Well, arguably everything he said in yesterday's news conference was at best questionable (and at worst deceitful). But I'm still glad he said it. The fact that

Well, arguably everything he said in yesterday's news conference was at best questionable (and at worst deceitful). But I'm still glad he said it. The fact that he had to address these issues publicly, and in a manner that's effectively "oh yeah, I would have revised those programs anyway" (rather than some senators' "the programs are essential! don't listen to the traitors") is greatly encouraging; the system may not yet be beyond redemption. Are his measures palliatives rather than cures? Very likely. And he's still hiding behind concocted phrases designed to "reassure the people". But the moment can nonetheless be savored as a promising victory for the digital civil rights movement.