There is already a serious problem in modern discourse with the term “independent media,” a phrase commonly defined as any media outlet, no matter how big an empire it is, that is not owned or funded by the state (as if that is the only form of dependence or control to which media is subject). But even at this extremely low bar, all these outlets fail. Indeed, Weimers’ warning underlines the fact that none of them are independent in any meaningful way. They are, in fact, completely dependent on USAID for their very existence.

Not only that, but some USAID-backed journalists candidly admit that their funding dictates their output and what stories they do and do not cover. Leila Bicakcic, CEO of Center for Investigative Reporting (a USAID-supported Bosnian organization), admitted, on camera, that “If you are funded by the U.S. government, there are certain topics that you would simply not go after, because the U.S. government has its interests that are above all others.”

While USAID specifically targets foreign audiences, much of its messaging comes back to America, as those foreign outlets are used as credible, independent, and reliable sources for newspapers or cable news networks to cite. Thus, its bankrolling of foreign media ends up flooding domestic audiences with pro-U.S. messaging as well.

  • ThePiedPooper
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    2 days ago

    Trump is a Russian agent. It immediately explains everything he does.

    • alkbch@lemmy.ml
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      2 days ago

      If Trump is indeed a Russian agent, why not make him use the soft power to actually help shift the narrative in favor of Russia?

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      2 days ago

      An American in America does something stupid in a deeply American way:

      BlueAnon liberals: “this is clearly the fault of foreigners!”

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        2 days ago

        It’s hard for me to believe that Occam’s Razor applies here. It’s hard for me to believe that someone this stupid can become president and think he’s doing something good for America.

        So he became president to do something bad to America, and he does it in the way Putin says to.

        • BrainInABox@lemmy.ml
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          It’s hard for me to believe that Occam’s Razor applies here. It’s hard for me to believe

          LOL! Occam’s Razor is a universal principle, it applies everywhere. Ohhh but, “it’s hard for you to believe”, never mind then, clearly let’s just reject all reason.

          So he became president to do something bad to America, and he does it in the way Putin says to.

          Amazing how shitlibs have decided to create their own version of Qanon.

            • BrainInABox@lemmy.ml
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              “Never believe that anti-Semites are completely unaware of the absurdity of their replies. They know that their remarks are frivolous, open to challenge. But they are amusing themselves, for it is their adversary who is obliged to use words responsibly, since he believes in words. The anti-Semites have the right to play. They even like to play with discourse for, by giving ridiculous reasons, they discredit the seriousness of their interlocutors. They delight in acting in bad faith, since they seek not to persuade by sound argument but to intimidate and disconcert. If you press them too closely, they will abruptly fall silent, loftily indicating by some phrase that the time for argument is past.”

              • Jean-Paul Sartre
    • queermunist she/her@lemmy.ml
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      It doesn’t explain his anti-China stance. China is an important economic and civic partner with Russia, it’s a very strong relationship.

      • ThePiedPooper
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        It does when you realize that China isn’t Russia’s partner, it’s the dishonest business partner you do business with when you have no other options

    • davel [he/him]@lemmy.ml
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            • Eugene V. Debs' Ghost@lemmy.dbzer0.com
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              So let’s assume a man sucking a cock as an insult isn’t homophobic, so is being active in sex bad?

              You can criticize people without mocking the world’s oldest profession. You can criticize people without calling them a cocksucker.

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                2 days ago

                It’s also framed in a misogynistic manner, even though both parties are men the whole reason it can be seen as insulting is by alluding to shame for subservient sexual actions traditionally used to reinforce gender roles.

                Nothing wrong with oral, or with consensual subservience in bed, so therefore it must draw on historical shame to be insulting, just like using “gay” as an insult even though there’s nothing wrong with that either.

    • Num10ck@lemmy.world
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      2 days ago

      Russia isnt that big or powerful, and is much less so today than 2 years ago.

      • Grapho@lemmy.ml
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        1 day ago

        While it is true that the tail doesn’t wag the dog, it’s false to claim Russia isn’t big and is shrinking.

        In terms of GDP PPP it’s the 4th biggest economy in the entire world, bigger than Japan. The war has put a dent in their European exports but domestic markets are booming.