CBS Evening News under fire for ditching ethics handbook for 'empty-brain' patriotic vow

CBS Evening News unveiled a five-point mission statement on Friday, which the newscast claims will replace its previous 38-page handbook on journalistic ethics — but one particular element of the statement drew intense scrutiny.

"We love America. And we make no apologies for saying so," stated the section. "Our foundational values of liberty, equality and the rule of law make us the last best hope on Earth. We also believe in Franklin's famous line about America as a republic — if we can keep it.