The smoking gun: there really may be a U.S. mass media conspiracy

[Atlanta Skins Fan]

NOTE FROM ASF ADDED LATER: I've debunked the source of this story. TBRNews is not credible. My second post in this thread explains more.

I'll leave my original post here for the record. But know in advance: I believe this is a HOAX.

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I'll admit I didn't expect to stumble into this. But here we are.

You have a binary choice. Read the following and believe that this is an elaborate hoax, or accept that there really is a mass media conspiracy in the U.S.

If you believe it is an elaborate hoax, then please explain how this could be achieved, since the editor of the source publication (TBRNews) did a pretty good job vetting the incriminating documents alleged to be from a major U.S. TV network.

If you believe it is not a hoax, consider the implications, when the U.S. mass media is so vertically integrated through corporate cross-ownership that there are actually only a handful of companies running all U.S. mass media outlets.

The documents clearly show coordinated suppression and spinning of the news, in patterns aligned with Bush administration priorities on a week by week basis.

Here it is. I didn't make it up. Judge for yourself.

TBRNews.org

Chinese Axiom:

When things are investigated, knowledge is extended.

When knowledge is extended, the will becomes sincere.

When the will is sincere, the mind is correct.

When the mind is correct, the self is cultivated.

--Confucius

The more corrupt the state, the more numerous the laws.

--Tacitus

Morality is the best of all devices for leading mankind by the nose.

Friedrich Nietzsche: The Antichrist.

Controlling the News. Parts 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 & 7

In-House Memos on Television News Presentations

During the middle of March, 2003, tbrnews received an email from a man who claimed to be a mid-level executive with a major American television network. He stated in this, and subsequent, emails that he was in possession of “thousands” of pages of in-house memos sent from his corporate headquarters in New York City to the head of the network’s television news department. He went on to say that these memos set forth directives about what material was, and was not, to be aired on the various outlets of the network.

This individual claimed he was developing serious doubts about the strict control of media events and decided that he would pass this material along to someone who might make use of it.

There was the question of his job security. If someone published his name, it would be certain he was not only fired but blackballed throughout his profession.

If tbrnews.org would agree to protect his identity, he would send us these alleged thousands of pages of notes, going back to 2001.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating so we accepted his caveats and he then sent to us by disk the pages he spoke of. All are on corporate stationary, signed or initialed by the senders and again, signed or initialed by the recipients in the news division.

It was always possible that this material consisted of a very involved hoax or was something designed for the news site to use and then have it revealed that it was not original. It would not be the first time that spurious disinformation had been sent to us in the hopes that it would be used.

There were not “thousands of pages” of memos but a total of 1,497 separate pages involved. Many of them consisted of short memos while others ran to a larger format.

Naturally, someone could easily have obtained correct in-house network letterheads, made copies of them and prepared false memoranda but the sheer size and depth of the collection was impressive.

If these memos were true, they showed with a terrible clarity that at least one part of the American mass media was strictly controlled and that the news was so doctored and spun that it might as well be official news releases from the White House and Pentagon.

The best way in which to ascertain whether or not these documents contained original information was to check the dates of issuance and compare the information with subsequent news stories.

This was a terrible, time-consuming chore but by selecting random memos and looking through the archives of various national newspapers, checking AP releases and so on, the results indicated that indeed, news was being managed.

However, it was also possible that someone else did this and was preparing these after the fact and making the memos conform to published material.

That having been said, we insisted on absolutely current memos so that we could then check these against future publications. If, for example, a corporate fiat was to show certain pictures or spin a story in a certain way, it would be relatively simple to simply read the press or watch television news to see if these suggestions were implemented.

It was both shocking and gratifying to note that this proved to be the case in a preponderance of cases and so we began to put these up, either in toto or, more often, in excerpt and watch as ordained news was created before our eyes.

When a corporate order states, for instance, that certain pictures should be shown with accompanying commentary and the memo predates a published story by a week or more, then it is more than likely that the memos are not inspired guesswork but genuine.

When tbrnews put up the first two pages, there were two basic forms of public response. One was to thank us for exposing something many people believed; that the American media was controlled and not free. (That much can easily be ascertained by reading the websites of various reputable foreign publications such as the Swiss NZZ, the British Guardian, the Canadian Toronto Globe and Mail, Reuters News Service and the Jerusalem Post. What any viewer can see on these sites is certainly not reflected in the American media.)

The second response consisted of irate, and literate, statements to the effect that all of these items were just stupid hoaxes and should not be believed. “I believe,” one writer who claimed to be a Professor of Journalism at an Ivy League college said, “these are just disinformation designed to discredit American journalists whose reputation for honesty and integrity is certainly beyond question. You are performing a great disservice in repeating these politically-motivated fictions…”

This is certainly a true statement because if it became generally accepted that the American media was only a mechanical parrot for various political organization, it would no longer be either believed or watched. If viewers turned off their television sets, the networks would lose huge amounts of advertising revenue, reporters would be laid off and people would turn instead to the Internet for their news.

