Bush administration relies on fear and lies

STATESBORO, Ga. -- The gay-marriage theme became a staple in Bush's political remarks last Thursday, the day after the New Jersey ruling on a touchstone issue for religious conservatives who are crucial to Republican electoral calculations.

White House deputy press secretary Dana Perino said it was added merely to respond to the ruling - not because his other messages were failing to connect. - Bush Hits Hard at Gay Marriage

Which do you fear most?

a) The next-door lesbian couple with the dream of protecting their family with a legal document?

b) George Bush and Dick Cheney with the dream of ruling the world?

c) The Republican Congress with the dream of continuing their loyal support of a failed presidency?

d) A federal judiciary envisioned by James Dobson and Jerry Falwell?

Update, Nov. 7 -- Voters reject Republican fear tactics


Meet Donald Rumsfeld, Secretary of Defense and Supreme Minister for War Propaganda

WASHINGTON -- The Pentagon is beefing up its public relations staff and starting an operation akin to a political campaign's war room as Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld faces intensifying criticism over the Iraq war and the public is increasingly disenchanted with the conflict.

In a memo obtained by the Associated Press, Dorrance Smith, assistant secretary of defense for public affairs, said new teams of people will "develop messages" for the 24-hour news cycle and "correct the record." - Pentagon to wage public relations war

Republicans have controlled the White House and both houses of Congress for several years. The Bush administration wields power over the FCC, public broadcasting and, through their corporate sponsors, much of the national media.

They also have a history of using taxpayer money to elicit political support from religious groups, to reward dishonest and unethical journalists in the US, and to buy "good news" from fake reporters in Iraq.

Despite their massive public relations machine, they have been unable to fool all the people all the time. Now they are adding one last weapon to their propaganda arsenal -- the complete politicisation of the military.