7.2.2 The Effects of Sustained Propaganda and Terror

Introduction

Propaganda can have a profound impact on the masses, shaping public opinion, influencing beliefs, and driving collective behaviours. The pandemic was a textbook case of the collaboration of government and industry to subvert the democratic institutions and convince the citizens of the validity and truthfulness of a narrative that was objectively false from the start.

This propaganda was initially used to terrorize Canadians and then to convince Canadians that an unprecedented government intervention into their lives and the suspension of what Canadians thought to be their fundamental human rights was justified.

Many Canadians not only believed this propaganda but embraced and supported the measures being dictated by the government, despite their obvious shortcomings.

Testimony Concerning the Effect of Propaganda and Terror

Persuasive techniques and manipulation of information were used to promote a specific agenda or ideology, with the intent of gaining support, maintaining power, adopting tectonic shifts in public policy, and inciting fear. Here are some key effects of propaganda that were employed during the pandemic:

• The government distorted or selectively presented information to shape public perception. By framing issues in a particular way, using emotionally charged language, or exploiting existing biases, they were able to influence how people perceived events, individuals, or groups. This manipulation resulted in altered perspectives and skewed understandings of reality. Testimony was heard from a number of witnesses—including Rodney Palmer, who detailed how this was perpetrated on the public via the media.

• The government propaganda sought to mold public opinion by reinforcing certain beliefs or ideologies, while discrediting opposing views. It exploited cognitive biases, such as confirmation bias and selective exposure, to reinforce pre-existing beliefs and create an echo chamber effect. This led to the entrenchment of polarized and biased perspectives, hindering critical thinking and open dialogue. Testimony from Dr. Peter McCullough demonstrated some of the focused techniques that were used to accomplish this.

• The government appealed to emotions to elicit specific reactions from the citizens. By evoking fear, anger, or a sense of social responsibility, they were able to mobilize individuals and create a desired emotional response. This emotional manipulation led to impulsive or irrational decision-making, blurring the lines between fact and emotion. Testimony was presented from a number of witnesses detailing how name-calling and shaming was used to develop hatred toward other groups. The Prime Minister of Canada referred to a large and identifiable segment of the Canadian population as “racists“ and “misogynists“ and threatened them by stating that the government would have to decide how to deal with them. This, in the NCI’s opinion, dehumanized dissenters and promoted hatred and, potentially, violence against this group. Testimony was heard how seniors and disabled persons were violently attacked in public as a result of this type of rhetoric.

• The government targeted specific groups or communities, fostering a sense of collective identity and cohesion. By emphasizing common interests and highlighting perceived threats, it created an us-versus-them mentality that further polarized society and exacerbated divisions. This led to social fragmentation and hindered collaboration and understanding among different groups. The government propaganda emphasized how groups of citizens who disagreed with their mandates were placing others in danger, despite the government knowing that the Information they were providing was not true.

• Propaganda was used to stifle dissenting voices and alternative perspectives by marginalizing or discrediting them. This can create an environment where individuals fear expressing dissenting opinions or questioning the prevailing narrative, leading to a chilling effect on free speech and the exchange of ideas. Both media and government personalities demonized dissenting opinions. Their labels of “anti-vaxxer“ or “science deniers“ were intended to associate people who did not consent to the experimental injections with “Holocaust deniers.“ Many people fell prey to the fear of being labelled and remained silent.

• Propaganda was used to influence behaviours and actions by manipulating public opinion. It shaped public attitudes towards specific policies, products, or social norms, thus directing individual and collective behaviour. This has had far-reaching consequences and impacted voting patterns, consumer choices, and social dynamics. Testimony included commentary on how certain businesses were allowed to remain open while others were closed and how certain community groups were deemed as socially unacceptable.

It is important to be aware of the potential effects of propaganda on the masses and to critically evaluate information and sources.

It appears that in this instance, the propaganda was so pervasive and so persistent that even the various government agencies either believed the propaganda themselves or were so influenced by the toxic and vindictive environment that they acquiesced to it, despite knowing it was wrong. Lieutenant Colonel David Redman testified that he was aware of senior people within the emergency measures organizations who knew the narrative was false and who further knew that the public health officials were neither trained to, nor capable of, managing and directing an emergency response; however, they kept silent over fears of reprisals.

