Franklin Fesses Up... Kinda

Larry Franklin pleads guilty and says he exposed himself to 20 years in jail just because he was "frustrated". Oh yeah?

As well as leaking classified information to the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, Franklin also admitted giving classified information to Naor Gilon, a political officer at the Israeli embassy, but said he knew that the Israelis already had this information. And how did he know this?

"I knew in my heart that his government had this information," Franklin said.

More faith-based crapola? Or more shallow deception? You be the judge.

As the Post article wryly notes:

Franklin, of Kearneysville, W.Va., at one time worked for the Pentagon's No. 3 official, policy undersecretary Douglas Feith, on issues involving Iran and the Middle East.

During Wednesday's hearing, Franklin said he would occasionally be questioned directly by Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and former top Pentagon official Paul Wolfowitz on policy issues.

At least Franklin admitted that the ultimate aim was to influence White House policy:

He said he hoped the two would provide the information to contacts of theirs on the National Security Council and possibly get the policy changed.

The council comprises top government officials who advise and assist the president on national security and foreign policies.