The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) existed to promote America’s post-World War II image as the defender of democracy worldwide. It was largely a form of propaganda known as soft power.
This mission sometimes involved assisting people, as it reflected positively on America. However, the “AID” label was deceptive. USAID engaged in various controversial activities on behalf of American hegemony, such as union suppression, censorship, and election manipulation. Assassinations were typically handled by the CIA.
Last week, USAID was shut down, leading to layoffs for most employees. This closure greatly upset many individuals in Washington who felt a sense of importance and indispensability within the agency.
A significant portion of Americans, heavily influenced by movies and media, viewed the foreign policy establishment as heroic figures in the American empire. However, the election of Trump in 2016 challenged this narrative by promising to dismantle the permanent bureaucracy in Washington, which he referred to as the deep state.
As a result, the narrative of battling a Russian antagonist became essential for Washington bureaucrats to maintain their sense of purpose and significance. The launch of Crossfire Hurricane by the FBI in 2016, and subsequent actions of key figures like Peter Strzok, reflected this mindset.
Individuals like Liz Cheney, with ties to USAID and a legacy of involvement in foreign affairs, continued to perpetuate the narrative of defending democracy and combating communism. However, the reality of their actions often led to chaos and unintended consequences.
The legacy of USAID and similar agencies post-World War II has been a mix of propaganda, storytelling, and intervention in global affairs. While some positive outcomes may have resulted, the meddling of these agencies has also led to significant destruction and suffering in various regions.
Ultimately, the actions of American bureaucrats, driven by a desire to maintain their perceived importance, have contributed to global instability and crises. The metaphor of creating a virus to combat a virus encapsulates the questionable practices and consequences of their interventions.
In the realm of Washington, there exists a gain of function experiment cloaked in hero’s journeys and veiled in delusions of grandeur. Many in the realm of Trump-world believe that dismantling institutions will make the problem disappear. They advocate for the removal of USAID and The Department of Education, suggesting that individuals like Liz Cheney should find their place in more humble settings, such as a local Walmart.
However, the issue at hand is not merely institutional; it is rooted in the thousands of individual pathologies that plague the system. Liz Cheney’s belief in her own significance is a prime example of the tumor that must be excised.
Removing the influence of soft power on the American psyche is a delicate surgical procedure that requires individuals to come to the realization that they are being manipulated. This moment was foreseen by Soviet dissident Alexander Solzhenitsyn in 1978 when he addressed Harvard University and criticized the West for its control over narratives through media influence.
While Soviet Communism has crumbled, America still grapples with the manipulation of public behavior through fashion-like trends in thought and ideas. The current political landscape is marked by tribal adherence and a lack of focus on the greater good, as individuals bow to the information regime.
Solzhenitsyn envisioned a different America, one rooted in small-town values and robustness, where opposition to the dictatorship of fashion could emerge. It is essential for both Democrats and Republicans to recognize the soft power seeded lies that emanate from the American empire and embrace the truth as the ultimate remedy for the needless wars that persist.
In essence, the solution lies in transcending the constraints of fashion and status-driven narratives, and embracing a more authentic and truthful approach to governance and societal discourse. phrase “The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.” as “The fast brown fox leaps over the sluggish dog.”