The Daily Propaganda
WWII Déjà Vu?
Above: President Bush After 9/11
Two Presidents of the United States, Franklin Delano Roosevelt and George W. Bush, might seem to be fighting the same war almost 60 years apart from one another. Yet, are the wars as similar as the current administration argues that they are?
According to Bush Administration rhetoric, the "War on Terror" and other conflicts around the globe, especially with the other countries in what he famously dubbed "the axis of evil," are analogous to WWII. Is this an accurate assessment of the current situation? Is the view of history that Administration spokespeople refer to when they discuss the WWII accurate? Are we reliving the horrors (and victories) of that worldwide conflict again? Or, is history being described as repeating itself in a way that it really isn't?
You be the judge. I have assembled some examples of the rhetoric, the punditry, the politics, and the satire for your consideration.
Following 9/11, President Bush
Recalls Pearl Harbor
September 20, 2001
In the wake of the 9/11 attacks, President Bush delivered and address to a Joint Session of Congress and the American People. In it, he alluded to the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, his speech in many ways echoing FDR's speech more than a half a century before. Please link to the entire transcript here.
On September the 11th, enemies of freedom committed an act of war against our country. Americans have known wars -- but for the past 136 years, they have been wars on foreign soil, except for one Sunday in 1941. Americans have known the casualties of war -- but not at the center of a great city on a peaceful morning. Americans have known surprise attacks -- but never before on thousands of civilians. All of this was brought upon us in a single day -- and night fell on a different world, a world where freedom itself is under attack.
Our war on terror begins with al Qaeda, but it does not end there. It will not end until every terrorist group of global reach has been found, stopped and defeated. (Applause.)
Americans are asking, why do they hate us? They hate what we see right here in this chamber -- a democratically elected government. Their leaders are self-appointed. They hate our freedoms -- our freedom of religion, our freedom of speech, our freedom to vote and assemble and disagree with each other.
In 2002 State of the Union address, President Bush describes "axis of evil"
In this address, President Bush, following the invasion of Afghanistan, described Iran, Iraq, and North Korea as an "axis of evil," recalling the fascist Axis in WWII, Germany, Italy, and Japan. Read this excerpt or check out the complete transcript and audio here.
But some governments will be timid in the face of terror. And make no mistake about it: If they do not act, America will. (Applause.)
Our second goal is to prevent regimes that sponsor terror from threatening America or our friends and allies with weapons of mass destruction. Some of these regimes have been pretty quiet since September the 11th. But we know their true nature. North Korea is a regime arming with missiles and weapons of mass destruction, while starving its citizens.
Iran aggressively pursues these weapons and exports terror, while an unelected few repress the Iranian people's hope for freedom.
Iraq continues to flaunt its hostility toward America and to support terror. The Iraqi regime has plotted to develop anthrax, and nerve gas, and nuclear weapons for over a decade. This is a regime that has already used poison gas to murder thousands of its own citizens -- leaving the bodies of mothers huddled over their dead children. This is a regime that agreed to international inspections -- then kicked out the inspectors. This is a regime that has something to hide from the civilized world.
States like these, and their terrorist allies, constitute an axis of evil, arming to threaten the peace of the world. By seeking weapons of mass destruction, these regimes pose a grave and growing danger. They could provide these arms to terrorists, giving them the means to match their hatred. They could attack our allies or attempt to blackmail the United States. In any of these cases, the price of indifference would be catastrophic.
Above: An example of the post-9/11 campaign encouraging people to shop as a way of supporting the country. Compare this to Roosevelt's pleas for sacrifices on the part of every American.
CNN Airs Pundit Accusing President Bush of Fear-Mongering
January 28, 2003
PAULA ZAHN, CNN ANCHOR: The president's State of the Union speech comes at a crucial time with uncertainty about Iraq, the flat economy and his approval rating declining. So what does the president need to say tonight?
Joining us with their takes from Washington, Cliff May, former RNC Communications director, and in New York, Katrina Vanden Heuvel, editor of "The Nation" magazine.
Good morning, you two. Welcome.
Cliff, I know you've written for the "National Review" your own version of what the president should say in the State of the Union Address. We'll share a small part of that with our audience, where you say "Dig through the rocky soil of history. There you will find the ruins of the Nazis, the fascists, the communists, and those who hated Americans and other free people. There, soon, you will find the terrorist groups and the terrorist states that are in the league with them.
Now, no one is indicating the president is going to make a declaration of war tonight. Is that what you are suggesting here?
