Clarke Admits Spinning Critical Information on Terror

[NullPointerException]

Clarke more or less admitted that the United States Government consistently spins information released to the public to manipulate our opinion. This is in direct contradiction to foundation of a democratic society and the marketplace of ideas. In other words, what is the point of a democratic society where the people in office hide and distort facts to prevent us from making legitimate decisions?

 

[epepke]

Clarke more or less admitted that the United States Government consistently spins information released to the public to manipulate our opinion. This is in direct contradiction to foundation of a democratic society and the marketplace of ideas. In other words, what is the point of a democratic society where the people in office hide and distort facts to prevent us from making legitimate decisions?

Honestly, is this something that none of us knew already? The government spins. All governments, especially democratic ones, hate democracy and try to chop it off at the knees whenever possible.

 

[Zep]

So watcha gonna do about it??

 

[RandFan]

Clarke more or less admitted that the United States Government consistently spins information released to the public to manipulate our opinion. This is in direct contradiction to foundation of a democratic society and the marketplace of ideas. In other words, what is the point of a democratic society where the people in office hide and distort facts to prevent us from making legitimate decisions?

The founding fathers did the best they could. They understood human nature. That is why they gave us a bill of rights and granted free speech and freedom of the press.

You are never going to legislate honesty. Only create the best possible situation to get to the truth. Watch Mr. Smith goes to Hollywood or read about Chicago politics over the last 100 years.

A government of the people by the people requires the people. We get what we deserve. When you see Dem's on this forum spewing hate towards Bush without acknowledging any of his contributions or admitting that there is not proof of all that they claim he did. Or when you se Republicans who belive that Clinton sold secrets to the Chinese (yes I just made that claim as a point of argument) or murdering Vince Foster then you see the PEOPLE AT WORK.

Any spin is our fault and the gullibility of people who think that only the other side does actually spins (see Sundog).

 

[epepke]

So watcha gonna do about it??

My route is strict Constitutional constructionism. The Constitution and its Amendments may not be the finest possible document, but it's what we got.

 

[aerocontrols]

Clarke more or less admitted that the United States Government consistently spins information released to the public to manipulate our opinion. This is in direct contradiction to foundation of a democratic society and the marketplace of ideas. In other words, what is the point of a democratic society where the people in office hide and distort facts to prevent us from making legitimate decisions?

I am George Bush, currently in a position of power.

I believe I know what action is the right action to take.

I need the public to support me.

I will try to convince them.

I am John Kerry, currently out of power.

I believe I know what action is the right action to take.

I need the public to support me.

I will try to convince them.

That's the way a democratic society is going to work.

 

[Frank Newgent]

Clarke more or less admitted that the United States Government consistently spins information released to the public to manipulate our opinion. This is in direct contradiction to foundation of a democratic society and the marketplace of ideas. In other words, what is the point of a democratic society where the people in office hide and distort facts to prevent us from making legitimate decisions?

Common sense tell us that individuals have the right to say to say what they think. Complete freedom of expression of divergent views should contribute not only to individual development and happiness, but also to the common good through the gradual spread of truth.

But this is not always a two way street. Some might assume differently. If truth cannot be popularized and the basic fact of human nature is that there will always be a gap between the wise and the common folk which cannot be bridged by the progress of popular education, then some of the most fundamental questions, philosophical or otherwise, can never be discussed openly without destroying the necessary protective atmosphere of authoritative opinion.

 

[Abdul Alhazred]

I am John Kerry, currently out of power.

I believe I know what action is the right action to take.

I need the public to support me.

I will try to convince them.

I will get a manlier haircut and quote the Bible a bit. I seems to work for George.

 

[peptoabysmal]

In his book's 291 pages, Clarke comes across as impatient and sometimes angry with everyone who disagrees with him, including the CIA (except for Director George Tenet) and the FBI (particularly former director Louis Freeh). His frustration with Bush and Rice, who demoted him, permeates the book. But his respect for President Clinton is clear. Clinton, Clarke writes, had "seen earlier than anyone" that terrorism would become a major threat.
http://www.usatoday.com/news/washington/2004-03-28-clarke-book_x.htm

Hmmmm...

 

[subgenius]

Hmmmm...

Hmmmmmmm.....
(got more mmm's) But I do love that response, and recommend it highly.
On a personal level, but not a political debate level.

 

[Cain]

Clarke more or less admitted that the United States Government consistently spins information released to the public to manipulate our opinion. This is in direct contradiction to foundation of a democratic society and the marketplace of ideas. In other words, what is the point of a democratic society where the people in office hide and distort facts to prevent us from making legitimate decisions?

I am Jack's complete and unguarded surprise.