The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is not typically a recipient of public adoration, yet there appears to be an individual or a group within the organization deserving of our gratitude.
The reason for this unexpected sentiment stems from the recent correction made by the FBI to its 2022 crime statistics.
According to the Daily Caller, the FBI's initial release of the 2022 crime data indicated a 2.1% decrease in violent crime compared to the previous year. This figure, however, was met with skepticism, despite the FBI's reputation for authoritative data. Former President Donald Trump has consistently argued that crime rates are on the rise, a claim that mainstream media outlets have often refuted using the FBI's statistics.
In a surprising turn of events, the FBI discreetly issued a correction to their initial report. Contrary to the previously reported 2.1% decrease, violent crime had actually increased by 4.5%. This revelation not only confirmed Trump's assertions but also suggested a significant discrepancy in the FBI's reporting. The combined correction of nearly 7%, shifting from a 2.1% decrease to a 4.5% increase, is too substantial to be dismissed as a mere error. As the famous quote from Hamlet goes, "Something is rotten in the state of Denmark."
The majority of the attention following this revelation has understandably focused on the increase in crime, the vindication of Trump's claims, and the questionable integrity of the FBI. The FBI, a crucial component of national security, has had its leadership and several layers of its organizational structure repeatedly exposed as flawed. Despite witnessing the escalating crime rates across the country, they permitted the release of a clearly erroneous report, presumably to favor the Democratic nominee.
Should Trump secure a victory, it may be time for a thorough cleansing of the organization. However, there is another facet to this story that warrants attention. The corrected figures, revealing an increase in crime, were released just weeks before the election, delivering a significant blow to the Harris campaign. The FBI could have postponed this correction until after the election, or even until the following year.
The question then arises: how did this revised truth bypass the FBI's leadership? It is plausible that a long-serving FBI bureaucrat discovered the truth and, despite the potential career-ending consequences, insisted on the revision and release of the report. If the truth did not emerge through official channels, they threatened to expose the correct data and the cover-up to the press.
This courageous individual likely faced numerous meetings with higher-ups attempting to persuade, dissuade, and intimidate them into compliance. They would have been subjected to statements such as "This isn't how we do things at the FBI," "This will destroy your career," and veiled threats about the well-being of their children.
While many federal bureaucrats may be deemed lazy or malicious, there are also numerous professionals striving to perform their duties under challenging circumstances. They can be found across all departments, agencies, and bureaus, even within the much-maligned Internal Revenue Service. It appears that one such professional resides within the FBI, a steadfast individual who refused to be silenced or intimidated, compelling the FBI to release the corrected crime statistics prior to the election. The identity of this individual may forever remain unknown.
However, as we raise our glasses or offer our prayers tonight, let us express our gratitude for such individuals. Their dedication to truth and integrity serves as a reminder of the importance of these values in our society.
J.D. Foster, the author of the original commentary, is the former chief economist at the Office of Management and Budget and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. He currently resides in Idaho. The views expressed in this article are his own and do not represent the official stance of the Daily Caller News Foundation.
Login