CLIFF MAY, FMR. RNC COMMUNICATIONS DIR.: I'm suggesting the president acknowledge the fact we are at war. The free world is at war. We didn't seek this war, but it's being declared against us, it's being waged against us. And we have no choice but to lead the free world in this war against terrorists and against the rogue dictators who enable the terrorists.
I think it's pretty clear in terms of Iraq that Iraq has weapons of mass destruction. I think that's what you heard from Hans Blix yesterday, that Saddam Hussein has no intention to disarm, as he is obligated to do under the various U.N. resolutions, and we also know that Saddam Hussein is an ally of Osama bin Laden and other terrorists around the world. So we have no choice but to liberate the people of Iraq from this terribly oppressive regime. The president needs to make a case for that, and he also needs to reassure people on the economy, and I think that's the challenge he faces.
ZAHN: All right, Katrina, let's talk about the potential of war. How important do you think it is to the president to try to work in some of Hans Blix findings yesterday in his stinging rebuke of Iraq.
KATRINA VANDEN HEUVEL, "THE NATION" MAGAZINE: You know, there was a great president, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, who spoke about fear, and there is nothing to fear but fear itself. This president tonight will likely use fear to advance a war that the world and majorities of Americans do not want because they want inspections to continue. They believe they are working. And in defiance of American majority opinion, the president will try to rally a nation to a war that it doesn't want, and if I might add, a great president would say we are at a moment in history, in a fight against stateless terrorists when America needs global cooperation and legitimacy more than anything.
And if I might add, the great unmet needs of this country should be at the forefront of this president's agenda, instead of a massive tax break, which will predominantly be skewed toward the wealthy. The priorities of unmet needs such as education, of health insurance, of job creation, of homeland security, need to be addressed, as well as the enormous crisis in the states, which will hurt ordinary citizens who do not feel this president is in sync with them or on their side.
ZAHN: Katrina, come back with the point you were making where you are accusing the president of creating fear tonight. You listened to Hans Blix yesterday. Wasn't there anything in that report that scared you or concerned you?
VANDEN HEUVEL: There is no imminent threat from Iraq. We are the most powerful country in the world, in this century. There is no imminent threat from Iraq. There are other threats. There's the threat of Pakistan sharing its nuclear technology with Al Qaeda. There's North Korea. So, Paula, I do believe that this president has been fear-mongering and not talking to the American people honestly, and they see that. There's a credibility gap. They want information. They want evidence. And they want a president who will lead them into a better world, not into a world, where fear is hurting our economy and our moral spirit.
President Bush Delivers 2003 State of the Union Address on Eve of Iraq Invasion
President George W. Bush's 2003 State of the Union Address .
On the eve of the U.S. Invasion of Iraq, President Bush warns against inaction against the potential threat of Iraqi Weapons of Mass Destruction, outlining what has become known as "the Bush Doctrine," a strategy preemptive strikes against threats to American interests. He makes direct reference to WWII and Hitler.
Our war against terror is a contest of will in which perseverance is power. In the ruins of two towers, at the western wall of the Pentagon, on a field in Pennsylvania, this nation made a pledge, and we renew that pledge tonight: Whatever the duration of this struggle, and whatever the difficulties, we will not permit the triumph of violence in the affairs of men -- free people will set the course of history. (Applause.)
Today, the gravest danger in the war on terror, the gravest danger facing America and the world, is outlaw regimes that seek and possess nuclear, chemical, and biological weapons. These regimes could use such weapons for blackmail, terror, and mass murder. They could also give or sell those weapons to terrorist allies, who would use them without the least hesitation.
This threat is new; America's duty is familiar. Throughout the 20th century, small groups of men seized control of great nations, built armies and arsenals, and set out to dominate the weak and intimidate the world. In each case, their ambitions of cruelty and murder had no limit. In each case, the ambitions of Hitlerism, militarism, and communism were defeated by the will of free peoples, by the strength of great alliances, and by the might of the United States of America. (Applause.)
Now, in this century, the ideology of power and domination has appeared again, and seeks to gain the ultimate weapons of terror. Once again, this nation and all our friends are all that stand between a world at peace, and a world of chaos and constant alarm. Once again, we are called to defend the safety of our people, and the hopes of all mankind. And we accept this responsibility. (Applause.)
