America's self perception is often contrary to facts. The ends always appear to justify the means as you see it's all for Freedom, which needs to be protected at any price. Especially when that price is the freedoms and indeed lives of others.

Most Americans will want to believe this story - as it allows them to be the Good Guys again in their own eyes. Illegal actions become evidence of doing what has to be done to make the world a safer place (something again not to be looked at too closely). The nasty bits will fade as no one wants to focus on them and the great myth continues.