Valerie Plame Update: The Washington Post recently had an article discussing the latest developments in the investigation of the alleged outing of a CIA agent by those in the Bush Administration. The key matter of debate now appears to be when the information was released, since "there is little doubt that some White House aides circulated the Plame story a week after Novak's column appeared, in an apparent effort to cast doubt on Wilson's credibility." This might be rather crude, to put it nicely, but it does not appear to be illegal.
A violation of the Intelligence identities Protection Act would require a deliberate exposure by a government official before the matter was in the public domain. Since Robert D. Novak himself said that he received information from inside the administration, this surely occurred, unless the person can claim they didn't know "the United States is taking affirmative measures to conceal such covert agent's intelligence relationship to the United States."
But, finding a smoking gun on that latter issue apparently is much harder than the former, notwithstanding the fact the political immorality (though assuming certain individuals in the administration have shame is not something I would bet a meal on) of both is altogether clear.
"We cannot accept this result as legitimate because it does not meet international standards and because there has not been as investigation of the numerous and credible reports of fraud and abuse."
-- Secretary of State Colin Powell, qtd by NYT
Ukraine Election: The coverage of the allegations of a crooked election in the Ukraine has generally held back making Bush v. Gore comparisons. It is nice that the U.S., Russia's sympathies for the "official" winner notwithstanding, has spoken out against the voter irregularity. The fact they did so is notable, given their responses to attempts to overturn popularly elected leaders in both Venezuela and Haiti. The speed of the response also helps, especially in comparison to the wishy-washy comments before Iraq invaded Kuwait.
As Jack Balkan quipped, life might be easier for the current leadership in the Ukraine if Diebold or some other "no printout" voting system was used. The acts of our Congress and Supreme Court also suggests the Ukrainian Parliament and Supreme Court need not have given votes of non-confidence, which might very well lead to another election since the current one did not match the will of the people. Were cries of sore loser or politically biased judiciary raised as well? After all, both countries had divided forces with emotional reactions to the results, though in the Ukraine the "loser" got a lot more support from his government.
I know the two situations have their differences. The point remains that the appearance of impropriety on our side, as well as some substantive evidence, provides too much fuel for such comparisons. This is just plainly unacceptable, though too many people clearly do not give a damn.
Football: Though a battered NY Giant defense did a good job holding back a top level Eagles offense, the rookie QB showed his inexperience, and couldn't take advantage of repeated scoring opportunities. A blocked punt gave the Eagles the opportunity to put it away in the Third Quarter. The NY Jets had another messy game vs. Arizona, and like the last one between the teams, it was a low scoring affair (13-3) with a back-up QB involved (and a third stringer for part of the First Half).
Overall, there were a good many interesting games. Those offensive powerhouses of Cleveland and Cincinnati scored a combined 106 points (seven shy of the NFL record). Buffalo (vs. allegedly superior, but falling hard, Seattle), Carolina (winning a battle of subpar former Super Bowl teams), Houston (vs. the Titans), Miami (winning the battle of the losers), and Oakland (vs. 11 point favorite Denver) all managed to win.
The Oakland/Denver night game (in the snow) was an apt finale on the day. Because of a blocked extra point and two failed two point conversions (suggesting yet again the principle of "go for one" early), Oakland had to block a medium range field goal at the end of the game to win 25-24.
And, there is still the St. Louis/Green Bay game tonight! Go Cheeseheads!