Justice Department Ok’s Propaganda

How convenient. From the Justice Department that brought us the memo outlining how to get around the Geneva Conventions and extraordinary rendition, propaganda from the White House is a-ok. As long as the video news releases contain factual information about government programs, it doesn't matter how you spin it. Of course, this administration's record on "factual information" is hideous at best.

The New York Times reported this week that more than 20 federal agencies have used taxpayer money to create video news releases touting everything from the administration's position on "regime change" in Iraq to Medicare reform.

"Thank you, Bush. Thank you, U.S.A.," a jubilant Iraqi-American told a camera crew in Kansas City for a segment about reaction to the fall of Baghdad. A second report told of "another success" in the Bush administration's "drive to strengthen aviation security"; the reporter called it "one of the most remarkable campaigns in aviation history." A third segment, broadcast in January, described the administration's determination to open markets for American farmers.

To a viewer, each report looked like any other 90-second segment on the local news. In fact, the federal government produced all three. The report from Kansas City was made by the State Department. The "reporter" covering airport safety was actually a public relations professional working under a false name for the Transportation Security Administration. The farming segment was done by the Agriculture Department's office of communications.

Let's review, shall we:
Propaganda: 2 : the spreading of ideas, information, or rumor for the purpose of helping or injuring an institution, a cause, or a person
3 : ideas, facts, or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause; also : a public action having such an effect

posted by Sarai @ 5:34 PM