Orwell wrote Bush's script-good comparison of slogans (orwell/bush)

[uppityperson]

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/opinion/2002810282_ryan17.html

The resemblance grows between the Bush administration and the sinister, monolithic political party INGSOC, from George Orwell's novel "1984," with every twisted and evasive defense for the violation of American civil rights. Bush and Co.'s battle against terrorism has turned into a power grab and a war on Americans. Fear and contorted language are the weapons of choice. The administration's assertive actions after 9/11 might have made sense in the raw aftermath of nearly 3,000 dead. With time and distance comes perspective. Those new presidential controls awarded to help ensure the safety of Americans now look more like the political clubs wielded by INGSOC...
(clipping)

The use of powerful and well-placed words and images worked for INGSOC. Its slogan — war is peace, freedom is slavery, ignorance is strength — fits like a truncheon in the cradle of shattered bone with Bush's recent State of the Union address:

War is peace
"There is no peace in retreat."

Freedom is slavery
"The terrorist surveillance program has helped prevent terrorist attacks. It remains essential to the security of America."

Ignorance is strength
"... We have benefited from responsible criticism and counsel offered by members of Congress of both parties ... Yet, there is a difference between responsible criticism that aims for success, and defeatism that refuses to acknowledge anything but failure."...

More at link

[liberal N proud]

1. Fear - Fear - FEAR!

The Republicans have made no secret about what they will run on this year. A recent Pew poll showed that Americans believe the Democrats could lead the nation better on every issue except national security. Bush aide Karl Rove has given speeches about national security and the president skips across the nation talking about the importance of spying on Americans to keep us safe.

This strategy works only if the electorate is fearful that a hostile world is ready to overrun America. Bush's fear-mongering resembles a version of INGSOC's Two Minutes (of) Hate, in which party members watch a video of legions of the enemy army marching behind a bleating political enemy.

[uppityperson]

2. Yes, keep them afraid and they'll go for most anything.

especially with a nebulous, uncertain enemy. Rant on. I get so mad at sports announcers, even at the Olympics last night, talking about the "fight" the "battle" between athletes rather than the "competition". It keeps buying into the us vs them crap. Athletes compete. Soldiers fight. VPs shoot their friends in the face after mistaking them for little birds. end of ran.