"War Made Easy": How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death
By John Amato Saturday Sep 29, 2007 3:01pmPlease go and see this new movie about the way the government uses the media to sell war after war after war. It's a brilliant flick that dissects the great propaganda machine which is a curse to our democracy.
War Made Easy reaches into the Orwellian memory hole to expose a 50-year pattern of government deception and media spin that has dragged the United States into one war after another from Vietnam to Iraq. Narrated by actor and activist Sean Penn, the film exhumes remarkable archival footage of official distortion and exaggeration from LBJ to George W. Bush, revealing in stunning detail how the American news media have uncritically disseminated the pro-war messages of successive presidential administrations...read on
Login or Register to post comments.
This media spin machine isn't just being used to provoke wars. It's also being used to protect those who actually have attacked this nation. How else do you explain all of this:
www.asecondlookatthesaudis.com
"Sources that have deceived us so constantly do not deserve our trust."
That would be our Government and the media in a nutshell.
Where's the movie on "how to assert the rule of law"? Oh, that's right, that movie has no buyers: "The Constitution."
Only 50 years?
"You supply the stories, and I'll supply the war."
Jingoism is very old. Every age has its mass media. The populace has to be smarter, always smarter, than it cares to be.
The media is going to give them all of the press they can, to sell more war.
.
.
.
This looks like a brilliant documentary! Hopefully, the right-wing nutjobs will renew their attacks on Penn and bring this thing into the spotlight.
Americans NEED to understand that it's not just the Bush administration that has created the international blowback against the U.S.
This problem is systemic in American foreign policy.
.
.
.
Ron @ 4:
We knew this before the Iraq invasion, but the US government didn't stop. Will all the "big lessons about Iraq" -- lies, deception, false evidence/claims -- be learned; or was that for naught?
The US government's actdion tell us the US troops' deaths in Iraq have been in vain: They want more deaths in Iran.
STOP George @ 5:
I appreciate the sentiment about "understanding" what the video means; the problem is that the "understanding" of the 2006 voter mandate hasn't sunk in. Why would a video make any difference, especially when the DNC efuses to shut down funding for an illegal war?
STOP George @ 5:
American corporate policy.
The wars happen because the elites want them, not typically because the public clamors for them.
Then carefully study the events that precipitate the public clamor: a real eye opener.
The truth will out.
...
Great. Another movie I really want to see that won't ever come within a 3 hrs drive from me, not even on dvd. Maybe I'll get lucky and Sundance will have it on in 2010.
We are not required to support this US government. The Constitution is something else. We've been lied to before. No reason to believe them. Let's work for a new government that will prosecute these criminals in the DNC/GOP, and defend the Constitution. They're not listening to reason; they require justice. Jail time. Prosecute them.
AConfederacyofDunces @ 9:
Wars cannot continue if the public and contractors refuse to provide resources to support that illegal effort.
For those that are interested in seeing this excellent documentary...It's available on-line if you know where to look.
Where ever you see it, it's well worth seeing.
SpinThis @ 7:
These documentaries should work in conjunction with a movement to wean Americans off the idiot box. Until Americans start noticing that there is little difference between the two political parties wrt foreign policy, needless and senseless wars will continue.
And the corporate controlled media is the problem.
Protests today need to eclipse the movements in the 60's. And nothinIg short of a communication revolution should result. I hope many more of these documentaries reach "high-profile" status. With the help of the internet -- it can.
It's time Americans take control of their politicians once again.
.
.
.
Wars make journalists' careers just as they make officers' careers.
Sometimes i really wonder if all of this is just made up.
What i really wonder, though, is who really stands to gain anything from this mess in the middle east? We're losing freedom, we're less safe from attack, people are still dying, and Iraq isn't any closer to solving its internal issues. We don't even have control over the f*cking oil! What is really the point of any of this?
Why is it that the repugnacans are only in favor of paying taxes to support killing people. They are supposed against abortion but they support the death penalty and war. I guess we need a constant supply of fresh people to keep their blood lust in check. Not one penny for sick children, but let's bomb Iran.
HSUK @ 13:
Thank you. You were right. I'm watching it right now.
http://youtube.com/watch?v=u6mw-nzt704
Amy Goodman featured this documentary. Available on youtube in several parts.
Go back and look at London Times coverage during WWI. There are maps with no scale, showing "gains" that in reality were 100 feet, at the cost of 15,000 men. I hate to say it, but until this country fights a war where we lose the flower of a generation, we're going to continue to fill our ranks with politicians who give macho talk in place of policy.
Just bought my tickets for the Vancouver Film Festival showing on October 10. There are still some available.
A few weeks ago, we finally saw "No End In Sight" at a half empty Vancouver theatre, which was discouraging since it was maybe one of the best docs I've ever seen (and I've seen plenty).
Holy shit, Bush's still president after the Spanish Downing Street memo.....American constitution my behind.....There is a lot of tough attitude & talks in the US of A, but,
Gone with the wind........
