[RogueIsland]

But what the story actually proves is that a bunch of liars who have in the past contradicted their own current statements can, if their lies are outrageous enough and if they have enough money, control the media agenda and get even the most respected media outlets in the country to focus on picayune 'truths' while missing the larger story."

Those picayune truths are really a pain when you're trying to tell a "larger story".

[PretzeLogic]

But what the story actually proves is that a bunch of liars who have in the past contradicted their own current statements can, if their lies are outrageous enough and if they have enough money, control the media agenda and get even the most respected media outlets in the country to focus on picayune 'truths' while missing the larger story."

I agree. This is an example of their tragic flaw.

Kerry's description of himself has been called into question and we want to know the truth. We do not need to know the "picayune 'truths'" about what the medals are made of or how they are made. We do want to know whether Kerry deserved them.