Matt Taibbi

Rank 23 of 47
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Score 29
1/3/2024, 6:33:18 PM
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In reply to:
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
765d
15. "WOULD YOU MIND GIVING US THE QUESTIONS IN ADVANCE?"

Gordon to his credit didn't go along, but GEC still sought a handout on top of glowing coverage, asking if the @WSJ would send interview questions in advance, so brave official Daniel Kimmage would be more "prepred":
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
765d
14. "REMOVED SOCIAL MEDIA PRESENCES": Here, a GEC aide pitches Michael Gordon - co-author with Judith Miller of a famed @nytimes WMD story - on Russia's "Pillars of Russian Disinformation," promising deep background lists of removed accounts:
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
765d
13. The press remembered civil liberties when GEC was used to flog Trump's Iran policies. But emails from America First's lawsuit show the agency pitched major media outlets on similar tales about "mouthpieces" and "proxies" of Russia or China without fear of blowback:
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
765d
12. "A FINE LINE GEC ITSELF HAS WANTED TO WALK"

The aide, who hasn't responded to request for comment, blasted the GEC official, saying the issue wasn't brainwashing, but misuse of State resources to target Americans - a line GEC "wanted to walk... not totally unfounded":
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
765d
11. "GRAND PLAN TO 'BRAIN WASH' AMERICANS"

The GEC official pleaded with the Appropriations aide not to believe the "conspiracy narrative" that GEC is part of the "U.S. Government's grand plan" to "brain wash Americans":
Matt Taibbi
@mtaibbi
·
765d
10. "NOT THE KIND OF THING WE SHOULD... READ IN THE PRESS BEFORE WE HEAR IT FROM STATE"

The aide was clearly not amused when the "State Department troll" story broke a few days later:

The statement is critical of the Global Engagement Center (GEC) and suggests that politicians are complicit in the misuse of the agency's capabilities for propaganda and censorship, as long as it serves their agenda. It implies a lack of integrity in the use of state resources and a potential violation of principles related to the dissemination of information and the use of government power. The tone is accusatory and seeks to raise awareness about the issues with the GEC's operations and the politicians' attitudes towards them.

  1. Principle 1:
    I will strive to do no harm with my words and actions.
    The statement aims to highlight potential harm caused by misuse of government resources, aligning with the principle of doing no harm with words and actions. [+1]
  2. Principle 2:
    I will respect the privacy and dignity of others and will not engage in cyberbullying, harassment, or hate speech.
    The statement respects the privacy and dignity of others by not engaging in personal attacks or disclosing sensitive information. [+1]
  3. Principle 4:
    I will engage in constructive criticism and dialogue with those in disagreement and will not engage in personal attacks or ad hominem arguments.
    The statement promotes understanding by shedding light on the actions of the GEC and the politicians' stance, encouraging public scrutiny. [+1]
  4. Principle 6:
    I will use my influence for the betterment of society.
    The statement calls for accountability and correction of mistakes by pointing out the alleged misuse of the GEC's tools. [+1]
  5. Principle 7:
    I will uphold the principles of free speech and use my platform responsibly and with integrity.
    The statement upholds the principles of free speech and responsible use of platforms by bringing attention to a matter of public interest. [+1]