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They "follow Washington's official line. This is particularly obvious in wartime and in foreign policy coverage...."
What passes for news, information, and commentary is fundamentally unprincipled and duplicitous.
"What's wrong with the news," asks FAIR? Institutionalized money and political power control it.
AJ Liebling (1904 - 1963) said "Freedom of the press is guaranteed only to those who own one." He also explained that "People everywhere confuse what they read in newspapers (or see on television) with news."
Big lies launch wars. Public opinion is manipulated to enlist support. Truth is suppressed. Fear is stoked. Patriotism and democratic values are highlighted.
Selling war depends on convincing people it's about protecting national security, spreading democracy, humanitarian intervention and freedom.
Imperial wars are called good ones. Manipulative PR and scoundrel media reports convince people to go along with policies harming their interests. Sophisticated campaigns are waged.
Most people don't know they're being had. Real motives and objectives aren't explained. Selling war effectively depends on convincing people black is white. It plays out the same way every time.
Syria reporting reflects it. On July 15, Reuters headlined "UN says Syria killings targeted opposition," saying:
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