Bush's trend of distracting the public

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  • Thread starter Thread starter The Grimmus
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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the perceived tendency of political leaders, particularly President Bush, to distract the public from pressing issues through various means, including military actions and media narratives. Participants explore historical examples, political strategies, and the implications of such distractions in the context of governance and public perception.

Discussion Character

  • Debate/contested
  • Meta-discussion

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants note a pattern where attention shifts to new conflicts or issues when previous ones falter, citing examples like the hunt for Osama Bin Laden and the invasion of Iraq.
  • One participant questions the framing of peace in Africa, suggesting that it may not have existed to begin with, thus challenging the notion of distraction.
  • There is a general agreement that political leaders often manipulate public focus, with references to the film "Wag the Dog" as an example of this phenomenon.
  • Several participants reference Machiavelli's "The Prince" as a foundational text for understanding political maneuvering, with comments on its continued relevance.
  • Humor is introduced regarding the literacy of political leaders, particularly Bush, with jokes about simplified versions of political literature.
  • Participants express a resigned attitude towards politicians' abilities to mislead the public, indicating a broader skepticism about political integrity.
  • One participant humorously recalls a specific incident involving the Bushes and elephants, suggesting a light-hearted take on political events.
  • A comment on spelling indicates a side discussion about communication and clarity in political discourse.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that political distraction is a common tactic, but there are competing views on the effectiveness and implications of such strategies. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the extent and impact of these distractions on public perception and political accountability.

Contextual Notes

Some statements reflect assumptions about the motivations of political leaders and the nature of public attention, which may not be universally accepted. The discussion includes a mix of serious critique and humor, indicating varying levels of engagement with the topic.

The Grimmus
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Has anyone eles noticed that once one of our wars and "hunts" go sour we turn our attention some where eles.

Our hunt for Osama Bin Ladin...dident find him let's exstiguish and "rebuild" afghanistan.

Warlords begin to slowly take over again and the public is asking for Osma Bin Ladin (as if his death will really stop anything anyway)

Now Iraq has "weapons of mass destruction" we invade at a cost of life and as of now found nothing, tension is mounting but who has time to worry about Iraq when pece in Africa is at risk Korea has a "nukeulair" weapon or two and now i hear that Iran has violated some weapon realted law.
 
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Originally posted by The Grimmus
pece in Africa is at risk
I just have to butt in and ask...when was africa at peace? because I think you really have to attain peace in order to risk it. So, maybe the distraction is that he's NOTICING it's not at peace and not that peace is there and at risk, yes?
 
i agree kat
 
All presidents do this. But its not a coincidence that the movie "Wag the Dog" was released during the Clinton Presidency. He was a magician - a master of misdirection.
 
i know that all presedents change what peopel are payign attention to to cover up mistakes but Bush is makign it so obvious he need to cover it up more.


I never saw wag the dog was it good
 
Originally posted by The Grimmus
I never saw wag the dog was it good
Heh. I never saw it either :wink:
 
Politics is like a first date: Nothing is as it appears.

Read The Prince by Machiavelli. This book defines modern politics. It is considered required reading for any person who seeks high office.
 
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
Read The Prince by Machiavelli. This book defines modern politics. It is considered required reading for any person who seeks high office.
Great book. Ironic that its still relevant today.
 
Originally posted by Ivan Seeking
Politics is like a first date: Nothing is as it appears.

Read The Prince by Machiavelli. This book defines modern politics. It is considered required reading for any person who seeks high office.

So when did they put out a picture-book version for Bush to 'read'? Or does his mommy read it to him before his mid-afternoon nap?
 
  • #10
Originally posted by Zero
So when did they put out a picture-book version for Bush to 'read'? Or does his mommy read it to him before his mid-afternoon nap?

I think it was an illustrated version with each page marked as "DO" or "DON'T"
 
  • #11
Originally posted by russ_watters
Great book. Ironic that its still relevant today.

It would seem that Carter never read this; a great man but a lousy prince.
 
  • #12
Originally posted by Zero
So when did they put out a picture-book version for Bush to 'read'? Or does his mommy read it to him before his mid-afternoon nap?
ba bum bum
hey bush is our leader and...oh wait i got that just now hahaha what an illiterate man
 
  • #13
Ah well never mind, just have to get used to politicians and their ability (inability) to mislead the public over everything that they do.
 
  • #14
lol did anyone see that footage of pres. and mrs. bush in the jeep, and the elephants were getting nasty? i would have given anything to be in that jeep and see the looks on their faces when they saw that!
 
  • #15
oh, and grimmus, you REALLY need help with your spelling!
 

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