Parapolitics/USA (1981-1983). 347 pages total. (Set of eight issues available for $34.75 from Tom Davis Books, Box 1107, Aptos CA 95001.)

This typescript-and-photocopy journal was published by Jonathan Marshall, who was then an editor at the libertarian magazine Inquiry and is now economics editor at the San Francisco Chronicle. "Parapolitics" hasn't made it into Webster's yet, but it basically means the same as "covert politics." It includes the intelligence community, drug and gun running, mercenaries, exile political activities, terrorism, organized crime, covert high-finance, international money laundering, assassinations -- everything you can't get on the evening news. Marshall has an eye for culling obscure but important items from the world press.

In his last issue Marshall had thirteen words about one Glenn Robinette, "a former CIA agent turned security consultant." This was picked up by NameBase in 1985, and the disks were bought by a CBS news producer in 1986. In 1987 this producer noticed the decal on Oliver North's nice new security gate and called the manufacturer. He was told that a "Mr. Robinette" paid cash for it. When Robinette opened his door the next morning, a CBS camera was waiting for a scoop. He told all, and in 1989 North was convicted for accepting an illegal gratuity. Moral: if you have something to hide these days, use a name like John Smith or Bill Taylor. Then those pesky computers may lose you among your many namesakes.

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