The Israeli assault on Gaza has been in planning for months, even down to the propaganda details. Wayne Madsen has been documenting the Israeli propaganda campaign in support of "Cast Lead", and here is some of what they are up to. It is incumbent upon journalists, reporters, bloggers and progressives in general working for truth, justice and peace to take note of these strategies so they can effectively counter them.

Here is an excerpt from today's (01/07/09) Wayne Madsen Report

Israel's Foreign Ministry is coordinating a worldwide campaign to flood blogs and media web sites with propaganda in support of Israel's Cast Lead military operations against Gaza. The Foreign Ministry has sent out a three page "talking points" memo to be used by Israeli sympathizers in their comments posted to blogs and major media web pages. The Israeli campaign encourages its supporters to vote in on-line polls and respond to postings that are opposed to Israel's actions and supportive of Palestinian Gazans.

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL)'s program to censor anti-Israeli or pro-Palestinian videos on Youtube also appears to be in full swing. In conjunction with the ADL efforts, the Israeli Foreign Ministry is suggesting pro-Israeli Youtube videos to be posted to blogs.

Journalists who attempt to present fair coverage of the Israeli attacks on Gaza are being barraged with e-mails from Israel supporters accusing them of "buying into" Hamas propaganda and "supporting terrorism." The accusations are backfiring against Israel with many journalists comparing notes and realizing the e-mails are part of a coordinated Israeli propaganda and intimidation effort.

The Israeli propaganda campaign, while chilling independent and critical reporting in the corporate media, is having little effect among the progressive community.

Student of history, religion, exoteric and esoteric, the Humanities in general and advocate for peace, justice and the unity of humankind, not through force, but through self-realization and mutual respect. I have also just come out with my first book, a combination of poetry, photography and essays entitled "Post Katrina Blues", my reflections on the Gulf Coast and New Orleans two years after Katrina struck. Go to the store to purchase.