It is becoming more apparent each day that the Democratic Party will be guiding the course of American politics for the next four to eight years depending upon its degree of success. As this reality looms closer, the Republican Party, in order to exert any influence upon the hearts and minds of the American people, will undoubtedly employ any means necessary to acquire control of the media. A good illustration of this type of influence was exhibited during the Presidential Election of 2004. It is now a matter of historical record that the Karl Rove propaganda machine, funded by T. Boone Pickens, launched a campaign of lies to disparage the military record of John Kerry. The subsequent character assassination produced a new colloquialism in the American lexicon labeled, “swift boating.” The American people have since expressed disappointment, if not outrage, for the implementation of this deceitful practice.
Let’s imagine the following scenario: Four prominent journalists employed by a major newspaper known for its support for liberal policies are approached by the Karl Rove propaganda locomotive which is now an independent contract apparatus funded by the same private interests which own the Republican Party. Let’s say these four journalists are enticed into planting a vague, if not fictitious, story in their newspaper which, hypothetically, involved sexual improprieties on the part of a leading conservative Presidential candidate. Let’s say, in return, these writers are offered a prominent place in either the Rove Truth Grinder or, perhaps, an upper echelon position with a competing enterprise such as the Rupert Murdoch Fact Assassins, Inc. To sweeten the deal, they are offered surreptitious cash incentives and an open window into the Republican underground during the next administration.
The benefits from the successful execution of this plot would be the following: First and foremost, the credibility of the hypothetical newspaper which, up until this point, has served as the gold standard in journalism would be severely compromised. Second, the subsequent loss of readership and advertising dollars would deplete the dollar value of the entire enterprise. The few journalists who still respect the First Amendment would seek out new venues for its protection and preservation, perhaps on the internet (politico.com, huffingtonpost.com, etc.). The skeletal remains of The Newspaper, Inc. would ultimately be sold and fall into the hands of the highest bidder, perhaps the Murdoch group. Thus, silencing a prominent liberal voice forever. This drama may seem far-fetched however, this is America, where everything is for sale, including the truth.
The American people are tired of and disgusted with negative campaigning. The latest attacks on John McCain have done nothing but increase support for the Republican Party, which has been noticeably weak of late. Karl Rove “won” the Presidential campaign for George Bush in 2004 by spreading a blanket of lies, deceit, and fear over the entire American heartland, one county at a time. He will employ similar techniques to discredit and disqualify key players in the Democratic Party one by one, even if it requires falsely attacking members of his own party and attributing blame to the “liberals.” Rove is a master of deceit, the same deceit which coats the underbelly of all Republican politics. It has no limits.
--Quinn Stilletto, President unwantedchildren.com
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