Planned Parenthood Videos — ‘Dirty Hands’ Work Exposed

When the Senate Intelligence Committee released its torture report last December, among the negative reactions to it was a note of exasperated indignation from the intelligence community. This was more than frustration over the release of sensitive information; it was a particular and particularly raw feeling of betrayal.

In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, most Americans, whether or not we admitted it to others or to ourselves, were willing to sanction just about any action that might thwart another terrorist attack. Whether through official channels or through the cultural apotheosis of characters like 24’s Jack Bauer, that message was heard by the people we charge with foiling terrorists.

National-security blogger John Schindler called the post-9/11 period “a blur . . . when all of Uncle Sam’s spooks thought our personal contributions, each day, might make the difference between a ‘nuclear 9/11’ happening or not.”

The voice of the people was clear: No holds barred.