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It looks like Trump will plunge us into war, either in Iran or Syria, and possibly both with the truly frightening prospect of Russia and the US going up against each other.
I remember Bush the Elder’s first war in Iraq. I recall my coworkers all of a sudden morphing into little war zealots overnight, demanding I show the flag and support for “our” troops.
During the second rape of Iraq it was simply remarkable watching the televised talking heads condemning those of us opposed to that illegal and criminal war. Bill O’Reilly of Fox News told us to shut up. All of a sudden practicing the First Amendment was considered traitorous behavior (unless you worked for Fox News). Supporting the troops was mandatory. There were waving flags and SUPPORT OUR TROOPS billboards and bumperstickers everywhere. Yellow ribbons tied around old oaks trees. Endless super-hysterical news broadcasts spreading easily debunked lies.
Later, it was discovered Bush and his coterie of mentally-disturbed neocons had lied about the presence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. But this didn’t matter, not to the president and his advisers or, for that matter, millions of Americans who were convinced—thanks primarily to non-stop war propaganda—Saddam wanted to kill every last American with nukes and nerve agents. A couple years later George W. Bush responded to the criticism by staging a comedy routine about not finding WMDs under his desk.
If Trump decides to bomb Syria and Iran, the same demands will be made. Support our troops. Show your support with a flag or lapel pin. Anti-war protests—rare events these days, although they do happen on occasion—and criticism of the government will be considered giving comfort to the enemy and seriously unAmerican.
Corporate polls report Americans believe Iran is America’s gravest and most portent threat. China and North Korea follow Iran. Thanks to ceaseless propaganda churned out by the corporate script-reading media, Americans also consider Syria, Afghanistan, and the Islamic State as enemies.
The internet-based alternative media—now under attack as Russian fueled useful idiots—is far more prevalent and influential than it was in 2003 when Bush invaded Iraq. If a serious confrontation occurs in Syria between US and Russian troops, there will be close to zero tolerance for criticism. Ditto an incident in the South China Sea or on Russia’s border where NATO is piling up troops and staging live fire exercises.
If war comes, the state will move to—as that great libertarian Bill O’Reilly said—force you to shut up and support the troops, which is code for supporting mass murder, war crimes, and turning largely defenseless countries into failed states unable to resist occupation and dismemberment.
The destruction of Alex Jones and his Infowars is only the beginning. He was taken out because he is the loudest and most abrasive critic (although this criticism generally doesn’t extend to Trump and his cronies). But make no mistake—the deplatforming of Jones is a template for the ultimate destruction of all dissenting voices, including those over on the easily compromised left who are not on foundation payrolls or taking cash from George Soros.
War brings out the true nature of the state. Its violence and murder is not confined to foreign enemies who “hate us for our freedom.” It extends to all critics, especially those with reach like Alex Jones.
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This article was originally published on the author’s blog site: Another Day in the Empire.
Featured image is from Strategic Culture Foundation.
