[kbenson]

Given that people like this (that is, willing to bend facts, lie, etc) exist, I think it's dangerous to assume they exist only in groups other than those that you ascribe yourself a member of. I believe people do horrible things for what they believe the greater good all the time, and that's just the people acting (or believe they are acting) altruistically, not the ones acting in that manner for selfish reasons.

In fact, it's hard for me to get too mad at those that think they are working for the cause of good, because even if I believe they are misguided (and would not use such tactics myself), as at least they are doing what they think is the best thing to help. Intent matters (but is, of course, not the only thing, nor even the most important thing).