Speaking of zeal: I was struck by the very last page when the report. “it would compound the mistakes made if the lasting impact of this Report resulted in any lessening of CBS News’ investigative zeal.” But wasn’t it “fervent faith” in what they wanted to believe was true that was a key part of the problem, as the report tells us earlier in the conclusion section? Digging deeper into the “faith” and roots of the zeal in the newsroom might have produced a more complete report.

And–I haven’t read the whole report and probably won’t–but what’s with the independents trying to excuse Rather with that comment at the end, seemingly passing the buck to Mapes?

Rather should not be let off the hook.