Gunder Frank

Issues are framed by the powerful to preclude debate.   Zero tolerance,
patriotism etc.; or they are presented as fait accompli, such as desert
shield-storm, Panama, Grenada, etc.
When debate might occurr, the media is wired up to present it as the
stakeholders in globalization wish.  For instance, the occurrances in
Seattle were presented to the viewing public as a bunch of radical kids
disrupting meetings, rioting, destroying property, etc.  The reality was
that most were union persons concerned about jobs, middle aged and probably
quite conservative.
    In Quebec, the police state showed its face as far away as Montpelier
Vt.
    Persons at occurrences are framed in such a waythat the media debate
ascerts that they must take responsibitiy for consequences rather than
question why the occurrence occurred in the first place.
    Viet Nam protests could not happen today in a meaningful way.  There
would be no discussion of the war or the wisdom of policy.  The press would
report on property damage, whether or not alchohol or drugs were present at
the protest and the unkempt appearance of the participants.
    The power in movements is referrent.  The spokespersons for any movement
has only as much power as the constituency the person represents.
    30 years ago, I could win a trespass case against an anti war protestor,
cases against the Viet Nam Veterans Against the War and multiple drug cases.
I did so only because I had a constituency who packed courthouses during
trials to observe and report to others, including the media.  The press
currently rarely attends trials.  The reporters rely on press releases from
police agencies or prosecutor's offices.  The reality constructed is that
flowing from surveillance and punishment.  Things can be changed by
organizing the victims of the systemitized court.  At least 75 percent of
the people appearing in the lower criminal and traffic courts believe that
they have been treated unfairly.  Most judges win retention by small margins
due to light turnout.  If the victims of the court could be made into a
constituency and organized to defeat judges, we could see some changes.
    I believe that it is too late to change either the legislative or
executive branches.
    To accomplish what I have proposed requires commitment, which I have
observed is absent from the youth leadership on which we cardiac patients
have to rely
Dennis L. Blewitt