Eight Traits of the Disinformationalist
by H. Michael Sweeney <
HMS@proparanoid.com>
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.