The Illusion of Truth

After watching “Buying the War,” it is unnerving to see how powerful the news media has on framing information. President Bush and his administration had a specific agenda, and the news media just conformed to their ideals. Anyone who didn’t agree with the popular view (to go to war) would be seen as being unpatriotic. Journalists were afraid to stand up, because they feared of getting a reputation as a “trouble maker.” Even if they did go against the grain, would anyone support their opposing views? Regardless, these journalists should've voiced their opinions, instead of letting the popular opinion control their actions.

So who bought the war? Well, I believe everyone who didn’t research the evidence were persuaded. Americans looked to the news, be it print or media, and they used these sources as their resources for information. For journalists, I would say that the majority bought the war or they bought this idea because they were too afraid to have opposing views. New media’s coverage of 9/11 created this idea that America was attacked. America was the victim, and Americans needs to do something about this unjust attack. In created this connection of exuding patriotism by fighting back against Saddam Hussein in Iraq. Most left and right media narratives were the same after 9/11, because they feared of going against the popular view, which was to go to war in Iraq. Those who broke away from this view would lose credibility and become shunned away. Ahmed Chalabi manipulated the U.S. news media with his Iraq defectors. These defectors would create falsified evidence that motivated Americans to continue pursuing the war on Iraq. Chalabi told false information to both the administration and the press, in order to create the illusion of two sources (when really there was only one). His manipulation shows how easy it is to frame information they want one would want it to be shown.