Spolar the Spoiler?

Blackfive alerts us to this Cicago Tribune story, which may have crossed a line. Most disturbing to me is the response he got from author Christine Spolar. Boiled down beyond the bragging (or veiled threat) of "friends at the Pentagon" (me too) her line is "sorry, the public has a right to know." (And by the way, Ms Spolar, my friends at the Pentagon would like to know who your friends are.)

Audio of a radio call-in from Ms Spolar here. Once on line with the DJ she doesn't even pause to request Toby Keith's Taliban song dedicated to all her GI buds out there. She says, regarding the story's possible level of classification: "It's not something I think the Pentagon is handing out"

She then spews details with a degree of certainty that most mission planners I know would not share.

"Good scoop" the DJ tells her at the end of the call.

In warfare there's information and dis-information, right information and wrong information. So this may be disinformation. Or wrong information. Or not. If only one media outlet had this story that would be a scoop. But at least two have this story. (though one could have learned from the other.). Draw your own conclusions.

But as far as right to know, I have faith that Hook will let us know whatever we have a right to know. And if that is Chili contest results, then so be it.

Smash has more, including lots of links to other good folks. (And he offers his login for the tribune story.)

Update: On reflection I note a certain tone in Ms Spolar's radio call-in and in her e-mail to Blackfive that smacks of Braggadocio and leads me to doubt at least some aspects of her story. But on the other hand, the tendency to excessive bragging is a character trait of one who would compromise classified without a moment's pause just for a brief bit of spotlight.

Update two: And would also lead me to choose Ms Spolar if I wanted to plant a story in a major newspaper. Know what I mean? "Shhh... don't tell anyone else, Christie, but..."