“...too many that are supposed to on our side refuse to face reality. ...”
Yeah, you’re not wrong on that, for sure.
But I think it’s less refusal and more just plain “Aww, no American would do THAT...”
Years of indoctrination and brainwashing works, in some cases.
But you hit the nail on the head when you said “it is best to take them at their word.” I’ve said it many times before out here; Words MEAN things. When someone tells you they’re going to do something to you, they MEAN it.
Keep yer powder dry.
You do likewise, Brother!