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[wierd]

Wrong. Flat out wrong.

There WERE rules against it. She did it anyway.

[mainiac]

Wrong. Flat out wrong.

There WERE rules against it. She did it anyway.

The article states that State Department sensitive business isn't supposed to be handled over emails.  But I was stuck in a lobby for two hours watching the Bengazi hearings and I recall the republicans going on and on and on about how Clinton didn't have any emails to ambassadors at all in her emails.  And Clinton kept repeating that she used diplomatic cables to talk to ambassadors during the debate.



As we can see this is the most damning, important case of corruption all the way to the top since the Vince Foster case.

[wierd]

Which would be a nice rebuttle, if it were true.

Sadly, it is not.

(apologies for the biased nature of the source.)

[Flying Dice]

Which would be a nice rebuttle, if it were true.

Sadly, it is not.

(apologies for the biased nature of the source.)

I'm not seeing evidence, I'm seeing hearsay from a blatantly biased source.

"No seriously, I swear that I saw emails that proved that she violated the rule!" "Investigators totally found some as well!"

A Fox anchor and his guest claiming something to be so does not make it so, especially when the person they're targeting happens to be their opposition's main presidential candidate. 

[wierd]

again, apologies. I was at work, and did not have time to properly find a truly reliable/reputable source. I can fix that now. A few mins, ok?

[Reelya]

Why do people feel in a rush to post? The threads not going anywhere.

[Flying Dice]

Yeah, I mean, if you post a couple hours later with an actual source, that's a lot better than posting right now with an empty soundbite. 

[wierd]

Washington post quotes from one of the emails in the data dump, where hillary and an aid discuss the fast tracking of nomination of an ambasadorial candidate.

More damning,

LA Times has a direct (but sanitized) copy of an email from then-ambassador Joe Wilson to Hillary clinton, taken from the email archive in question.

Satisfied yet, or do I need to dig harder?


edit:

for those inclined to go snooping, the FOIA people have many of the clinton emails up on their site.

[Reelya]

Well, the guy in the ambassador thing says "thanks for making the calls" implying she'd used phone conversations to negotiate, not email. And I kinds doubt that sort of thing is national security critical information. If the country involved, Brazil found out there was some behind the scenes politics involved in selecting the US ambassador to Brazil, I can't see one reason they'd give the first fuck about it.

[wierd]

Communication through a 3rd party via email, is still communication via email.

I am going to dig through the FOIA collection. Be back in a bit.

[Strife26]

Interesting OpEd article.

I think there should be more than one presidential advisor position that is a historian, but then again, presidents will probably just fill the position(s) with those that have views in line with their own.

I'm definitely a big fan of learning and understanding history, but the old cliché about learning or repeating history isn't an especially great one. When it comes to to looking at history's lens to figure out future decisions, it's commonly a matter of finding an answer, then building evidence when you're done (like it's literary criticism or something).
Getting into a long, bloody, slogging war to defend a reasonably corrupt southeastern Asian country from the communists is either a great idea or a terrible idea, depending if you're talking about Korea or Vietnam.

Historic analysis allows one to come up with all kinds of ridiculous conclusions, like America is only successful when its military leadership is made up of officers with well known personal defects.

[wierd]

I am starting this now, at 7:13AM CST---

First runner-up, is a communication requesting a change in clearance for a statement from H Clinton concerning detained american citizens in Iran. While it had several permissive clearances, it was not at the time of the email, fully declassified.

