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Tag(s): Evil; Lies; Obama-Barack; Propaganda; Propaganda GOP Rove; Propaganda Wars; Truth
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September 10, 2008 at 09:19:41

Promoted to column top on 9/10/08:
Combatting Republican Propaganda Is Core to Addressing ALL Our Problems

by Andrew Bard Schmookler Page 1 of 2 page(s)

www.opednews.com

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It seems that the dominant topic in progressive circles this week is Obama's puzzling (and worrisome) restraint in the face of the usual Republican tactics of emotionally-laden and fundamentally dishonest propaganda and smears directed against him.

That has certainly been the focus of the discussion lately on my own website, www.NoneSoBlind.org.

The following statement was born as a comment I wrote on a thread on a thread there entitled Obama's Restraint is Deliberate: Observations Regarding Olbermann's Interview of Barack Obama.

***********************************

NoneSoBlind reader Susanne writes:

I understand wishing Obama would respond with more emotion and force to the Republican attacks but that isn’t who he is or what he wants for the country. I think we have a choice to make about the kind of people we want to be. Obama is betting on us ; on our ability to rise above this crap and say, “Enough, this isn’t the way we want to run our elections, Our problems are too serious...

As much as I'd like to be able to agree with this, I can't see how to.

Yes, we should be the kind of people who rise above the crap the Republicans use to win elections, but there are two things that need to be said.

First of all, Americans have demonstrated that we are, overall, the kind of people who DO NOT rise above this crap, but rather that we hand power to those who are skilled at manipulating us with this crap. Any candidate serious about winning cannot SIMPLY IGNORE that reality.

But more important, the leader we need should not MERELY ask us to rise above this crap but should also use the day-to-day examples of this pernicious propaganda as teachable moments: part of his job is awaken Americans to the reality that this stuff IS crap, and poisonous stuff as well; that it is dishonest and debasing, and that this kind of political discourse is a vital PART OF OUR ALL OUR OTHER PROBLEMS.

So yes, our problems are indeed serious. But it is a mistake to draw a distinction between "our nation's problems" and this deceptive and debasing form of political speech, this utter disregard of truth in the ruthless quest for power.

Our problems include a disastrous war, a bubble burst economy, a plutocratic political system, the erosion of the rule of law, climate change and many other "issues."

But our problems also include our descent into being a country ruled by primitive and propagandistic communications, where lies wield more power than the truth, where Americans are taught to substitute fantasy for any real grasp of reality, where we are made incapable as a body politic to have serious deliberations together about ANY of our other problems and their solutions.

So when we talk about what Obama "wants for this country," we should include the task of combatting this dishonest and primitive kind of political warfare that is being waged against him.

In calling for Obama to combat these lies and distortions, this discourse that appeals to Americans' baser and more primitive elements, I am not calling for him to sink to the same level as these Bushite McCainiacs. I'm talking about his responding FORCEFULLY WITH THE TRUTH.

I am talking, in other words, about how the quest to become the leader of this nation, now so sick at so many levels, requires a PROPHETIC dimension.

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9 comments

Andrew Bard Schmookler's website www.nonesoblind.org is devoted to understanding the roots of America's present moral crisis and the means by which the urgent challenge of this dangerous moment can be met. Dr. Schmookler is also the author of such books as The Parable of the Tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution (SUNY Press) and Debating the Good Society: A Quest to Bridge America's Moral Divide (M.I.T. Press). He also conducts regular talk-radio conversations in both red and blu...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Andrew Bard SchmooklerAndrew Bard Schmookler's website www.nonesoblind.org is devoted to understanding the roots of America's present moral crisis and the means by which the urgent challenge of this dangerous moment can be met. Dr. Schmookler is also the author of such books as The Parable of the Tribes: The Problem of Power in Social Evolution (SUNY Press) and Debating the Good Society: A Quest to Bridge America's Moral Divide (M.I.T. Press). He also conducts regular talk-radio conversations in both red and blu...

to see more of bio, click on member name

THAT'S What I'm Talkin' About

I just saw, on TV, Obama speaking to a group of educators in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, and before turning to the topic of education, he spoke about all these phony diversions and manipulations the Republicans are using.

He spoke forcefully and effectively. Not a home run, perhaps, but a stand-up triple.

