Who is John Galt?

For those who don't know the background of this question, I'll explain.

John Galt is the main character in the book "Atlas Shrugged" By Ayn Rand. Through most of the beginning storyline, the supporting characters are all asked, (or ask) the question "Who is John Galt".

John Galt, Is an inventor, who is the antithesis of the establishment. Through the book, his identity is steeped in myth. He is the "Atlas" referred to in "Atlas Shrugged" in that he "holds up the world".

I can't help but mention that he gives a rather lengthy speech in the book, that outlines the ideas of objectivism... which is a philosophical movement.

I don't follow this movement, but Its probably important I mention that before someone freaks out.

My question, "who is John Galt" is different than the one intended in the book. When I ask the question, I mean to ask, who is the puppet master... who is pulling the strings... who is responsible for this myth we know of as "John Galt". Who is the propaganda artist, and to what ends does the artist seek to impress.

Back in the Bush era, most people knew fairly quick that most of the administrations propaganda was being churned out by Carl Rove. It was actually pretty obvious :P Now, we have a new administration now, and a pretty shiny new congress...

Now, as I'm seeing some fairly new and old propaganda techniques surfacing... I ask the question.... Who Is John Galt...

Who is the person giving us these subtle propaganda messages... Who is it that is holding up the world so that it looks just right for us, and satisfy the powers that be?

I don't know. And chances are, we won't know until after the administration leaves office. If anyone out there has any ideas as to who this artist might be... please, don't hesitate!

Who is John Gault?

Stimulus Logo

Recently, at a press conference, the Obama administration wheeled out this logo. The administration plans to put this on signs near all new work receiving funds from the Stimulus Package.

It doesn't take a whole lot to see this is very similar to our old school propaganda posters in the past.

However, lets dissect this logo, and figure out the passive controls, and potential intents behind it...

Lets start with the color scheme: Red, White, Blue and Green.

The red white and blue is obviously appealing to the target audience's sense of national pride and patriotism... (The stars in the blue further press this sense of patriotism on the viewer). Looking at the green section of the logo, we see that there is an image of a plant.

This plant, the target audience is meant to assume "agriculture". however, this is not just a normal plant... its an abstract modern "art-like" plant... Thus causing the reader to subconsciously link this logo to the vastly popular modern "green" movement.

Inside the gear in the lower right of the circle, is an innocuous "plus". Its very subtle, but is designed to give the viewer a positive impression, and a feeling of surplus.

Adding "recovery.gov" is a two-fold strategy. Not only is the artist showing the public where to go to view more propaganda, but is attaching the word "Recovery" to the logo as a whole.

Using the Word recovery is meant to make the target believe that anything with this logo, is assisting in the recovery of our country... thus, enforces a positive feeling. However, objectivity demands that you review the situation: We're not ready to start recovering yet... nor is Recovery a foregone conclusion, as the graphic would like you to subconsciously believe. Instead, this is an age-old tactic to make you feel as if the problem is handled, and we're going to "win". This remains to be seen.

This is where it gets interesting. I notice the Logo is in the shape of a circle. There are other shapes to use, why a circle.

A quick comparison with the "Obama Logo" shows that the artist is ensuring that this shape is familiar, and tied to "feel good" feelings and thus the Obama logo. Its a very subtle, and clever gimmick, but may be the first of many such messages to keep the people subconsciously familiar with the presidential logo for Obama's 2012 bid.

Next up (I think) Will be the sleight of hand and misdirection being exercised by the bi-partisan bickering in washington... We're watching the fight... and not much else...

Here we go!

After much research, I've noticed a lack of websites on the internet dedicated to exposing modern propaganda techniques and passive control of the masses as it happens.  

Thus, I have decided to start this blog.  

My Background:  I have studied propaganda and passive control techniques of and on since the summer of 1999.  During that time, we have entered into two wars, and are currently in the midst of an economic crisis.  Both of which provide ample opprotunity to observe the techniques that seek subtle swaying of public opinion that a propaganda artist hopes to achieve.

While the established methods of propaganda are available anywhere on the internet, I have yet to find a website dedicated to demonstrating these techniques in action, in real time.  

This is my goal.  

I have a saying I like to use to aid the targets of propaganda to identify these tactics for what they really are:  "Question the motives more than the message" 

If you attempt to look at why a message was conveyed, instead of what the message entails, you will have a better idea of what is really going on, and the propaganda artist's intents.   

I will be trying to remain completely apolitical, analyzing press releases and tactics used by both major political parties.  I hope to remain as impartial as possible... 

Well, lets let the ride begin!

--Secretary of Truth