In the Midst of Iraq War, President Bush Again Compares Pearl Harbor and WWII to 9/11 and "War on Terror"
December 7, 2005
On December 7, 2005, the anniversary of what Franklin D. Roosevelt famously referred to as "a date that will live in infamy," the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Bush in a major foreign policy address compared the historical attack and WW II to 9/11 and the "War on Terror." Link to the complete text here or read the following excerpt:
"Today we mark the anniversary of a fateful day in American history. On December the 7th, 1941, our peaceful nation awoke to an attack plotted in secret, and executed without mercy. The strike on Pearl Harbor was the start of a long war for America -- a massive struggle against those who attacked us, and those who shared their destructive ambitions. Fortunately for all of us, a great generation of Americans was more than equal to the challenge. Our nation pulled together -- and despite setbacks and battlefield defeats, we did not waver in freedom's cause. With courage and determination, we won a war on two fronts: we liberated millions, we aided the rise of democracy in Europe and Asia we watched enemies become allies, and we laid the foundation of peace for generations.
On September the 11th, 2001, our nation awoke to another sudden attack. In the space of just 102 minutes, more Americans were killed than we lost at Pearl Harbor. Like generations before us, we accepted new responsibilities, and we confronted new dangers with firm resolve. Like generations before us, we're taking the fight to those who attacked us -- and those who share their murderous vision for future attacks. Like generations before us, we've faced setbacks on the path to victory -- yet we will fight this war without wavering. And like the generations before us, we will prevail.
Like earlier struggles for freedom, this war will take many turns, and the enemy must be defeated on every battlefront -- from the streets of Western cities, to the mountains of Afghanistan, to the tribal regions of Pakistan, to the islands of Southeast Asia and the Horn of Africa. Yet the terrorists have made it clear that Iraq is the central front in their war against humanity. So we must recognize Iraq as the central front in the war on terror."
Above: Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Following Pearl Harbor, Roosevelt Asks Congress to Declare War
December 8, 1941
After America was shocked by the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, President Roosevelt asks Congress to declare war, something he had been looking for an opportunity to do.
Please visit this page for a complete transcript and audio of this speech, available through George Mason University. You can also read other contextual information about the last time America was attacked on its home soil
Here is an excerpt from his famous speech:
Yesterday, December 7, 1941—a date which will live in infamy—the United States of American was suddenly and deliberately attacked by naval and air forces of the Empire of Japan.
The United States was at peace with that nation, and, at the solicitation of Japan, was still in conversation with its government and its emperor looking toward the maintenance of peace in the Pacific. Indeed, one hour after Japanese air squadrons had commenced bombing in the American island of Oahu, the Japanese ambassador to the United States and his colleague delivered to our secretary of state a formal reply to a recent American message. While this reply stated that it seemed useless to continue the existing diplomatic negotiations, it contained no threat or hint of war or armed attack.
It will be recorded that the distance of Hawaii from Japan makes it obvious that the attack was deliberately planned many days or even weeks ago. During the intervening time the Japanese government has deliberately sought to deceive the United States by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace.
The attack yesterday on the Hawaiian Islands has caused severe damage to American naval and military forces. I regret to tell you that very many American lives have been lost. In addition, American ships have been reported torpedoed on the high seas between San Francisco and Honolulu.
Yesterday the Japanese government also launched as attack against Malaya.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Hong Kong.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Guam.
Last night Japanese forces attacked the Philippine Islands.
Last night Japanese forces attacked Wake Island.
And this morning the Japanese attacked Midway Island.
Japan has, therefore, undertaken a surprise offensive extending throughout the Pacific area. The facts of yesterday and today speak for themselves. The people of the United States have already formed their opinions and well understand the implications to the very life and safety of our nation.
As commander in chief of the Army and Navy I have directed that all measures be taken for our defense. But always will our whole nation remember the character of the onslaught against us. . .
Roosevelt Declares Four Freedoms
In an historic State of the Union address on January 7, 1941, President Roosevelt asserted the reasoning behind the American entrance into WWII, outlined the sacrifices he was going to ask of Americans, and stated the broadest goals of American foreign policy. Please click here for the audio and the complete transcript.
Above: A Poster Inspired by FDR's famous speech.
These are the simple, the basic things that must never be lost sight of in the turmoil and unbelievable complexity of our modern world. The inner and abiding strength of our economic and political systems is dependent upon the degree to which they fulfill these expectations.
Many subjects connected with our social economy call for immediate improvement. As examples:
We should bring more citizens under the coverage of old-age pensions and unemployment insurance.
We should widen the opportunities for adequate medical care.
