What this country needs is a good treason trial and another impeachment, this time for real, and not for lying about sex. It would help cleanse the nation's soul. When Clinton lied, nobody died.

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#4)
    by SeeEmDee on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:41 PM EST
    Perhaps I am mistaken, but wasn't Judith Miller the 'journalist' who passed on tainted 'useful idiot' type intelligence about Saddam's chimerical WMD program, as well? The same Judith Miller who was also friends with Dr. David Kelly, the UK microbiologist whose death was officially claimed a suicide, but about which doubts continue to this day? The same Judith Miller who was great friends with alleged Iranian double agent Ahmed Chalabi, who is now, incredibly, running the Iraqi oil programs? The same Judith Miller who is in bed with the PNAC crew that surrounds Bush? If she sees the inside of a jail cell I'd be very surprised indeed. More likely she'll be the unfortunate victim of an 'accident'.

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#5)
    by ppjakajim on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:41 PM EST
    Last Night - Whatever else it is, this is not treason. Possible illegality of exposure

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#6)
    by ppjakajim on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:41 PM EST
    Here is a link to the law in question.

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#7)
    by Patrick on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:41 PM EST
    When Clinton lied, nobody died.
    No one died in the cruise missile strikes Clinton ordered? I always knew those missles were for sh!t. Couldn't hit the broadside of a barn.

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#9)
    by Dadler on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:41 PM EST
    While I sympathize with the ethical issues, and future implications (although I still have faith that we can deal with each case on it's own merits and in its own unique context), I have to say that it is somehwat enjoyable watching Judith Miller squirm. Her journalistic cowardice in the aftermath of 9/11 was more destructive to this nation, to truth, to a "free" press, than any time in the pokey she'll get. She was played for a fool, played us all for a fool, and she isn't evolved enough to stand up and take responsibility that play. What goes around comes around. Not always, but enough to keep us believing.

    Re: Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper (none / 0) (#10)
    by scarshapedstar on Sat Dec 17, 2005 at 01:00:42 PM EST
    So, Jim, is outing a CIA agent more or less patriotic than having a flag sticker on the back of your car?

    Hearing Weds. for Reporters Miller and Cooper | 9 comments (9 topical)