The even greater problem is wider ambivalence, or even hostility, to revelations of wrong-doing of power. Edward Snowden revealed illegal NSA wire-tapping of American citizens, among other egregious violations of the law, and yet he still remains in exile. His standing among both liberals and conservatives remains poor. I do not understand why this is so, but it's not hard to understand how such treatment has a chilling effect on any reporting on abuses of power. It is hard to believe, but it appears as if the general public no longer has an interest in keeping power in check (or asserting their rights, which is the same thing).

It feels as if something critical has changed in the zeitgeist. It felt like it was a point of pride, honor, integrity and courage to share with the wider public information about the abuse of power. It felt like, even if the organization might come after you, ultimately the backstop of reasonable public opinion (and the justice system) would have your back. I no longer believe that is the case, and it is a great loss. We despise our own heroes, now.