Even more important than a Bush defeat is the defeat of Propaganda Machine

[kentuck]

That includes Limbaugh, Hannity, O'Reilly, all of FOX-TV, most of talk radio, CNN, much of MSNBC, and corporate propagandists in general. Power corrupts and absolute power corrupts absolutely. They are absoltely sure they have the power to make George W Bush president of this country. They can create a parallel universe or differing reality to the facts, if and when they desire, and most of the people will believe it.

They understand the power they have been vested with and they are more than willing to abuse it. They work under the guise of a "free press", when in fact, they need a free press to monitor their lies and distortions and manipulations of the public in general.

[Skittles]

1. like all power-hungry assholes, they are overreaching

their propaganda is so silly they are becoming jokes, parodies. They'll always have their core idiot audience but there is no way in hell anyone who watches FOX NEWS actually thinks it is "fair and balanced" or that Bill O'Reilly actually operates in a "no-spin" zone.

[cyr330]

2. Oh, and there's MORE

Just wait until Kerry is in office and revisits the new FCC rules to roll back the monopolization of our media by big business. That will shut Hannit et al up once and for all!

[Sparkly]

3. Yes, but first things first

They need to be broken up, but the GOP allows them to conglomerate so that fewer and fewer own more and more outlets. It's going to take Democrats to turn it around, and the media owners know it -- a big reason for their amazing efforts to prop up BushCo.

[ClassWarrior]

4. True... but even more important that defeating the Propaganda Machine...

...is learning how to frame our ideas.

If you're not already familiar with George Lakoff's work, I suggest you look at this. It's an excerpt from Lakoff's newest book. I think you're one person, Kentuck, who will find it very enlightening. Please read it and let me know what you think:

http://www.chelseagreen.com/images/DTE_Sampler.pdf

23.

[kodi]

5. That will be a Long March. Do not expect victory in our own lifetimes

The architecture of such a propaganda machine took several billion dollars and decades to erect; expect it to take as long to dismantle or effectively counter it.

Yet, this internet thingie is a damned good start.

[dumpster_baby]

6. yes, and the think tanks and foundations are at the bottom of it all

they set this machine up.
You have to realize that the GOP campaigns are set up on an ISSUES basis created by the think tanks and foundations.
These issues were centered around manufacturing consent and creating a lexicon/vocabulary for such basic issues as lowering taxes, especially on the rich.

That way, when a GOP candidate starts talking about an issue, people know what he/she is talking about because the think tanks and foundations have already paved the way.

If the Dems want to do the same, first they have to reclaim their old issues--they have to lay the groundwork for higher taxes, ESPECIALLY FOR THE UPPER INCOME GROUP. THAT is THE key issues. It will take a long time. But we have some very good examples of working social democrcies in Europe, Australia, and even Canada.

[Liberal Gramma]

7. Y'know those Truth-In-Advertising Laws we have?

I think we should pass some "Truth-in-Newscasting" laws. If it can't be proven to be true, the broadcaster should a)be liable for legal redress if it is damaging and 2)have to prominently display a disclaimer saying it is opinion and unproven.

[PermanentRevolution]

8. As SOON as we have majority control

of the Senate, we need to start an all-out blitz for the return of the Fairness Doctrine. That, plus reinstatement of the media monopoly restrictions, is going to deal a knockout punch to the spin machine. We ALWAYS win when both sides are presented fairly.

[blondeatlast]

10. My thoughts exactly.

I want the media to be tough on President Kerry. I want to see Helen Thomas up front at the NUMEROUS press conferences again.

I don't want a mainstream press sympathetic to our side; I subscribe to Mother Jones for that (and they have no sacred cows, either).

I want a press that tells the story and takes its responsibility as a foundation of democracy seriously.

If they don't do it, they are as responsible for the fall of the US as any of the CRABS.

[AmandaRuth]

9. yes this election would defeat the hate media industry

I would like to add, that in addition to all of the above, we need to quit supporting that industry in any form, and we need to spread the word to turn off the radio and quite sending money to the cable companies, and to complain loudly to the advertisers of the networks.

I don't care what anybody says about boycotts, they work for the right. Imagine a boycott of advertisers of Rush and Faux. Let them become outlets that are only supported by corp public relations advertisers, big oil, and the Government of Saudi Arabia. Let them show their true face to john Q public. Me, I will be working for Air Am to come on the dial, free and easy to get, just like the re Thug propaganda is now. We need to ask often and loudly for our voice. Often and Loud! I think this is the second part of our battle.

on edit - adding the point.

[blondeatlast]

12. I've often thought we ought to just let FAUX be.

I find it hard to believe they can gain much more of an audience; it's pretty well known to whom they serve.

It's the ones who are tempted to drink the Kool-Aid we need to aggressively pursue.

CNN is currently in last place, so guess which network they've begun to emulate? Not only is it bad for democracy, it's a pathetically stupid move on their part; FAUX's audience isn't going to defect.

CNN is a very worthy target as an example, IMHO.

[kaitykaity]

11. You're right.

And posts like this always make me wonder, will the
Bush people, if they can't win using their propaganda
and media strength, turn to the darker arts in order
to win this election?

You know, the October Surpise on steriods kind of thing?

I personally wouldn't put it past them.