Tbrnews receives many emails on a daily basis but the input on this subject has been so great that we have decided to expand the articles, irate journalists and professors to the contrary.

In the final analysis, it is always up to the reader to make up their own mind as to the truth, or fiction, of what they read. The media has an opposite view of this.

It is fairly obvious that the average Americans get their news either from TV, mostly, or from the print media. If someone in East Peoria, Illinois sees something on CNN, the Voice of the White House, they have no reason to question it. And don't. The establishment does not worry about the lone man with a website that, as in our case, reaches perhaps 100,000 people at a time when they have control over NBC, CBS, ABC and CNN that can, an do, reach millions a day.

What to they care about people who email messages back and forth? Even if a Pentagon plan to nuke North Korea were up on the net, all that would happen is that some would say, "See, I told you so!" while others would say "Oh shame! You are questioning our Glorious Leader and putting our Brave Troops in danger!"

If some astronomer had absolute proof that a three mile wide asteroid was going to hit this planet in ten days, do you think any of the mass media would ever mention a word of it? This would cause mass panic and the last thing the establishment wants is a public that is out of control. They would find out the target area and keep away from it, along with their friends and members of their families. The rest of us would be either squashed or roasted alive but they don't care about us only so long as we pay our taxes without complaint.

If the honesty of the American mass media is brought into serious question, perhaps the establishment cannot jam their lies down the public's throat with such ease.

Walter Storch

"Authoritarian government required to speak, is silent...Representative government required to speak, lies with impunity". -- Napoleon

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(March 22):….it is not conducive to maintaining an overall neutrality in the Palestine uprisings to show any pictures of the American peacenik that was run over by the Israeli army bulldozer. This is only to be mentioned as a “tragic accident” for which the IDF “is truly saddened.”

(Feb 10)….It is not permitted at this point to use or refer to any film clips, stills or articles emanating from any French source whatsoever.

(Feb 26) It is expected that coverage of the forthcoming Iraqi campaign will be identical with the coverage used during Desert Storm. Shots of GIs must show a mixed racial combination….any interviews must reflect the youthful and idealistic, not the cynical point of view…the liberation of happy, enthusiastic Iraqis can be best shown by filming crowds of cheering citizens waving American flags. Also indicated would be pictures of photogenic GIs fraternizing with Iraqi children and handing them food or other non-controversial presents…of course, pictures of dead US military personnel are not to be shown and pictures of dead Iraqi soldiers should not show examples of violent death…also indicated would be brief interviews with English-speaking Iraqi citizens praising American liberation efforts…all such interviews must be vetted by either the White House or Pentagon before public airing.

(March 12) At this point in time, reference to North Korean military threats must be played down entirely. The Iraqi Freedom campaign has to be concluded in the public mind before proceeding with the next assault on the Evil Axis….

(March 26) US alliances with the Turkish/Iraqi Kurdish tribes should be played down. This is considered a very sensitive issue with the Turks and American arming and support of the Kurds could create a severe backlash in Ankara….Kurds should be depicted as ‘Iraqi Freedom Fighters” and not identified as Kurds…

(March 2) further references to the religious views of the President are to be deleted…

(March 15) photo opportunities of the President and members of his cabinet, especially Secretary Rumsfeld, with enthusiastic GIs….

(March 19) No mention, repeat, no mention, of Palestinian suicide bombers during the Iraqi operation….

(March 25) …no mention of either Wolfowitz or Pearle should be made at the present time.

(March 10)….pro-Government rallies are to be given the fullest coverage…if anti-Government demonstrations are shown, it is desired to stress either a very small number of “eccentrics” or shots of social misfits; i.e., with beards, tattoos, physical deformities, etc. Pro-Government supporters should be seen as clean cut with as many well-groomed subjects as possible….subjects should stress complete support for the President’s programs and especially support for American military units en route to combat…also interviews with photogenic family members of participating GIs stressing loyalty and affection…American flags are always a good prop in the background…

(March 30) Friction between Secretary Rumsfeld and senior military field commanders in Iraq are to be strictly minimalized and used only when impossible to avoid….the Secretary’s point of view on all military matters is to be stressed….important to bring out his reputation as a “man who shakes things up” and a brilliant innovator.

(March 31) ….no discussion of high-level rumors about pre-emptive tactical nuclear strikes against North Korean missile, “hard” artillery positions opposite Seoul or key North Korean leadership or military commands is to be mentioned. It must be stressed that the North Korean situation is viewed as “serious but not critical” by unnamed “senior U.S. military leaders.”

