Like the cases below, I think we have some strong evidence that an open society (which I would never argue we should change -- ever) is highly vulnerable to infiltration, manipulation, and political division from within:
On thread about Laden/Iraq connection - Laurie Mylroie discusses links
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1027288/posts?page=11#11 Thread asserting KGB initiated certain JFK conspiracy theories:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1027194/posts I think these situations suggest a strong need for forums like Free Republic where people who are more immune to manipulation against their country can look for impropriety and call foul when necessary. Sometimes I regret that our forum is visible to non-US networks, but then again, our weakness can become a strength when evaluated as a whole: free flow of information will ultimately save our necks because it means fewer people stay fooled for a shorter amount of time (I believe).