The only thing you got wrong, Caitlin, is the strength of what you correctly call the “machine”. It is not weak, it is relentless and unchained. And, of particular importance, it has impunity. Civilians, citizens have lives to lead and mostly short, overwhelmed attention spans. The “machine” feeds on them like vultures on road kill.
Easily identified media scams like “BANA ALABED” are just the newest versions of media manipulation omnipresence. “BELLINGCAT” is another, as are the al-Nusra “WHITE HELMETS” who occasionally rescue fake victims on camera and definitely rescue wounded al-Nusra takfiri compatriots … as well as hauling off the bodies from al-Nusra executions, of course.
The point to be made is that such media manipulations are in their infancy, just as total surveillance is only in its beginnings. The manipulations will get smoother and more emotionally permanent as the “machine” gains experience and sophistication. Soon enough they will become seamless.
You are holding back the flood, Caitlin. I doubt that you can change the course of history, but you DO make enough waves to slow down the onslaught. For that, you are a treasure on two continents.
