Free Screening of 'War Made Easy'

It has often been repeated at times like this that "in war, truth is the first casualty." In the world of governments and media explored by author and media critic Norman Solomon, truth has historically become a casualty even before a war begins. Solomon has spent a great amount of time watching people in power demonize leaders and exaggerate threats - as well as repeat that they "don't want a war" and invoke humanitarian goals in the face of such an inhumane practice as war. He has also watched and identified how mainstream media report and echo the passages that governments spin out, persuading the populace for at least a while that war was the only alternative or even a good idea.

Solomon articulated the process of spinning a war, from government to media to us, in his latest book, "War Made Easy: How Presidents and Pundits Keep Spinning Us to Death." More recently a film by the same name and based on Solomon's book has emerged, and has become a "must-see" for activists and as many people as they can bring with them. We invite you to bring whomever you can when Peace Action of San Mateo County joins with the Unitarian Universalists of San Mateo Social Action Committee to present a free screening and discussion of Solomon's film.

Solomon invokes not just the Iraq war but also military action in Vietnam, Panama, and U.S. influence on events in Central America. It includes footage of political leaders and leading journalists from the present but also the past - including Lyndon Johnson, Richard Nixon, Defense Secretary Robert McNamara, dissident Senator Wayne Morse, and news correspondents Walter Cronkite and Morley Safer. The 72-minute film is narrated by actor and activist Sean Penn.

The San Francisco Chronicle called War Made Easy "Searing," The Nation labeled it "chilling and persuasive," and historian Howard Zinn called it "Superb." Come see for yourself on the 23rd. The UU is wheelchair accessible; refreshments will be served.