I am making it a point from now on to call people like Bill and Alice on their slanted writing and propoganda whenever I see it, Ted. My objections are logical and philosophical, not astrological. I have no use for distorted thinking, falsehood, emotional manipulation, lies or half-truths. To clarify what I mean by slant and propoganda ---

From Websters:

Slant (arrghh for the second time on this thread)

- a peculiar or personal point of view, or opinion: ANGLE (stories slanted toward youth); especially to maliciously or dishonestly distort and falsify

Propoganda

- the spreading of opinions, ideas, information or rumours for the purpose of helping or injuring a person, cause or institution

- ideas, facts or allegations spread deliberately to further one's cause or to damage an opposing cause: also: a public action having such an effect ...

- In the 20th and 21st centuries, it came to mean "inculcation of correct political views" [and to be] associated with the prumulgation of subversive political and economic ideas by revolutionary groups."

Propogandist groups or individuals use language heavily laden with negative images and emotion (ie language intended to manipulate and arouse public fears) - as well as highly selective, distorted (ie one-sided) reporting of information. Hitler and Stalin and hey, even George Bush are examples of master propogandists. Surely we can do better, here on Mudcat!