[throwaway20875]

We're well beyond your cognitive capabilities in this discussion if you're suggesting that a comparison between powerful ex-directors of the US intelligence apparatus landing post-gig jobs as political commentators at media organizations and "Marines" at McDonalds is apt (or even relevant).

[ABeeSea]

If the topic is geopolitics with national security implications, I’d think the opinions and insights of former national security and intelligence officials would be valuable. There doesn’t need to be a conspiracy when Occam’s razor works fine here. They are getting paid to provide commentary people want to hear because of their unique background and perspective.

[KarlKemp]

Now you’re textbook begging-the-question: you were trying to proof that “the media” is somehow corrupt. Your argument was their hiring of some former national security politicos. Now you’re arguing that practice is so obviously evil because of its association with the known-to-be-evil media?

I’ve heard better definitions of porn from the Supreme Court.

[tata71]

Have to agree.

Desperation to avoid "running in conspiracy (theory!) circles" has some forgoing critical thinking.