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN FULL
From:
H <hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Sent:
Saturday, August 15, 2009 10:03 AM
To:
'sullivanjj@state.gov
'
Subject:
Re: For Clearance: Iran Statement on Detained and Missing Americans
Ok
w me.
Original Message
From: Sullivan, Jacobi <Sullivanii@state.gov
>
To: H
Sent: Sat Aug 15 09:29:45 2009
Subject: Fw: For Clearance: Iran Statement on Detained and Missing Americans
FYI
Original Message
From: Vasquez, Edgar .1
To: Sullivan, Jacobi; Abedin, Huma
Cc: Crowley, Philip J; Ratney, Michael A; S_SpecialAssistants
Sent: Sat Aug 15 08:39:18 2009
Subject: For Clearance: Iran Statement on Detained and Missing Americans
Jake/Huma:
Request S clearance on the statement below. It has all other relevant clearances, including NSC and D(S).
Thanks,
Eddie
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON
Missing and Detained Americans in Iran
The United States is deeply concerned about the welfare of our American citizens who have been detained or are
missing in Iran. We once again urge Iran's leadership to quickly resolve all outstanding American citizen cases.
This includes the case of the American scholar, Kian Tajbakhsh, who has spent his career working to enhance mutual
understanding between Iran and the United States. The Government of Iran should immediately release Mr. Tajbakhsh
from detention and allow him to depart Iran to continue his academic pursuits.
Regarding the three American hikers, Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer and Sarah Shourd, who were detained by Iranian
authorities on July 31, we once again call on the Iranian government to live up to its obligations under the Vienna
Convention by granting consular access and releasing these three young Americans without further delay.
We also remain concerned about the case of Robert Levinson, who has been missing in Iran since March 9, 2007. We
call on the Government of Iran to assist in providing any information on his whereabouts and in ensuring his prompt
return to the United States.
Our goal is to ensure the safe return of all our missing or unjustly detained American citizens to the United States as
quickly as possible so that they can be reunited with their families.
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015
# # #
DRAFTED: NEA/PPD: E Vasquez 7-0426
NEA/IR: E Thibault
Approved:
D(S):
W Steinberg ok
NEA/FO: R Schlicher ok
CLEARED:
CA/OCS/ACS:MBernier-Toth ok
CA/OCS/ACS/NESCA:Vlopatkiewicz ok
NEA/IRDFoley ok
NEA/PPD:EVasquez ok
NSC:D McDonough ok
NSC:T Donilon ok
NSC:KMagsamen ok
D:G Rana ok
P:R Waller ok
H:D Greene info
S/P:J Burns ok
DRL:JMegill ok
UNCLASSIFIED U.S.
Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015

Next up, concerning a situation with N. Korea, details of a phone conversation are discussed in an email with H Clinton, which may be considered sensitive.

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05758940 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART B6
From:
H <
hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Sent:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 5:08 PM
To:
'JilotyLC@state.gov
'
Subject:
Re: N. Korea
Thx.
Original Message
From: Jiloty, Lauren C <JilotyLC@state.gov
>
To: H
Sent: Sat Jul 11 16:23:43 2009
Subject: Re: N. Korea
Kurt is CampbelIKM@state.gov
I'm working on donilon
Original Message
From: H <HDR22@clintonemail.com
>
To: Jiloty, Lauren C
Sent: Sat Jul 11 15:13:27 2009
Subject: Re: N. Korea
What are emails for Kurt Campbell and Tom Donilon?
Original Message
From: Jiloty, Lauren C <JilotyLC@state.gov
>
To: H
Sent: Sat Jul 11 15:02:19 2009
Subject: Fw: N. Korea
From: Jimmy
To: Jiloty, Lauren C
Sent: Sat Jul 11 14:06:23 2009
Subject: N. Korea
Hillary: As I explained to you on the phone, I don't think it is appropriate to tell them that I will come only if they agree in
advance to release the women. Your response was, in effect, "They have already agreed." Is this correct? If not, I will go,
by commercial airline if necessary, representing The Carter Center, and try to induce them to approve the release. JC
UNCLASSIFIED
U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05758940 Date: 10/30/2015

Next up, An aide emails H Clinton concerning an upcoming surprise visitation by a foreign diplomat, with a date, and a (redacted) list of other officials that will be in attendance. (This is dangerous, as if it were intercepted by say-- terrorists, would provide grounds for a possible assassination attempt, et.)

Spoiler: message body (click to show/hide)

List of visits includes
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761258 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B5,B6
From:
cheryl.mills
Sent:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 5:43 PM
To:
Marty Edelman; H
Subject:
Re:
Thx dear
Original Message
From: Marty Edelman
To: Hrc New
To: Cheryl Mills
Sent: Apr 16, 2009 1:18 PM
Subject:
secstate,
Sheikh Muhammid apparently coming 1st week in may.
sectreas. Just heard. Marty
*********************************************************
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: As required by U.S.
Treasury Regulations governing tax practice, you are hereby advised that any written tax advice contained herein was
not written or intended to be used (and cannot be used) by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may
be imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
*********************************************************
This message is sent by a law firm and may contain information that is privileged or confidential. If you received this
transmission in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message and any attachments.
For additional information, please visit our website at www.paulhastings.com
.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761258 Date: 10/30/2015

In that same vein, aids seeking advisement on a secretary's desire to go shopping while on diplomatic duties in Haiti.

