The Enemy of My Enemy

The surface/background phenomenon of the Bush administration is an essential component of their political power. The machine continually manufactures images and messages that may or may not accord with beliefs and actions taking place behind the scenes.

An example:

In 2004, the Republicans had the gall to accuse John Kerry of an alliance with Mahathir, a vicious anti-Semite… when we now learn that, “Former Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad said Monday that disgraced lobbyist Jack Abramoff was paid $1.2 million to organize his 2002 meeting with President Bush, but denied the money came from the Malaysian government.”

There is room in politics for all kinds of rule-bending and the trashing of longstanding tradition. It’s a tough game. But the freedom with which the Rove network spins its attack narratives, while often perpetrating the precise acts they condemn, this borders on the pathological (in the sense of “manifesting behavior that is habitual, maladaptive, and compulsive”). It’s worth asking if this is the operating principle of an organization that is committed to the best interests of the public and a healthy democracy.

Explore posts in the same categories: Big Ink, Color Commentary, Misdirection, Phantom News

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