Perhaps this explanation will fly for those who have never worked around classified documents, but since I spent three years producing such material, I can tell you that it's impossible to "inadvertently" take or destroy them. For one thing, such documents are required to have covers -- bright covers in primary colors that indicate their level of classification. Each sheet of paper is required to have the classification level of the page (each page may be classified differently) at the top and bottom of each side of the paper. Documents with higher classifications are numbered, and each copy is tracked with an access log, and nowadays I suppose they're tracking them by computers.

Under these rules, it's difficult to see how anyone could "inadvertently" mix up handwritten notes with classified documents, especially when sticking them into one's jacket and pants. Furthermore, as Clinton's NSA, Berger would have been one of the people responsible for enforcing these regimens, not simply subject to them. The DOD makes these rules crystal clear during the clearance process at each level of access, and security officers (which Berger clearly was) undergo even further training and assessment on security procedures. "Inadvertent" and "sloppiness", in the real context of secured documentation, not only don't qualify as an excuse but don't even register as a possibility. . . .

. . . truth is that Berger stole classified files that related to the worst act of mass murder/terrorism ever experienced by Americans, and indeed the worst attack on our territory since the Civil War. That theft by a member of the opposition party's Presidential campaign calls into question the motivations of not only the administration Berger served, but also the administration he proposes to serve.

I imagine that this morning Karl Rove and Karen Hughes arerubbing themselves raw over one line that appears in the story:

"Berger currently serves as an informal adviser to the campaign of presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Sen. John Kerry."

By the time the two of them are done with this, Clinton will be responsible, Kerry will be responsible...I wonder how much BushCo paid Berger to be the "July Surprise."

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let's recall:
-the rethug controlled media.
-ashcroft's insanity.
-rove's dirty tricks.
-and perhaps most importantly:
all news about intelligence matters has a deeper, hidden truth.

berger's no idiot. he knew what he was doing because while they pretend otherwise, all intel people do shit like this, and all the time. i can't remember which one, but a recent former CIA director was busted with all kinds of unprotected files on his home computer that he wasn't supposed to have. there are other examples.

no, this stinks like a set up, and more. i'll wait for more information before i judge berger or the rest of the clinton team.