STOP George @ 15:
I hear you, but this was the "big slogan" behind the 2006 election. Look what that got us: DNC being the lapdog to the GOP minority. Anyone have "new" ideas, other than using prosecutions, to "take control" of the politicians?
Apparently, the voters aren't important to either the DNC or GOP. What's going to wake them up, besides jail time? I see nothing.
Emphasis added for comment below:
STOP George @ 15:
With all due respect, I take great exception to this notion --- " Until Americans start . . ." -- I find it offensive that American citizens are being expected to "do" something. No, the public has done something: they have noticed teh wrong, and did vote in 2006. The problem is despite that vote, the Congress ignores Americans. Please stop suggesting "until Americans start . . .", and put the burden on the Government: Why should Americans accept their leadership/governance when they ignore the voters?
Idea of Republic
Indulge me as I discuss Constitutional theory and history, as it relates to the idea of a Republic and Representative Democracy. This isn't a burden for American citizens. The idea of a republic is to do one thing: Ensure that the elected officials were doing the job of their constituents, and that they were acting as experts.
Long ago, before the days of telegraph and phones, the Founders thought that the States would be the means by which the Federal Government would get checked. the idea was that if someone was doing something really strange in DC, then the States would be the means by which the interests of the population would be quickly transmitted.
Today's problem is that the Founder's assumption -- that the population would challenge the government; and the government would become experts on the law to represent the people -- has been turned on its head. Despite challenging the government, the government isn't responding; they are not experts on the law, they defy the law. Rather, the elected officials have ignored the mandate, and they have shifted "the burden" to the public: What they need to do; and what the public should "try again" next election, as if to say, "Go away, and try something else." No, we did try something else, and that didn't work.
Return To Today
The problem in the US is the leadership that's been elected is no longer representing the public, nor is it defending the Constitution or its oath of office. We have a tyranny of anarchy -- yes, that is impossible, but we have a lawless mess of excuses for inaction. American citizens have done their job; and this leadership has failed. Time to start a new system of governance that competes direction with this model; and one that lawfully, peacefully demonstrates it is more capable of governing effectively. This US government has failed. It is not a model. It is reckless.
SpinThis @ 12:
Your comment contradicts one of the fundamental precepts held by the framers, i.e. that all power is vested in the people, save that specifically granted to the government by our Constitution. What far too many people seem to have forgotten (or not been taught by their parents) is that government officials command respect by the very nature of the office they've been elected to, even when the democratic process doesn't go our way on election day. Sure, disagree with the government, GOP, DNC, etc. all you care to, but do so respectfully.
You know what piss me off about you people, your troops are mass murdering around the Middle East doing the job for your filthy politicians, dropping Depleted Uranium and butchering hundreds of thousands,and you sit there on your lazy asses behind your pretty keyboard discussing the strategy of war crimes accomplices Clinton & Obama, Maybe you really deserve to get your ass kicked by Iran.
You are all complicit, just like the Germans in the 40's....
SpinThis @ 24:
Maybe 2-5 million angry citizens in Washington? Mass civil-disobedience?
In a nutshell, "ORGANIZATION" by the people.
Americans have got to start abandoning the idea that the majority of their representatives are paying attention to them. It's time to take matters into your own hands. Be creative and organize, organize, organize.
And part of this organization needs to target the corporate media as "the problem".
.
.
.
SpinThis @ 25:
Americans have done their job?!! LOL!!!
I don't know what planet you're living on, but the one that I'm on saw 350 million U.S. citizens watch it's government and opposition party piss all over the constitution, and basically has done nothing. I'm seeing kids being tazered while fellow colleagues cheer and support this act of police brutality.
There should be mass protests across this nation like we've never seen before. Instead, the majority of Americans are debating the latest Britney Spears embarrassment .
Americans have done all they can?!!
Give me a freakin' Break!
.
.
.
the good son @ 26:
No, the government and the Constitution are not the same. The public can, at any time, revoke all delegated powers, and create a New Constitution; and ignore this government. We are not required to forever "let" the US government abuse power; we may revoke those abused powers. Any. Time. We. Choose. That delegation of power is not eternal; but conditional.
The US government officials -- the buffoons we have today -- do not command respect, but contempt. Their office is meaningless. They have brought discredit upon themselves, their government, and their service.
There is no need to "respect" that which disdains the law. Let's revoke their powers and start over with a new system of governance. This leadership ignores the Constitution. We may revoke all their powers: We the People retain the power to revoke any and all powers, especially, as now, when they have been abused, not used as required, and recklessly left to decay.
Show the world any law that says that Free People may not revoke this Constitution and create a new system of governance that is more responsive, and effective . . .and I will show you tyranny: The American government. They defy their oath; they are contemptible; and they remain a threat to this Constitution. Might as well discuss a method to lawfully transition to something which will constrain power; compel action; and impose consequences for this recklessness we have seen since 2001.