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761521 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B5
From:
Mills, Cheryl D <MillsCD@state.gov
>
Sent:
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:37 AM
To:
Subject:
Fw: Haiti: Secretary's Travel
Fyi
From:
Smith, Daniel B
To:
Mills, Cheryl D
Cc:
Sullivan, Jacob J; Toiv, Nora F
Sent:
Mon Mar 30 12:11:09 2009
Subject:
FW: Haiti: Secretary's Travel
Cheryl,
We followed up with WHA after you mentioned the Secretary's interest in stopping in Haiti on the way
home from the Summit of the Americas. As you see below, WHA is concerned about the timing, given likely
nationwide elections on April 19, and would prefer that the Secretary travel there at a later date. Do you
want us to task something formal with regard to a later visit? Dan
From:
Robinson, David M
Sent:
Monday, March 30, 2009 12:01 PM
To:
Smith, Daniel B; Wohlers, Paul; Kelly, Craig A
Cc:
De Pirro, Velia M; Tilghman, Joseph F; Robinson, Stephanie L
Subject:
Haiti: Secretary's Travel
Dan and Paul,
We suggest the Secretary find a different time to travel to Haiti. April 19th should see nationwide elections that will strain
the resources of both the Haitian government and the Embassy. It may be difficult and certainly disruptive to line up
useful meetings for the Secretary with Haitian officials, and the Embassy would need to scale back its observer operations
to support her visit. Our top priority now is a successful vote.
Please let me know if you need a more detailed response.
Dave Robinson
WHA/FO
14
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761521 Date: 10/30/2015

This one is particularly interesting, because basically the whole message body is redacted.

Spoiler: message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760027 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B1,1.4(B),1.4(D)
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
George--

(large redacted area here)

H <hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Saturday, October 3, 2009 1:41 PM
'mitchellg@state.gov
'
'feltmanjd@state.gov
'
Phone call report
1.4(B)
1.4(D)
B1
Classified by DAS, A/GIS, DoS on 07/30/2015 — Class: CONFIDENTIAL — Reason: 1.4(B), 1.4(D) — Declassify on:
10/02/2030
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760027 Date: 10/30/2015

Similar with this one...

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760025 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B1,1.4(B),1.4(D)
From:
H <hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Sent:
Saturday, October 3, 2009 1:29 PM
To:
'feltmanjd@state.gov
'
Subject:
Egyptian proposal
Classified by DAS, A/GIS, DoS on 06/30/2015 — Class: CONFIDENTIAL — Reason: 1.4(B), 1.4(D) — Declassify on:
10/02/2030
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760025 Date: 10/30/2015

So, at least two emails have contained classified information so far, and I am only on page 6 out of 800 something.

Should I continue digging?

[Helgoland]

Getting into a long, bloody, slogging war to defend a reasonably corrupt southeastern Asian country from the communists is either a great idea or a terrible idea, depending if you're talking about Korea or Vietnam.

Historic analysis allows one to come up with all kinds of ridiculous conclusions, like America is only successful when its military leadership is made up of officers with well known personal defects.

Eh, Korea isn't exactly South-East Asia

But yeah, cherrypicking is pretty much unavoidable when looking at historical precedent: It all comes down to the judgement whether the current situation is reasonably close to a given historical one. Also, obligatory xkcd.

[Morrigi]

So, at least two emails have contained classified information so far, and I am only on page 6 out of 800 something.

Should I continue digging?

B-but she didn't do anything wrong, I heard that on MSNBC :^)

[Flying Dice]

I am starting this now, at 7:13AM CST---

First runner-up, is a communication requesting a change in clearance for a statement from H Clinton concerning detained american citizens in Iran. While it had several permissive clearances, it was not at the time of the email, fully declassified.

