Beyond Propaganda

This is an copy of a posting to the Alan Keyes Home Page.

Here is an article which Professor Shaw has written and has sent to local 
newspapers.  He states what I have been thinking, particularly in regard to 
the constant use of certain words, especially "civility" and "meanspirited".  
I personally dislike the current usage of "it's about....", and "inform", 
"mentoring", etc....  I refuse to use their "buzzwords" and I insist upon 
clarification from those who would shuffle them in my direction.  We live in 
the days of "doublespeak".  Phyllis B.

"Beyond Propaganda"

   As a psychologist, I cannot avoid the conclusion that the Clinton
campaign and Democrat leadership have chosen to use Pavlovian conditioning
on the American public.  Until the debates, it seemed that the carefully
scripted, and endlessly repeated statements of the Democrats ("mean
spirited", "extreme right", "draconian cuts", etc.) were just a form of
coordinated attack.  Just propaganda - lying to promote political goals.
   At least lies are a form of communication.  Lies use language and have
meaning. We have some choice in accepting, or rejecting lies based on
experience and knowledge.  However, when Gore repeated the "risky tax
scheme" statement, (without variation in cadence or content) 11 different
times during the "debate" with Kemp, I knew that an ominous new strategy was
being used - a strategy that goes beyond propaganda!   They were using
Pavlovian conditioning rather than engaging in honest (or even dishonest)
debate.  "Conditioning" does not involve higher order thinking.  It uses the
repeated pairing of stimuli until they
become associated with each other at a strictly emotional or glandular
level.  It works on our reflexes.  It is an attempt to bypass conscious thought.
   To use these techniques on the American public is right out of George
Orwell! It is a sinister attempt to control American citizens on a
sub-liminal level, and it seems to be working. Using the "big lie" is a
perversion of our democracy - choosing to use animal "conditioning" on
citizens is a perversion of this
once great political party.

_________________________________
David O. Shaw, Professor Emeritus
FAX 412-794-4025

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