Oct 17 - 46/45 - McCain +01
Dick Cheney: Friend of Liberals?
For some illogical reason, conservatives always ramble on about the "liberal media." One of the biggest targets seems to be NBC News. When NBC and all the other channel celebrated the Iraq invasion, I guess that was being liberal. Sure. Well, if you think NBC is so liberal, listen up.....The Scooter Libby trial is now in full swing. While the charge Libby faces is merely perjury, the case is by default a public hearing on how Bush & Company (especially Dick Cheney) bullied everyone, media included, so they could invade Iraq - a goal of the Bush regime since the day the Supreme Court appointed Bush to office. Well, a lot of interesting information has been coming about in regaards to the disgraceful Bush/Cheney plan to force the invasion.
According to Dick Cheney's former communications director, Catherine Martin, Cheney was "obsessed" with Joe Wilson's accurate criticism of the Iraq intelligence. One of the options Martin recommended to Cheney was an appearance on NBC's "Meet the Press," because the program's host, Tim Russert, would allow the vice president to "control the message."
And that is what Cheney did. He uses NBC's Meet the Press, the highest rated Sunday news show, and "control the message" because the "liberal" Tim Russert allows it. Way to go liberal media!
By Chuck - 1/29/2007
14 Comments:
Hey conservatives: just because Tim Russert may vote for a Democrat (we don't actually know that), and the same is possible of other news people, does not mean the media is liberal. If the media had a "liberal bias" it would have questioned the war for one freaking second, and it certainly WOULD NOT ALLOW DICK CHENEY TO "CONTROL" THE MOST POPULAR POLITICAL SHOW IN AMERICA!
accountability?
While we argue the issues our leaders play games. Immigration-anything done? The war-a meaningless resolution. Hell they are busy picking out new curtains for their office and raising funds so they can continue to feed at the trough. Yet we continue to attack one another while they remain above the fray. Until we work on creating a climate that holds our representatives ACCOUNTABLE our discussions amount to little more than hot air.
The Iraq resolution is "meaningless" only because the Bush Administration chooses to ignore it, unless you're suggesting that Congress authorize some sort of military coup to extract Bush and Cheney from the White House.
Anyone who voted for Bush in 2004 opted out of the accountibility solution.
And finally, all the " hot air" discussion is precisely what shifted the power to the Democrats last November.
The sad fact:
The "Extreme Right Wing" that took over the Nation in 2001 (This was actually stated in the British parliament) has a damn good propaganda machine - AND THEY KNOW EXACTLY HOW TO USE IT!
The elements are as old and as elementary as human shit:
Propaganda Techniques:
Assertion:
Assertion is commonly used in advertising and modern propaganda. An assertion is an enthusiastic or energetic statement presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true. They often imply that the statement requires no explanation or back up, but that it should merely be accepted without question. Examples of assertion, although somewhat scarce in wartime propaganda, can be found often in modern advertising propaganda. Any time an advertiser states that their product is the best without providing evidence for this, they are using an assertion. The subject, ideally, should simply agree to the statement without searching for additional information or reasoning. Assertions, although usually simple to spot, are often dangerous forms of propaganda because they often include falsehoods or lies.
Bandwagon:
Bandwagon is one of the most common techniques in both wartime and peacetime and plays an important part in modern advertising. Bandwagon is also one of the seven main propaganda techniques identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in 1938. Bandwagon is an appeal to the subject to follow the crowd, to join in because others are doing so as well. Bandwagon propaganda is, essentially, trying to convince the subject that one side is the winning side, because more people have joined it. The subject is meant to believe that since so many people have joined, that victory is inevitable and defeat impossible. Since the average person always wants to be on the winning side, he or she is compelled to join in. However, in modern propaganda, bandwagon has taken a new twist. The subject is to be convinced by the propaganda that since everyone else is doing it, they will be left out if they do not. This is, effectively, the opposite of the other type of bandwagon, but usually provokes the same results. Subjects of bandwagon are compelled to join in because everyone else is doing so as well. When confronted with bandwagon propaganda, we should weigh the pros and cons of joining in independently from the amount of people who have already joined, and, as with most types of propaganda, we should seek more information.
Card stacking:
Card stacking, or selective omission, is one of the seven techniques identified by the IPA, or Institute for Propaganda Analysis. It involves only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omitting information contrary to it. Card stacking is used in almost all forms of propaganda, and is extremely effective in convincing the public. Although the majority of information presented by the card stacking approach is true, it is dangerous because it omits important information. The best way to deal with card stacking is to get more information.