Promoting media literacy, critical thinking, and an open-minded approach can help individuals guard against manipulation and make informed decisions based on accurate and reliable information. Society benefits from diverse perspectives, open dialogue, and a commitment to truth, which can counteract the negative effects of propaganda.

The second element of the government‘s campaign of control included the introduction and promotion of terror towards a purposely unknown and ill-defined menace (pandemic).

According to a variety of testimonies, it was evident that the pandemic had been in the planning stages for years and affected almost every area of our institutions.

The very definition of various fundamental words had been changed shortly prior to the 2020 announcement of the pandemic.

The meaning of fundamental terms such as pandemic, vaccine, and biologic

These fundamental terms have very specific meanings to the population, based on a long history; however, their meaning needed to be changed in order to evoke terror and eventually control masses of people.

Terror is a powerful tool that is used to influence a population through fear and intimidation. Here are some ways this tool was weaponized to influence the population:

Terror was used to create a climate of fear and anxiety within the population. Acts of violence, threats, or intimidation tactics were designed to generate a pervasive sense of insecurity and vulnerability. This fear paralyzed individuals, suppressed dissent, and deterred resistance to the measures. People blindly accepted the narrative and welcomed the absolute violation of their fundamental civil rights, and many were all too willing to actively assist in the suppression of these rights on their fellow citizens.

Demonstrations of extreme violence by authorities were broadcasted daily on legacy media, reinforcing the fear of reprisals for dissent. These included the police actions against the protestors in Ottawa, as testified to by Tom Marazzo.

The government and media organizations utilized acts of terror strategically in order to shape public opinion. They sought and gained sympathy or support for their cause by portraying themselves as victims or by framing their actions as justified responses to perceived injustices. By manipulating narratives and propaganda, they aimed to sway public perception in their favour. This was clearly evident in the Freedom Convoy, which peacefully protested the pandemic mandates in Ottawa. The government used mainstream media to portray these people as violent, racists, and anarchists, who were threatening the very lives of the people of Ottawa. This portrayal terrorized the average Canadian citizen, and combined with a virtual blackout of dissenting options, they were able to mobilize resentment toward this group.

Police were used as a instrument of terror and were employed as a means of exerting control over a population. Through threats of violence or actual acts of brutality, those controlling the police sought to maintain power and ensure compliance with their demands. This created a climate of silence and obedience, stifling dissent and resistance.

Mr. Tom Marrazo testified how he observed the enforcement of terror on innocent and peaceful protestors in Ottawa. He also testified that despite the hundreds or even thousands of security cameras that were deployed in the area surrounding the protests, the government had not released any of the probably thousands of hours of video recordings detailing what exactly happened in the Ottawa protests.

Terror was used to undermine societal stability and erode trust in institutions. By targeting infrastructure, public spaces, or key figures, acts of terror can create a sense of chaos, destabilize communities, and undermine faith in the ability of authorities to protect citizens. This can disrupt social order and create an environment conducive to further manipulation and control. The government targeted dissidents and even church leaders, arresting and jailing several of them across Canada.

Government leaders, including the Prime Minister of Canada, and several Premiers of provinces, openly promoted divisions between groups and used this support to exacerbate existing divisions within society and fuel intergroup conflicts. By targeting specific communities or perpetrating acts of violence that incite retaliatory actions (such as the police actions at the various protest sites), the government sought to deepen social divisions and promote further animosity. A cycle of violence and mistrust ensued, which hindered efforts towards peace and reconciliation.

Terror was used as a tool to suppress dissent and curtail individual freedoms. By creating an atmosphere of fear, some individuals self-censored their views, refrained from expressing dissent, or limited their participation in public life. This enabled the government to maintain control and prevent opposition from emerging.

