on a Major Bank in January of 2011. We were all waiting for that to happen, but January passed and February and there was nothing. Meantime his partner had been all over the media claiming to have defected from Wikileaks, smearing Assange etc. What he failed to tell us initially was that he had stolen documents, among which were the documents on the Bank meant to be released in January.
How convenient for the Bank in question. When asked why he had done that, he stated he intended to return the documents after Wikileaks dealt with what he claimed, were security issues. Finally, he admitted that he had destroyed the documents. Saving the Banks, for which I am sure they will be eternally grateful. Having lost all credibility, he continues to deny that he was working for the Banks, but there are few who believe him.
Eg, he had set up his own version of Wikileaks and could have released the material on his own site. But he didn't.
Further evidence of how seriously the Banks were taking Assange's statements about what Wikileaks had, came when Anonymous, in retaliation for a threat from HB Gary to 'uncover' some of their members, hacked HB Gary's site and published their emails on the internet. We learned that BOA was so nervous about Assange's claims, they were hiring 'security' contractors, like HB Gary, to go after Wikileaks and anyone who supported them. And that's just what we know.
I give you credit for trying to talk reason to your old friends.
The brainwashing is complete.
It is because for decades Americans have been subjected to an incredible amount of propaganda and by now, people have grown up with it. Eg, the 'left' is evil, communist etc. No where else in the civilized world do people fear the 'left' as many Americans do. I think maybe it comes from the Cold War where anyone slightly to the left was viewed as a potential communist. However, I always associated that kind of paranoia with the far right, but I've seen the word 'leftie' used even here as an insult.
Your friends sound like people who are so brainwashed they will never be able to see things clearly. Capitalism was the anti-dote to Communism and everything is black and white for many people. And with all the rightwing hate-filled talk radio shows confirming the fact that the 'left' is evil, nothing will change much. I agree with you, there isn't much hope for them, but young people do seem to be more informed and not as attached to the old propaganda. Maybe because they have more access to more intelligent and independent media.
I hope so anyhow, 
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