Deep Throat

Lots of reporters and other WaPo worthies are all atwitter about the fact that Bob Woodward had info about the Plame/Lying Joe Wilson/Media Leak story WEEKS before anyone else seems to have had it.

That Woodward knew what there was to know way early is being variously reported as suggesting that the Libby indictment is in trouble, or that Woodward is a terrible fellow.

We profess not to grasp the logic of either conclusion.

What IS interesting is that WaPo folks are chattering away on the paper's internal message board system, and the discussion repeatedly veers into complaints that comments on that internal system keep getting leaked to the news media, including into the WaPo itself.

So a bunch of reporters are variously lamenting, complaining, calling for standards, or venting outrage that what they write down and say to others is subject to publication to the world at large. Is nothing sacred?

I long ago abandoned the practice of saying or writing anything I wouldn't be proud of were it to be published on the front page of whatever newspaper my parents might be imagined to read. It's not only good for the soul, but contributes remarkably to healthful sleeping habits.

But reporters are very special people. Reporters who refuse to tell what they know are heros. Government officials who refuse to tell what they know are criminals. Reporters who leak confidential information are criminals. Government officials who leak confidential information are heros.

Go figure.

Lots of leaked internal WaPo sniping HERE.