Glittering Generalities:
Glittering generalities was one of the seven main propaganda techniques identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in 1938. It also occurs very often in politics and political propaganda. Glittering generalities are words that have different positive meaning for individual subjects, but are linked to highly valued concepts. When these words are used, they demand approval without thinking, simply because such an important concept is involved. For example, when a person is asked to do something in "defense of democracy" they are more likely to agree. The concept of democracy has a positive connotation to them because it is linked to a concept that they value. Words often used as glittering generalities are honor, glory, love of country, and especially in the United States, freedom. When coming across with glittering generalities, we should especially consider the merits of the idea itself when separated from specific words.
Lesser of Two Evils:
The "lesser of two evils" technique tries to convince us of an idea or proposal by presenting it as the least offensive option. This technique is often implemented during wartime to convince people of the need for sacrifices or to justify difficult decisions. This technique is often accompanied by adding blame on an enemy country or political group. One idea or proposal is often depicted as one of the only options or paths. When confronted with this technique, the subject should consider the value of any proposal independently of those it is being compared with.
Name Calling:
Name calling occurs often in politics and wartime scenarios, but very seldom in advertising. It is another of the seven main techniques designated by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis. It is the use of derogatory language or words that carry a negative connotation when describing an enemy. The propaganda attempts to arouse prejudice among the public by labeling the target something that the public dislikes. Often, name calling is employed using sarcasm and ridicule, and shows up often in political cartoons or writings. When examining name calling propaganda, we should attempt to separate our feelings about the name and our feelings about the actual idea or proposal.
Pinpointing the Enemy:
Pinpointing the enemy is used extremely often during wartime, and also in political campaigns and debates. This is an attempt to simplify a complex situation by presenting one specific group or person as the enemy. Although there may be other factors involved the subject is urged to simply view the situation in terms of clear-cut right and wrong. When coming in contact with this technique, the subject should attempt to consider all other factors tied into the situation. As with almost all propaganda techniques, the subject should attempt to find more information on the topic. An informed person is much less susceptible to this sort of propaganda.
Plain Folks:
The plain folks propaganda technique was another of the seven main techniques identified by the IPA, or Institute for Propaganda Analysis. The plain folks device is an attempt by the propagandist to convince the public that his views reflect those of the common person and that they are also working for the benefit of the common person. The propagandist will often attempt to use the accent of a specific audience as well as using specific idioms or jokes. Also, the propagandist, especially during speeches, may attempt to increase the illusion through imperfect pronunciation, stuttering, and a more limited vocabulary. Errors such as these help add to the impression of sincerity and spontaneity. This technique is usually most effective when used with glittering generalities, in an attempt to convince the public that the propagandist views about highly valued ideas are similar to their own and therefore more valid. When confronted by this type of propaganda, the subject should consider the proposals and ideas separately from the personality of the presenter.
Simplification (Stereotyping):
Simplification is extremely similar to pinpointing the enemy, in that it often reduces a complex situation to a clear-cut choice involving good and evil. This technique is often useful in swaying uneducated audiences. When faced with simplification, it is often useful to examine other factors and pieces of the proposal or idea, and, as with all other forms of propaganda, it is essential to get more information.
Testimonials:
Testimonials are another of the seven main forms of propaganda identified by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis. Testimonials are quotations or endorsements, in or out of context, which attempt to connect a famous or respectable person with a product or item. Testimonials are very closely connected to the transfer technique, in that an attempt is made to connect an agreeable person to another item. Testimonials are often used in advertising and political campaigns. When coming across testimonials, the subject should consider the merits of the item or proposal independently of the person of organization giving the testimonial.
Transfer:
Transfer is another of the seven main propaganda terms first used by the Institute for Propaganda Analysis in 1938. Transfer is often used in politics and during wartime. It is an attempt to make the subject view a certain item in the same way as they view another item, to link the two in the subjects mind. Although this technique is often used to transfer negative feelings for one object to another, it can also be used in positive ways. By linking an item to something the subject respects or enjoys, positive feelings can be generated for it. However, in politics, transfer is most often used to transfer blame or bad feelings from one politician to another of his friends or party members, or even to the party itself. When confronted with propaganda using the transfer technique, we should question the merits or problems of the proposal or idea independently of convictions about other objects or proposals.
