Marin | Why Must we Protect Classified Intelligence Information?

This program was not recorded.

Supporters of ex-President Donald Trump reportedly found nothing improper in his insecure storage of highly classified material at Mar-a-Lago. Frank Rettenberg, Chair, Marin Chapter Steering Committee, in his military and civilian careers, spent every day reading, drafting and filing classified documents. He believes most Americans realize that the identity of sensitive assets must be protected, but may not understand that the exposure of a purloined document could endanger its source, however well his identity is disguised. Moreover, much intelligence collection takes place through operations coordinated with friendly intelligence services and based on their territories or in their territorial waters. We have an obligation to protect these activities and save our collaborators from diplomatic embarrassment. But should a friendly service commit an indiscretion, it is we who benefit from the protection classification affords. Unfortunately, when five million Americans have security clearances, preventing leaks and weeding out traitors become daunting tasks.

Most of Mr. Rettenberg’s comments will be based on his experience during extended tours in Istanbul and Copenhagen.

This event will take place on the Dominican University campus.

Schedule:
Coffee and Cookies: 7:00—7:30 PM PT
Lecture: 7:30—8:30 PM PT

Speaker:
Frank Rettenberg, Chair, Marin Chapter Steering Committee