(March 31) ….no mention of PRC strong objections to US pre-emptive actions against North Korea….a short summary of the President’s refusal to “enter into any kind of negotiations” with the North Korean government….background report on the irrational and anti-democratic forces in North Korea…the desire of South Korea’s officials to maintain a close relationship with their American military protectors….no discussion of anti-US demonstrations in Seoul. These can be routinely dismissed as “radical students who are not supported by the new liberal and strongly pro-American President.”

April 4) …sharply rising unemployment numbers, this should be countered with official interviews stressing that the unemployment situation is now stabilizing and expected to fall soon.

(March 30) Because of the seriousness of the spread of SARS, actual figures of either the infected or of any deaths from local medical facilities must be carefully vetted via the CDC press information office in Atlanta. From the highest level, it is imperative that the American public not panic over the very rapid spread of this disease. Speculations of the actual nature of SARS is not under any circumstances to be permitted. Keep in mind the currently in- place rules following the outbreak of “Legionnaires Disease.”

(April 4) …a discussion of French desecrations of American and British war graves in France are to receive specific notice. Also, damage to the 9/11 memorial in Paris is to be included. No pictures of swastikas or other defamatory and anti-Administration graffiti are to be shown. French official apologies are permitted…..no comments equating the President with Hitler will be made….and the invasion of Iraq may not be compared with Hitler’s invasion of Poland, and such allegations now being made extensively in offshore media coverage are not to receive any attention. The Iraqi campaign is officially a campaign by a democratic United States against ruthless cruelty and oppression.

(April 5)…. comments appearing in the left-wing British Guardian about the occupation and administration of a conquered Iraq by American military personnel are to be ignored. Pacification, liberation, freedom and gratitude towards US forces, and the President are to be stressed.

(March 29) The President’s goal, to achieve oil autarchy by the United States, is suggested as a future series. Congressional denial of drilling in various environmentally “sensitive” areas may be derided as foolish misunderstanding of America’s vital oil needs. The interdiction of oil shipments to the United States from Venezuela and Nigeria are not to be commented upon. The attitude of Chavez towards the United States is also considered a non-topic. He was removed from power once and it can happen a second time. File footage of large crowds of distressed and unhappy Venezuelans should be prepared against the time he is removed from power again…

(April 4) If possible, pictures of the President with a book or, better, actually reading, are suggested. Commentary about his extensive reading habits…stress important historical and economic works…

(April 5) Presidential visits to military units in the United States are to receive full coverage and to extend past the usual slot time…spots of especially warm receptions are considered very important…

(April 7) Please arrange for photo ops of President visiting wounded GIs….Use photogenic subjects w/good racial mix. Also try for pix of First Lady handing wounded subject a gift…President decorating wounded (in hospital bed) w medal(s) Make sure subject smiles at P. Warm handshakes (if possible.)

(April 7 ) …no shots of GIs looting in Baghdad. Iraqi looters should be described as “joyful” at being liberated by US. Looting to be described as a “deprived people getting food for families”…all pictures from forbidden French press sources of a US General’s staff car being filled with paintings and carpets to be blacklisted at Pentagon request. If such pixs show up on other networks, comment be made that General is “rescuing art treasures to preserve them for the Iraqi people.” Also Iraqi rioters could be shown waving in friendly way to GIs.

( April 4 ) Alliance casualties to be played down. The massive Iraqi civilian casualties also played down. Use the phrase, “most civilian casualties caused by vindictive Saddam supporters.” Again, no pixs of dead women and children.

(April 6 ) Artillery targeting of several mosques to be deleted…..

(April 2) … prepare a piece on the withdrawal of all US troops from S. Korea. Main theme: US pulling out to prevent N. Korea from attacking. Stress the pro-US stance of Noh and his firm support of the President and his goal of preventing N. Korean military adventurism…no mention of ongoing S. Korean anti-US riots. They are to be called “radical student demonstrations” but do not show clips unless it can be determined that the numbers shown are very small.

(Jan 21, 2002 )… in any article on Enron collapse, it is not considered advisable to discuss role of K. Lay. Charges against lesser Enron executives to be stressed. Lay’s extensive gifts to President to be limited to “small campaign contributions” and shift emphasis to large gifts to Ashcroft for his presidential campaign. Mention A’s recusal from Enron investigations…

(April 9 ) …play down the Moscow meetings w. Schroeder, Putin and French. Please, no mention of NATO problems…

(April 9 ) …concerning Moscow meetings, say Russia, Germany and France are willing to forgive their huge Iraqi debts at the direct request of President. Stress the need for Iraq to rebuild after years of repression and need to keep her funds “to help her people.”

(April 8 ) …develop possible linkage between Iraqi mobs and US need to police the country for a “brief time” to prevent any attempt to stifle emerging democracy. Do not mention probability of continued large US military presence. Stress the words “restoring law and order” and “helping to make the transition to true democracy.”