Bibliography
The Science of Modern Propaganda. http://www.propaganda101.com/ Last Visited: August, 2001.
Lee, Alfred McLung; Lee, Elizabeth Bryan. Propaganda Analysis. http://carmen.artsci.washington.edu/ (subdirectory). Last Visited: August, 2001.
Dorje, Carl. Propaganda Techniques. http://serendipity.magnet.ch/more/propagan.html Last Visited: August, 2001.
Plain Folks (Folksey Texas accent), Glittering Generalities (Does he ever say anything clear and in detail?), Lesser of two Evils (More troops Vs Failure)
On and on...
GW Bush is the crowned KING of Propaganda and just plain BULLSHIT - the bs is on the inside of his cowboy boots!
it really puzzles me how everyone in this administration isn't under some sort of investigation. the republicans were chomping at the bit to get clinton into trouble because he got a hummer. why is no one doing anything? it a fact that the administation lied about everything going into iraq. why are they still making decisions for this country?
D
More good stuff from Petey.
10-4 Menck, my man.
Anon, the attitude of those who steal, pillage and destroy the fabric of our country can be summed up in this lesson that I was taught very young:
If you lie long enough - you will believe your own lies.
You see, Bush, Cheney et al know not reality----this status achieved through their dishonesty.
Further- Bush is an example of one who believes that life is as HE WILLS IT. Too bad for us we are involuntarily made part and parcel of his charade.
I would say of the major news networks CBS is most liberal. Then NBC, followed by ABC.
I think when a President or VP of either party goes on any of those sunday am shows that they control it. No host really ever stands up to them, they are given preferrentail treatment, but I think that is the same for both parties.
As far as NBC goes, I think they have noticeably turned left. MSNBC has, but that I understand, as they are trying to go for a market. NBC Nightly News, at least to me, has turned left.
Petey, that was outstanding.
You might be interested in my take on the Bush Williams interview that is up at my site right now.
Why don't you guys get on Leftyblogs?
We have the ability to turn the table on the propagandists:
Example: when they strive to divide us with issues such as gay, war,liberal vs conservative.. issues....we should think in terms of DIShonesty vs Honesty, Responsibility vs Irresponsibility.
Its up to the individual to define your stance NOT those who conveniently divide and conquer the public.
In practice, ignore the "Party" stance and formulate your stance based upon sound personal principles.
Seven Hallmarks of Propaganda
Assertion:
An assertion is an enthusiastic or energetic statement presented as a fact, although it is not necessarily true.
Bandwagon:
Bandwagon is an appeal to the subject to follow the crowd, to join in because others are doing so as well.
Card stacking:
Card stacking involves only presenting information that is positive to an idea or proposal and omitting information contrary to it.
Glittering Generalities:
Glittering generalities are words that have different positive meaning for individual subjects, but are linked to highly valued concepts. When these words are used, they demand approval without thinking, simply because such an important concept is involved.
Lesser of Two Evils:
The "lesser of two evils" technique tries to convince us of an idea or proposal by presenting it as the least offensive option.
Name Calling:
Name is the use of derogatory language or words that carry a negative connotation when describing an enemy.
Pinpointing the Enemy:
Pinpointing the enemy is an attempt to simplify a complex situation by presenting one specific group or person as the enemy.
Plain Folks:
The plain folks device is an attempt by the propagandist to convince the public that his views reflect those of the common person and that they are also working for the benefit of the common person.
Simplification (Stereotyping):
Simplification is extremely similar to pinpointing the enemy, in that it often reduces a complex situation to a clear-cut choice involving good and evil.
Testimonials:
Testimonials are quotations or endorsements, in or out of context, which attempt to connect a famous or respectable person with a product or item.
Transfer:
Transfer is an attempt to make the subject view a certain item in the same way as they view another item, to link the two in the subjects mind.
the nature of the media is to "go for the market" as ben puts it.
that is why they are pro-war - ratings!
well, i don't see how anyone can call that liberal.
MSNBC: only olbermann is openly liberal. scarborough is conservative (but has turned on the war, like any sane person). Matthews is a rating whore that thinks john mccain is the greatest thing on earth - hardly a liberal stance.
Anything to sell medications. I Never even heard or imagined anything such as "Restless Leg Syndrome" - the MADE UP disease and miracle & profitable drug treatment advertised nightly on your TV.
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