Reply #45: Beware the "Republican Noise Machine"

[Donna Zen]

In his book "The Republican Noise Machine," David Brock points to something early on that I have noticed which Brock found to be one of the most dangerous trends in media and the public discourse today. Too often the RNM begins a rumor, a meme if you will, that denigrates a Democrat. Sometimes a few Democrats or fair minded journalist will call the machine on its spin, but before long the spin becomes a meme and the meme becomes the new reality.

One only has to think back to Wellstone's funeral, or a particular statement about comparing the Iraq war to Vietnam by Kennedy to find an example. Or if you weren't paying attention back then then look at what has happened to Gore when he has spoken recently. Once the spin and slurs are in the air even supposed liberal leaning talking heads adopt the proper phrases and fall in line. "Oh_yes, so-and-so has gone too far."

The forums with their partisan take, their chosen ones, are not without blame. I'm reading a thread that is littered with those who promote and repeat exactly what Bob Novak and other enemies of good government, want you to think and say.

In an article by Elizabeth Drew called "Primary Colors" the author steps back and looks critically at the primary season. Drew, for those who don't read her work, is to my mind of the "old school;" a time when journalist did their homework and thought for themselves. She has seen many elections from start to finish and I value her insight. While all thay she wrote may not be to my liking, I accept it because Drew is "fair and balanced."

Anyway, here is what Drew has to say:

Still, over those four days Clark improved his stump speech from one that was weak to one that was eloquent. At a huge rally outside Manchester on Saturday afternoon, January 17, he stirred up more emotion than I have seen since Robert F. Kennedy addressed large crowds. Clark's stump speech was largely about values. He distinguished genuine patriotism—a commitment to American traditions of civil liberties and vigorous dissent— from fake patriotism—the indifference to rights and intolerance of dissent that characterize the Bush administration. He strongly criticized the President for not taking effective measures to prevent the attacks on September 11, 2001, even after Bush had received a warning about a plan for terrorists to hijack American planes, and for "lying us into an unnecessary war." He talked of Bush "prancing around the deck of an aircraft carrier," prematurely declaring an end to "major hostilities" in Iraq. His basic message was that "a higher standard of leadership" is needed in the US.

http://www.nybooks.com/articles/16965

I have seen Clark more than once, I have watched in person the man conduct a townhall meeting, and I did not see someone who was boring, or a failure. And apparently either did the other members of the audience who breathed the word "brilliant" as Clark finished his performance.

Begala and all of the other crew from the DNC have yet to challenge what is quickly becoming gospel: "Kerry is boring." We have many weak sisters and brothers out there, I suggest it is time to resist. If you have posted negative words about Clark regarding this bs lie, then I am sorry you have fallen into the trap. As Drew points out in the article, there are many reasons that Clark's campaign fizzled but his ability to speak out and up is not one of them.

Until we recognize how we are being manipulated then I am afraid we are doomed. "Kerry is boring?" When the fuck is Begala or any other Democrat with the mic. going to have the brains and guts to say: "Compared to what? A coke addled cheerleader who is guilty of an illegal oil grab?"

And remember when you repeat the lies they are so busy drilling into your soul, you are contributing to the RNC free media coffers.