Eight Traits of the Disinformationalist

Eight Traits of the Disinformationalist
HMS@proparanoid.com by  Michael Sweeney
copyright (c) 1997, 2000 All rights reserved

(Revised April 2000 - formerly SEVEN Traits)
 
1) Avoidance. They never actually discuss issues head-on or provide constructive input, generally avoiding citation of references or credentials. Rather, they merely imply this, that, and the other. Virtually everything about  their presentation implies their authority and  expert knowledge in the matter without any further justification for credibility.

2) Selectivity. They tend to pick and choose opponents carefully, either applying the hit-and-run approach against mere commentators supportive of opponents, or focusing heavier attacks on key opponents who are known to directly address issues. Should a commentatorbecome argumentative with any success, the focus will shift to include the commentator as well.

3) Coincidental. They tend to surface suddenly and somewhat coincidentally with a new controversial topic with no clear prior record of participation in general discussions in the particular public arena involved. They likewise tend to vanish once the topic is no longer of general concern. They were likely directed or elected to be there for a reason, and vanish with the reason.

4) Teamwork. They tend to operate in self-congratulatory and complementary packs or teams. Of course, this can happen naturally in any public forum, but there will likely be an ongoing pattern of frequent exchanges of this sort where professionals are involved. Sometimes one of the players will infiltrate the opponent camp to become a source for straw man or other tactics designed to dilute opponent presentation strength.

5) Anti-conspiratorial. They almost always have disdain for 'conspiracy theorists' and, usually, for those who in any way believe JFK was not killed by LHO. Ask yourself why, if they hold such disdain for conspiracy theorists, do they focus on defending a single topic discussed in a NG focusing on conspiracies? One might think they would either be trying to make fools of everyone on every topic, or simply ignore the group they hold in such disdain.Or, one might more rightly conclude they have  an ulterior motive for their actions in going out of their way to focus as they do.

6) Artificial Emotions. An odd kind of 'artificial' emotionalism and an unusually thick skin -- an ability to persevere and persist even in the face of overwhelming criticism and unacceptance. This likely stems from intelligence community training that, no matter how condemning the evidence, deny everything, and never become emotionally involved or reactive. The net result for a disinfo artist is that emotions can seem artificial. Most people, if responding in anger, for instance, will express their animosity throughout their rebuttal. But disinfo types usually have trouble maintaining the 'image' and are hot and cold with respect to pretended emotions and their usually more calm or unemotional communications style. It's just a job, and they often seem unable to 'act their role in character' as well in a communications medium as they might be able in a real face-to-face  conversation/confrontation. You might have outright rage and indignation one moment, ho-hum the next, and more anger later -- an emotional yo-yo. With respect to being thick-skinned, no amount of criticism will deter them from doing their job, and they will generally continue their old disinfo patterns without any adjustments to criticisms of how obvious it is that they play that game -- where a more rational individual who truly cares what others think might seek to improve their communications style, substance, and so forth, or simply give up.

7) Inconsistent. There is also a tendency to make mistakes which betray their true self/motives. This may stem from not really knowing their topic, or it may be somewhat 'freudian', so to speak, in that perhaps they  really root for the side of truth deep within.

I have noted that often, they will simply cite contradictory information which neutralizes  itself and the author. For instance, one such  player claimed to be a Navy pilot, but blamed his poor communicating skills (spelling, grammar, incoherent style) on having only a grade-school education. I'm not aware of too many Navy pilots who don't have a college degree. Another claimed no knowledge of a particular topic/situation but later claimed first-hand knowledge of it.

8) BONUS TRAIT: Time Constant. Recently discovered, with respect to News Groups, is the response time factor. There are three ways this can be seen to work, especially when the government or other empowered player is involved in a cover up operation:

1) ANY NG posting by a targeted proponent for truth  can result in an IMMEDIATE response. The government and other empowered players can afford to pay people to sit there and watch for an opportunity to do some damage. SINCE DISINFO IN A NG ONLY WORKS IF THE READER SEES IT - FAST RESPONSE IS CALLED FOR, or the visitor may be swayed towards truth.