"Wait until the next election" is not an answer when, despite elections, the DNC-GOP jointly agree to assent to illegal warfare, violations of the Constitution, impeachable offenses, malfeasance, and war crimes. There is a reasonable basis to argue for a new system of governance that binds, constrains, and better checks what this US government refuses to respect: The rule of law. Those who defy the rule of law -- as has this US government -- do not deserve respect. They deserve jail time. Prosecute them!
Despite the laws prohibiting abuse of power, they continue to refuse to enforce the law, investigate, or ensure this abuse of power ends. It should not take this long to "possibly" get a Member of Congress to "think about" "maybe" looking at the Constitution and ending funding for what is not lawful. This Congress is complicit. Pelosi may be speaker, but she's a contemptible toad who continues to rubber stamp this abuse of power, reckless conduct, and tyranny. She might as well go home. What's going on in America when the abuse of power is this bad, but the "only" thing people can argue is, "Well, if only the American citizens can . . ." That's non-sense.
Time to put the burden on the US government officials. Get them prosecuted. Get them targeted for jail time. And let's get them stripped of their legislative-executive-privilege-immunity. We're not immune to intrusion; why should they be immune to the same contempt for their arrogant abuse of power and malfeasance? The burden is on this government to justify to all Americans: Why should Americans not now -- today -- revoke all powers delegated? They have no answer. This does not advocate violence, only a discussion of "what is to be done" now that the voting-options and voter-inputs have failed, been ignored, and have not worked.
I see no other option but a full rejection of this Constitution -- as the framers allowed -- as a means to strengthen the rule of law, and replace it with something that better defends the principles which this US government ignores, does not defend, and undermines both at home and abroad. Watching a video reminding us of what's wrong does little to discuss the real solutions needed: A credible threat that their delegated powers are about to be revoked. Until they feel that -- not as a speculative dream -- but as something that is lawfully, imminently about to occur, this US government has no reason to respond to any "pressure" generated from the voters, the law, or a video. This government does not deserve a debate; it needs to be disciplined by having it's abused powers revoked. We the People have the lawful power to do that through the 10th Amendment. However, if someone is convinced that a "video" is going to wake up Congress, believe it; but know you have the option to support something that will really wake them up: revokation of all powers. That's on the table.
STOP George @ 29:
Those who do not vote are voting: "We are not going to vote." You want to mobilize Americans to "do it again", go ahead. This government is using that excuse as a means to not respond to the 2006 mandate. If you want a break, then let those who are willing to revoke this US government's abused powers -- as is lawfully permissible -- to lead. Get out of the way. Revoking their powers is on the table.
American citizens should not -- as is required -- be "better experts" on the law, governance, Constitution. The Framers intended for the representatives to do this. Today, we have the opposite: The "experts" are apparent criminals; and the voters' expertise -- their mandate -- is ignored. That is not representative government, but tyranny. You want to watch a video about that? Great. Let's talk about what is going to wake up the Congress: A video that is going to revoke their power. Americans have been mobilized: The majority are against the Congress; are for the Constitution; and like the idea of the "rule of law". We don't need more videos. We need a New Congress that defends this Constitution from this Congress.
We the People can set up a parallel government that we the People recognize. Nobody can stop us from discussing those videos. Watch how quickly the GOP will whine, "But the Constitution is the Supreme Law." Sure, only when their power is about to be revoked will the GOP suddenly have a renewed appreciation for "this" Constitution. What is Supreme is the Rule of Law: The Supreme Law compels assent to the rule of law. This government doesn't give Americans that, in defiance of the law and their oath. Prosecute them. If they oppose prosecution, then we the people may enact a new Constitution in a solemn ceremony. That is on the table.
You wanna send a "no war" message to the elites we have to impeach, try, convict and imprison for War Crimes.
...
Everyday the pressure builds for each person to wake up and witness...
Everyday the consciousness expands from within those who are merely conscious even if they only take a 3 millisecond peek each day... it will rush in.
The change is going to be turbulent... and it is going to be painful.
The more people that wake up.... The faster and less painful it will be.
And the End result is going to be wondrously beautiful....enabling us all to be proud to be a human being.
War Crimes for Bush and his Administration should be in the offing. Please, can someone in authority with some backbone get this process started? Just think of the world wide applause and support!
I say again, Bush and his Administration should be tried for Crimes against Humanity and not cave in like Belgium. They will forever be remembered as the ones who caved in to murder ("Sure, go ahead, we've got out heads in the sand so we see nothing"). Please correct me if I'm wrong about the history.
Here is what this video does: It helps investigate this US government's intrusions and violations:
Fed 78
Federalist 78 clearly leaves open the option -- as a basis to get this Constitution passed -- that a New Constitution could be drafted, and that this Constitution could be annulled or changed. We don't need an Amendment: We can annul this Constitution, trash it, revoke all their powers, and start over with something that is more effective. You want a video that is going to talk about the problem; or do you want to talk about what this video starts: A discussion of what is to be done when all voting options have failed; and the government continues to support illegal warfare despite the real threat of prosecutions.
