By Gregory R. Copley, Editor of the Defense & Foreign Affairs Strategic Policy monthly writes,

For national or international policy-level analysis to be taken seriously, it must itself take the subject [of the particular analysis] seriously. Analysts must imbue their discussion with a sense of gravitas; they must, if they are to be considered part of the policy process, treat all statements by their own leaders as being of oracular significance, and those of opponents as being mendacious, devious, obfuscating and, well, partisan. Truth and justice belong only on our side; all else is suspect. Even when the fabled boy in the street cries The King has no clothes, the weight and pomposity of analysis and reporting  open and classified  is such that the boys cries will not be heard.

Today, given the seemingly instant and omnipresent nature of communications and surveillance, there is a belief that the truth of any situation will always emerge. But, as we discuss elsewhere in this edition, belief is most definitely not knowledge; belief does not equate to fact. What is now most apparent is that modern media technologies are most effective in reinforcing stereotypes, perpetuating the Big Lie, and in causing distraction and the extension of pseudospeciation (the transformation of an opponent, in ones mind, into a lesser species, unworthy of equality with ourselves).

While Copleys observations are made with respect to the Balkan situation, they dont appear to be far removed from what many suspect has been happening with Y2K, do they?

-- doubtful (about@the.spin), May 09, 1999