(April 11) US attack on Russian Ambassador’s convoy either to be ignored or blamed on “unknown Arab terrorists” who support Hussein. Considered expedient that if mention is made of attack, not to identify the country involved. This incident, officially termed a misunderstanding, is being cleared up with Russia now.

( April 7)… attacks on foreign media, often unfriendly to US, to be explained as a “tragic error” and use the rationale of “pro-Saddam last ditch fanatics sniping at liberating US troops.” from areas attacked by US armor.

(April 13 ) SARS is now officially “under control” in the US. Air travel, in the US, has been cleared by CDC and other groups as “entirely safe.” Officially, there are no deaths from SARS in the United States. Use feed clips from CBC on “complete control” of disease in Canada… also mention lack of responsible reporting on subject by China.

(April 9 ) …in coverage of rebuilding of Iraq’s infrastructure, mention that American firms have expressed willingness to ”assist Iraq people to build a new, democratic nation.” No mention, by name, of Halliburton or Bechtel.

(April 10 ) show mention of restoration of Moscow statue of KGB founder…(linkage here) mention Putin’s former membership in KGB and very brief discussion of “growing pro-Stalinist” feelings in Russia. Consider this background for future series on same subject.

(April 16) ….a pending lawsuit against the FBI concerning its ‘no fly list’ should be treated as a ‘lack of comprehension’ by the American public. Negative comments are that this new regulation is designed to prevent elements hostile to the Administration from involvement in so-called “Peace” meetings, rallies and protests. Official view, to be stressed, is that this new regulation is to prevent suspected terrorists or persons having possibly dangerous views, i.e., militant Muslims etc. from using another commercial aircraft as in the 9/11 terrorist strike. We are advised that the list will be maintained as before….

(April 18) The President’s generous and statesmanlike offer to North Korea to open “substantive” negotiations should be linked with commentary about the “absolute support” in the PRC for the President’s peace moves and their willingness to help reign in a terrorist and communistic leadership needs special attention….

(April 19) Regarding North Korea, it is urgently requested by the White House that any reference to the President’s determination to remove the existing leadership of that country by downplayed. It should be mentioned as an “option” rather than the intention of the President.

(April 19) …in liberated Iraq, the apparent rejection by “dissident elements” of the country to continued US military and business presence is to be shown to be “against the will of the newly-liberated Iraqi people...” The on-going killings of pro-US Iraqis and occasional US military personal are to be downplayed and attributed to “rogue, pro-Saddam” persons. It is to be stressed, with photos and feature articles, that the Iraqi people “warmly greet their American liberators…” …any discussion about the CIA connections of US-sponsored new Iraqi leadership cadres is to be curtailed.

(April 19)…the portions of the Administration’s plan to lift Iraqi sanctions that deal with the humanitarian aspect of the rebuilding of Iraq are to be stressed. Subsequent US de facto control of the oil there, if mentioned, will concentrate on the fact that oil revenues from liberated Iraq will initially be utilized to pay for the costs of the campaign and later to support the military and administrative systems now being implemented.

(April 20) …the new Budget should be summarized as a plan to revitalize the economy, which began its decline as the result of certain actions within the previous administration, and the tax cuts are not designed to assist the wealthy but the entire American public.

(April 21) There needs to be a cohesive attitude towards SARS. We cannot hide that this disease is now rampant throughout Asia and has a growing death toll. It is considered very important not to mention the spread of the disease in the US or to acknowledge any fatalities. The latter are now ascribed as due to pneumonia…if the spread of SARS continues as predicted, mass quarantine is considered by the CDC and the Surgeon General’s office as almost mandatory….Canadian officials, very concerned with the high concentration of SARS-infected persons in Toronto are informing US officials that a general quarantine in that country may be mandatory. This should be a subject for comment, mentioning that Canadian health officials see mass quarantining as the “best and easiest” solution to the rapid spread of the disease…’We are working on a new vaccine that will stop this Asian (stress this here) disease and protect the American public.’ No mention of the fact that such a vaccine is months away if it happens at all….and it is considered imperative that no, repeat no, panic develop in the US. In sum, this is an Asian disease that mostly affects Asians.

(April 21) Stories planted in the South Korean press about North Korean ‘missile parts’ found in Alaska are not to be repeated in the media unless and until it is considered necessary as groundwork for projected military action….

(April 22) …the lower gas prices at the pump should be ascribed to an “overproduction” by our Middle Eastern allies. When the controls are lifted, the resulting rise is to be attributed to “lack of cooperation” by possibly hostile Arab oil producing nations that the President is seriously concerned about.

(April 22) Please continue the present blackout on Israeli military activity on the Iraqi borders…Iranian activity with the Sunni elements in Iraq are to be highlighted as “unwarranted interference” in the American plans for the reconstruction of a new and democratic Iraq. Possible US military and security countermeasures are to be highlighted as “anti-militant Islamic” in nature.

