House Votes to Ban Pentagon Propaganda: Networks Still Silent

[marmar]

from HuffPost:




Josh Silver
House Votes to Ban Pentagon Propaganda: Networks Still Silent
Posted May 24, 2008 | 04:57 PM (EST)



You probably didn't hear about the House voting to ban Pentagon propaganda last Thursday -- since the television networks have once again conveniently failed to cover the story.

But in a surprise move, a 2009 defense policy bill passed with an amendment, sponsored by Rep. Paul Hodes (D-N.H.), that outlaws the Defense Department from engaging in "a concerted effort to propagandize" the American people. The measure would also force an investigation by the Government Accountability Office into efforts to plant positive news stories about the war in U.S. media.

An April 20 front-page New York Times article first reported how the Pentagon cultivated and coached more than 75 former military officers who became regulars on Fox News, CNN, the broadcast networks, and even NPR. One week later, the Pentagon announced that it would suspend the "briefing" program pending an internal review, which is continuing. On May 13, watchdog Media Matters documented that analysts in the Pentagon's program appeared or were quoted in major outlets more than 4,500 times.

If the Senate also passes the propaganda ban, it will send a strong message to the Pentagon and other government agencies that the Congress will not allow the continued manipulation of public opinion.

But let's not forget that this is just the most recent major government propaganda revelation in recent years. In March 2005, the New York Times revealed that several federal agencies were producing fake "video news releases" that local television stations aired as if they were bona fide news reports.

Two months before that, several "payola pundits" were discovered to be receiving lucrative government PR contracts to opine in favor of Bush administration policies -- without disclosing their financial arrangement. Armstrong Williams was the poster-child, with his $240,000 contract from the Department of Education to promote the president's "No Child Left Behind Act." .....(more)

The complete piece is at: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/josh-silver/house-votes-to-ban-pentag_b_103431.html

[williesgirl]

1. k&r

[bluerum]

2. Good. It is disgusting to be force fed ads for the military when you go to a movie.

They make me sick - they are so slicked up and obviously designed to appeal to younger people. The marketing arm of the military is going full speed ahead.

They sell the business of war like it's a fun and recreational activity.

[marmar]

3. "They sell the business of war like it's a fun and recreational activity."

Sad but true.

[unblock]

4. i thought this was already illegal.

not that that sort of thing stops republicans and militarists from much these days....

[annabanana]

7. So did I. Since no one is prosecuting anything down there in Foggy

Bottom, all redundant legislation is done for symbolic purposes...

[hootinholler]

8. I'm in! There's 3 of us. n/t

[bluesmail]

5. You need to vote on it? Good Lord...what happened to decency?

(rhetorical question)

[HughMoran]

6. Yay, my rep does good!

He was swept into office in the anti-Iraq 2004 election - glad he remembers that!

[chill_wind]

9. A very under-reported story, so far. K&R n/t

[OneBlueSky]

10. no legislation is complete without a George W. Bush signing statement . . .

wait for it . . . should be a hoot . . .

[rhett o rick]

11. How do I find out how the HOR reps voted? nm

[rhett o rick]

12. Does anyone know the amendment number. I want to know who voted for and against. Anyone able to

help? I found the basic bill but not the amendment number or vote tally.