They Are Authentic...Because We Said So!

CBS has offered an official statement regarding the documents. Look here

In a statement, CBS News said it stands by its story.

"This report was not based solely on recovered documents, but rather on a preponderance of evidence, including documents that were provided by unimpeachable sources, interviews with former Texas National Guard officials and individuals who worked closely back in the early 1970s with Colonel Jerry Killian and were well acquainted with his procedures, his character and his thinking," the statement read.

"In addition, the documents are backed up not only by independent handwriting and forensic document experts but by sources familiar with their content," the statement continued. "Contrary to some rumors, no internal investigation is underway at CBS News nor is one planned."

So we don't know who verified the document, who the sources are, who the TANG officials are, or people who worked with Lt. Col Killian are. But even though many NAMED document experts have questioned the authenticity of the documents...CBS ignores that and still says that their news division is standing behind the story.

Should we be skeptical? You bet! How would CBS react if a company or Bush, etc. said their investigations show everything to be A-OK...ie trust us...we investigated ourselves and determined that we did a good job. CBS would be rightly skeptical and would demanding a deeper look.

Now the shoe is on the other foot and it is apparent that Dan Rather and CBS do not like being questioned...their attitude is that we should just trust them.

It was amusing watching TV earlier today when reporters where asking Dan Rather questions about his reporting. He looked very defensive and uncomfortable...after all...he prefers to be the one asking questions...not the one defending something.

We will see how this will play out. The pressure is sure to rise on CBS. How long can they go on not answering questions? Will they be smoked out and be forced to disclose where they got the documents and who authenticated them? Even if we don't find out where they come from, at the very least they should tell the public who verified the documents so the appropriate questions to these individuals can be asked.

After that the public can decide which set of experts tells a more compelling story.

We are waiting...