If you're going to discuss how great a video is in explaining a problem, you need to be open to discussion the solutions that will solve the problem: All of them. Taking any lawful option off the table is absurd. But when that government -- as this one has -- refuses to keep all options on the table to defend the Constitution and Supreme Law, that government does not command respect; and the system that enables that President and Congress is no longer worthy of support, respect, or admiration. Until the Constitution is changed, we are obliged to defend this Constitution; but we are not obligated to listen to the clap-trap that we are stuck with what is not working; nor compelled to assent to what refuses to act in a respectable manner. Change is in the air. Congress has their chance to change, and has refused. This video reminds us that other options must be considered, otherwise we will have more of the same: US government contempt for American's rights; and US Congress arrogant refusal to listen to the American public. It should not take this much effort to remind elected officials of their legal obligations; and make them appreciate the full impact of their having their powers revoked by We the People. This government has left the public with no other lawful options. Voting didn't work. Congress isn't responding. Time to make Congress understand it has run out of time and options. If you want to send another link to Congress and "plead" with them to "just listen/watch" the video, go ahead. They aren't listening to the voters. Why should they respond to a video? You're not providing a credible reason to believe the Congress, until they have powers revoked, are going to respond to the rule of law, Constitution, or We the People.
war crimes @ 35:
Germany has started this.
They are spinning us (Americans) into complete and utter madness.
They have spun the Iraqi people to "death" and have had their sites on Iran for quite some time. Hell is too good for these psychopaths. Congress needs to put them away! The American people and the rest of the world are waiting for justice!
From looking at their web site, only a few theaters are showing this film. Anyone know if it will receive wider distribution, or if it is (or will be) available on DVD?
Is the limited distribution a finance issue, or are the corporations preventing its distribution? It seems like they could make money on such a documentary.
SpinThis @ 37:
No question about it. When will congress get it? The polls report that only 11% of the American public has any faith left in them. But maybe they just do not care, another sign that fascism is alive and well in the US.
What do they need to impeach him lies about a BJ , an intelligence snowjob and war crimes aren't enough?
Give Impeachment a chance!
AConfederacyofDunces @ 33:
You're going to have to get the US government to agree to be prosecuted. Japan and Germany in WWII showed us what they were willing to do to avoid war crimes. This government plans another invasion of Iran to avoid war crimes trials. If you want "no war" you're going to have to consider what lawful options are required to put the Members of Congress on trial. The State Attorney Generals have the power to prosecute Members of Congress for violating their oath of office. A government which does not recognize law is rejecting all reason: "Lack of reason" is what drives nations to expand unsustainable warfare from Asia and Europe in WWII into the Middle East and Africa.
The point is this: Congress does not support constraining itself or this President through either law, appropriations, or oversight. It is a sham kangaroo legislature. Hitler learned the hard way: When non-sense expands, it will eventually collapse. Paul Krugman refers to this as the "Wild E. Coyote"-point: Where the Coyote runs off the cliff, then suddenly while hanging in midair, realizes -- Gulp! -- there's nothing under him. Then he falls to earth. Congress hasn't reached that point, yet. Things that cause it are a financial crisis, prosecutions, and defeats on the battlefield. Usually. Yet, despite this Congress-President bungling this warfare in Iraq, it continues. What option does the world have when the US leadership will not assent to reason, law, debate, discussion, resources, or reality?
If you want a video explaining this, watch videos about WWII, Japan, and Germany: Stupid leaders, when left to their own devices, will abuse power, use illegal force, and eventually run up against a brick wall. This video doesn't force Congress to see that it is no longer on stable ground: It preaches to the choir; it does not make Congress "feel" the reality of what is imminent: Lawful loss of power.
You need to understand that fascists use these secret groups to conduct their illegal and unethical activities.
Licoln tried to stop them, Kennedy spoke a speech about them. Perhaps you should wake up and stop them.
wmholt @ 39:
"Overthrow the halls of power and put in new guards for your future security."
Tear down these criminals.
Heliogabalus @ 27:
Since your very existence probably came about because your predecessors' asses were saved by the US back in WWII, you might want to factor a more appreciative tone into the delivery of these talking points.
There are two options: Impeachment or prosecutions. taking "impeachment off the table" means prosecutions of the President and Members of Congress remain on the table.
Kathleen @ 40:
What will start it? State prosecutors are allowed to file charges against Members of Congress. If the prosecutors refuse to act they can be prosecuted for defying their oath, and not enforcing the Constitution: That is obstruction of Justice. It's one thing to refuse to lawfully punish Members of Congress; the next step is to target the legal community and investigate/disbar/prosecute legal counsel who refuse to rise to the occasion. This can be done. State Attorney disciplinary boards have a role in ensuring the Constitution is defended: Those attorneys who defy their oath, can be disbarred and prosecuted and never able to practice law.
