Internet has sped up many of these processes, but the secrecy and manipulation is nothing new. FDR's manipulation of the Japanese through various means for the two years prior to Pearl Harbor is a good example, and Harry Stimson's admission in his diary on Nov 25, 1941 (12 days prior to Pearl Harbor) sums up the objective: “The question …
Internet has sped up many of these processes, but the secrecy and manipulation is nothing new. FDR's manipulation of the Japanese through various means for the two years prior to Pearl Harbor is a good example, and Harry Stimson's admission in his diary on Nov 25, 1941 (12 days prior to Pearl Harbor) sums up the objective: “The question was how we should maneuver them [the Japanese] into firing the first shot without allowing too much danger to ourselves.” (I'll bet they never shared that plot with you in public school!) Now we have Nancy Pelosi not even being subtle about it--openly talking about how to use the "wrap-up smear" to keep conservative Republicans from gaining office, appointments, etc.
Internet has sped up many of these processes, but the secrecy and manipulation is nothing new. FDR's manipulation of the Japanese through various means for the two years prior to Pearl Harbor is a good example, and Harry Stimson's admission in his diary on Nov 25, 1941 (12 days prior to Pearl Harbor) sums up the objective: “The question was how we should maneuver them [the Japanese] into firing the first shot without allowing too much danger to ourselves.” (I'll bet they never shared that plot with you in public school!) Now we have Nancy Pelosi not even being subtle about it--openly talking about how to use the "wrap-up smear" to keep conservative Republicans from gaining office, appointments, etc.