Originally Posted by
Rockbridge
In a recent address in Kansas, Secretary Gates stated “It is just plain embarrassing that Al Qaeda is better at communicating its message on the Internet than America.”
How true .... but his statement unfortunately illustrates a fundamental flaw of logic as well as one of the classic problems that nation-states (specifically those that allow free and open communications among citizens, media, and industry) face when pitted against groups like AQ. Secretary Gates' statement presupposes that it is possible for America to transmit a coherent message. While our government officials may believe that they represent America to the world, there is no single voice of America, and our adversaries capitalize on our lack of coherence to their advantage.
What we tend to forget is that all media sources originating in the US or published by Americans abroad represent the "American message" to foreign audiences. Statements from public officials have to compete with the commercial news media, Hollywood movie productions, TV reality shows, MTV/VH1, and televangelists .... the vast majority of which have no concern how their "message" will impact our foreign policy efforts. To sow further confusion and discord, the overseas activities of "American" multinational corporations are largely de-synchronized from our military / diplomatic actions and our foreign policy statements. Given the mixed messages that America transmits, it's no surprise that our opponents are more effective than we are
Rockbridge
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