(2005-09-09) — After a judge ordered former Clinton administration national security adviser Samuel ‘Sandy’ Berger to pay a $50,000 fine for stealing documents from the National Archives and lying about the theft, Mr. Berger told the court he could pay the fine from the proceeds of a new book he’s writing about the Federal Reserve.

“Your Honor, to complete my blockbuster book I need to do some academic research at the Bureau of Engraving and Printing,” Mr. Berger said. “If I could just have a few hours of unmonitored study there, where they print U.S. currency, I’d be in a better position to pay my debt to society.”

Meanwhile, a spokesman for former President Bill Clinton praised the court’s decision because “it closes the book on this case, finally and forever.”

“No further information is needed about why Mr. Berger stole the memos, or who might benefit from the destruction of several copies of the documents,” the unnamed Clinton spokesman said. “Show’s over folks. Nothing to see here. Move along now.”

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