We the People -- today -- can discuss what this video is missing: The next solutions that the public can implement: A new system of governance, a method to ensure war crimes are prosecuted, and direct prosecution at the state level of Members of Congress for defying their oath and denying the states their guarantee to a Republican form of government: one that includes an enforcement mechanism. It is preferable that this process start without the requirement for more defeats and reckless squandering of scarce resources on the battlefield. Hitler and Tojo didn't wakeup until too late. Let's hope Congress realizes their power can be revoked.
Neil @ 42:
Posting here at C&L and discussing this with your friends helps.
the good son @ 44:
WWII is one thing. Why appreciate that which is no longer respectable? This Congress does not respect the Constitution of 1789; why would anyone hold themselves to a "standard of deference" this Congress believes does not apply to them? When Congress shows some respect for 1789, perhaps the public might care what happened in WWII. WWII is an excuse to avoid discussing Congress' recklessness since.
the good son @ 44:
I am Japanese .....you wanker, or i may have to thank you for saving my ass from my own people ?.
It won't stop until the USA has colonized the whole world. They prefer to do it economically, but if it takes a few guns to get things started, so be it. That's how I've always seen the USA.
the good son @ 44:
Good son. The whole world is SOOOOO VERRRRRY TIRED of that old argument. Enough already. The USA didn't do it alone. The world is grateful for all the allies that saved us from fascist Germany. That doesn't mean, FOR EVER MORE, we must bow down to your might. STFU!!! What stuoid f---king American arrogance!!!
Canada fought alongside you, but we never say that.
Edwin @ 50:
And may I remind everyone -- Canada fought in WW2 well ahead of the U.S. The U.S. came late -- something which is not widely discussed.
the good son @ 44:
How long did it took America to "enter" the conflict (while London was being bombed to the smithereens for months...), and half of Europe under German boots. It took us to attack you, i think you should be grateful to Japanese for having acting like idiots, but i guess history is repeating itself.
I think the US really deserves a royal asskicking over there. I would say the same thing for every other country too that act as bullies. I thought the Russians deserved the ass kickin they got in Afghanistan too. Its too bad though that innocent troops get in the way of that too. Should just pack the warmongers and their minions and their kids over there to suffer and clean up their own fucking mess. These bastards are probably gonna walk scott free on this war crime. No one in US seems to have the interest or guts to take them to task for their crimes against humanity. US is one more lie away from total facism with Bushes little signing statements and power grabs. Its my thought they arent about to give up all the power they have obtained since the theft of Florida 2000. They just get bolder too as time goes because they have gotten away with all of it so far. Looks like Iran is a done deal now too cause they will do as they want and dont care what 90% of Americans think anyways. Seems like the Neo Con plan now is to off load never ending wars on next admin ( if there is one ?) so they can get Americans to believe it was a Dem war to start with. You know a lot of dumb ass hicks will believe it too. They are called Bushes base.
Edwin @ 50:
Good Son certainly doesn't speak for this American. I am sick of this example of American arrogance as well. I think if more Americans actually traveled outside of the country, they might actually change some of the narrowminded views they have. This "We're fucking #1" mentality is bullshit.
The Bush administration "spinning" Americans into madness. The Bush administration "spinning" the Iraqi people "to death" and destruction.
The "cakewalk in Iraq" lunatics are looking to give Iran a criminal "spinning" all too soon.
We better be putting our asses on the line or in six months we will be talking about how many Iranian people are dead from an illegal Bush administration attack.
looks like an awesome movie
As the Pundits keep Spinning propaganda on our public airwaves
we reflect
and take note...
They did not do a very good spin job
..."covering up" all the unlawful dirty deeds.
Millions more now understand...
Keep Speaking America.
We are millions strong. And have been since 2001.
We also stand together getting to the bottom of this..
2007 New Crook and Liar: State Dept. Inspector General Howard Krongard
Whistleblowers Were Threatened by State IG
http://www.tpmmuckraker.com/archives/004327.php
Letter: Dear Mr. Krongard.. ( Howie)
http://www.talkingpointsmemo.com/docs/waxman-cookie/
Understanding history, Wall Street, big banks,
and other presidential appointment observations...all in the family
And while the "pundits" were spinning..
Another little Investigation: Mr Krongard... Brother Buzzy..
"Buzzy" Krongard - promoted to CIA Executive Director by Bush in March of 2001.
http://www.fromthewilderness.com/free/ww3/10_09_01_krongard.html
Next....
Keep this Investigations coming down the pike..
If there's a way for me to "invest" in whoever directed this film, even this preview, then I would like to do that.
Thanks.
I didn't need this movie to tell me these things about the govt owned and controlled media but it is a very good film and I recommend it. It's a good start on the road to critical thinking. It should be played in schools.
I studied history and watching the shrub co. propaganda machine is always frightening. Even though the mere suggestion of the comparison has been made all but taboo, anyone who can't see the parallels between hitler's regime and the current shrub govt. is blind or kidding themselves.
Fascism is fascism the uniform you wear is irrelevant.