(April 23) Russian attitudes about repayments of past Iraqi oil debts are on blackout…

(April 27) …ongoing wave of failures, or projected failures, of major US corporations should be played down and covered only if the corporation in question actually files for bankruptcy. The expressed fear is that a constant drumfire of woeful economic news will hardly encourage a badly needed recovery. The usual practice is to prosecute minor level employees involved in various fiscal manipulations while ignoring the very top people. The Enron case is an example….

(April 29) The SARS problem should again be stressed as an Asian problem and the actual death rates (now believed to be approaching 20%) are not to be publicized. It is certain that political pressure from both the Canadian and American governments will result in the Toronto case being officially downgraded.

(May 1) …and concerning the serious SARS epidemic, plans are now in train to test all incoming travelers from infected areas and quarantine anyone even remotely suspected of being ill with symptoms that even remotely resemble the disease. It is the privately stated intention of the highest authority to use physical force to enforce the quarantine if it proves necessary…

(May 3) US Treasury officials are now investigating the enormous amounts of US currency uncovered in Iraq. Mention of this can be made and it is considered expedient to state that this is part of Saddam Hussein’s personal booty. Under no circumstances, it has to be stressed, should any mention of amounts in excess of the publically stated $600 million be made. And absolutely no mention of the possibility of these $100 bills being counterfeit

(May 6) VP Dick Cheney will announce in a few days that he will be on the Presidential ticket in 2004. Stress that his contributions to the President’s energy plans have made him indispensable. Please limit mention of Cheney’s connections with Halliburton and the problems with the inflated stock…

(May 6) …at the present time, it is anticipated that proof of Iraqs possession of WMD will be uncovered by US specialists. This proof is necessary to offset the growing criticism that Iraq had no such weapons and that the Administration had fabricated reports that it did to justify the invasion. Still photos and film clips will be supplied…

(May 7) …it now appears that the President’s religious charities bill will not be passed in the current session. There is considerable concern in Congress over this and the religious issues here are obvious. It is felt that the President has overreached himself and in light of the rising public opposition to some of his more extreme religious views, this bill will be reintroduced later but in a different form…remarks by Rev. Graham about Islam are causing the White House considerable discomfiture not only in US Muslim circles but in Arab countries (especially Saudi Arabia) as well. Graham has been instructed to issue a statement to the effect that his words were “taken out of context” and that he has great respect for all faiths…

(May 8) Although the dollar’s continuing drop against the euro can be seen on most financial pages, this is to be addressed as “temporary” and articles from economists can be quoted to the effect that the victory in Iraq will soon result in a surging dollar on the international marketplace.

(May 9) It is obviously going to be a long time before peace and civil order is restored in Iraq…there are serious religious issues involved here. The Administration’s intentions of allowing specific Christian missionaries into Iraq to effect widespread conversions of the Muslim population is now on hold. DOS claims that this might set off major rioting…White House officials, speaking off the record, say that this missionary activity is “close to the President’s heart” but will be put on temporary hold “until we have a stronger military presence” in Iraq. Prepare some backup material on this…

(May 10) Play down the story on the mobile germ labs. This is generating too much heat in the foreign press and with the left wing hippie elements in the US. We are assured that “major discoveries” will be made that will “fully support” the mobile labs.

(May 12) …discovery of counterfeit US bills worldwide is to be offset with stories about entirely new, colored bills now in preparation stages. These bills will be more difficult to counterfeit…flood of counterfeit $20 bills in the US…the $100 bills will not be reworked at the present time. Loss of confidence in this bill could result in its rejection by the world currency markets and this would have a disastrous effect on the economy…be sure to stress this in coverage…

(May 13) …a series of presentations about why the decline of the dollar against the euro, the Canadian and Mexican currency, is actually a good thing for American business. Stress that US production can now increase because American goods are cheaper, and stress, more easily available to the foreign markets.

(May 15) Kill the projected stories on the privatization of the Social Security programs. A test run on this indicates that AARP will fight it. Also, kill further comments about denying “extraordinary life-saving” regimens to the very elderly. This will be viewed as state-sponsored euthanasia…work up something on the escalating costs of long term hospitalization to the public sector…

Part 7

(May 16) Suggested that the treatment of economics keeps away from the dropping dollar. We need to get a reputable and recognized authority to give a bite on how the current lower value of the dollar overseas is actually a benefit to US economy because it stimulates American productivity…

(May 16) Chaos in Iraq is given as the reason why a massive continued US military presence in that country is to be anticipated. Stories in foreign media about GIs shooting young children for throwing rocks are not to be repeated. No pictures…

(May 17) The President’s new tax plan should be shown as being beneficial to most American households. Democratic criticism is to be minimized and trivialized. The Laci Peterson case and the bad weather in the mid-west (tornados) are good subjects for diversion from less than helpful political partisanship.

