Posted By Vicki McClure Davidson on July 14, 2009

There’s an excellent article on Prison Planet, written by Paul Murdock, about how Americans are manipulated by the mainstream media, tax-payer funded community organizing groups, liberal entertainers, and politicians.

The prevailing use of non-stop bias and “softball questions” from our journalists to and about Pres. Obama, presidential “personal agenda” infomercials styled to look like authentic, balanced news stories, several websites funded by taxpayers, claiming to be totally transparent (except if it is uncomplimentary about POTUS or favored Democrats), and the over-the-top attacks on non-liberal people in the media are more than troubling. It’s brazen arrogance, and it is outrageous.

We have nothing similar to the less-blatantly-biased, seemingly more objective media of a few decades ago. While all media tends to favor the “party of power,” it is the Democrat party of this administration that has spun outrageously out of control. Our nation’s news communication, for the most part, has eroded into a sycophantic mouthpiece for the government—most specifically, to conceal the missteps and hidden agenda of Pres. Obama, VP Biden, Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi, and other Democrat leaders in Congress. Liberals claim this “presidential adoration” by the mainstream press also happened when Bush was president. Not in your wildest dreams.

For every positive story in the MSM (and they are difficult to find) about the Bush administration, there were five- to ten-fold (or more) that were negative, marginalizing, or dismissive. It is still nearly impossible to find any negative stories about Obama, despite the tanking economy, rising unemployment, international gaffes, and numerous mistakes, including his extravagant spending on dates with his wife and White House parties. This liberal media bias was apparent even before Obama was sworn in, and has escalated since then: AP Slammed Bush’s ‘Extravagant’ Inaugural in ’05, But Now It’s Spend, Baby, Spend.

The only reliable avenues for criticism and scrutiny of the current White House administration are within the confines of conservative radio talk shows and conservative blogs. FOX News is more balanced in its reporting than all the other major news networks combined (and its ratings are also higher). Daytime talk shows, like The View, when political, are heavy-handed in espousing liberal/statist views. Even during the Bush administration, Rosie O’Donnell was permitted to go on rabid rampages against Bush and Cheney and spew her left-wing extremist ideas about Republicans’ “terrorism” without any evidence or professional restraint. Elisabeth Hasselbeck was the only conservative voice on the show to ask her to produce proof or citation of her leftist accusations. A voice that was usually drowned out by three, four, or five loud liberal voices, oftentimes mocking her for her conservative values and Republican affiliation. This unprofessional treatment by Hasselbeck’s coworkers is dwarfed by what the MSM continues to do to destroy Sarah Palin.

Late-night talk shows and comedies reflect a similar liberal bias: Chris Stigall, Big Hollywood: Remember When SNL Was Funny? (Obama Ushers in New Era of Comedic Irresponsibility) and John T. Simpson, Big Hollywood: Did You Hear the One About President Obama?

Here are a few key paragraphs from Paul Murdock’s illuminating piece; be sure to read the entire article. It’s enlightening and sobering, particularly on how mental manipulation has occurred on key political and social issues (determined to be unpopular with the majority of the country) such as cap and trade, the economy, socialism, and socialized health care. Instinctively, I’m sure many readers already knew this, but reading about it affirms your observations. The onslaught is intentional, meant to wear down people’s resistance, much like a nagging kid wanting a treat. After an extended period of time, some parents, overwhelmed with other stresses and distractions, will give in. This is one crucial element to Saul Alinsky’s (and Obama’s book of choice when younger) Rules for Radicals and “the Chicago way” of “gettin’ ‘er done.” Constant turmoil and taking advantage of a crisis are imperative for the statist to accomplish many power-grabbing goals quickly and before scrutiny, review, and questions set in. Wear down the enemy, distract the enemy.

Are you outraged and insulted? After reading the entirety of Murdock’s piece, you should be.

Arm yourself with facts about the key issues in America, as well as how media bias clouds and alters people’s judgment. Knowledge is power… become knowledgeable.

