Is Rooted In Yellow Journalism.

Fake news started when Hemp was called Marijuana.

Written by Casper Leitch

In today's digital era, governments worldwide are utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) to influence public opinion and suppress opposing viewpoints online. A recent study by Freedom House highlights the concerning surge of AI-generated misinformation, it is reminiscent of Yellow Journalism, an infamous tactic pioneered by media tycoon William Randolph Hearst. Many people today are unaware that the first federal anti-marijuana laws in 1937 came about, in part, because of William Randolph Hearst’s lies and his invention of Yellow Journalism newspaper articles and editorials about how evil marijuana was, which from then on were cited in Congressional testimony by Harry Anslinger as facts.

The annual Freedom On The Net report evaluates global internet freedom, uncovering a troubling trend of diminishing freedom fueled in part by the proliferation of AI. What was once hailed as a tool for creativity has now been weaponized by governments to disseminate false information and silence dissenting voices.

In nations like Venezuela, government-controlled media channels leverage AI-generated content to spread biased narratives, mirroring Hearst's historical manipulation of public perception. This contemporary form of propaganda, coupled with traditional strategies such as human and bot campaigns, poses a significant threat to internet freedom and democratic dialogue.

Furthermore, the normalization of AI-generated content erodes trust in reliable information, leading to what experts term the ‘liar's dividend’. As AI technology becomes more accessible, political entities can undermine factual information, eroding public trust in verified data.

Authoritarian regimes, in particular, exploit AI to tighten censorship and shape online narratives. Governments worldwide have enacted laws requiring internet platforms to implement AI-driven moderation tools, stifling dissent and limiting access to crucial information.

As advocates for ending industrial hemp prohibition and legalizing medical cannabis, it's vital to recognize the parallels between historical propaganda and modern misinformation campaigns. By raising awareness of the link between AI manipulation and media censorship, we can empower ourselves to combat disinformation and uphold truth and transparency in our digital society.

FAKE NEWS ushered in The 1937 Marijuana Tax Act.

In the past century, the United States government has concealed crucial information about industrial hemp, substituting it with biased narratives shaped by vested interests, including the fossil fuel, pharmaceutical, and paper industries, along with various government officials.

One notable instance is the film Hemp for Victory, crafted by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) during World War II. Released in 1942, this 14-minute monochrome short film extolled the diverse applications of hemp and urged farmers to maximize cultivation.

Surprisingly, until 1989, 'Hemp for Victory' remained largely obscure. The US government denied its existence, asserting that no such film was ever produced by the USDA or any government branch. Nonetheless, two VHS copies surfaced and were contributed to the Library of Congress on May 19, 1989, by Jack Herer, a pioneer of the Hemp Movement.

The lone known copy in 1976 was a 3/4" broadcast quality version initially acquired by William Conde from a Miami Herald reporter and the Ethiopian Zion Coptic Church of Jamaica. In 1988, it was entrusted to Jack Herer with the intent to disseminate it widely.

The media landscape today is heavily influenced by a handful of conglomerates, as only six companies control global media outlets.

During the holiday season in 2016, President Obama ratified the 2017 National Defense Authorization Act, concealing a significant infringement on our liberties. Nestled within this Act was the 'Countering Foreign Propaganda and Disinformation Act,' an unprecedented collaboration among the Senate, Congress, and White House.

This legislation constitutes a direct assault on the First Amendment, granting the government authority to arbitrate truth and designate what constitutes fake news. Any content diverging from their standards risks being labeled as propaganda or disinformation, subjecting its creators to punitive measures.

Under this framework, media entities like CNN can assert themselves as official government news sources, conferring upon them privileges inaccessible to average citizens. While CNN can lawfully possess classified documents like WikiLeaks' disclosures, ordinary individuals in possession of such documents face arrest. Consequently, accessing authentic information necessitates reliance on government-approved sources.

In essence, the parallels between historical efforts to suppress hemp-related information and contemporary censorship underscore the importance of advocating for internet freedom and challenging misinformation campaigns. By understanding the link between past propaganda tactics, such as Yellow Journalism, and present-day misinformation facilitated by AI, we can empower ourselves to defend truth and transparency in our digital society. Let's unite in championing internet freedom and combating efforts to suppress dissent, ensuring equitable access to accurate information for all.

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Wake And Bake.