What on earth was Watson trying to say? Government statements like this remind us that official spokespeople defy reality with every breath; treat the public like morons; make a laughingstock of themselves; and encourage the citizenry to seek the truth elsewhere. As usual, the New York Times gave a more accurate portrayal of what the government is up to than did the government.

Credibility is a big issue. The last few years have not helped the citizens trust in our institutions, from both sides of the aisle.