"Naturally, the common people don't want war ... but after all it is the leaders of a country who determine the policy, and it is always a simple matter to drag the people along, whether it is a democracy, or a fascist dictatorship, or a parliament, or a communist dictatorship. All you have to do is to tell them they are being attacked, and denounce the pacifists for lack of patriotism and exposing the country to danger. It works the same in every country." [Hermann Goering]

The Fourth Estate has been notably absent on questioning the President. We blindly rely on them for the news. Oops! That will prove to be a costly mistake

Pick up a copy of these books at the Library:
Skim them or read the whole book, but at least make the effort.

Tragedy And Farce - How the American Media sell wars, spins elections, and destroy democracy
By John Nichols and Robert McChesney.

True Lies - Greg Palast

Marginalization:

Here is an example of a common technique -called marginalization . We'll just use Code Pink as an example of a marginalized group.

Code Pink Vs the Military


The use of Code Pink and Mr. Hegseth does not endorse or condone either side, as this video is for illustration purposes only.

Note the initial use of the condescending terms "PLOT AND PLAN" when addressing Medea Benjamin, references to "cheap skull masks, costumes" etc. She could have just asked her what prompted her to form this opinion.

The lead-in voice used was one of feigned shock. "In the unresolved PROBLEM Segment, Remember this?" The imagery used at first showed them being hauled out of the room where they were protesting. Some reference was made to imply that a disturbance was created, but it wasn't made clear from the tape if the disturbance was from a Code Pink member or not. The person yelling was male, Code Pink is a womens organization. In fact, the shocked look on the womens face in the video gives some credence that may have been the case. She used the term "arbitrarily" when questioning why she was removed. It didn't stop FOX from airing the removal again, in case you didn't get "the message" the first time:

"These people are troublemakers"

And Code Pink was painted with the brush of anarchy. Critical thinking would require that you challenge that assessment. If you don't challenge the innuendo, you may walk away from the video with the impression that challenging authority is unpatriotic. The president has incorrectly asserted that challenging his authority is grounds for a stint in Gitmo by virtue of the cleverly named "Patriot Act".

I guess he forgot that founding fathers were pretty keen on challenging authority, and insisted on public discourse on topics of merit. The announcer goes on to lead the conversation by suggesting that free speech tactics backfire.

Madea does make a quickly glossed over point that, despite no funding, they actually had more people at the rally and contrasted that number with those who were PAID to attend in support of the war. Only in a true democracy, would that minor note matter. And after having tarred and feathered her for "screaming" during the proceedings, which was flatly denied, the announcer again ties Code Pink back to the disruption done by others. The pairing of the video showing the removal along with the commentary would lead a casual observer to conclude that she got what she deserved, when all she was doing was exercising her right to free speech. Marginalization is used all the time. Now you can begin to spot it if you care to.

Equal Time:

This is an example of a similar "transfer" video.

A look back at history

Although the choice of the words "Homeland" Security was probably no accident.

Mr. Hegseth did a great job explaining his position stating that he is defending freedom and honoring our fallen veterans. He certainly is a nice clean cut square jawed military man. We are there liberating people from menaces who subjugate women, subjegate minorities, and subject Iraqi women to radical beliefs. All honorable things. (If that is actually what we are doing.) We sure as hell aren't looking for WMD anymore. But under the "China shop" rule of war, "you broke it, you fix it" (as long as there is oil there)

I think the point was missed that Saddam Hussein killed 300,000 of his own people was but only one justification to invade. One count that isn't general public knowledge is that over 1,000,000 people have died in the Iraq conflict. Not sure that the cure isn't worse than the disease. Although, he asserts that most veterans are for the war, he offers no proof yet polls show returning Vets are not in favor of the war. He also asserts that unless you have been there, you can't make an intelligent assessment of the situation. Unless you knew that returning vets for the majority, oppose the war,(another point that Madea made) you would assume that truly informed people (those that have been there) support the war.
The announcer must close with a note of gratitude to our servicemen, something no one would disagree with.
(But take a cheap parting shot at the "war protestor" who is exercising her first amendment right.)

Equal Time:

In defense of the media, sometimes they don't spin it:

Right back at ya

Here is another example of "spinning" the need to reduce your rights. (And subtly suggests that the constitution is always being changed.)

You don't need no Stinking Rights!

Now I know that if you Google "Fox News bias", you will find thousands of examples of this, so I was using an easy target. I hold all journalists accountable as the vast majority of journalists in mainstream media have failed us miserably in questioning obvious areas of inconsistency. By the time the American public begins to develop critical thinking skills, it will be too late.

Naturally, mainstream media does it to candidates too. If you think we have a true two party system, ask yourself why they are so similar in many respects?

Who you gonna believe, me or your own two eyes?


Nothing is more frustrating than being right before your time. We know how Copernicus must have felt.

Sometimes the networks actually tell it like it is;WAKE UP!



Constitution in crisis 90 minute video