In the national interest? But whose, exactly?
The phrase “In the national interest” is frequently parroted by media pundits and politicians alike. It has for decades given me pause to contemplate just what it means for Americans. Some, such as Wall Street bankers, the capitalist plutocrats of the wealthiest 1 percent, are likely to have an understanding of its meaning differing from mine and those not interpreting its meaning for personal wealth enhancement.
However, beyond the fact there’s likely various subjective interpretation of its meaning, I believe there’s a specific understanding of the term that the ruling elites tacitly agree upon. And their understanding of “In the national interest” means that which serves their economic and political interest not the American public at large.
Also, the corporate media isn’t eager or likely to explain to the general public how the corporate special interest define what the term means to them. Certainly these special interests include those of the military/industrial complex. For corporate interests this term “In the national interest” is a buzz phrase with a specific meaning for them but not recognized by the public.
Most Americans would consider halting pollution and having clean water “In the national interest” but that’s not what it means to the military/industrial complex. This term, unfortunately, is not universally understood or given much attention to by the general public. Hence, most Americans hardly fathom the corporate agenda that is hidden by this buzz phrase. Americans seem oblivious to the self-serving context in which the term “In the national interest” is placed by the Wall Street’s special interests.
Political pundits know what the term implies for corporate lobbyists, etc., but aren’t inclined to educate the public about why and for what purpose corporations invoke the term “In the national interest,” which serves as a cover for their special interests. However, a tactic by the corporate media is their endeavor to make the term less elusive and acceptable to the public by promoting the premise that only the government knows what’s “In the national interest.”
Generally most Americans would believe GDP growth would be “In the national interest.” But it’s unlikely that the corporate media would raise the question who gets what and why resulting from GDP growth.
“In the national interest” is a subjective notion and yet is has an implied (coded) meaning understood by American congressional representatives and corporate business leaders. For the most part Americans are unaware of how the politicians and big business interests choose to interpret its meaning.
Ignorance is bliss is the case when Americans respond to that phrase “In the national interest” with a quick opinion by saying, “It sounds OK to me.” And that response suits the special corporate interests that set the nation’s economic and political agenda just fine.
Philip Reiss is a retired S.U.N.Y Community College professor and an Air Force Veteran. He lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. You can reach him at vetsforpeacephil@ hotmail.com