To the editor:

While the investigation into the identification of Valerie Plame as a covert CIA operative has not been completed, one of the few things people have agreed upon is the seriousness of the issue. In addition to being a federal offense, this particular case has important political ramifications since it’s related to a central argument of Bush administration for the Iraq war. Bush claimed that Saddam Hussein was obtaining uranium from Africa for nuclear weapons, and the former diplomat (and Ms. Plame’s husband) Joseph Wilson, challenged this argument – correctly, it turns out – in an op-ed piece for the New York Times. In retaliation, someone identified her as a CIA operative.

Now while still agreeing in principle that outing a covert agent is a “serious matter,” Pat Roberts has apparently begun laying the foundation for minimizing this specific offense: “I must say from a common-sense standpoint, driving back and forth to work to the CIA headquarters, I don’t know if that really qualifies as being, you know, covert.” (Journal-World Online, July 25)

Such rationalization on the part of a lawmaker is disappointing. It’s irresponsible to charge anyone before the investigation is complete, but it’s equally irresponsible to trivialize the offense by spinning the issue for political reasons. Is it too much to expect that our lawmakers have respect for the law? May be.

Oliver Finney,

Lawrence