What exactly is Neoconservatism? [View All]

[ck4829]

People throw neoconservatism around, and some may not know what it is about.

Well, what is Neoconservatism about then, right?

1. 'Noble' Lies
This should be the thing about Neoconservatism that stands out the most. To them, it is ok to lie if it enhances your position. Take the Neocon led Office of Special Plans for example, they ONLY looked at the intelligence that made it look like invading Iraq was a good idea, going as far as making up things like referencing companies that don't even exist. Some neoconservatives can be very blunt about it, Abram Shulsky, the director of the Office of Special Plans, wrote in 'Silent Warfare: Understanding the World of Intelligence', that "truth is not the goal" of intelligence operations, but "victory".

2. The Ends justify the Means
"You've got to break some eggs if you want an omelet", this is probably a statement that most, if not nearly all, Neoconservatives would strongly agree with. Look at Iraq, it's spiralling down very quickly, and no amount of Republican Senators in flak jackets guarded by Apache helicopters can convince any normal person that it is getting better, because it is not. Humanitarian Crisis, Civil War, and Mass Exodus, but yet in the Neoconservative Mind, "Mission Accomplished".

3. Abnormal Alarmism
Neoconservatives seem to press the 'panic button' only when it is in THEIR best interest. Compare the Neoconservative hysteria on the lead up to the Iraq War to the reaction to Hurricane Katrina. Very different reactions, one to a problem that didn't exist and was incorrect, another to a problem that was real, was serious, and killed many, many people.

Knowing this, is it safe to have Neoconservatives influence the government or public policy in any way?