“Truth is the daughter of Time, not Authority.
If life is worth living, Truth must be one of its raisons d’être. Collect the facts carefully and analyse them logically. Let your work be known. Engage with others, whether or not they agree with your findings.
And, most importantly, expect nothing in return. Truth is its own reward.”
Intel Today Diary
May 22, 2025 — The world may feel like it’s spiraling into madness, but every now and then, a glimmer of hope reminds us why truth still matters. In times like these, the pursuit of knowledge and honest journalism offers a lifeline. From Lockerbie to Havana Syndrome, one thing remains clear: those who know the truth often have the greatest interest in keeping it hidden. Journalists may be silenced — but truth never dies. One way or another, it always finds its way out. Follow us on Twitter: @Intel_Today
“Do not worry about being recognized by others; worry about whether you are worthy of recognition.”
Confucius, Analects 4.14
Confucius believed that if you do good work and cultivate virtue, recognition will naturally follow. It may take time—perhaps even beyond your lifetime — but it will come.
Besides, one should never chase external validation. That path almost always leads to a life of quiet, comfortable mediocrity.
CBS News’ legendary program 60 Minutes is arguably the finest example of investigative journalism the world has ever seen. For over 50 years, they’ve uncovered extraordinary stories and helped solve countless mysteries and crimes.
So imagine my surprise when I received an email from their executive producer — asking for my help and expertise!
Over the past 10 years, I’ve declined every interview request and turned down all invitations to appear in documentaries.
But in this very special case, I chose to respond — and did my best to provide thoughtful, accurate answers.
There’s some irony in the situation: this is almost certainly the first time in the history of the 60 Minutes team that they’ve sought advice from a Belgian citizen — let alone one who still lives in Brussels!
Now, I guess you have seen it all!
“The very thoughts of a person like me are crimes against the state. All I have to do is think, and immediately I become guilty.”
Father Louis Merton
A Signed Confession of Crimes against the State
Did you know?
Donald Trump once tweeted that he hoped the Federal Communications Commission would punish CBS for airing 60 Minutes stories he didn’t approve of.
This remarkable episode only reinforced 60 Minutes’ reputation for producing journalism strong enough to provoke the ire of a U.S. president.
As one of my heroes — investigative journalist Gary Webb — once wrote:
“Authentic journalism is telling people something the government doesn’t want them to know.”
Webb’s explosive reporting on CIA connections to the crack cocaine epidemic made him the target of relentless pressure and institutional backlash.
In 2004, he died by suicide. The coroner’s report noted two gunshot wounds to the head—a detail that, while officially ruled a suicide, has continued to stir controversy and raise questions about the true circumstances of his death.
“The truth is always more powerful than lies. It’s just harder to get people to believe it. When you write the truth, you better have a thick skin. But truth is what journalism is supposed to be about. Journalism is the art of conveying the truth, even if it hurts. The job is to hold power accountable.”
Gary Webb
Investigative Journalist
Intel Today 