Fitz is going to have a showdown tomorrow with the MSM re transcripts

[sabra]

http://today.reuters.com/news/NewsArticle.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=uri:2005-11-17T192800Z_01_EIC770061_RTRUKOC_0_US-BUSH-LEAK.xml&pageNumber=1&summit=

<snip>

On Friday, Fitzgerald and news organizations will face off in court over Fitzgerald's efforts to keep documents in the Libby case secret.

Dow Jones, the publisher of The Wall Street Journal, and the Associated Press have asked Judge Reggie Walton to deny Fitzgerald's blanket protective order, which would bar public access to grand jury transcripts, witness statements and a wide range of other evidence in the case. Any leaks could result in civil and criminal fines, the order warns.

Libby's attorneys said in court filings that the proposed protective order was "a legitimate effort by the government to maintain the secrecy of grand jury proceedings."

Court officials said a hearing on the issue was scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

[Dhalgren]

1. So Libby doesn't want them published either, eh?

Fitz wants them secret because he's still going after bigger fish; DJ and WJ want them public so to try and help the traitors not yet indicted. I hope Fitz gets his way. Is Libby not falling on his sword has willingly as his masters might have hoped?

[Inland]

3. I don't blame Libby for wanting secrecy.

One of the reasons for secrecy is fairness to the accused, not yet accused, witnesses, others.

[WiseButAngrySara]

6. Forgive my ignorance, but I don't understand how leaks help anyone!

"DJ and WJ want them public so to try and help the traitors not yet indicted"

Is it because they can claim a mistrial?

[Dhalgren]

9. No, it's to let Bush/Cheney, et al see what Fitz has up his

sleeve. If the traitors can get a clue as to where, what, and how Fitz is moving, they have a means of maneuvering for advantage...

[Inland]

2. Fed Rule Criminal Procedure 6

imposes secrecy. THere are a large number of exceptions, and the article doesn't say why the press should get the info.

http://www4.law.cornell.edu/uscode/html/uscode18a/usc_sec_18a_03000006----000-.html

[Dr.Phool]

4. Maybe Kenneth Starr can represent them.

He knows a few things about grand jury leaks.

[LiviaOlivia]

5. Read this:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=5261526

[SoCalDem]

7. So NOW the "news organizations" are interested in writing about this

story.. For YEARS they sat on their asses and did little or no reporting, and now that there's actual investigation and litigation they want "in"..?

I hope Fitz manages to keep secret stuff secret until he's ready to lower the boom.. If the press starts spinning what;s going on, it just gives a heads-up to the criminals stiil waiting in the wings to be discovered and outed ..

[Garbo 2004]

8. They'll lose. It's still an ongoing investigation for one thing. More

charges could be filed, against Libby or others. Second, it could interfere with not only Fitz's case and investigation but also Libby's defense. Libby's already getting what he needs via discovery.