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN FULL
From:
H <hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Sent:
Saturday, August 15, 2009 10:03 AM
To:
'sullivanjj@state.gov
'
Subject:
Re: For Clearance: Iran Statement on Detained and Missing Americans
Ok
w me.
Original Message
From: Sullivan, Jacobi <Sullivanii@state.gov
>
To: H
Sent: Sat Aug 15 09:29:45 2009
Subject: Fw: For Clearance: Iran Statement on Detained and Missing Americans
FYI
Original Message
From: Vasquez, Edgar .1
To: Sullivan, Jacobi; Abedin, Huma
Cc: Crowley, Philip J; Ratney, Michael A; S_SpecialAssistants
Sent: Sat Aug 15 08:39:18 2009
Subject: For Clearance: Iran Statement on Detained and Missing Americans
Jake/Huma:
Request S clearance on the statement below. It has all other relevant clearances, including NSC and D(S).
Thanks,
Eddie
STATEMENT BY SECRETARY CLINTON
Missing and Detained Americans in Iran
The United States is deeply concerned about the welfare of our American citizens who have been detained or are
missing in Iran. We once again urge Iran's leadership to quickly resolve all outstanding American citizen cases.
This includes the case of the American scholar, Kian Tajbakhsh, who has spent his career working to enhance mutual
understanding between Iran and the United States. The Government of Iran should immediately release Mr. Tajbakhsh
from detention and allow him to depart Iran to continue his academic pursuits.
Regarding the three American hikers, Joshua Fattal, Shane Bauer and Sarah Shourd, who were detained by Iranian
authorities on July 31, we once again call on the Iranian government to live up to its obligations under the Vienna
Convention by granting consular access and releasing these three young Americans without further delay.
We also remain concerned about the case of Robert Levinson, who has been missing in Iran since March 9, 2007. We
call on the Government of Iran to assist in providing any information on his whereabouts and in ensuring his prompt
return to the United States.
Our goal is to ensure the safe return of all our missing or unjustly detained American citizens to the United States as
quickly as possible so that they can be reunited with their families.
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015
# # #
DRAFTED: NEA/PPD: E Vasquez 7-0426
NEA/IR: E Thibault
Approved:
D(S):
W Steinberg ok
NEA/FO: R Schlicher ok
CLEARED:
CA/OCS/ACS:MBernier-Toth ok
CA/OCS/ACS/NESCA:Vlopatkiewicz ok
NEA/IRDFoley ok
NEA/PPD:EVasquez ok
NSC:D McDonough ok
NSC:T Donilon ok
NSC:KMagsamen ok
D:G Rana ok
P:R Waller ok
H:D Greene info
S/P:J Burns ok
DRL:JMegill ok
UNCLASSIFIED U.S.
Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05759226 Date: 10/30/2015

Next up, concerning a situation with N. Korea, details of a phone conversation are discussed in an email with H Clinton, which may be considered sensitive.

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05758940 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART B6
From:
H <
hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Sent:
Saturday, July 11, 2009 5:08 PM
To:
'JilotyLC@state.gov
'
Subject:
Re: N. Korea
Thx.
Original Message
From: Jiloty, Lauren C <JilotyLC@state.gov
>
To: H
Sent: Sat Jul 11 16:23:43 2009
Subject: Re: N. Korea
Kurt is CampbelIKM@state.gov
I'm working on donilon
Original Message
From: H <HDR22@clintonemail.com
>
To: Jiloty, Lauren C
Sent: Sat Jul 11 15:13:27 2009
Subject: Re: N. Korea
What are emails for Kurt Campbell and Tom Donilon?
Original Message
From: Jiloty, Lauren C <JilotyLC@state.gov
>
To: H
Sent: Sat Jul 11 15:02:19 2009
Subject: Fw: N. Korea
From: Jimmy
To: Jiloty, Lauren C
Sent: Sat Jul 11 14:06:23 2009
Subject: N. Korea
Hillary: As I explained to you on the phone, I don't think it is appropriate to tell them that I will come only if they agree in
advance to release the women. Your response was, in effect, "They have already agreed." Is this correct? If not, I will go,
by commercial airline if necessary, representing The Carter Center, and try to induce them to approve the release. JC
UNCLASSIFIED
U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05758940 Date: 10/30/2015

Next up, An aide emails H Clinton concerning an upcoming surprise visitation by a foreign diplomat, with a date, and a (redacted) list of other officials that will be in attendance. (This is dangerous, as if it were intercepted by say-- terrorists, would provide grounds for a possible assassination attempt, et.)

Spoiler: message body (click to show/hide)

List of visits includes
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761258 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B5,B6
From:
cheryl.mills
Sent:
Thursday, April 16, 2009 5:43 PM
To:
Marty Edelman; H
Subject:
Re:
Thx dear
Original Message
From: Marty Edelman
To: Hrc New
To: Cheryl Mills
Sent: Apr 16, 2009 1:18 PM
Subject:
secstate,
Sheikh Muhammid apparently coming 1st week in may.
sectreas. Just heard. Marty
*********************************************************
IRS Circular 230 Disclosure: As required by U.S.
Treasury Regulations governing tax practice, you are hereby advised that any written tax advice contained herein was
not written or intended to be used (and cannot be used) by any taxpayer for the purpose of avoiding penalties that may
be imposed under the U.S. Internal Revenue Code.
*********************************************************
This message is sent by a law firm and may contain information that is privileged or confidential. If you received this
transmission in error, please notify the sender by reply e-mail and delete the message and any attachments.
For additional information, please visit our website at www.paulhastings.com
.
Sent via BlackBerry by AT&T
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761258 Date: 10/30/2015

In that same vein, aids seeking advisement on a secretary's desire to go shopping while on diplomatic duties in Haiti.

