The CIA's Publications Review Board is sending out terse reminders to agency veterans reminding them of the rules requiring that any writings--even blogs--must first get agency approval, US News and World Report reports Wednesday. Excerpts:
Among those getting the warning is outspoken blogger and ex-agency man Larry Johnson, who smells censorship.
"It's very selective," says Johnson, who has been critical of the CIA's failure to defend outed ex-spook Valerie Plame. His note from CIA brass referenced his blogging.
A CIA spokesman described the reminder as standard operating procedure.
"Should anyone be surprised if CIA reminds people of the obligations they voluntarily assumed?" asks the agency in a statement. Exempted from the review list: radio and TV appearances--unless written notes are used.
