GOP propaganda -- if you tell a lie often enough...

Earlier this week, a second GOP committee organized to support HB2305 (and oppose the referendum).

This time, apparently taking a lesson from Joseph Goebbels, Robert Mayer (chairman) and Lee Miller (treasurer) named their committee "Stop Voter Fraud in support of R-03-2014." The Yellow Sheet apparently could not get anyone to answer the phone at the number listed on the committee record on the Secretary of State's website.

However, the Arizona Republican Party issued a press release on Thursday indicating full support of efforts to subvert the referendum.

"Last November we witnessed the nefarious techniques used by leftist groups to confront voters at their homes, manipulate ballots and harass elections officials counting ballots. One Democrat group even used a 15 year old child to collect ballots," said Robert Graham, Chairman of the Arizona Republican Party.  "The Legislature and the Governor responded to bring voters and elections officials some relief, passing a new law to prevent groups from disturbing voters at their homes to 'round up' ballots." (emphasis in original)

The Yellow Sheet reported on the GOP release, paraphrasing it in a way that almost sounded like an endorsement of Graham's message. Which, if that's where they had left it, would be disturbing. Obviously, the Yellow Sheet does take editorial liberties at times, as does the Arizona Eagletarian, to wonder aloud -- as it were -- about the veracity of claims made by those who are quoted in its stories.

Graham (along with the new committee's officials Robert Mayer and Lee Miller) seem to hope insight widely attributed to World War II German propaganda minister, Joseph Goebbels will help them carry the day.

If you tell a lie big enough and keep repeating it, people will eventually come to believe it.... 

In this case, however, I'll credit Yellow Sheet editors and reporters because they did not leave the situation alone at that point.

Though he mentioned the word “fraud” multiple times, the state GOP’s statement avoided direct examples. Graham didn’t accuse any specific group of fraud nor did he provide any specific instance of fraud in last year’s election. Graham was also silent on the law’s provision that requires third party candidates to collect as many signatures as Dem and GOP candidates. That provision, which was touted by Republicans at the Legislature and is believed to be strongly supported by national Republicans, has riled up the Greens and Libertarians, who would have to gather more signatures than exist on the local parties’ roster. (emphasis mine)

Of course, I will take that last point and clarify one step further. Said provision (for monstrously increased nominating petition signature requirements) not only would require Greens and Libertarians to gather more signatures than they have registered voters, it effectively shuts the door completely for any Green Party or Libertarian qualifying for a ballot in Arizona ever again -- IF HB2305 goes into effect.

Now, about that Goebbels quote. The World War II propaganda minister had additional insight that relates to the current situation and points out that OUR cause is not hopeless. The people of Arizona will ultimately not be fooled by this underhanded strategy.

....The lie can be maintained only for such time as the State can shield the people from the political, economic and/or military consequences of the lie. It thus becomes vitally important for the State to use all of its powers to repress dissent, for the truth is the mortal enemy of the lie, and thus by extension, the truth is the greatest enemy of the State.

In this case, the TRUTH is the greatest enemy of Robert Graham, Robert Mayer, Nathan Sproul and Michele Reagan, who all appear to be going full steam ahead trying to sell their specious claims of voter fraud.

But WE will go TELL THE TRUTH on the mountain, over the hill and everywhere. And we will do it with as much gusto and enthusiasm as the town crier announced the birth of a future King of Great Britain in London just a few days ago.