"Congress could have had access to the Pentagon information but insisted on public hearings... Isn't Specter in charge of these hearings?"
Excellent way of looking at it. I never trust Specter, not even as far as I can throw him. And he's clever, he could do something like what you're describing.
On the other hand, classified briefings can be a trap. They tell you something, and then say you're not allowed to repeat it.
It is possible that Specter is on the right side on this one.
"It's a challenge not to be cynical."
We're all cynical, of necessity. What I suspect you mean is, it's a challenge not to give up hope. I agree,and it's something we have to help each other with. Hopelessness is weakness in defeat. We have to keep fighting.
Thank you for such a kind post!