For several months tensions have simmered between President Donald Trump and both the press and the intelligence community. He has condemned journalists for “misstating” the size of crowds at his inauguration, branding them as “among the most dishonest human beings on earth.” For allegedly leaking damaging claims about him, he compared our intelligence agencies to Nazi Germany.
The entrance to the Central Intelligence Agency.nj.com file photo
One of the most alarming stories from the 2016 election is the report of meddling by Russia. The hypocrisy of this complaint is striking, given the long history of interference by the United States in the affairs of foreign nations — through financial support of leaders friendly to U.S. interests, the overthrowing of democratically elected governments, the dissemination of propaganda, and assassinations.
Beyond any doubt, American news media and spy agencies deliberately distort the truth and push propaganda to sway public opinion.
Hardly a single election around the globe occurs in which the U.S. does not have significant involvement. Yet if a pro-U.S. candidate is defeated, the election is always proclaimed unfair. When lies, “spin” and fabrications are offered to the public to justify a questionable policy (preferably in a subtle manner), devastating effects are guaranteed. New York Times journalists Judith Miller produced false reports on weapons of mass destruction and Niger’s supposed sale of uranium to Iraq. She and others were willing tools in preparing readers to support invading that nation.
Professor Dov Levin of Carnegie Mellon University has collected data showing that, aside from outright military coups (as in Iran, Guatemala, and Chile), between 1946 and 2000 the U.S. has committed 81 acts of foreign interference.
Mohammed Khaku
Upper Macungie Township
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