I don't have a bone in this debate, but I think it would be better to phrase your comment differently. As a quick one-liner, it seems to intentionally talk past

I don't have a bone in this debate, but I think it would be better to phrase your comment differently. As a quick one-liner, it seems to intentionally talk past the intent of the person you're replying to. Clearly (to me anyway) the implication of the other comment is that the CIA does not simply protect democracy and freedom. Nothing wrong with arguing that it does, but surely you can muster a more thoughtful defense. I think of HN as a place for attempts at high-value content and comments. This comment actually lowers the quality of the discussion, regardless who's "right" in this specific debate. Just my two cents!