Propaganda Ploys by U.S. Military

Re “U.S. Will Not Lie to Public, Defense Chief Says,” Feb. 21:

The first lie was told by the new Office of Strategic Influence when Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld said that there would be no lying by the new agency. Reminiscent of the old Soviet Union, now we have an official agency dedicated solely to disseminating propaganda in order to distort reality.

Donald Scott

Calistoga

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Now, for all the folks who are still asking the question, “Why do they hate us?” you help us to understand. On your Feb. 22 front page we have the following three articles:

1. “‘Reality’ TV Eagerly Marches Off to War,” a review of the cooperation of the U.S. Defense Department with reality TV shows that are selling the public on the U.S. war efforts. (At least one network that airs reality shows is owned by a company that produces war-making products.)

2. “Rumsfeld Addresses ‘Unfortunate’ Attack,” a halfhearted apology from Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld for our killing of “non-enemies” in a non-declared war--which is in clear violation of international law.

3. “Colombian Army Attacks Rebel Posts,” on the breakout of “all-out war” in Colombia, a war that is supported with money and arms provided by the U.S. government.

Any further questions?

Ralph Long

Newport Beach

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Secretary Rumsfeld is certainly proving to the world what a tough, alpha male he is. His TV presence is very good. He needs work on the wisdom and statesmanship dimensions.

Jim Hood

Camarillo