(May 19) SARS out of control in China and now Taiwan. Press releases from official sources stressing the “drying up” of SARS are to be given a run. Mention that the Toronto infections are now “fully cured” and make a note of the lifting of the WHO quarantine…

(May 21) The White House is releasing working drawings of the mobile WMD trailers in Iraq. Commentary by approved network specialists about the death-dealing capacity of these trailers is to be presented. Stress the “apparent failure” of the UN inspection teams to locate these deadly labs… The UN is needed in Iraq to feed the population but not, the White House stresses, to interfere in the internal control of either Iraq or the oil production.

(May 22) For Memorial Day, prepare pieces on heroic GIs around the world. The President will make a speech on the contribution of the military services to the freedom of the world. Give this good coverage…Play down the anger with the French. “They are coming around now” is the best theme to take.

(May 24) The mad-cow problem in Canada is causing serious economic problems in both the US and Canada. It is considered very important to stress that none of the contaminated beef ever was sent to the US. Only one cow and a few calves, all of whom have been destroyed…. If this gets any credence, it could wreak havoc with the US cattle industry, not to mention the fast food and restaurant business. Mad-cow has been in the US before and kept very quiet. Let’s see if we can’t repeat this now.

[Burgold]

Only in America do we use the word 'politics' to describe the process so well: 'Poli' in Greek meaning 'many' and 'tics' meaning 'bloodsucking creatures

These are the first lines in their homepage. Seems like an objective enough interpretation of politics.

We have access to a great deal of information that is often very controversial or cannot be included in the weekly website posting for reasons of space.

This is their follow up. Again, a curiousity that if they have very controversial material that it would be excluded for reasons of space. I find that a little odd.

One of their largest sections are links to articles written in the Onion, although they do label them as humor. Being someone who supports satire, I approve of this, however, it's odd for a serious debunker and watchdog.

To the article itself, it's interesting... but, I did keep hearing Shakespeare in my mind. Thou doth protesteth too much. They spent a full page defending themselves from expected criticism while exposing a minimal ammount of due diligence. If they needed to be that defensive, perhaps it reveals a certain ammount of skepticism on their own part.

Now, to the memos themselves. If the memos are real and they are shaping how the news is presented it is a bit disturbing. However, I'm too idealistic to believe that if this happens in one institution it happens everywhere. On top of that, haven't the general criticism of the media been that it is too darn liberal? Further, why in the world would this site protect the name of the broadcast company? By putting it out there that one of them does it, but refusing to name the company..l. Makes me think that they are very afraid of libel and not sure themselves either of the veracity of their material or the case they are suggesting.

Further, most of these instructions are very pro-conservative in their orientation. That squiggles the line for me. Finally, there really is a difference between wartime reporting and what is acceptable to show graphically and normal news selection and reporting. What level of violent graphics do you see on tv for a drive by shooting or when the sniper was terrorizing DC? The SARS comment must have been more or less ignored because it received huge play in the media to the point where I know people who became quite paranoid about it.

Puff, that's all I have to say. I hope I am idealistic and not naive. Still, it's better in the long run to have a wee bit of faith in people. Better for the blood pressure anyway.

[Sarge]

Didn't you forget to add that the guys sending all these emails are Jew boys?:doh:

[Guest SkinsHokie Fan]

"(March 10)….pro-Government rallies are to be given the fullest coverage…if anti-Government demonstrations are shown, it is desired to stress either a very small number of “eccentrics” or shots of social misfits; i.e., with beards, tattoos, physical deformities, etc. Pro-Government supporters should be seen as clean cut with as many well-groomed subjects as possible….subjects should stress complete support for the President’s programs and especially support for American military units en route to combat…also interviews with photogenic family members of participating GIs stressing loyalty and affection…American flags are always a good prop in the background…"

This alone dispells everything. I counterprotested an anti war rally and we got 15 seconds of coverage while the rally got 3 local networks and over 9 minutes of coverage. The number of people that were present was blown out of proportion as well. News outlets reported that "500 to 1,000" were there when the parking lot could barely hold 200 people.

If you want to read about the "Jewish conspiracy" take a look at this link and take it with a grain of salt and for what you will.

www.sweetliberty.org/issues/hoax/freedman.htm

[codeorama]

I've said this before and I'll say it again, I think we can all agree that our media is much more conservative than the media of many other countries. But many here would argue that our media is far to the left. I see the slant that is left of what some people's beliefs are, or a pessimistic slant in many cases, but our media in general is very conservative.

[fansince62]

sounds pretty empirical to me!!!!!

[Art]

An amazing portion of this list is directly opposite the actual coverage we all know and have seen. But, for fun, please do the following.

