Political Cortex: Brain Food for the Body Politic

Bush invoked 9/11 right away. He stated, "We're taking the fight to those who attacked us and to those who share their murderous vision for future attacks."  This technique of false association is mentioned in my previous writing.  The important thing is that we subconsciously connect his "war" with his false justification for attacking Iraq.  

Shortly thereafter, Bush does it again, "Yet the terrorists have made it clear that Iraq is the central front in their war against humanity, so we must recognize Iraq is the central front in the war on terror."  By utilizing false logic, Bush has connected the 9/11 to his `war on terror,' then in the following statements he connects the `war on terror' to Iraq.  He has created a full circle Revolving Argument.  

According to Propaganda 101: Mastery of the Dark Arts, "The Revolving Argument is a logical fallacy that loops around to support itself instead of relying upon outside facts for substantiation."  His use of this technique is powerfully reminiscent to me of a faulty syllogism - a logical fallacy.  A proper syllogism would be, "All men are mortal. I am a man. Therefore, I am mortal."  To butcher it into a logical fallacy, we might say, "Man is created in the image of God. I am a man.  Therefore, I am a god."

Bush's speechwriters have hidden a logical fallacy inside his speech.  They would insist; 9/11 started the war, Iraq is the focal point of the war, therefore we are fighting in Iraq because of 9/11.  Do not be alarmed dear people.  This is nothing new in Bush's speeches.  I'm still looking for one that does not contain this type of propaganda.

Later on Bush says, "Just over two-and-a-half years ago, Iraq was in the grip of a cruel dictator who had invaded his neighbors, sponsored terrorists, pursued and used weapons of mass destruction, murdered his own people, and for more than a decade, defied the demands of the United Nations and the civilized world."  

Saddam was using chemical weapons during the Iran, Iraq War - weapons containing chemicals supplied by western companies.  How do you think we know he had chemical weapons at certain points?  We knew, because we supplied the chemicals and encouraged their use, either directly or indirectly.  A `cruel dictator' could very well be a leader who uses unlawful or unethical means to take command of a country illegitimately and then uses that power to declare pre-emptive wars against other countries.  And come on George, who's the best at defying and marginalizing the United Nations?  To top it off, the CIA funded and supplied Islamic extremists (terrorists) during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan.

A little like the pot calling the kettle black if you ask me.  If you look closely at all of Bush's prideful and patriotic words, laced together just so that we all get a warm and fuzzy feeling deep inside, you will see an image of deception and lies that has been growing in power for decades.  The truth is always just under the surface.  We just have to dig a little to see it.

During a blatantly rehearsed question and answer phase at the end of the speech, Bush subtly addressed the government's use of direct propaganda.  "It's difficult. I mean, their [Arabic television's] propaganda machine is pretty darn intense. And so we're constantly sending out messages, we're constantly trying to reassure people, but we're also -- we're also acting. And that's what's important for our citizens to realize. Our position in the world is such that I don't think we can retreat. I think we have a duty and an obligation to use our vast influence to help."  That one isn't very hard to decipher - not so subtle really.

My favorite quote taken from Bush's speech was:

"...a proper use of influence that helps improve people's lives is the best way to affect -- to change the image of country, and to defeat the propaganda."

I can't say that I disagree with that one George.  It does take propaganda, or the thorough understanding of it to defeat propaganda.  That's why I'm here.

To read more anout propaganda in politics and media go to Mind Your Noodle