To exploit the media into swaying public opinion in a direction it wouldn't go if the truth were known, of course.

Why do they not want pictures of flag-draped caskets or folks being tortured?

Again, to sway public opinion. In a direction it wouldn't go if it knew extent of the truth.

Why do you suppose Bush & Co. secretly pays journalists to write favorable articles? Or the DoD subsidizes favorable blogs?

To use the media to sway public opinion in a way which skews the information available to the public, so as to produce a favorable effect for policies which are against the public interest but in favor of political interests.

Cheney has learned well from Goebbels. And Bush has been so insulated he doesn't know anymore what the truth is. Doesn't care.

What substitutes is whatever he can make you believe.

We've had years of experience with this. Don't need no stinkin' Harvard article.

Arf