When even George Bush’s own Press Secretary and his Pentagon spokesman mock the American media for its mindless subservience to government war propaganda — and when even the war General who is a the subject of a glowing Atlantic profile derides the writer as “totally co-opted by the military” – perhaps that’s a sign that the profession (also known as: The Liberal Media) should take account of the actual function it serves.
Must read, via Vie de Malchance.
Thanks.
Posted by: Fec | Jan 07, 2012 at 12:49 PM
Once upon a time, a few decades ago, I was a public affairs officer for the Air Force. More than doing routine PR work looking to polish the service's image, our role was seen as manipulating the media in the interests of the Air Force. Budget issues before Congress had a particular emphasis, as you might expect. I don't know how long the Pentagon has been trying to play this game, but I do know it was much in evidence during the Vietnam conflict.
It's a mutaully beneficial thing for media folks who are journalists in name only. They get bright, flashy stories, their corporate bosses get some revenue, and the Pentagon gets what it wants, too.
The so-called war on terror-- a poorly targeted and overhyped affair -- has been good to the media, the Pentagon, and to military contractors. Hundreds of billions have been spent and hundreds of careers made by playing the terror card. I assure you that the budget proposal revisions began on Sept. 12, 2001.
Posted by: justcorbly | Jan 07, 2012 at 05:28 PM
I find that comments do not find there way into the moderation round file at his sister site, fecundstench.net.
Posted by: polifrog | Jan 07, 2012 at 05:39 PM
Froggy, "I find that comments do not find there way into the moderation round file at his sister site, fecundstench.net."
It appears the boy wonder done screwed up again.
Posted by: Billy Jones | Jan 07, 2012 at 05:54 PM
"I find that comments do not find there way into the moderation round file at his sister site, fecundstench.net."
Wrong, Frog.
Posted by: avf | Jan 07, 2012 at 06:41 PM
avf:
I suppose so.
It is a good topic on which to be wrong.
Posted by: polifrog | Jan 07, 2012 at 07:05 PM
I think I have something smelly on my shoe.
Posted by: Fec | Jan 07, 2012 at 07:09 PM