Open google. Then, do a search for the following:

"most civilian casualties caused by vindictive Saddam supporters"

"tragic accident" "truly saddened" Israel

“man who shakes things up” Rumsfeld

“radical students who are not supported" seoul

Lay "small campaign contributions"

“restoring law and order” “helping to make the transition to true democracy”

“warmly greet their American liberators” Iraqi

When you are done, please report back the media outlets using these phrases. You see, the article here by ASF suggests these are directives. The quotes here are directions to reporters and news editors. These quotes are written here as being sent down and to appear in publication.

And, then, when you don't find a single news outlet with a single one of these quotes, realize that the smoking gun here provided by ASF has been completely disarmed. Pity him. Mock him a little. Then. Move on. He'll be back .

[chiefhogskin48]

Code is probably right. Our media is left of center here, but by global standards it is probably the most conservative media in the world. Then again, we are the most conservative nation in the world.

By the way ASF, if this is the smoking gun as you claim, then where is the connection between our government conspiracy and the media? Don't you think that the media might be shifting their standards in order to to mirror the patriotic sentiment in the general public? Look at he success of Fox News, and the relative failure of CNN (which is far less "patriotic"). I think it's more of a free market decision to do what sells, rather than some evil government manipulation. Don't worry ASF, the media will always criticize the government when given a clear opportunity, if recent history is any guide. The current patriotic fervor won't last forever.

What you have shown is a possible---- possible--- example of media censorship by an unknown, perhaps minor media company. I am extremely skeptical, just because it doesn't make logical sense. Any self-respecting journalist would not tolerate such topical dictation. We're not talking about NSA here; it's a media company where workers can come and go as they please. If true, then the media company is clearly in the wrong, but do you expect us to believe this website over common sense and the vast preponderance of evidence? I want more beef. Show me concrete connections and good sources--- perhaps an expose'.

[phanatic]

Where is my $400 dollars damnit! I made $13,000 last year and paid no payroll taxes and all I got was a check from the government for $4240 for my wife and two kids. Now they won't give me an additional $800 for my children like the rich folks are gettin.

Oh sorry, wrong thread. Maybe the media should take the time to explain why these wastes of life will not get the $400 "refund". Yeah ASF, it's all skewed to promote the PNAC's agenda. It must be nappy time!

[PCS]

"You have a binary choice. Read the following and believe that this is an elaborate hoax, or accept that there really is a mass media conspiracy in the U.S.

If you believe it is an elaborate hoax, then please explain how this could be achieved, since the editor of the source publication (TBRNews) did a pretty good job vetting the incriminating documents alleged to be from a major U.S. TV network.

If you believe it is not a hoax, consider the implications, when the U.S. mass media is so vertically integrated through corporate cross-ownership that there are actually only a handful of companies running all U.S. mass media outlets."

Might I add a third choice. That which represents the majority of opinions here so far.

I remember a mass media class I took in high school. The teacher, somewhat of a conspiracist himself, spent 2 weeks teaching us the subtleties of subliminal advertising, especially in the print media. Ads with the word sex, or with a part of female anatomy airbrushed somewhere in the picture. Extra credit given to those who brought in actual examples. Was there some? Sure. But it got to the point where we were seeing that which we wished to see. For every possible legit example, there were many that weren't. Much like this. Even if it was "stumbled" upon.

Much like a scientist who has a clear objective when starting a study, and loe and behold, the results of the study agree with what the scientist was trying to prove in the first place. Here lies an example of seeing what you want to see. Objectivity cannot be counted on when one considers that as has been pointed out, the author of the article spent the first several paragraphs defending the story. Objectivity cannot be expected ASF, when you see what you want to see.

[codeorama]

Originally posted by chiefhogskin48

Don't you think that the media might be shifting their standards in order to to mirror the patriotic sentiment in the general public? Look at he success of Fox News, and the relative failure of CNN (which is far less "patriotic"). I think it's more of a free market decision to do what sells, rather than some evil government manipulation.

I agree here.. Patriotism is "en vogue" right now. I am bombarded each hour on the radio as to how that channel "supports the troops"... As fansince62 pointed out in another thread, how do these radio stations and tv channels support the troops other than telling us over and over that they do? They "thank" the troops for everything they have sacrificed for us and pledge their allegiance to them and so on... that's what's popular now, that's what sells.

Funny thing is, I have 5 friends and 4 family members that have served or currently serve in the military and not one indicated that they joined to serve the US. They joined for the following reasons:

Dad... to avoid being drafted into branch he didn't want to go to, so he enlisted in Navy (during Nam times)

Father in Law, Drafted during Nam

Brother in Law, In his own words "Didn't know what else to do after High School, so he thought he'd see the world"

Brother in Law, Not a good student and felt military service would train him for something he could do in the real world.

