secrets and consequences

two recent cases

Just over a year ago, an Annapolis couple, Diana and Jonathan Toebbe, received jail sentences of 21 and 19 years, respectively, for selling ‘restricted data’—a.k.a. classified national security secrets—to a foreign power for $100,000 in crypto currency. Their sentences might have been shorter had they not received a penny but not necessarily and I cannot imagine they would not have landed behind bars.

Sharing classified information with an uncleared individual is an imprisonable offense, period. Every single one of us who goes through the invasive and extensive investigation to hold such a clearance knows that, period. We periodically face renewal investigations to assure, among other things, that we remember how serious it is to protect that classified information.

The stories, linked to government legal proceedings against him, today of former president Trump allegedly sharing classified information regarding submarine capabilities ought to shake every single one of us to our deepest depths. In a conflict, the information being shared is vital for our forces’ and nation’s—as well as that of our allies’ and partners’—security as well as instrumental to any adversary’s response to us. This is not merely insider cocktail talk at a resort in south Florida.

The fact that an Australian billionaire not only heard this but then, again allegedly, repeated the information to his staff which likely repeated it to others, quite probably including those from adversary intelligence outfits, ought to raise alarms about former president Trump’s judgment with that material. Judgment, after all, was precisely what he drove home about former Secretary of State Clinton retaining classified information on a home computer system, something that was profoundly stupid but probably not nuclear stupid, as if that would matter. The suggested remedy, if I remember his views and those of his supporters, was to ‘lock her up’.

National security is an intricate game of actions, intentions, objectives, and outcomes. Actions truly cause consequences. It’s a tribute to how completely broken we are that the Toebbes receive two decades each in jail while Mr. Trump is the desired president for millions of people who claim to value making this country safe.

Hillary Clinton was wrong on mishandling classified information—punto final. But SHARING IT, whether for money or whatever reason, was far more damaging, dangerous, and inexplicable in Trump’s case. PERIOD.

Oh, my.

I appreciate you thinking about today’s column. I welcome any and all responses, rebuttals or endorsements. I want us to be more aware and think through our options and choices. I don’t pretend to have all the answers as I certainly don’t. But, I cherish your engagement.

I deeply appreciate the financial subscribers to this column as I write for all of you.

Spa Creek water taxis are full with folks heading to join the crowd on the City Dock at the Power Boat Show. I want a rainy weekend, not to destroy their fun, but because we so need the rain. How about your weekend weather and plans?

Be well and be safe. FIN