A public that can no longer distinguish between truth and fiction is left to interpret reality through illusion. Random facts or obscure bits of data and trivia are used to bolster illusion and give it credibility or are discarded if they interfere with the message. The worse reality becomes—the more, for example, foreclosures and unemployment skyrocket—the more people seek refuge and comfort in illusions. When opinions cannot be distinguished from facts, when there is no universal standard to determine truth in law, in science, in scholarship, or in reporting the events of the day, when the most valued skill is the ability to entertain, the world becomes a place where lies become true, where people can believe what they want to believe. This is the real danger of pseudo-events and why pseudo-events are far more pernicious than stereotypes. They do not explain reality, as stereotypes attempt to, but replace reality. Pseudo-events redefine reality by the parameters set by their creators. These creators, who make massive profits peddling these illusions, have a vested interest in maintaining the power structures they control. – From: Chris Hedges “Empire of Illusion”
The Editors’ Quote of the Day:
Hugh,
Great quote and an even greater book. Sits on my “Grab these in an Emergency” shelf between Common Sense and The Rights of Man by Paine and How to Survive TEOTWAWKI by some Rawles fellow. Could be argued that “Empire of Delusion” would be a more appropriate title in these times.
Another prophetic quote by Hedges:
“The corporations that profit from permanent war need us to be afraid. Fear stops us from objecting to government spending on a bloated military. Fear means we will not ask unpleasant questions of those in power. Fear permits the government to operate in secret. Fear means we are willing to give up our rights and liberties for promises of security. The imposition of fear ensures that the corporations that wrecked the country cannot be challenged. Fear keeps us penned in like livestock.”
And satan laughed and laughed and laughed.
You guys know Hedges is a hard-line leftist, correct? Not taking issue with his quotes, but……..
Scott – What’s important is the quote. We’ve even quoted Hillary before here 🙂
Hugh’s Quote of the Day:
(The context of that quote is that when she worked for the Obama administration, she held the exact opposite view, shutting down opposition any way she could. Now that she is back on the “out”, she holds that view again.”