The White House Fakes It

The White House Fakes It

Continued violence in Iraq, a struggling economy, an unpopular plan to privatize Social Security, homeland security left underfunded while the rich get giant tax cuts … what's a White House to do when the news about its policies isn't favorable? Fake it. An explosive, front-page New York Times story this weekend exposes President Bush's vast manipulation of the media and White House attempts to manipulate public opinion. Over the past four years, it turns out at least 20 different federal agencies have been involved in producing hundreds – yes, hundreds – of fake TV news segments, many of which were 'subsequently broadcast on local stations across the country without any acknowledgement of the government's role in their production.' In fact, since President Bush took office, the White House has spent at least $254 million on these fake segments and other public relations ploys to spread positive propaganda about his policies. President Bush has paid lip service to the concept of a free press, saying in January 2005, 'there needs to be a nice, independent relationship between the White House and the press, the administration and the press.' He also claimed 'our agenda ought to be able to stand on its own two feet.' Here's what happens when it can't:"

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