The author interrogates the history of propaganda in the U.S., revealing a long history of presidential administrations who "spin" war to make it more palatable for the majority of Americans.
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Many critics of the invasion and occupation of Iraq are as inclined to blame the media as they are President Bush, given the uncritical echoing of the administration's pro-war propaganda points by the fourth estate. Long-time media critic Solomon (executive director, Institute for Public Accuracy) goes even further by showing how the US media has served the same agenda for decades and by deconstructing the main themes found in the media's coverage of war and peace, themes that manufacture enough consent among the American public that president after president is able to engage the nation in unnecessary wars. These themes include the "Hitlerization" of the official enemy, the playing up of putative humanitarian motivations, ignoring or downplaying such factors as oil and corporate profits, describing opposition to the war as support of the enemy, the inherent heroism of our soldiers versus theirs, and the humane practices of the US military. Annotation ©2006 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)
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