My apologies, i never meant to include all Americans, I am aware that there are a lot of Americans with integrity and moral courage, who are very vocal in denouncing the crimes of their government.
I just wish there were more of them.
If anyone wants... The Full documentary is available on my site. War Made Easy - Full Version.
It's powerful.
Something tells me if there were a draft, that threatened all young Americans between ages 18 and say 24, with mandatory service in the military, there would be more outrage on the part of the U.S. citizenry, and a little more caution on the part of the politicians to get us invading countries and the like.
What I cannot - and NEVER will - understand is why we go to war in some countries but look the other way with others!
Why has the world just ignored the situation in North Korea, Zimbabwe, Sudan and until recently Burma????
All they do is issue STERN reprimands against their embassies while hundreds and thousands of their people are killed, tortured, starved, raped the list goes on...
How is it that Mr Bush has FINALLY mentioned the human rights abuses in Burma - after decades of military rule???
The only solutions he has is to squander more billions and lives in the illegal war in Iraq and now considering invading Iran!
The President of Iran was in NY recently - why not just detain him and charge him then and there. The people will be "so-called" liberated from a dictator and the worst the rest of the world will do is issue "STERN" reprimands towards the US.
I'm sure many could live with this - instead of the alternative - the destruction and killing of innocent civilians in Iran.
And if China really is supporting the unelected regimes in Zimbabwe, Sudan, Burma and North Korea - then BOYCOTT their Olympics next year.
Any fool can see China is following in the footsteps of Hitler and using the Olympics as a showpiece of their "alleged" great political system.
I don't want my children to revisit another Holocaust, or killing fields or Rwanda genocide. It is time for the world leaders to stop using the rest of us in an almighty pissing contest and STOP THE WARS!!!!!
JM @ 62:
might be a good idea, but the best among the radical solutions would be just like we Japanese experienced, a severe kick in the ass,,,
Heliogabalus @ 48:
My honorable, respectful and mature Japanese friends are much more peaceful and harmonious than you. They've also mentioned the particularly bad attitudes of some of the younger generation who don't appreciate history, hard work and sacrifice. Anyway, yes, you should be thankful the US ended the war when we did.
JM @ 62:
Where is Charlie Rangel when we really need him, especially now that Democrats have a majority in the House? He was quite determined to reinstate the draft back before Congressional Democrats actually had the power to pass such a bill.
SpinThis @ 41:
Nice summation. I was making the simpler point that nothing will change their arrogant and illegal behavior save strong consequences.
...
the good son @ 65:
Many of us are deeply ashamed of what our government did to the Japanese
Bush is spinning and most Americans buying into it .
You guys will just never learn and that includes The Democrats.
the good son @ 66:
Yeah, Rangel was on to something there. The Neo-con chickenhawks who are driving this war machine know full well the passengers would revolt if a draft were in place.
Kathleen @ 68:
Kathleen, don't apologize for what Americans did to us Japanese, we brought it on ourselves, we deserves it and we are fully aware of it, this is the reason you won't find many Japanese who will blame others and lament on what happened to them in 1945. though, i wish people could learn from history,
Gawd, we have become one sick nation of fools.
Have mercy on us all.
justabill @ 11:
There's no way I will ever be able to see this in a theater. I live a gazillion miles away from america, and i have no qualms about finding out how else i can get this movie untill the dvd comes out. a search at mininova.org has been suggested to me (ahem). Should be a torrential source of information.
JM @ 70:
Throwing out the fallacious "chickenhawk" smear cannot hide the fact the so-called neocons have had lots of help from Democrats in launching/sustaining military action in Iraq. With all the pseudo-prophetic references to the millions who have stood strong since since 2001 against Bush, war, CEOs, corporations, complicit media, yada, yada, one would think organizers of antiwar rallies would be able to muster more than a few thousand people to the Capitol by now.
the good son @ 74:
you made a good point here, i guess you are not a wanker after all .lol
And i apologize for calling you a wanker, you didn't use any demeaning language, i should have follow your perspective.
You're all missing the message. We need to quit electing people who have no real experience in war. A Hillary, Obama, Edwards have no experience. I wont go through the list of Republicans. Let's just say all of them. This is why we need a person such as Wesley Clark, a Paul Hackett, a Kerry etc....
They've been in a war and are less likely to start or continue a war.
You want to be progressive, vote for Edwards at the very least. He'll pull us out. Hillary and Obama? They'll keep us there.
I just checked an on-line dictionary for the term "pundit." Says a "pundit" is an expert. If so, then why are so many of those identified by right and left alike as "pundits" so consistently inexpert in what they assert? Can't we find a new term? Like, maybe, "blowhard"?
Five count 'em five came to my public screening of this film. I'm getting the feeling nobody really gives a damn whether we're a fascist country or not, as long as they still can drive their cars and go to the store. Sigh. See the film, anyway. It's worth your time.
Edwin @ 50:
The plethora of strawman arguments aside, one person attempting to speak for the whole world is the height of arrogance. Not to worry, you are far from alone, as "appeal to consensus" is one of the most commonly employed logical fallacies to be encountered in the blogosphere.