If he can keep coming with that --and can use that voice not only when he's on his feet speaking to a group but also when he's sitting and being interviewed by a reporter-- I believe he can provide the leadership America needs in this campaign season and can prevail over the Rovian liars and manipulators coming at him.

by Andrew Bard Schmookler (314 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 146 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 9:49:28 AM

A retired sales ad marketing trainer, escapee from the automobile business, who reads vorciously and writes whenever possible. The rest of the available time is spent doing woodworking or cooking. Lives in central TX, where the weather is great and politics are dubious. Usually logical and sensible but can be very cranky when assaulted by anybody leaning too far to the right and doesn't know it.
Ivan HentschelA retired sales ad marketing trainer, escapee from the automobile business, who reads vorciously and writes whenever possible. The rest of the available time is spent doing woodworking or cooking. Lives in central TX, where the weather is great and politics are dubious. Usually logical and sensible but can be very cranky when assaulted by anybody leaning too far to the right and doesn't know it.

I watched it, too.

I agree on the stand up triple. As good as it was, it's hard to hit the ball out of the park when the foul Republican wind is blowing as it is.

You essentially said what follows, but I'll say it again in my own words: we won't get anywhere if the Obama movement stoops to the same level of propoganda being employed by the Rovian crew. Head-to-head lies never produce any truth. The waters are murky enough already.

And I know Mr. M (below) is really angry (always is) and I agree with much of what he says, but the reality is that we can't enact the revolution he advocates any time in the next week or so, and we have to do the best we can with what we have to work with between now and election day.

by Ivan Hentschel (5 articles, 0 quicklinks, 8 diaries, 263 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 2:23:36 PM

GW is a proud American from NY State, concerned about media manipulation and overconsumption. He believes in fiscal responsibility, small government and strict ethics. He recently changed careers to become an inner city schoolteacher. A firm proponent of international adoption and curbing overpopulation, he hopes to adopt a third child and enjoys history, "honest" music and art and obscure vinyl records.
Gustav WynnGW is a proud American from NY State, concerned about media manipulation and overconsumption. He believes in fiscal responsibility, small government and strict ethics. He recently changed careers to become an inner city schoolteacher. A firm proponent of international adoption and curbing overpopulation, he hopes to adopt a third child and enjoys history, "honest" music and art and obscure vinyl records.

Anticipate and Educate

Media manipulation has had the U.S. by the throat for decades. Consumerism and politics are closely related and our children need much better bull$h!t detection skills then we had growing up.

Obama should therefore anticipate and educate as he speaks. He has started to talk intelligenty about McCain's strategy, alerting voters to the tricks that will be used and how to see through them.

As the #1 issue this election is the economy, remind people at every turn that personality matters but that the deficit we're passing onto our children is much more important.

by Gustav Wynn (66 articles, 44 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 305 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 11:07:16 AM

Currently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolevee.com
Mr MCurrently I'm a cartoonist and contributing writer for The New Orleans Levee. For those wishing to view my work you can see my latest at: nolevee.com

Please, please stop ...

It's not Obama's job to tell the truth, at least not enough of it other than to fool the masses who would still think that anyone in either the Democratic and Republican parties give a fat-rat's-ass about us.

The man's shill for the New World Order. A plant, a false hope, a fraud and just as much a murderer as any of the Satanists that now control most every facet of our government.

And if anyone here thinks otherwise talk to me, I have a Timeshare to sell you in beautiful Downtown Baghdad.

Unless Obama says these things:

> He wants a full criminal investigation into 9/11

> He wants impeachment and criminal charges against bush&co.

> He will disband the Federal Reserve Bank and IRS

> He will pull all our troops back from all the bases around the world

> He will investigate CODEX Alimentarius, Chem-trails and GMO's

> Stop all work into Eugenics

> Smash the CIA into a thousand pieces

> purge all our intelligence agencies of Black-ops

> make organizations such as Blackwater illegal and hold them accountable for crimes committed

unless he says these things he can go take a flying-*uck at a rolling donut and anyone holding a banner for him can do the same.

by Mr M (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 15 diaries, 1696 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 1:36:32 PM

randall is a married carpenter in wisconsin very very much an outdoorsman, who's family goes back, over 120 years in the same town in n. wisconsin. who is concerned about global warming after the realization of the major changes in his own town's weather,and knowing nobody can stop it now. whether you believe in GOD or we are just animals something is happening? JUSTIFICATION IS COMMING!!!!!
skiidogsrandall is a married carpenter in wisconsin very very much an outdoorsman, who's family goes back, over 120 years in the same town in n. wisconsin. who is concerned about global warming after the realization of the major changes in his own town's weather,and knowing nobody can stop it now. whether you believe in GOD or we are just animals something is happening? JUSTIFICATION IS COMMING!!!!!