Friend, College grad, wanted to be a commercial pilot, so decided to join airforce and travel and get the best training possible at no expense.

Friend, College grad, wanted nuclear engineer training to use in real world after the fact

Friend, Joined cause his friend did

Friend, Joind cause his friend did

Real patriotic bunch huh.... No offense to anyone on the boards that has served and did so because they felt a patriotic duty to do so, but just in my experience, patriotism is not a factor.

But here, these radio stations and tv stations go on and on as if the current military was drafted or not compensated for what they do.

[fansince62]

code...I have to agree that my experience has been that most join for reasons other than patriotism when it comes to first causes...but patriotism still factors...especially when you are overseas....either way........the military is a voluntary force and they are doing the dirty work others are not prepared to do by dint of choice, ability or emotion ......

btw...ever notice how all the backslapping for police and firemen is suddenly no longer chic either? just back to being hired hands........

[Atlanta Skins Fan]

And now for something completely different.... I'm going to assert a conspiracy behind these conspiracy memos.

This may surprise some, but I actually do try to rigorously check my sources before publishing them here. Prior to posting this thread, I did a quick check of the source for these memos, TBRNews.org. I first checked out about half of the articles published on their home page. While there was a clear agenda present in the selection of articles, most were simply links to relatively reputable sources. Second, I did a search on the "memo" content to see if the memo story had been debunked anywhere. A number of references turned up -- mainly people passing on the memos -- but nothing of any authority asserting a hoax.

I've since done some additional searching and discovered that "TBRNews.org" is an offshoot of The Barnes Review, which is a fairly outlandish historical revisionism site with a notable anti-Jewish axe to grind. TBRNews.org appears by comparison to be a more reputable shadow site -- a journalistic Trojan Horse -- with no reference or link to The Barnes Review.

While this in itself wouldn't be proof that the memos on TBRNews.org are a hoax, I then turned up some information about the publisher of The Barnes Review, Willis A. Carto. It seems he has even alienated his fellow right-wing revisionists, who claim in a Web site dedicated to Carto that he is a convicted embezzler of over $6 million. They even have the court documents to prove this.

Suffice it to say that the preponderance of credibility is heavily against Willis A. Carto, The Barnes Review and TBRNews.org. While it's possible that a convicted embezzler of $6 million and obsessed anti-Semite might actually have received 1,500 pages of network TV news executive memos -- I'm inclined to pass on that assumption.

Verdict: debunked.

[mardi gras skin]

I think all the ASF conspiracy threads should be lumped together into one super mega consipracy thread.

Wouldn't that be intimidating!

[codeorama]

Originally posted by fansince62

code...I have to agree that my experience has been that most join for reasons other than patriotism when it comes to first causes...but patriotism still factors...especially when you are overseas....either way........the military is a voluntary force and they are doing the dirty work others are not prepared to do by dint of choice, ability or emotion ......

btw...ever notice how all the backslapping for police and firemen is suddenly no longer chic either? just back to being hired hands........

fansince, I agree with you, I didn't mean for it to sound totally like it has zero to do with patriotism, but I just wanted to point out that people do join the military to work and learn skills that will help them in life, and in many cases (but not all) these skills that they learn in the military will help them to make a lot of money and have a very good life.

In my opinion, there is a big difference between the military now and the military in the time of WWI and II. You cannot deny that after Pearl Harbor, the masses joined the service to protect the US from the Japanese and Hitler.

[fansince62]

cocde...we're in violent agreement! *ell...I joined cuz I wanted to fly off aircraft carriers. so...don't apologize or temporize for anything: your observations are spot on.

we do live in different times and the notion of patriotism that you are dancing around is a fascinating one that deserves a thread all its own. what are one's responsibilities in the collective defense? how can patriotism be expressed? must there be some self-sacrifice involved? when is the line crossed? are there obligations or simply responsibilities? how does our society break out when it comes to patriotism? is it simply a slogan?

[Art]

Good work ASF, but I already saved you the trouble. When not a single quote appears in any publication in the country stemming from these memos from a presumed media giant, it means the actual clear fiction of the writing, something EASILY seen just at a glance, can be displayed in exactly 35 seconds of cut and paste work. They didn't even try to get it right.

[Golgo-13]

Dude, we really need to get you some help.

[codeorama]

Originally posted by fansince62

cocde...we're in violent agreement! *ell...I joined cuz I wanted to fly off aircraft carriers. so...don't apologize or temporize for anything: your observations are spot on.

we do live in different times and the notion of patriotism that you are dancing around is a fascinating one that deserves a thread all its own. what are one's responsibilities in the collective defense? how can patriotism be expressed? must there be some self-sacrifice involved? when is the line crossed? are there obligations or simply responsibilities? how does our society break out when it comes to patriotism? is it simply a slogan?

:cheers: