Anyone other than me think this phrase in a New York Times story is a little odd:

The officials, who had been briefed on the investigation, were granted anonymity so that they could speak more candidly…

Is the New York Times saying federal officials would lie if on the record but speak more truthfully when anonymous?If so, is this the sort of behavior the New York Times should be enabling? Put ’em on the record, and then point out that they are lying.