As an energy analyst Plame was reporting back to the US on foreign energy issues as they developed ... she was part of our eyes and ears. She was not a "desk jockey". Down playing her work as an infiltrator for the CIA to make Libby look better doesn't wash. She WAS outted because her politics did not include lying about the WMD's that didn't exist. As a "desk jockey" she was asked to report on that infamous yellow-caked uranium Sodomy was trying to procure, and to asses the aluminum rods he was trying to smuggle in. Part of her job for the US was as a weapons inspector, and she did her job. She developed relationships with people that could provide inside information about foreign nuclear weapons strategies and used those relationships to our benefit.
Armatage admitted he was the source of the leak to Novac. No-one is claiming that Libby was the main player, but to try and say he is just some guy with a bad memory or that he was not guilty is hogwash. He was asked under oath about the leak and lied. He chose to be the fall guy and is now a convicted felon for his efforts. Ollie North did it, so did Gordon Liddy although both North and Liddy did much more for their leaders than Libby did. Libby didn't start the leak but he DID try to cover up his role.
Background on being a NOC field asset. This is a person who doesn't sign on with the federal agency he/she works for in the traditional way but instead gets recruited and managed by an agency guy. In other words, you do not take the traditional route and get the black passport ... no diplomatic immunity, no protections that go with a formal status ... but your ass is still in harm's way as you infiltrate and collect data in the area you are requested to work. If you get caught you get executed. Plame did that for 20 years. She has
earned the respect of
every American.
Desk jockey ...
... she is an unsung heroine.
