9/11 and the Weaponization of Information in U.S. History

"History, Whose-story? Collapsing Empire Show with Historians Mickey S. Huff and Carolyn Baker"

Recently, Carol Brouillet invited me to be guest on her internet radio show with historian Carolyn Baker. The show aired August 13th and is now archived here. The topic-- on 9/11 and the weaponization of information in U.S. history as well as collapsing empire in the second hour. The first hour, I talk about collective memory and the propaganda of grand historical narrative as seen through the lens of 9/11 (actually more on a romp down memory hole lane in terms of understanding America's grand narrative of exceptionalism and triumphalism and where it has gotten us). Hard to wrap up a couple centuries of empire construction and peril in an hour...but we tried!

Here is Carol's blog for the show on the We the People Radio Network.

Vox Populi

New Class on 9/11 at Berkeley City College Fall 2007!

Come see this great 9/11 course and speaker series at Berkeley City College this Fall!

History 47- Critical Thinking in History, Instructor Mickey S. Huff
Tue/Thur 2:30-4pm, 3 units, CSU tranfer, section V0726

Topic: America, 9/11, and the War on Terror: Foreign/Domestic Policy, Media, and Propaganda

Come discuss and debate the recent past in America by viewing one of the most tumultuous events of our times...September 11th, 2001!

*Learn logical argumentation and writing skills while avoiding common fallacies
*Consider bias and objectivity in formation of opinion
*Discern fact from fiction in research and analysis
*Understand possible connections between past and present
*Examine the role of current news media as the rough draft of history
*Think about the shaping of public opinion and the democratic process
*Deconstruct the historically defining events of September 11th, 2001
*Ask critical questions and realize that there may not always be one answer to these:

-Why does history matter and how did we get to this point in time?
-How will 9/11 be seen historical terms?
-What actually happened on that fateful day?
-What are the official views and the alternatives that challenge?
-Why do the government studies all contradict themselves?
-What are the unanswered questions and where are the answers?
-What are “conspiracy theories” and why should we care about some of them?
-What are the views of Arab Americans on the War on Terror”
-How does the rest of the world view America post 9/11?
-How has 9/11 been used as a pretext and propaganda tool by government?
-How has 9/11 affected the rule of law internationally and domestically?
-What is the grand narrative of 9/11 and why should we challenge it?
-Does history repeat itself...or does it just rhyme?

“Who controls the past controls the future. Who controls the present controls the past.” George Orwell, 1984. And Orwell today? Rolling in his grave.

Be an active agent in the making of history by being aware in the present. Knowledge is power! Shape your own future! Come think for yourselves, otherwise, someone else will gladly do it for you! Class begins August 23rd. Enroll today!

Contact: mythinfo@mac.com

Let the Good Times Roll...Got Fun?

Let's see here...

Got support for the troops? The VA?

Uh-uh.

The Bush administration has failed us here. And abroad.

Got a government that promotes the general welfare of the people it's liberating? Or occupying? The answer is simple.

Just look at the centerpiece of the Bush Doctrine in Iraq. And look at the vultures now there. This is hardy liberating for Iraqis, or everyday Americans. VP Cheney seems to be doing ok, though. Really. This comedic interlude can reaffirm such.

And still we need more money to kill more Iraqis that we are liberating (occupying?) that posed no threat to our existence and had nothing to do with 9/11?

By the way...ponder whether we've...

Got rights?

Got fascism?

Are you sure?

Historical suggestions?

Got a bridge to hope...maybe one right here in Amerca, maybe in Minnesota, and one we can afford?

Hope Springs Eternal...Just kidding...hmmm.