Manipulation of the Media

[IRONxMortlock]

I gotta say, I luuuuuuuuuuuuuuvvv all these threads where foreigners worry about domestic US laws for us people who just happen to live in the US.

CR[/QUOTE]

You see one thing "leftists" do have that those who make up the right-wing echo-chamber lack, is empathy. The ability to feel for others. To put yourself into someone else's shoes. To see it from the other side, to get an appreciation for what it might feel like to suffer from injustice - what it's like to have a bunch of foreign soldiers kick in your door at 4AM, kill your son and take your husband away for 6 months of "questioning". What it's like to be locked away without trial for years. What it's like to live in police state where you must watch what you say. I AM concerned for the well being of US citizens and it distresses me greatly to see their democracy being torn to shreads in what is supposedly an effort to "protect" it.

I am also concerned for the rest of the world. The last thing the world needs is a WMD armed rouge superpower headed by a dictatorial band of corporatists going around blowing up more people.

I believe I am right to worry and I will express my concerns. You don't like it, that's fine, don't read it then.

A law allowing easier use of the Nat'l guard by the fed after the fed was criticized for states not using their nat'l guards- military occupation of the US!

That new law makes it possible for one man to call the military onto the streets to police the civilian population whenever he sees it nesecary. That's a pretty big jump towards despotism.

Especially when they blow it way out of proportion; like this.
The military want's to get its version of the facts out? It's propaganda just like 1984!

Back on topic,

The military has more than ample opportunity to get their side of the story out - Pentagon press conferences, interviews, embedded reporters, spokemen. It shouldn't be allowed to manufacture news any more than it already does.

EDIT - Speaking of 1984 and doublespeak I just came across this; a wonderful example of 1984 style doublespeak.

Freedom is Indefinite Detention Without Trial.

[Ice]

I AM concerned for the well being of US citizens and it distresses me greatly to see their democracy being torn to shreads in what is supposedly an effort to "protect" it.

Thank you for your concern, but we can handle this without outside help. Thank you, have a nice day.

[Blodrast]

Thank you for your concern, but we can handle this without outside help. Thank you, have a nice day.

So non-US citizens should keep their mouths shut, and not bother you with these things, because it's none of their business ?

But you see, Ice, when you play cop of the world, the others DO care what's going on in your own backyard. Because you DO get involved - remember the thread that showed in how many countries there are US and UK troops ?
The US one was covering a huge percentage of the globe. Yes, I know, some of those cases involve very few soldiers, but that's not the point, the point is that the US does get involved pretty much everywhere.

You don't have the moral right to get YOUR nose in other people's business, but tell them to stay away when they get interested in what's going on in your own courtyard.
If you want isolationism, that's fine, you're perfectly entitled to it. But that also implies you don't stick your nose into other countries' businesses.


Back on topic.
Rabbit: an honest question for you, because I am truly puzzled that you of all people (meaning, non-extremist views, does research on posts, very much coherent and logical) are stating that all is pink in the land of the free. Please tell me, and I am not being sarcastic in this, do you truly believe that the American people have as many rights, and as much freedom as they had, say, 10 or 15 years ago ?

[Ice]

So non-US citizens should keep their mouths shut, and not bother you with these things, because it's none of their business ?

But you see, Ice, when you play cop of the world, the others DO care what's going on in your own backyard. Because you DO get involved - remember the thread that showed in how many countries there are US and UK troops ?
The US one was covering a huge percentage of the globe. Yes, I know, some of those cases involve very few soldiers, but that's not the point, the point is that the US does get involved pretty much everywhere.

You don't have the moral right to get YOUR nose in other people's business, but tell them to stay away when they get interested in what's going on in your own courtyard.
If you want isolationism, that's fine, you're perfectly entitled to it. But that also implies you don't stick your nose into other countries' businesses.

If what another country is doing doesn't effect me or my interests, I really could care what they do. If they want to live 13th Century style in a cave or use some backwards law code, by all means go right ahead, but as soon this starts to effect ME and the country I live in, that is when it's my business.

I really don't see how this is anyone elses business besides people who reside in this country.

Like I said, thanks, but REALLY no thanks.

[Blodrast]

If what another country is doing doesn't effect me or my interests, I really could care what they do. If they want to live 13th Century style in a cave or use some backwards law code, by all means go right ahead, but as soon this starts to effect ME and the country I live in, that is when it's my business.

I really don't see how this is anyone elses business besides people who reside in this country.

Like I said, thanks, but REALLY no thanks.

Part of it is what drone said. However, what I, and presumably macsen rufus were referring to, was this: it DOES affect people in other countries, because the US GETS INVOLVED in those countries !
Since the US has troops, for whatever reason, in those countries, and the US pulls a lot of strings all around the world, this is DIRECTLY affecting people in those countries. Therefore, they are entitled to worry over the actions of the US leaders and so on, because it's those people's decisions that will affect their lives.
Go ask an Iraqi if they think they should be concerned with who's in charge and with the external politics of the US...

What you just said is the very definition of a double standard (aka hypocrisy): "when others do something that affects me, I'm entitled to poke my nose into their business. However, nobody else should stick their fingers in MY business".

I'll stop here, because I've hijacked the thread enough (sorry, drone), and also because you can lead a horse to the water, but you can't make it drink.

[drone]

I'll stop here, because I've hijacked the thread enough (sorry, drone), and also because you can lead a horse to the water, but you can't make it drink.

No worries, not my thread.

[Tribesman]

I am completely in favour of the pentagon expanding their propoganda machine .


It will provide endless entertainment , for those who like to laugh at the piles of bull excrement they manage come up with .
Just think how many milestones and turned corners they can invent .

[Ice]

Part of it is what drone said. However, what I, and presumably macsen rufus were referring to, was this: it DOES affect people in other countries, because the US GETS INVOLVED in those countries !
Since the US has troops, for whatever reason, in those countries, and the US pulls a lot of strings all around the world, this is DIRECTLY affecting people in those countries. Therefore, they are entitled to worry over the actions of the US leaders and so on, because it's those people's decisions that will affect their lives.
Go ask an Iraqi if they think they should be concerned with who's in charge and with the external politics of the US...

What you just said is the very definition of a double standard (aka hypocrisy): "when others do something that affects me, I'm entitled to poke my nose into their business. However, nobody else should stick their fingers in MY business".

I'll stop here, because I've hijacked the thread enough (sorry, drone), and also because you can lead a horse to the water, but you can't make it drink.

Blod, I'm not trying to sound like a hypocrite. I'm simply saying stay out of our domestic affairs, and I (WE) will try to stay out of yours. My point was, if it doesn't us or you, you should let us worry about.

Now, foreign policy moves I agree with you about. That's another story. I just don't find that this particular topic really effects anybody besides citizens of our country.

[Blodrast]

Now, foreign policy moves I agree with you about. That's another story. I just don't find that this particular topic really effects anybody besides citizens of our country.

I tend to agree with you in that this particular topic has little effect on those outside the US.
While my point was that *some* of your apparently-purely-domestic issues have an effect on others through your foreign policy, again, this hardly applies to this particular issue.
My bad for getting sidetracked and OTish.