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761521 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B5
From:
Mills, Cheryl D <MillsCD@state.gov
>
Sent:
Tuesday, March 31, 2009 5:37 AM
To:
Subject:
Fw: Haiti: Secretary's Travel
Fyi
From:
Smith, Daniel B
To:
Mills, Cheryl D
Cc:
Sullivan, Jacob J; Toiv, Nora F
Sent:
Mon Mar 30 12:11:09 2009
Subject:
FW: Haiti: Secretary's Travel
Cheryl,
We followed up with WHA after you mentioned the Secretary's interest in stopping in Haiti on the way
home from the Summit of the Americas. As you see below, WHA is concerned about the timing, given likely
nationwide elections on April 19, and would prefer that the Secretary travel there at a later date. Do you
want us to task something formal with regard to a later visit? Dan
From:
Robinson, David M
Sent:
Monday, March 30, 2009 12:01 PM
To:
Smith, Daniel B; Wohlers, Paul; Kelly, Craig A
Cc:
De Pirro, Velia M; Tilghman, Joseph F; Robinson, Stephanie L
Subject:
Haiti: Secretary's Travel
Dan and Paul,
We suggest the Secretary find a different time to travel to Haiti. April 19th should see nationwide elections that will strain
the resources of both the Haitian government and the Embassy. It may be difficult and certainly disruptive to line up
useful meetings for the Secretary with Haitian officials, and the Embassy would need to scale back its observer operations
to support her visit. Our top priority now is a successful vote.
Please let me know if you need a more detailed response.
Dave Robinson
WHA/FO
14
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05761521 Date: 10/30/2015

This one is particularly interesting, because basically the whole message body is redacted.

Spoiler: message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760027 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B1,1.4(B),1.4(D)
From:
Sent:
To:
Cc:
Subject:
George--

(large redacted area here)

H <hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Saturday, October 3, 2009 1:41 PM
'mitchellg@state.gov
'
'feltmanjd@state.gov
'
Phone call report
1.4(B)
1.4(D)
B1
Classified by DAS, A/GIS, DoS on 07/30/2015 — Class: CONFIDENTIAL — Reason: 1.4(B), 1.4(D) — Declassify on:
10/02/2030
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760027 Date: 10/30/2015

Similar with this one...

Spoiler: Message body (click to show/hide)

UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760025 Date: 10/30/2015
RELEASE IN PART
B1,1.4(B),1.4(D)
From:
H <hrod17@clintonemail.com
>
Sent:
Saturday, October 3, 2009 1:29 PM
To:
'feltmanjd@state.gov
'
Subject:
Egyptian proposal
Classified by DAS, A/GIS, DoS on 06/30/2015 — Class: CONFIDENTIAL — Reason: 1.4(B), 1.4(D) — Declassify on:
10/02/2030
UNCLASSIFIED U.S. Department of State Case No. F-2014-20439 Doc No. C05760025 Date: 10/30/2015

So, at least two emails have contained classified information so far, and I am only on page 6 out of 800 something.

Should I continue digging?

So, let's summarize:
1. A technicality, regarding a paragraph without sensitive information.
2. "May be considered sensitive" my arse. Same as before, literally "We are asking them to release the prisoners," which even a braindead chimp could guess was happening.
3. TIL "first week in May" is a date. This is the closest you've come, but it's minor at best.
4. "We should not take the trip on April 19th." Oh, good, so the terrorists can narrow it down to a mere eight and a half months in the year! 
5., 6. "Literally nothing is unclassified here, it must be something good!"

By all means, if you wish to continue making mountains, call back your moles and get to work. This scandal won't manufacture itself, after all.

Interesting OpEd article.

I think there should be more than one presidential advisor position that is a historian, but then again, presidents will probably just fill the position(s) with those that have views in line with their own.

I'm definitely a big fan of learning and understanding history, but the old cliché about learning or repeating history isn't an especially great one. When it comes to to looking at history's lens to figure out future decisions, it's commonly a matter of finding an answer, then building evidence when you're done (like it's literary criticism or something).
Getting into a long, bloody, slogging war to defend a reasonably corrupt southeastern Asian country from the communists is either a great idea or a terrible idea, depending if you're talking about Korea or Vietnam.

Historic analysis allows one to come up with all kinds of ridiculous conclusions, like America is only successful when its military leadership is made up of officers with well known personal defects.

Maybe if the person doing the analysis is a complete incompetent who doesn't understand causation. To be fair, there a lot of idiots exactly like that in the world. *shrugs*