Philip Peters, Vice President of Lexington Institute, a private research orgnization based in Virginia, disagrees with members of Congress who assert that ending TV Marti broadcasts would strengthen the Castro regime in Cuba: "I don't know how we have gotten ourselves in the position where this particular instrument of public diplomacy is a test of everyone's manhood with regard to Communism in Cuba.

VOA: standard.2009.06.18

There's even a school of thought that asserts that the government can't assert financial privilege if their amendments don't bust the Ministry of Justice's budget, and just move money around within it.

BBC: Looking ahead

Even if observers don't see much credit to go around, some institutions were still able to assert their authority.

WSJ: Cyprus Deal Hurts Credibility All Around