We should plan a better system by which persons deserving or needing gainful employment may obtain it.
I have called for personal sacrifice, and I am assured of the willingness of almost all Americans to respond to that call. A part of the sacrifice means the payment of more money in taxes. In my budget message I will recommend that a greater portion of this great defense program be paid for from taxation than we are paying for today. No person should try, or be allowed to get rich out of the program, and the principle of tax payments in accordance with ability to pay should be constantly before our eyes to guide our legislation.
If the Congress maintains these principles the voters, putting patriotism ahead pocketbooks, will give you their applause.
In the future days, which we seek to make secure, we look forward to a world founded upon four essential human freedoms.
The first is freedom of speech and expression -- everywhere in the world.
The second is freedom of every person to worship God in his own way everywhere in the world.
The third is freedom from want, which, translated into world terms, means economic understandings which will secure to every nation a healthy peacetime life for its inhabitants -- everywhere in the world.
The fourth is freedom from fear, which, translated into world terms, means a world-wide reduction of armaments to such a point and in such a thorough fashion that no nation will be in a position to commit an act of physical aggression against any neighbor -- anywhere in the world.
That is no vision of a distant millennium. It is a definite basis for a kind of world attainable in our own time and generation. That kind of world is the very antithesis of the so-called “new order” of tyranny which the dictators seek to create with the crash of a bomb.
To that new order we oppose the greater conception -- the moral order. A good society is able to face schemes of world domination and foreign revolutions alike without fear.
Since the beginning of our American history we have been engaged in change, in a perpetual, peaceful revolution, a revolution which goes on steadily, quietly, adjusting itself to changing conditions without the concentration camp or the quicklime in the ditch. The world order which we seek is the cooperation of free countries, working together in a friendly, civilized society.
This nation has placed its destiny in the hands and heads and hearts of its millions of free men and women, and its faith in freedom under the guidance of God. Freedom means the supremacy of human rights everywhere. Our support goes to those who struggle to gain those rights and keep them. Our strength is our unity of purpose.
To that high concept there can be no end save victory.
Senator John Kerry Discusses WWII and War on Terror Connection
Senator John Kerry, who, of course, ran unsuccessfully against President Bush in the 2004 election, has been a constant critic of the president and his policies. Here, he takes on his rhetoric of fear. While this is clearly political, here what he has to say. You may link to the full text here.
Well, there certainly is a lot of moral confusion around these days.
It is immoral for old men to send young Americans to fight and die in a conflict without a strategy that can work -- on a mission that has not weakened terrorism but worsened it.
It is immoral to lie about progress in that war to get through a news cycle or an election.
It is immoral to treat 9/11 as a political pawn -- and to continue to excuse the invasion of Iraq by exploiting the 3,000 mothers and fathers, sons and daughters who were lost that day. They were attacked and killed not by Saddam Hussein but by Osama bin Laden.
And it is deeply immoral to compare a majority of Americans who oppose a failing policy and seek a winning one to appeasers of Fascism and Nazism.
The leaders of this administration have shown in recent days that they will say anything, do anything, twist any truth, and endanger our nation's character as one America in a desperate ploy to survive a mid term election.
But Americans now see through this charade. They know the truth. We have a Katrina foreign policy -- a succession of blunders and failures that have betrayed our ideals, killed and maimed our soldiers, and widened the terrorist threat instead of defeating it.
Every time the administration is down in the polls, every time their political opponents at home appear to gain, they trot out of the fear card, instead of reinforcing in Americans "there is nothing to fear but fear itself," they have nothing to offer but fear itself.
The President wants Americans to believe only one party wants to fight terror. That's a cynical game to try to win an election. I believe we need a game plan to capture and kill Osama Bin Laden, not capture a few Congressional seats.
I believe we need national leadership capable of raising hopes and inspiring trust, not raising fears and demanding blind faith. We need to marshal all our resources -- military, diplomatic, economic, and moral -- and first and foremost always tell the truth to the American people.
"There is
nothing
to fear
but fear itself."
Franklin Delano Roosevelt
Doonesbury Takes Aim on What He
Sees as Administration Propaganda
October, 2006
The long running comic strip Doonesbury, which for 35 years has taken a satirical view of American politics and culture, took a deep stab at Bush Administration rhetoric, particularly its post 9/11 strategies of hyping fear and drawing parallels between our "War on Terror" and WWII. Note that Cartoonist Gary Trudeau's figure "Fear Itself" is a direct allusion to FDR's famous phrase from a speech following the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
