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Eric M's avatar

Excellent essay, as usual, Michael.

If we were down the pub, I might be tempted to initiate a hair-splitting session with you on the definitions of mis- and disinformation. I tend to look at misinformation as any report, message, or story that--with or without intent--misinforms the recipient to the point where he or she develops an incorrect understanding of an event or situation. And then disinformation as simply misinformation that is deliberately crafted and disseminated with intent to deceive. I'd include under that definition false propaganda, à la Goebbels in the 30s, Cheney in the aughts, or Fauci during the World's Deadliest Pandemic™.

But I'd probably classify the Trojan Horse or the Sudetenland deception as more "ruse de guerre".

Anyway, thanks for a great piece, one that I'm going to share to my dozens of followers. We all owe you a pint!

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