If you've been paying attention to the Left, you might notice that sources, whether generals, anonymous "officials," or even half-looney evangelists, are instantly anointed as paragons of credibility and virtue the second they say something that snaps down the centerline of the leftist agenda. Meanwhile, anyone who contradicts the agenda, including generals, veterans, officials, or anyone else, is instantly labeled a "liar." Sometimes even the same people if their positions change.

Let's not get virtuous about attacking the messengers, okay?

That being said, the quality of a source is important, especially if it's the only source of a piece of information.