Prison Planet | How Politicians and the Media Change Our Minds
Paul Murdock | Campaign For Liberty
July 10, 2009

…In 1971, basic principles of social psychology were brought to light following the Stanford Prison Experiment conducted by Phil Zimbarbo. This study randomly assigned participants to one of two conditions; prisoner or prison guard. Six days after the experiment started, it was stopped because prison guards became abusive and sadistic, and prisoners showed signs of mood lability and extreme distress. This study has important implications because it reveals how ordinary citizens quickly became domineering and hostile when placed in arbitrary positions of social power. More so, it is fascinating how participants assigned to the role of a prisoner quickly felt helpless and responded to perceived authority with unquestioning obedience. In support of this study, Stanley Milgram explored how individuals would act against their better judgment when pressured by an authoritative figure. Thus, it is vital to know how those in “power” today influence our minds and subsequent behaviors in order to maintain our values and make wise decisions.

Anthony Pratkanis, a renowned social psychologist, has analyzed and classified a variety of tactics humans use to manipulate and change the beliefs or attitudes of others. A few of these include using associations, controlling the flow of information, setting the agenda, and relying on social rules and taking advantage of our subjective feelings. One principle I would like to highlight is known as “social proof.” Studies have shown that individuals look for guidance by finding out what others think; especially those we perceive are experts or in authority. This principle becomes more influential when there is a perceived consensus and when the individual is faced with uncertainty and ambiguity. As a result, individuals are more likely to follow the “crowd” to maintain social acceptance and reduce our psychological vulnerabilities. Two quick examples that make us susceptible to social influence are global warming and the current economic crisis. First, the issues are complex and ambiguous, and society has largely relied on “experts” and political figures.

In the news, reporters have endlessly cited the United Nations climate panel, the Federal Reserve Chairman, Al Gore, and other world leaders to persuade individuals to support economic bailouts and drastic climate measures. Little information is provided as the basis for their actions and the science and “consensus” is never questioned. Thus, the average individual is left without the knowledge to make an informed decision. This uncertainty and lack of knowledge consistently leads individuals to defer to the group and authority figures such as politicians, professors, and the media. Moreover, in an effort to maintain ideal conditions for social persuasion, an opposing viewpoint is labeled “radical, far-right, and even conservative” to place the individual in the “out” group, thus destroying their potential influence on others.

Although most intelligent individuals recognize bias, the inundating messages unconsciously lead to helplessness, apathy, and eventually acquiescence. In other words, the totality of the messages eventually destroys most individual defenses! Even when we are aware! For example, if individuals are consistently faced with “supposed facts and experts” from the media, professors, politicians, and corporations, values, ideals, and behavior is subtly manipulated like a river that never ceases to erode its banks. It will eventually get deeper and wider…

New hatred this week from left-wing extremists: “I hope Glenn Beck kills himself”

