The U.S. government continues to demonstrate its knack for pursuing remarkably foolish foreign policies that have terrible consequences. There is no guaranteed way to avoid foreign policy errors. Media institutions are hugely important in fostering this kind of debate, which is why freedom of the press is protected in the United States. It provides an indispensable platform for critics to challenge the reigning views of the foreign policy establishment. This is essential for increasing the likelihood that the United States will pursue wiser policies.