Conservatives Offer Unqualified Praise for Pentagon Propaganda Operations

[sabra]

http://thinkprogress.org/2005/12/01/embracing-propaganda/


Conservatives Offer Unqualified Praise for Pentagon Propaganda Operations


<snip>

Yet conservative pundits and bloggers could hardly be more pleased. They have offered virtually unqualified praise for the propaganda efforts.

National Review’s Stephen Spruiell:

The propaganda efforts wouldn’t undercut the trust of the Iraqi people if papers like the LA Times weren’t blowing their cover. We need more operations like this in Iraq, and more respect for their classified nature.


Andrew Sullivan:


So we’re spinning the Iraqi press by planting propaganda in its pages? BFD (Big f***ing deal). … We’re adjusting to war in a new media universe. We haven’t adjusted swiftly enough.



Chuck Simmins:


If you toss away the myth that news and reporting is some sacred, undefilable calling, this story becomes a non-starter. When I look at the front page of my local paper, most of the stories were not written by their employees. Newspapers use stories from AP or Reuters all the time. Providing content to newspapers is a well-established business.


VodkaPundit’s Stephen Green:


Smart move, given that the Iraq Campaign is one small part of the Terror War - in which the media is the arm of decision. If you don’t manage information, you lose. … Propaganda is important in any war, but it’s vital in a media war.

Wasn't Pat Buchanan also spewing some of this last night too?

[Loonman]

1. Thses guys would have loved the USSR

Fascist pricks.

[MadHound]

3. No, these guys want to remake us as the USSR

Propaganda for everybody! The truth will only make you unhappy and unproductive! All is well both at home and abroad, as our mighty leader makes great strides towards success in all areas!

The really sad part is that it seems that we're already halfway there.

[Selatius]

6. Nazi Germany is more like it, not the USSR

Things such as socialized medicine exist. That holds no place in pure capitalism. Of course, both states were just as authoritarian. The only difference is that industrialists shared power with the state when it comes to fascism.

[MadHound]

7. True that!

I was just following the thought along though. But yes, God forbid we ever help out our population with universal health care. Can't let those doctors go without a second vacation home:eyes:

[Inland]

2. They believe in the power of lies, propaganda

The only problem with lies and propaganda is someone blowing the cover.

The only problem with the war is noting how badly it's going and hurting morale.

The important thing is that the nation unite around the Great Leader, not whether he's doing the right thing.

And the same tools that are being defended as appropriate for an occupation were being used right here in the USA, not to mention the "authentic voice of Iraqi opinion" showing up in newspapers are used as proof of sauces. Because, you see, propaganda is good for the nation.

Is it fascism yet?

[BOSSHOG]

4. Judith Miller performed the same service for the NYT

as part of the White House Propaganda Ops. Now more than 2,000 American kids are dead and the count continues. Absolutely no problem whatsoever with propaganda neocons. Nothing could possibly go wrong if we just continue to do things your way. None whatsoever. Since lying is a conservative value I would be disappointed if their kind were not singing the praises of lying as a tool.

[sabra]

5. but but but Miller said she was sorry....

sorry that the CIA's intel was wrong, not that she was a payed shill.

[Marr]

8. The propaganda is targetted at Americans as well.

"The media is always talking about the bad things happening in Iraq, but you never hear about all the good stuff, like..."

"Write the media and demand they cover the good news in Iraq..."

I'd really like to know how many of these stories were promoted directly in the US press as well, and who covered them.

[xchrom]

9. bingo!

may i add ''liberal'' media.

well, the list could go on ad nauseum.

it is war alright -- but it didn't start with iraq.