Hot Air: It’s on: Atheists want “In God We Trust” removed from Capitol visitor’s center and Helen Thomas goes nuclear on White House again: “What the hell do they think we are, puppets?” and Blue on blue: Helen Thomas hammers Gibbs on Obama’s phony town hall and Obamateurism of the Day and Video: Wise Latina sends Chris Matthews to leg-thrill heaven and Olby and guest on the Letterman saga: Palin’s kind of become the villain in all this, hasn’t she? and Obama has fired 2 IGs in 2 weeks, leashed another and Spitzer-Take on Sanford and Obama playing hardball on Walpin as key Dem calls foul and Obama cronyism: Going after AmeriCorps IG on behalf of contributor; Update: A Michelle Obama connection?
Patrick Courrielche, Big Hollywood: Kids to Meet Marx in School – Care of Hollywood and The History Channel
Michael van der Galien, Big Hollywood: target=”_blank”>Using Arts for Conservative Purposes
Sister Toldjah: Profiles in liberal hypocrisy
Mark Epstein: Sarah Palin scares “children.” Why do you think the left hates her?
NewsReal Blog: Bill Maher Lies About Sarah Palin to Attack American Patriots
No Sheeples Here: Mistrust Those In Whom The Urge To Punish Is Strong
Riehl World View: Kindergarten Guru: Trip Palin Will Get His Ass Beat
The Daley Gator: Lying Lefty exposed?
Alaska Report: Van Flein letter threatening ImmoralMinority blog
Doug Powers, Michelle Malkin: And the best living ex-president is…
Hot Air Green Room: Obamacare would already be law, if not for you stupid Americans
Pam Meister, Big Hollywood: Bono’s Classless Act – Endorsed by ‘The Won’
Ann Coulter: Forgetting Sarah Palin
John T. Simpson, Big Hollywood: Story and the Power of Conservative Themes in Film
Jason Killan Meath, Big Hollywood: Bill and Kim’s Bogus Journey and It’s All Relative: The Obama/HuffPo Connection Tightens
Rasmussen Reports: Most Texas Voters Say Economy is Bad, Getting Worse
CNSNews.com: Joe Biden: ‘We Have to Go Spend Money to Keep From Going Bankrupt’
John Nolte, Big Hollywood: Turnabout: ‘Transformers 2′ Takes a Shot at President Obama?
The American Pundit: Oh My: Dem Ad Attacks Palin, Crist For Leaving Terms Early
Read Write Web: Don’t Let Yellow Press Standards Define the Future of Journalism
Breitbart.com: House Democrats muzzle GOP on sensitive issues
The Reagan Wing: Silent Scandals
Nobama Blog: $18M Being Spent to Redesign Recovery.gov Web Site
Washington Post: Emanuel’s Mastery Of Reading Reporters
Dispatches from the Culture Wars: The Power of Images and the Hypocrisy of Blocking Them
Burt Prelutsky, Big Hollywood: Indicting the Usual Suspects
Pundit & Pundette: MSM: Obama WH worse than Nixon
ABC News, The Note: $18M Being Spent to Redesign Recovery.gov Web Site
National Black Chamber of Commerce: NBCC Study Finds Waxman-Markey Reduces GDP by $350 Billion: New study finds Waxman-Markey could cost 2.5 million U.S. jobs each year through 2030 and reduce earnings
Geoffrey Dickens, NewsBusters: Matthews Chirps Groovy Cool Obamas Gave Him Another ‘Thrill!’
Greg Gutfeld, Big Hollywood: Daily Gut: Janeane and Prejean
Michelle Malkin: The organizing philosophy of the Left and USA Today columnist blames Peeping Tom victim and African journalist makes CNN Obama cheerleader look really, really stupid and All the news that’s fit to suppress and The immortal words of NYTimes chief Bill Keller and Conyers chickens out of ACORN probe and Caution: ACORN thugs at work and I see white people and Most transparent administration ever adopts Bush visitor log policy and Why They Hate Us and “Liberal sexist pigs” and and Obamacare on the rocks?; Plus: All Barack Channel refuses diverse viewpoint and All Barack Channel wasn’t the first to pimp socialized medicine and Flashback: An odd, uncomfortable interview with Silky and Elizabeth and The Us Weekly cover you didn’t see and “Liberal Sexist Pigs” and Daily Kos diarrhist urges you to pray for Michelle’s death
