The concept of the "think tank" itself is the lie.
There are honest and genuine academic or social science or scientific research institutes. That's one thing.
But the media in its endless search to produce noise for clicks....has platformed a whole bunch of lobbyists and liars - paid by governments and by the rich and their companies - specifically to spread propaganda.
And the media presents these known deceivers as "think tanks" and the public does not question what exactly this means.
From these "think tanks" aka lying machines, comes an endless stream of lies. Simply endless. They work in teams to do this. For example the entire false narrative about "Uiyghur genocide" was disinformation spread into the media from a nest of three organizations all basically paid for by the US govt
- Horizon Advisory (masquerading as a supply chain consultancy(
- Freedom House (masquerading as a "think tank")
- FDD/Foundation for the defence of Democracy ( masquerasing as an NGO)
Worse yet, as Glenn points out, these "think tanks" dont just advocate for positions. They are basically paid troll farms that also spread lies against anyone who exposes their lies.
The entire thing is disgusting, but really it exposes that the media are in on these lies, and that the public is completely undiscerning: you put any idiot or crook on a video and the public believes they are an authority on any subject.
I hope the whole lobbying/think tank industry gets a hard looking at. Having money gets you power and influence which isn’t something that should be considered by our lawmakers. They are ripe ground for their corruption and it happens to every politician when they hit DC. Usually brand new house members are full of piss and vinegar as some have won elections being a fire brand and they come to DC trying and hoping to really fight for their constituents but if you look over time they get quieter and become part of the machine. If we are serious about all the change going on then let’s set term limits and that hopefully ends the cronyism and corruption because you won’t be in office for 40 years. Giving up a position is more noble than being re-elected 25 times. I can’t think any of us are happy with our elected leaders that they need to be entrenched for a life time. It sure will keep the issues more front and center in my opinion.
"BUSINESS IS WAR - WAR IS BUSINESS" - This Culture needs to STOP!
PUSHING WAR IS NO JOKE! - IT KILLS PEOPLE IN LARGE NUMBERS!
It was already President Eisenhower in 1961 (previously an experience War General) who after an entire Life experience in the Culture of "War is Business" recognized the Mortal Threat the Military Industrial Complex poses to democracy:
"... In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist." - he warned!
He continued ... "Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."
Such an "Alert and Knowledgeable Citizenry" does no longer exist for quite a while.
As Albert Einstein already observed in 1949: "Moreover, under existing conditions, private capitalists inevitably control, directly or indirectly, the main sources of information (press, radio, education). It is thus extremely difficult, and indeed in most cases quite impossible, for the individual citizen to come to objective conclusions and to make intelligent use of his political rights."
So the evident question is: WHO IS LEADING OUR SOCIETIES?
The only purpose of these think tanks was to reverse the enemy, Europe slept with the enemy for 75 years, and now they’re discovering the truth the American Trump has been cheating on them as a Russian in disguise.
Excellent unbiased review of what think tanks are about for those who aren’t informed.
Been waiting for this to come out for years.
Glad you’ve given it the attention it deserves.
How anyone can think in a tank is beyond my comprehension .
The concept of the "think tank" itself is the lie.
There are honest and genuine academic or social science or scientific research institutes. That's one thing.
But the media in its endless search to produce noise for clicks....has platformed a whole bunch of lobbyists and liars - paid by governments and by the rich and their companies - specifically to spread propaganda.
And the media presents these known deceivers as "think tanks" and the public does not question what exactly this means.
From these "think tanks" aka lying machines, comes an endless stream of lies. Simply endless. They work in teams to do this. For example the entire false narrative about "Uiyghur genocide" was disinformation spread into the media from a nest of three organizations all basically paid for by the US govt
- Horizon Advisory (masquerading as a supply chain consultancy(
- Freedom House (masquerading as a "think tank")
- FDD/Foundation for the defence of Democracy ( masquerasing as an NGO)
Worse yet, as Glenn points out, these "think tanks" dont just advocate for positions. They are basically paid troll farms that also spread lies against anyone who exposes their lies.
The entire thing is disgusting, but really it exposes that the media are in on these lies, and that the public is completely undiscerning: you put any idiot or crook on a video and the public believes they are an authority on any subject.
I hope the whole lobbying/think tank industry gets a hard looking at. Having money gets you power and influence which isn’t something that should be considered by our lawmakers. They are ripe ground for their corruption and it happens to every politician when they hit DC. Usually brand new house members are full of piss and vinegar as some have won elections being a fire brand and they come to DC trying and hoping to really fight for their constituents but if you look over time they get quieter and become part of the machine. If we are serious about all the change going on then let’s set term limits and that hopefully ends the cronyism and corruption because you won’t be in office for 40 years. Giving up a position is more noble than being re-elected 25 times. I can’t think any of us are happy with our elected leaders that they need to be entrenched for a life time. It sure will keep the issues more front and center in my opinion.
Given the realities, I wonder if the think tanks should be required to register as lobbyist group and removed from non-profit exemptions.
See also "War Is A Racket" by USMC Major General Smedley Butler.
Looks good. Bought it. Thanks!
"BUSINESS IS WAR - WAR IS BUSINESS" - This Culture needs to STOP!
PUSHING WAR IS NO JOKE! - IT KILLS PEOPLE IN LARGE NUMBERS!
It was already President Eisenhower in 1961 (previously an experience War General) who after an entire Life experience in the Culture of "War is Business" recognized the Mortal Threat the Military Industrial Complex poses to democracy:
"... In the councils of government, we must guard against the acquisition of unwarranted influence, whether sought or unsought, by the military-industrial complex. The potential for the disastrous rise of misplaced power exists and will persist." - he warned!
He continued ... "Only an alert and knowledgeable citizenry can compel the proper meshing of the huge industrial and military machinery of defense with our peaceful methods and goals, so that security and liberty may prosper together."
Such an "Alert and Knowledgeable Citizenry" does no longer exist for quite a while.
As Albert Einstein already observed in 1949: "Moreover, under existing conditions, private capitalists inevitably control, directly or indirectly, the main sources of information (press, radio, education). It is thus extremely difficult, and indeed in most cases quite impossible, for the individual citizen to come to objective conclusions and to make intelligent use of his political rights."
So the evident question is: WHO IS LEADING OUR SOCIETIES?
The only purpose of these think tanks was to reverse the enemy, Europe slept with the enemy for 75 years, and now they’re discovering the truth the American Trump has been cheating on them as a Russian in disguise.