Idaho Statesamn- an opinion about Propaganda

Propaganda

An echo opinion letter published in the Idaho Statesman newspaper

Many still wonder how the citizens of a civilized, intellectual society like Germany’s (Nazi party) could degenerate into a nation of such ruthless, sadistic monsters in World War II. 

World War II German propaganda

Historians agree that Hitler’s propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels, was most influential. “Propaganda is the conscious manipulation of the masses.”

Goebbels had little problem manipulating German citizens because the Nazi party seized control of the media. Recent events in America have revealed a similar media coup. Partisan operatives coined the phrase “fake news,” falsely convincing millions that only Fox News is “real.” Many Americans misled by this scheme are now paranoid of all other news sources. 

Citizens held captive by a single news source (aka FoxNews!) are easily manipulated (Germany, North Korea, Cuba).

Fox News thrives on fear-mongering, half-truths and demonizing political opponents. Half-truths are more destructive than lies.

Since there’s safety in numbers, multiple mainstream news sources (“freedom of the press”) have always been America’s greatest defense against sleazy propaganda thugs bent on manipulating voters and government.

Unfortunately, citizens often mistake party affiliation for patriotism ... which makes Americans more vulnerable to the toxic partisan propaganda that’s poisoning our democracy.
Get informed!

Only fully informed voters can “Keep America Great.”

Michael Howard, from Boise Idaho