VotingFemale Speaks!: Sarah Palin – Loved By Americans, Hated by Socialists; Why? She is Mainstream American, not one of the Limousine Elitist “Political Progressives”
MoneyNews.com: $1 Trillion Later, What Does Obama Have to Show? Nothing
Gunservatively!: The Dems Game Plan: Distraction, Distraction, Distraction
Fire Andrea Mitchell!: Big day for the democratic congress – Pelosi probe blocked AND they vote down a motion to ban funding for John Murtha airport!
Greg Gutfeld, Big Hollywood: Daily Gut: Letterman Should Apologize for Being Lazy
Ashley Herzog, Townhall: Liberal Sexist Pigs
Jimmy Arone, Big Hollywood: Bill Maher: Harmless
Greg Gutfeld, Big Hollywood: Daily Gut: America Ranks 114th on the ‘Happy Planet Index’
Jim Blazsik: Nice Purse Michelle!
DaTechguy’s Blog: The Other McCain Nails it
GayPatriot: Obama & Palin: Blank Slates on Which “Journalists” Project Their Biases
Riehl World View: Obama Gets New Two-Way Teleprompter
Jenn Q. Public: David Letterman and the Culture of Liberal Entitlement
Frugal Café Blog Zone: Canada’s Decrepit, Expensive Single-Payer Health Care System: Steven Crowder Investigates, Guerrilla-Style (video) and The Left’s Definition of Victims & Role Models: Sonja Schmidt, on Elizabeth Edwards, Mark Levin, and Sarah Palin (video) and Sarah Palin: Still the Piñata of the MSM’s Biased Coverage and Yes, Sex Sells: Media Gives More Attention to Sanford’s Affair Than Illegal Firing of Inspector General Getting Too Close to Truth Behind Obama’s Cronies and Glenn Beck: How Liberal Media Works (video) and NBC Contessa Brewer Meltdown: Angry That John Ziegler Said Positive Things about Sarah Palin and Bravo, Elisabeth… Elisabeth Hasselbeck Goes After Playboy for Disgusting ‘Hate-Rape of Top 10 Conservative Women’ Article (video) and Why Sarah Palin Drives Female Liberals Crazy and The Savaging of Sarah Palin and the ‘Uncouthness’ of Barack Obama and Ann Coulter, in Defense of Christian Beauty Queen Carrie Prejean: ‘Liberals Are Ferocious Misogynists’
Jim Blazsik: Palin Madness
Pirates! Man Your Women: Who’s the Bigger Kiss-Up – ABC or NBC?
The LCA Broadside: ABC News: Unfair and Unbalanced
Cassy Fiano: ABC: All Obama, no dissent
American Free Press: Discussion of Holocaust to Be Banned?
Caffeinated Thoughts: When Publicity Becomes Confused With News
Gateway Pundit: State Run Media Won’t Allow GOP to Respond to Obama Infomercial
SWAC Girl: Obama-ABC News propaganda machine team up to jam universal health care down Americans’ throats?
Jeffrey Jena, Big Hollywood: Obama Tortures Me Every Day and Wanted: Hate Mail From Liberals
Eject Eject Eject, PajamasMedia: What Media Bias Really Costs the Republic
Tim Slagle, Big Hollywood: Mainstream Media: Only Conservatives Are Sore Losers
Founding Bloggers: Video – Political Correctness Vs. Freedom Of Thought, The Keith John Sampson Story
Big Dogs House: Tea Party Protesters Are Racists, Stevie Wonder Could Have Seen This Coming
Orson Bean, Big Hollywood: Insatiable Extremism: Where Right and Left Meet
Kevin Tracy: Janeane Garofalo Has Opened My Eyes: I’ve Been A Racist AND SO HAVE YOU!
Peace and Freedom Global Future: Free Speech for Terrorists, Liberals; Others Beware
Greg Gutfeld, Big Hollywood: Daily Gut: It’s the Media Ginning Up Racial Hatred

Categories: Conservatism, Economy, Government, Media & Communication, Social and Political Climate
Tags: ACORN, cap and trade, conservative radio, corruption, economic depression, economic free-fall, economy, Elisabeth Hasselbeck, global warming, health care, journalism, journalist bias, late-night talk shows, left-wing, leftist, liberal, liberal media, manipulation, media bias, political, politics, rationed health care, Rosie O'Donnell, Rules for Radicals, Sarah Palin, Saul Alinsky, socialism, statism, statist