- None of these journalists have acknowledged an iota of error in the wake of this report because they know that lying is not just permitted but encouraged as long as it pleases and vindicates the political beliefs of their audiences. Until that stops, credibility and faith in journalism will never be restored, and – despite how toxic it is to have a media that has no claim on credibility – that despised status will be fully deserved.
The fundamental argument of Republicans, during the Bush wiretapping scandal, was "bbbut they went through FISA courts!" despite the fact that"During the 25 years from 1979 to 2004, 18,742 warrants were granted, while only four were rejected. Fewer than 200 requests had to be modified before being accepted, almost all of them in 2003 and 2004. The four rejected requests were all from 2003, and all four were partially granted after being submitted for reconsideration by the government." The fundamental argument of Republicans, during the attempt to make it look like the FBI shouldn't investigate the FBI, is "but in retrospect there was shaky evidence to obtain a FISA warrant!" when there is ALWAYS shaky evidence to obtain a FISA warrant. The narrative being rammed down everyone's throats here is that the FBI is some heinous deep state conspiracy hell-bent on.... something rather than recognizing that the FBI has a charter to investigate interstate crime. Fuckin' beanie babies. Beanie babies brought us here.