[buran77]

I think that's an accurate explanation that many people will take as an excuse or justification.

The short of it is "the US (like all powers which can afford to, but more) will do whatever it needs to do for its benefit while crucifying the same actions from anyone else".

[SSJPython]

Yes, I didn't think I needed to add a disclaimer on Hacker News that explanation != justification, but alas.