Heliogabalus @ 75:
Mondai nai.
the good son @ 80:
Continue surprising me and i'll end up as the wanker....
i appreciate individual who have a sense of humor, and you're one of them....
Talk to you later.
Bush's lies may fool the right wing pod people in America- but rest assured, the rest of the world is looking on in dismay as America is imploding. If we invade Iran, the US will be on its own- Britian MIGHT help, as some right wingers in Parliment seem to pine for the days of the British Empire- and Israel will be tinkled pink, as we will be fighting a war for them by proxy....I lived in Australia for 4 months, and my Aussie friends asked me 'why are Americans so gulliable'?
Good question- Could it be becuse the Christian nuts in this country think Bush is somehow channeling Jesus?
Heliogabalus @ 52:
America's contributions in WW1 and WW2 were minor, as the US didnt enter both wars until they were well established- Americans seem to think they won both wars- but truth is,m even if America stayed out of both wars, the end result would have been the same...
even if America stayed out of both wars, the end result would have been the same…
I am far from being a cheerleader for American interventionism, but that's a very dishonest statement..The reason we Japanese lost the war, is because of America and nobody else.....No need to be in love with America to acknowledge the truth.
America’s contributions in WW1 and WW2 were minor, as the US didnt enter both wars until they were well established- Americans seem to think they won both wars- but truth is,m even if America stayed out of both wars, the end result would have been the same…
Dream on. The tide turned once the US entered the the war.
Er... Mr. Penn? No thanks.
He already blew his chance to get my attention with that "blood soaked underwear" fiasco. He regained some dignity with his metaphor-off against Mr. Colbert, but he really should just dedicate his time and money to another, more capable spokesperson.
He only hurts his own cause when he speaks anymore.
ckerst @ 18:
The Iraq war and occupation is paid for from overseas borrowing ie national debt,
future generations will be paying taxes on it. We are not at the moment.
The USA's national debt I believe is just edging up to $9,000,000,000,000 , Nine Trillion Dollars
http://www.brillig.com/debt_clock/
SpinThis @ 24:
I agree, I see nothing. But maybe things will need to happen from the outside. The protests in DC are a "feel good" effort but those voices fade very quickly. Writing to congress doesn't seem to do much. I've written my congress people with canned responses back. My impeachment requests have been met with "there aren't enough votes to pull it through" excuses.
I think other countries have to step up to the plate and say enough is enough. For those of us who don't want the US to attack Iran let's hope the Soviets step up with a stern warning.
As far as the Middle East. Oil is our lifeblood. Cut off our supply if we don't leave the gulf now. The US seems to be backing the Shiia's. The Saudi's are Sunni. At some point this is going to have a strain on our relationship with them.
The Arabs shouldn't stand for this. If they were smart they would stop fighting each other, band together and put the screws to us not through violent extemism but through economic extremism. Once my stupid conservative neighbor can't drive his SUV because gas is 7 bucks a gallon things will change.
If the Arabs finally put two and two together and believe for themselves it's all about the oil, they'll threaten to cut us off if we don't leave. But I think the Bush family is too friendly with the Saudis at this point. Maybe if we keep killing their Sunni bretheren that thinking may change.
In reality things should be strained between the Saudi's and the US. It was alot of their expatriates who caused 9/11. We went to war with the wrong country. But do we tick off the Saudi's? No way.
now we get to see first hand how a crazy person like Hitler could cause so much trouble. Preemptive wars were a necessity. They made people feel safe. . .
Heliogabalus @ 84:
You are absolutly correct regarding the war in the Pacific- I was referring to the war in Europe- The Russians and the British defeated Germany- America simply served as backup support- in no way shape or form did America defeat germany- Had the US not fought in Europe, the Russians and Brits would still have defeated Germany. I just roll my eyes when Americans claim they were trhe ones who defeated Germany...
I so miss the Cold War. I liked it when America had to consider what the Soviets thought. There'd be no way in hell America would be all over Iraq, Afghanistan and most likely, soon, Iran. The USSR would never stand for it. Just as the USA would not allow missiles in Cuba. Etc., etc., etc. Since the USA has become the lone superpower, it's also become the lone-biggest-asshole on the planet.
This administration doesn't care what anyone thinks; they don't have to.
(Anyone here remember Lily Tomlin's old A.T. & T. routine?? Sort of like that.)
the good son @ 85:
dream on righty....
Choam Nomsky @ 90:
You might be right, after reading Henrik Eberle & Matthias Uhl's book, it became clear that the Russians (Soviets) impact on the war and their advance and invasion of Germany was essential to the defeat of Germany, but without the US the war could have lasted very much longuer.