2) When dealing in more direct ways with a disinformationalist, such as email, DELAY IS CALLED FOR - there will usually be a minimum of a 48-72 hour delay. This allows a sit-down team discussion on response strategy for best effect, and even enough time to 'get permission' or instruction from a formal chain of command.

3) In the NG example 1) above, it will often ALSO be seen that bigger guns are drawn and fired after the same 48-72 hours delay - the team approach in play. This is especially true when the targeted truth seeker or their comments are considered more important with respect to potential to reveal truth. Thus, a serious truth sayer will be attacked twice for the same sin.  

I close with the first paragraph of the introduction to my unpublished book, Fatal Rebirth:

Truth cannot live on a diet of secrets, withering within entangled lies. Freedom cannot live on a diet of lies, surrendering to the veil of oppression. The human spirit cannot live on a diet of oppression, becoming subservient in the end to the will of evil. God, as truth incarnate, will not long let stand a world devoted to such evil. Therefore, let us have the truth and freedom our spirits require... or let us die seeking these things, for without them, we shall surely and justly perish in an evil world.

Something to think about for BC and Canada

In a country well governed, poverty is something to be ashamed of.
In a country badly governed, wealth is something to be ashamed of.
Confucius

Where do we stand as we thinkg about wealth and poverty in BC as we approach the holiday season?  No matter where you stand, there are people who need your help, your time, money, energy and resources are needed at this time of year. Please give to the charity of your choice, but for those of you in the tri-cities who want to help visit the SHARE FAMILY SERVICES WEB SITE to see how you can help. SHARE FAMILY SERVICES and our Foodbanks need your help, please donate, money, time, or food. Thank you

Fall a beautiful time of year

When I wake up in the morning, the first sight that greets me through my bedroom window,  is the stunning vibrant red of a Maple Tree that is turning; if the sun is up the leaves dance in the sunlight as the dew sparkles and dries.

As I walk along the Fraser River on my daily travels the tree leaves rustle to awake my senses, the oranges, melt into the reds, hugged by the yellows, are kissed by the evergreens swaying in the wind.  Some days the river runs backwards and the logs float back to the interior and the river is dark blue, on other days the river runs into the sea, the logs rush to the ocean and the river turns a shade of brown. Every day is different as was today

Today,  as I walked toward the pier, the sun caught the leaves of the Willow, floating like a spider's web in my path. Rising in the middle of this web, rose the middle tower of the Port Mann Bridge. I stopped and my mind wandered back to my youth.

I noted the sky as it turned from red to orange with purple and blue hues mixing as the sun started sinking. When I was younger I would watch the clouds form shapes and create plays for my mnd; I let my mind continue to wander back and as I watched the shape of a Grizzly Bear arose from the clouds with an arm outreaching. The Bear I thought was trying to capture the sun and hold back the storm clouds which were forming.

The wind picked up and I heard drops of water settling on the river, which had been silent and still but as the water spread like drops of salt spilled on the table, the river sprang to life and started to chase after the bear, the sun and the dream. Every day is different. Fall on the West Coast is a wonderful time of year.

Imagination, is a wonderful tool, use it, pass it on to your children and your grandchildren and let them glory in building their own cloud dreams.

A great post by Norm Farrell on his Northern Insights/Perceptivity Blog

I like Norm's insight and ideas on politics in BC and I thought this Blog reflects an accurate picture of what Gordo has done to BC.  His first paragraph is below:

During the Liberal years, Gordon Campbell remade British Columbia. While the provincial economy grew, the fortunes of ordinary people declined, for the first extended period ever. Beneficiaries of change had demanded redistribution of wealth to the disadvantage of all but a few. The end result was not incidental or accidental.
I encourage you to read the rest of his thoughts  here