For some time I've been searching for a single image that simultaneous encapsulates and gelds the Neo Con approach to politics. This morning watching Oberman's Special Comment on FISA, I came up with a possible solution. I realized that in simple terms, the Emperor has no clothes.
The Neo Con approach is all about deception and misdirection. It capitalizes on our cultural desire for the quick, Cliff Notes summary. Some examples:
1. Want to pass legislation that will aid and abet corporations who use practices that taint the atmosphere? Simple, call it the "Clean Air Act". You can then simultaneously serve your corporate masters while touting your environmental record. After all, the average voter won't look into the actual legislation or its impact.
2. Your candidate has become a career politician who's position on issues changes with the vagaries of the political breeze the moment he seeks to become President? Paint your opponent as the epitome of these vices. It doesn't matter which candidate actually has the vices, only who the public perceives to possess them.
3. A freshman Senator from the opposition succeeds in putting together a package of Veterans benefits you worked to defeat? No problem, claim credit for spearheading the bipartisan effort.
4. Your candidate has policies that maintain the unpopular status quo? Make a commercial that claims that his presidency will result in all of the goals of a progressive agenda that would appeal to moderates without actually having any policies that will accomplish those goals.
The Neo Con strategy is based on the understanding that much of politics is governing through perception. Control the perception and you can control the populace. We need a sharp pin to help break the bubbles. A shorthand image that cuts through the spin and exposes it quickly with the truth. The Emperor has no clothes.
The Bush/Cheney/McCain doctrine doesn't accomplish what it claims. Because service was never it's goal. It's goal was to survive politically while achieving wealth and power. It preys on the people it purports to serve. So how do we cut to to the heart of the matter when our culture won't listen to a detailed rebuttal? Whenever the Neo Cons start spewing bubbles, get out a pin and point out that the Emperor has no clothes.
Abbott Smith
Redmond, WA
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