U.S. Governments Have Always Lied; At Least from 20th Century On

[Ice_Major]

Can't single out the U.S. government on this one. All governments lie, distract, or mislead. Unfortunately, there is no other way to get millions of people to move or think the same on a subject. This is especially problematic in democracies where the elected officials can literally be voted out for going against the will of the people. Take waging war. The pattern goes Country A would like to go to attack country B, but its people are opposed. Since folks are motivated by fear and a sense of revenge, fabricate an attack or embellish a threat. The people then support country A attacking country B in the name of protection, revenge, spreading freedom, stopping bad guys, or whatever has been put into their head by their prospective government.

This is literally how we ended up in the Korean, Vietnam, Iraq, and Afghanistan wars. Will likely be used in a future war or attack on Iran. What amazes me is how people are outraged upon learning of the deception, but either forget or don't care after 10 - 20 years, and then it is on to the next country. It also surprises me how many people, despite knowing their country has lied to them in the past, believe the country is not lying in the present.

[msgsing]

The basic fact regarding government issued falsehoods is that in most cases citizens will accept such deceits simply because they come from a person or institution that commands authority. People will believe these lies without question even if it undermines their own personal safety and well being.

[jeffdoorgunner]

Originally Posted by msgsing

The basic fact regarding government issued falsehoods is that in most cases citizens will accept such deceits simply because they come from a person or institution that commands authority. People will believe these lies without question even if it undermines their own personal safety and well being.

I learned a long time ago to question and not believe the propaganda that usually comes from authority and/or government. Vietnam taught me that hard lesson…….

[Ice_Major]

Originally Posted by jeffdoorgunner

I learned a long time ago to question and not believe the propaganda that usually comes from authority and/or government. Vietnam taught me that hard lesson…….

I work in the same manner. I try to be objective and evaluate the motives of individuals trying to sway my opinion. Unfortunately refusing to believe propaganda and thinking for yourself often leads to the mob coming after you.