Kerry's FBI File--Who does it benefit?

[FunBobbyMucha]

I saw a thing on GMA today about the FBI file, which spanned the Nixon administration, tabulated his conversion from "hawk to dove," etc. What I'm curious about is, who leaked this, and who does it benefit? In my mind, it only creates a narrative of shitty, Big Brothery repugs then, and shittier, Bigger brothery repugs now. Was it released to "smear" Kerry?

[Sanity]

1. If a hostile group released, I want to know who

This is in violation of the Privacy Act.

[Another Bill C.]

2. It can be a good thing.

As long as the Republicans keep trotting it out, we can bring out the Shrub's whereabouts and doings in the same period.

[goddess40]

3. FBI on Kerry

Good old Judy Woodruff had to admit the FBI under Nixon had to close their files on Kerry because they came up with nothing. Nixon would not have called the FBI off if there was any chance they could sting Kerry. So maybe it's a good thing as it is proof Kerry was clean. But of course Woodruff had to say, "I wonder what else is in all those files about Kerry?" She's worse than Nixon.

[goclark]

6. Yea, is there an FBI file on AWOL ier?

I bet not!

I think it does call into question "Where Was George" during that period.

[goclark]

4. Shows the Dangers of the Patriot Act

This should work to Kerry's advantage if handled correctly.
IMO,The Patriot Act, and the implications for its expansion, is so dangerous if in the hands of thugs like we have currently.

The snooping and abusing of citizens rights, should not be forgotten.

Kerry needs to tie this band of thieves to the Watergate band of thugs and say he is outraged by the way that the intelligence was handled at that time. He, who was a purple heart and fought like hell was treated this way. If it could happen to him, a rich boy, what happened to all the others? More than that, if Bushco were to remain in office, we would be turning back the clock,like we have been doing since 2000.

I am in no way saying that we should not have a strong Intelligence Community but not that kind of Intelligence, Hitler like tactics, that this administration raps its arms around.

[DBoon]

5. And the gov't can gather much more information now

Credit card purchases, emails you sent or received, medical information, grocery store "club" card purchases, books you bought from Amazon.com, books you *thought* about buying from Amazon.com.....

Even if you've had a very clean life, there is so much more information out there to intimidate people with, or to distort to bad ends.

Expect some really ugly political smear campaigns 20-30 years from now based exactly on this type of information.