It is essential to recognize and condemn the use of terror as a means of influencing populations because it undermines human rights, democratic values, and social cohesion. Countering terror requires a multifaceted approach, including addressing root causes of violence, promoting inclusive societies, strengthening institutions, and fostering resilience within communities.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Commissioners are of the view that the Government of Canada, in concert with provincial governments and the mainstream media, embarked on an information campaign designed to instil fear in the hearts of citizens and ensure that they did not resist any and all draconian measures that were announced. Whether the media were state-controlled or simply agreed with the government‘s approach and began repeating their messaging without question was not discovered through testimony at the Inquiry. Further investigation into the relationship between the government and the media during the pandemic time needs to be done. Regardless, the cooperation of the media with the government during this time created a campaign of propaganda and terrorism that represents a grave violation of human rights, democratic values, and the principles of international law. Governments that engage in or support acts of terror against their own people undermine the fundamental rights and freedoms of their citizens, erode trust in institutions, and perpetuate cycles of violence and fear.

The prevention of state-controlled propaganda and terrorism requires a comprehensive approach that includes promoting accountability, upholding human rights, fostering democratic governance, and strengthening international cooperation.

It is crucial to establish robust legal frameworks, independent oversight mechanisms, and a free and independent media to expose and challenge abuses.

Civil society empowerment, education, and awareness play a vital role in advocating for human rights and holding governments accountable for their actions.

International pressure and cooperation are essential in addressing state-controlled terrorism. The global community must stand united in condemning such actions and must utilize diplomatic, economic, and legal measures to hold accountable those responsible for perpetrating or supporting acts of terror.

Ultimately, the prevention of state-controlled terrorism is an ongoing commitment that requires the collective efforts of governments, civil society organizations, and individuals who uphold the values of human dignity, justice, and respect for human rights.

In the instance of the propaganda and terrorism that was perpetrated by the Canadian government on its citizens, we acknowledge that this campaign could not have been successful except for the collusion and cooperation of the traditional media in Canada.

There was almost a complete and utter lack of criticism or questioning of any of the media narrative. To this day, despite the mountain of evidence that the severity of the pandemic was seriously overblown and that the measures, both pharmaceutical and non-pharmaceutical, did unimaginable harm to our county, no traditional media outlet has launched any kind of unbiased investigation.

Recommendations

Preventing governments from using propaganda and terror against their people requires a multifaceted approach that involves promoting accountability, safeguarding human rights, and fostering democratic institutions. Here are some key strategies:

1. Establish and uphold a robust human rights framework that protects the fundamental rights and freedoms of individuals. This includes enshrining indelible human rights in constitutions, implementing international human rights conventions, and ensuring an independent judiciary to safeguard citizens‘ rights.

2. Foster a strong rule of law by ensuring that government officials and security forces are held accountable for their actions. This includes establishing independent oversight bodies, conducting transparent investigations into allegations of human rights abuses, and prosecuting those responsible for violations.

3. Promote freedom of expression and an independent media that can serve as a watchdog to hold governments accountable. Protect journalists, bloggers, and activists from harassment, censorship, financial repercussions, and violence, and ensure their ability to report on government actions without fear of reprisal.

4. Support and empower civil society organizations, including human rights groups, advocacy organizations, and community-based initiatives. These organizations play a crucial role in monitoring government actions, advocating for human rights, and providing support to victims of abuse.

5. Promote and strengthen democratic governance by ensuring free and fair elections, transparent electoral processes, and respect for the will of the people. This includes promoting political participation, guaranteeing the independence of electoral bodies, and providing opportunities for citizens to engage in decision-making processes.

6. Leverage international cooperation and pressure to address human rights violations. Encourage diplomatic efforts, international organizations, and regional mechanisms to hold governments accountable for their actions, and impose targeted sanctions or other measures against those responsible for terrorizing their own populations.

7. Support international human rights mechanisms, and provide them with the necessary resources and authority to investigate and address human rights violations perpetrated by governments. Collaborate with these mechanisms to bring attention to abuses and advocate for meaningful action.

8. Promote human rights education and awareness among citizens, government officials, and security forces. Encourage a culture of respect for human rights, tolerance, and non-violence through educational programs, public campaigns, and training initiatives.

Preventing governments from using terror against their people requires ongoing commitment and vigilance. It is a collective effort that involves the active participation of citizens, civil society, international actors, and the government itself. By upholding human rights, promoting accountability, and fostering democratic values, societies can strive towards preventing and addressing government-led terror.