FBI Reportedly Destroyed Cronkite Records

(CBS)  The "Most Trusted Man in America" may not have had too many fans in the FBI.

According to a report in USA Today, the FBI destroyed its files on Walter Cronkite, the legendary CBS News anchor who died in July at the age of 92 - even thought the bureau is supposed to preserve historically important records.

Complete coverage of Walter Cronkite from CBSNews.com

The paper requested Cronkite's files under the Freedom of Information Act after his death, but was notified that some of the records pertaining to the newsman were destroyed on October 2007.

It's not the first time the FBI has eradicated records on famous figures, according to the report - files on civil rights pioneer Rosa Parks were also destroyed, the Detroit News reported in 2006.

The practice of destroying records has come under fire from journalists and historians eager to examine potential subjects through the lens of the FBI.

[anonymousposter100]

FBI Sued In Madonna Case

The FBI has been sued under the Freedom of Information Act and the Civil Rights Act in a case involving criminal misconduct by pop singer Madonna.

A copy of the lawsuit is available in text format at: http://www.judiciaryreport.com/fbi.htm

[HGOODGUY]

Does anyone remember John Kerry (now Sen Kerry) going before congress as a decorated hero and spearheading Viet Nam Veterns Against The War?
Talk about balls and guts--he risked averything after realizing the reality of that war!
Maybe we need a new voice before congress to represent Iraq and Afghanistan Veterns Against The War!!!
Unfortunately not enough soldiers have died yet!!!

[Resculptit]

As a Viet Nam Era Veteran, I applaud Mr. Cronkite, Howard K. Smith, and all those - INCLUDING Jane Fonda - as patriots that stood up against that terrible war. To catagorically put those patriots into a box of communism just shows me how "temple1962" missed out on this GI Bill for education. This is not a single minded country with limited views of politics and government. I would suggest he (temple1962) and those who harp on making this country their country and theirs alone - try actually studying and educating themselves. It is Illegal for the FBI to have destroyed files that historians can utilize for documenting this country's growth. And, as with many weird and illegal activities the government undertook during the last administration, I believe there should be a special inquiry that leads to prosecution of those destroying records, hiding illegal activities, and snubbing democracy.
Richard Lewis
Little Rock, Arkansas
Semper Paratus

[HisPrinceMichael]

A mere confirmation of the immoral, unethical, and illegal
element of Fascism, which now permeates ALL forms of "Government".

Sixteen "spy" agencies (FBI, CIA, NSA, ect.) wielding unrestricted
"power", under the guise of National Security.

Then again, the father of U.S. spy agencies, wore a dress and
shacked-up with a guy named Clyde. Illegitimate sons, ALL.

http://www.all4webs.com/x/w/all4yahweh

[rwsmith29456]

What this boils down to is selecting the history that you want a record of, and destroying history that might be damaging to you. It probably doesn't matter anyway. The files were probably attempts to catch Kronkite in a compromising situation so they could control him.

[inventagod]

Of course they destroyed those records, and with gleeful abandon. Our 'Department of Justice' has been completely out of control for years. I remember Alberto Gonzales, even tho others have forgotten his sorry @ss...

[stn_sage]

The FBI Director, Department Head of the respective section, and the case officer for whatever files are found to have been destroyed, should AUTOMATICALLY be investigated, charged, tried, and imprisoned!

The procedure should be thorough and SWIFT!

This is PURPOSEFUL destruction of government records AND it is TOTALLY ILLEGAL! And, they should be held accountable for it!

A common citizen wouldn't be allowed to 'routinely' destroy such records!
Neither, should those be allowed to do it, who have sworn an OATH to PROTECT them! Which, is hardly fulfilling that oath, right?!

[azfalcon]

'A common citizen wouldn't be allowed to 'routinely' destroy such records!'

Actually - Yes, they would. It is called a "file retention policy". You can destroy your own financial records seven years after the IRS receives your tax return. Others you can destroy in two years - some you can destroy immediately. Every business has (or should have) a file retention policy.

[stn_sage]

azfalcon, you miss the point entirely! Please read my post MORE carefully!
I said, "this is purposeful destruction of government records" in the next sentence I say, 'a common citizen wouldn't be allowed to 'routinely' destroy such records!

I AM NOT referring to personal, privately-held records, OK?!
I AM referring to "government records"---most of this type, background checks on private persons would be classified and restricted from public view!
Do you understand, now?

[michellereducf]

In whose memory? And what happened to yours? Maybe you should put the sauce away.