Heliogabalus @ 60:
Me too, but honestly. (OK, enough.) I come here every day so many good readers know where I stand. I know there are lots of good Americans. I have many American friends. I am a traveler, live overseas, (have been to Japan many time Heliogabalus-- and LOVE it), and agree with some others here-- get over this USA #1 crap. There is a whole planet with 6 billion souls (soon to be 9 billion souls), so get over yourselves (if you're not already.) So you grabbed all the money through economic-colonial exploits. Britain did it last time round. It doesn't last.
the good son @ 65:
With the atomic bomb? What kind of lame-ass history do you read??? Japan would have surrrendered, but they had to consider the Emperor first; something most Americans don't (can't or won't) understand. The bomb, IMO, was used to warn Russia and China to watch their step.
Edwin @ 95:
Japan would have surrendered!, yeah ! says who ?. you don't know jack about Japanese my friend. the point about warning Russia and China is true, but what is also true is that people of good sense would have surrendered, but then there were very few people of good sense in position of power, the Emperor didn't give a rat ass about his own life, he always thought that in spite of the allied promises, he was going to be executed, and 70% of his "etat major" didn't wanted to surrender, "Death before dishonor" means anything to you. yes they killed a lot of people with those nukes but the fact is even today, nobody knows for sure if they were serious about surrending, but you probably know my own history better than i do
Rich boy's solution to war: get the class nerd to take your tests, and have the class jock do your fights.
The media making a calculated and deliberate effort for war? That will never happen in the United States of... oh forget it. Just watch the purest most high-grade propaganda for the next war...
Preview – Iran: The Ticking Bomb
http://beta.redlasso.com/Community/ClipPlayer.aspx?i=d339823c-4fb8-4dbb-...
Iran: The Ticking Bomb pt 1
http://beta.redlasso.com/Community/ClipPlayer.aspx?i=95a410d3-da38-4a84-...
Iran: The Ticking Bomb pt 2
http://beta.redlasso.com/Community/ClipPlayer.aspx?i=9b9a26b1-b316-4c1a-...
Iran: The Ticking Bomb pt 3
http://beta.redlasso.com/Community/ClipPlayer.aspx?i=702cf5a5-9945-41b5-...
Iran: The Ticking Bomb pt 4
http://beta.redlasso.com/Community/ClipPlayer.aspx?i=292c6dbd-4e2c-4dfd-...
Bill in Chicago @ 1:
Not true. Osama had nothing to do with 9/11. Don't take my word for it. Go to the FBI's most wanted page and see if there is any mention of 9/11 in his "crimes". Do your homework; research 9/11, study the evidence for yourself and stop gulping down governmedia lies.
http://www.tincapjournal.blogspot.com/
Edwin @ 95:
Japan would have surrendered!, yeah ! says who ?. you don't know jack about Japanese my friend. the point about warning Russia and China is true, but what is also true is that people of good sense would have surrendered, but then there were very few people of good sense in position of power, the Emperor didn't give a rat ass about his own life, he always thought that in spite of the allied promises, he was going to be executed, and 70% of his "etat major" didn't wanted to surrender, "Death before dishonor" means anything to you. yes they killed a lot of people with those nukes but the fact is even today, nobody knows for sure if they were serious about surrending, but you probably know my own history better than i do
I'm not Japanese, so I can't dispute your opinion. That said, your history of that time is so distorted, I doubt younger Japanese have any true picture of the past. The textbooks and other books have been altered by conservative politicians. Like, in the Yasakuni Shrine bookstore, I found, "The Myth of the Massacre at Nanjing".
When I visited Yasakuni Shrine, I found the museum history so distorted, it was laughbale (if it wasn't so sad.) I went there with two American friends that work in the US diplomatic corps.: one from the US Embassy in Tokyo, and the other visiting from his posting in Germany. We were in utter disbelief. I am a student of history too-- my degree. I think the Japanese would have been forced to surrender as the war wound down near the end. The people were broken, but did not want to dishonour the Emperor, or be negligent in their duty.
Only a Japanese could fully comprehend the honour of duty, and duty to the Emperor, but I think I have a fairly good grasp on it as a foreigner. (My ex-brother-in-law is Japanese, my sister lived in Japan for 8 years, and is a fluent speaker.) I now live in Seoul, Korea and have travelled in Asia for 11 years. I'm not completely uninformed.
AConfederacyofDunces @ 10:
What you see when you see it happening is somthing like a symbiosis taking place.
However because it is not taking place in a pond, but within the context of a highly developed society it takes on a lot of importance. Because the media is a matrix upon which can be imposed almost anykind of reality.
There is a solution. Limit your media consumption.
[...] Watch Video [...]
Shandooga @ 99:
Hey, I know you guys are earnest (just ask Bill Maher), and maybe even well-meaning. But if you take half a second to actually look at my site, I think you'll understand that if I've done nothing else, I've certainly done my homework.
There's really no need to build these castles-made-of-sand from loose threads and half-baked theories. The truth is bad enough as it is.
[...] ’s a brilliant flick that dissects the great propaganda machine which is a curse to our democracy.read more | digg [...]
Heliogabalus @ 60:
We wish there were more too!
Login or Register to post comments.