Street Talk [10-16] 

Question: What’s your understanding of the facts behind the “outing” by someone in the Bush administration of ambassador Joseph Wilson’s CIA agent wife after he criticized our Iraq War policy? Should there be a special prosecutor?

Leonard Wien, Jr., Miami Beach, investor, 57

“It sounds as though someone in the White House either wasn’t aware of the gravity of what they did or, more likely, it was done knowingly. I don’t think a special prosecutor is needed. Not at this point. The investigation is in an early phase. We should see what it turns up before making a decision on that.”

Bruce Henderson, South Miami, City of Miami Beach environmental specialist, 42

“I really don’t know enough about it to have an informed opinion; I’ve just seen blurbs in the media. My general impression is that the Bush administration is continuing to shoot off its mouth without thinking of the consequences. Generally speaking, I would say no to a special prosecutor, just because our prior experience with the special prosecutor process shows it creates its own problems and leads to nothing.”

Tony Chimento, Miami Beach, artist, 52

“I’ve followed the story. I think it’s crummy because it was certainly politically motivated for revenge. While the Democrats have done things in the past, it’s crummy whoever does it. This was a bad thing because it compromised someone’s safety just because her husband criticized the war. Yes, there should be a special prosecutor, especially after what happened to Clinton over much less serious matters.”

Ted Haaland, Miami Shores, various, 45

“Basically, somebody leaked secret information to Robert Novak and somebody else. That was bad and it was equally bad of the paper to print it. The only reason I can see is that it was to get back at the ambassador. I don’t know if we need a special prosecutor.”

Brian Tannebaum, Miami, criminal defense lawyer, 34

“My understanding is that Joe Wilson made some comments about the Bush administration that were not very positive and that Bush insiders made mention of some facts to outsiders so that others would know they’d be in danger if they didn’t retract their comments and stop criticizing Bush. If the truth doesn’t come out in about ten days, they should appoint a special prosecutor.”

(photos & interviews by Tony Guzman)