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:"

Continued.......

Italy announces Iraq troop withdrawal

Last Updated Tue, 15 Mar 2005 21:19:34 EST
CBC News


ROME - Italy will start withdrawing its 3,000 troops from Iraq starting this September, announced Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi on a television show.

Berlusconi said on Tuesday that his country will start a 'progressive reduction' of troops. He said he had already spoken with British Prime Minister Tony Blair about the action."

Continued.............

Iraq Veterans Against the War

Iraq Veterans Against the

War: "National Anti-War Rally and IVAW Meeting March 19th and 20th, 2005

Fayetteville, North Carolina

Join us in the home of Fort Bragg for a weekend of networking, training, and raising our voices to demand real support for our troops by bringing them home now.

Saturday, March 19th - Rally and Speakout on 2nd Anniversary of Iraq Invasion. For more info, check out NC Peace & Justice Coalition.

Sunday, March 20th - IVAW National Meeting This will be an opportunity for all recent veterans, active duty service men and women, national guard members, and reservists who oppose this war to meet and learn the skills we'll need to end this war and Bring Them Home Now. Workshop topics include: the VA, Public Speaking, Organizing Skills, GI Oppostition during the Vietnam War. Financial assistance is available for those in need.

For more info, email or call: (215) 241-7123. "

Looting at Weapons Plants Was Systematic, Iraqi Says

Lest we forget, the only place where guards were posted was the Ministry of Oil.
How anyone could embarrass themselves by sticking to the claim that it was all about "freedom" , WMD's and the horrors of Saddam Hussein's regime simply astounds me.

GW
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Looting at Weapons Plants Was Systematic, Iraqi Says
By JAMES GLANZ and WILLIAM J. BROAD

Published: March 13, 2005

BAGHDAD, Iraq, March 12 - In the weeks after Baghdad fell in April 2003, looters systematically dismantled and removed tons of machinery from Saddam Hussein's most important weapons installations, including some with high-precision equipment capable of making parts for nuclear arms, a senior Iraqi official said this week in the government's first extensive comments on the looting."
continued.......

Please Allow Me To Introduce Myself------Broadcasting Services

Broadcasting Services

The Office of Broadcast Services (OBS) supports the foreign affairs communication mission of the U.S. Department of State by providing international TV pool coverage of events involving the President, Secretary of State, and principal spokespersons; by producing broadcast television coverage of current events in the U.S. and worldwide that present U.S. policies; by producing special events programs, documentaries, VNRs, and interactive dialogues; and by acquiring programming for TV placement by American embassies and directly to broadcasters via the American Embassy TV Network."