Over the last couple of days, news were released by unnamed sources on how the CIA (and other security agencies) all allegedly agree on how Russia hacked e-mails and only released selected e-mails in order to help President-elect Trump. Most readers know that I lean to the liberal side significantly more than I do toward the conservative side (though in self-defense, I consider myself a moderate). However, as I read the various news accounts, I ended up with the uncomfortable realization that there were some contradictory feelings running around inside of me.
First, I have spent years being upset with the CIA, and other security agencies, about their ridiculously bad assessments of Iraq and the presence of Weapons of Mass Destruction. I also have opposed them on their attitudes on Guantanamo Bay, on Syria, on various other subjects. Given the stunning failures they have had on the Middle East, it is hard for me to have any trust about their assessments. Yet, I am now expected to believe them when they say that they have definitively tracked down the hacking of Democratic e-mails to Russia.
Second, not all federal agencies agree. Since I work for the Federal government, I am quite aware of the ridiculous competition that goes on between Federal agencies. Not only that, but the one-upmanship that goes on is truly disgusting. But, the FBI does not appear to agree with the CIA. So Harry Reid is accusing them of withholding information. So, I am now expected to believe that one Federal agency is telling the truth while another one is not telling the truth. Does anyone see a contradiction in this?
Third, I am now expected to believe that Hillary would have won if not for the Russians? I only voted for Hillary because I did not want to vote for Trump. I have little trouble believing that she was an unlovable candidate who ignored the working class. So, now, she would have won except for a few stories that may, or may not, have been accurate?
Fourth, I am expected to believe that the CIA report, but not the FBI report, is unbiased and utterly reliable. More than that, I am expected to believe that Hillary would have won except for some deluded Americans.
Please pardon me for having some doubts about the reports.
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