One big lie

“All this was inspired by the principle-which is quite true in itself-that in the big lie there is always a certain force of credibility; because the broad masses of a nation are always easily corrupted in the deeper strata of their emotional nature than consciously or voluntarily; and thus in the primitive simplicity of their minds they more readily fall victims to the big lie than the small lie, since they themselves often tell small lies in little matters but would be ashamed to resort to large-scale falsehoods. It would never come into their heads to fabricate colossal untruths, and they would not believe that others could have the impudence to distort the truth so infamously. Even though the facts which prove this to be so may be brought clearly to their minds, they will still doubt and waver and will continue to think that there may be some other explanation. For the grossly imprudent lie always leaves traces behind it, even after it has been nailed down, a fact which is known to all expert liars in this world and to all who conspire together in the art of lying. These people know only too well how to use falsehood for the basest purposes,” Hitler writes in Mein Kampf.

Why do I quote Hitler? Why not? To dismiss all this thoughts and ideas for the unspeakable evil he's wrought on mankind would be an ad hominem. After all, how Hitler deceived with his propaganda should make him an expert, an excellent resource person on the matter (much like how Dr. Hannibal Lecter was consulted for serial murders in the Silence of the Lambs).

But the above-quote from him doesn't detail how he fooled millions to joining his vile cause; it is, on the other hand, an excerpt from his commentary on how people supposedly came to believe Germany's loss in the field during the first World War-sort of a counter-propaganda he attributed to the massive influence of Jews on the media (to be fair, to this day, the grip of the Jews on mass media and Hollywood is undeniable). Whether true or not, it should take an Adolf Hitler to realize when his formula, the 'Big Lie' theory, has started working against him.

Often attributed to Hitler's minister of propaganda, Joseph Goebbels, is the idea that a lie repeated enough times would become widely accepted as truth.

For years, despots and legitimate governments alike have taken a page or two from Hitler's book and used Goebbels theory and tools for propaganda to perpetuate themselves in power, promote what would otherwise be an unacceptable law, persecute and punish its enemies, et. al. Some say America's War on Terror and the terrorists and attacks that justify it are all part of an elaborate ruse-one big lie-to condition the minds of people, to cultivate a culture of fear and dependence on government, en route to an era of total government control and curtailed liberties.

One big lie, garnished with many small truths, decorated with many half-truths becomes palatable for an entire population to partake of. And the vehicles by which the big lie is transported to the hearts and minds of millions have increased with the rise of new media.

Noynoy Aquino has all the ingredients to push forth one big lie. The ingredients are just so there. He controls Congress, both the lower House and the Senate. He's gained virtual control of the Judiciary with the impeachment of Chief Justice Corona, a very public battle he waged successfully and one that's sent shivers down many a Justice's spine. Local governments have toed the line with the suspension of Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, the Iron Lady mercilessly dragged into controversy after controversy resulting in the nearly successful (and concerted) effort to annihilate the Garcias from Cebu politics.

And then there are the survey firms which report his mind-boggling approval ratings. Pulse Asia, up until recently, had as its director and president, Rapa Cojuangco Lopa, Noynoy's first cousin. He has since divested from the firm, but we all know that divestiture in this country is all for show, a temporary arrangement that comes with one's (or a relative's) rise to power.

Another cousin, Antonio Cojuangco, financed the setting up of Pulse Asia in 1990, when Cory was still president. An incorporator was former DPWH Secretary De Jesus, a Cory appointee. Could there have been, from the get-go, a plan of the Cojuangco-Aquino family to control public opinion polling, and in effect public opinion, in the country? I guess you can put two and two together. Mangar Mangahas of SWS is a cousin of Fernando Poe Jr.; moreover, SEC records would show interlocking directorships of both firms. Suspicious.  

Then there's television and print media. Remember that most, if not all, of the biggest players in Philippine mass media are owned by the country's biggest oligarchies. And that practically all of them owe this particular president's mother so much for "returning" their businesses to them post EDSA I. Suffice it to say, they all owe the Aquinos big time.

Can you imagine being able to control all of that-all three branches of government, the survey firms, the media, all of that working for you? That should make any leader omnipotent. Not saying for certain that our president has made use of them to push for ONE BIG LIE. Just saying the ingredients are there, the rest is left to your imagination to complete.