mr m is wrong--

obama cannot say those things and still get elected--it scares too many people--even the innocent do not want that much trouble--you have to read the man--just because he doesnt speak harsh enough on these subjects does not mean he will not look into these things and kick som ass when he gets in--ya have to trust the man--he is the most genuine hopefull we have--i think he is honest and that means alot to me--yo can get your point across with out telling people to take a flying you know what------get positive man-you know who is the better canidate --we need the dems in congress and the white house to accomplish any hope of saving this world --get fluid- get real-cant you tell who is the honest man???

by skiidogs (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 148 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 5:03:11 PM

An artist and musician.
boomerangAn artist and musician.

Mr. M speaks for himself -- but HE has Instincts my friend!

Here's a pathetic sample...I just talked with my dad on the phone, and he asked me if I'd listened to Palin? I said, "not very much", knowing this was going to go downhill. He proceeded to tell me how "she really comes across as honest and sincere" I told him I don't subscribe to the politics of either party. He then talked a little bit more, with me disagreeing, then sequed into McCain being an honest and crendentialed guy. I guffawed, then politely let the political side of the conversation fade out. You see, my dad thought Bush 43 was a 'christian' because he saw a pic of him coming out of a church. He Proceeded to vote for him both times. This is a SICKNESS MAN!

Folks are NOT able to READ the motivations of these political ilk. It is downright SCARY to watch the blind and dumb facilitate this corrupt State-of-Affairs! Instincts have been bred out, turned off, or something! OPEDNEWS (and others) opens up the eyes and ears of individuals to receive mind-expanding knowledge that seems to be in short supply in the suburbs and cities. WHERE'S THE WISDOM PEOPLE?! These political puppets don't have any!

by boomerang (0 articles, 0 quicklinks, 0 diaries, 306 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 9:00:01 PM

The make up of the USA

I have to say I agree with your politics but I don't think anyone that far from "the mainstream" could get any higher then Senator of Vermont today.

As Americans and democrats, we are "stuck" with the American population as is, who vote for their leaders. There are about 30% each of progressives and conservatives and 40% of "other".

This is our country. I say challenge, educate, anticipate, organize and expose corruption and manipulation, starting at the local level and working your way up. Calling people names is counterproductive. Obama is compromised, but is the first step towards the Kucinich wing of the Dem Party and away from Presidents like Bush and McCain.

I hope people are paying attention to their local Congressional races because articles posted about Members of Congress are far fewer then the 18 months of rants about the presidency we are deluged with.

by Gustav Wynn (66 articles, 44 quicklinks, 5 diaries, 305 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 8:20:40 PM

A writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name
Mark SashineA writer is a rogue goose. All other gees fly in a flock formation; every goose knows his place and time for honking. The rogue goose is undisciplined. He leaves the formation indiscriminately to have a look at it from aside. He roams back and forth, takes a peep at the leader, honks a little bit from behind, distracts everyone and writes on what he sees. Time passes and as he wants to return back to his place he discovers someone else there. Thus he either has to wait until they land for rest...

to see more of bio, click on member name

And here I agree with Mr. M.

wholeheartedly and sincerely. Even one of the things listed in Mr. M's list would be a total delight and a path to victory. We had disagreements in the past with Mr. M but I am so happy to agree here. Very much so.

by Mark Sashine (53 articles, 19 quicklinks, 250 diaries, 3574 comments) on Thursday, September 11, 2008 at 8:30:20 AM

DaveyS is a 5th-generation Texan now living in California, a proud liberal (product of the public education system in North Texas!), and a staunch critic of conservative policies that are destroying our nation.
daveysDaveyS is a 5th-generation Texan now living in California, a proud liberal (product of the public education system in North Texas!), and a staunch critic of conservative policies that are destroying our nation.

Doublespeak.

I have been trying to encourage everyone to help decode the Doublespeak - it is our only hope. I am convinced that George Orwell was a visionary, who wrote his visions as fiction, so that he would not be locked up in the loony bin. But wow did he have it RIGHT SPOT ON

by daveys (4 articles, 0 quicklinks, 16 diaries, 176 comments) on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 11:00:23 PM