The WH response via Dana P regarding the NYT allegations that torture methods were broadly re-authorized by AG Gonzolas in 2005 are a study in circular reasoning. Summary:
We don't torture.
How do we know? Because torture is against the law, and we follow the law.
Therefore, we do not torture.
In the spirit of circular logic, I offer the following rebuttal: if it is printed in the NYT, then it must be true.
From the website of the NYT parent company, the following Core Values can be found:
Our Core Values
Content of the highest quality and integrity--This is the basis for our reputation and the means by which we fulfill the public trust and our customers' expectations
Fair treatment of employees based on respect, accountability and standards of excellence.
Creating long-term shareholder value through investment and constancy of purpose.
Good corporate citizenship.
The company also declares their "dedication to the highest standards of quality journalism" as a key feature of their committment to Social Responsibility. In fact, you can read their entire policy on journalistic integrity right here.
In short, if the NYT prints something, we readers can rest assured that the paper's content is of the highest quality and every effort has been made to report accurate, factual information. How do we know? Because the NYT says that the content is accurate and factual.
That should clear things up.