Who is the dictator?

As Surkov predicted, right after the Soviet Union rolled out its theme of "I Am a Soviet Invader," the United States launched a swift counterattack with the theme "Free America." The video highlighted the strength of the U.S. military, the stable and prosperous life of its citizens, and the dazzling array of consumer goods. It also traced the American people's long history of struggle for freedom and independence.

From the Mayflower's arrival on North American shores, to the gunfire at Lexington in 1775 marking the start of the war for independence, to the Declaration of Independence in 1776, through the Civil War's first shots in 1861, and on to the heroic battle of Midway during World War II — the narrative emphasized the unwavering belief that freedom and equality are the common hopes and pursuits of all Americans.

The tone was deliberately relaxed, inviting trust rather than grandiosity. Unlike the Soviet video's tragic and heavy-handed style, this film crafted a story of confidence and aspiration, echoing the shameless dream of "One America, One World."

The United States clearly intended this video to contrast the backwardness and scarcity of life in the Soviet Union with the freedom and plenty in the West. To them, the red empire was nothing more than a warped war machine and an oppressive regime indifferent to its people's well-being.

After reading the glowing news reports, President Bush personally praised CIA Director Robert Gates. Though the propaganda offensive had technically overstepped its bounds, the president cared little—what mattered was its success.

"Well done, everyone," Robert said, cracking open a bottle of champagne in his office, smiling broadly. "Cheers to our victory."

The CIA elites forced weak smiles in response. They were exhausted — four sleepless days wrestling with endless revisions, rejected plans, and growing self-doubt about the meaning of their work.

"Cheers to victory," they muttered, drained and hollow.

Only Owen, the propaganda chief, remained quiet. He lit a cigarette and stared out the 13th-floor window at the colorful city lights below.

"Oh, I wonder what new tricks those interesting opponents will pull out next," he murmured to himself.

If the Soviets could undo all our efforts so easily, the look on their faces... that would be priceless.

Meanwhile, back in Moscow, the top officials barely batted an eye upon hearing of the American video. They had saved their trump card for this very moment.

Soon after, a mysterious package arrived at the Georgian TV station. Inside was a videotape boldly labeled "Who Is the Dictator?"

The staff exchanged uneasy glances as they played the tape.

What unfolded was like Pandora's box unleashed.

After watching in stunned silence, the staff turned to their director, asking what to do next.

The director immediately sensed a chance to boost ratings — but worried if the tape had been copied and sent elsewhere.

Without hesitation, he ordered the video aired as soon as possible.

At the same time, Columbia TV in the U.S., having the same idea, released the Soviet propaganda film quickly. The result was another wave of shock across American society as the video played on major stations nationwide.

"The proletariat has no country," the narrator intoned, a plain man in a greasy blue work suit with an unremarkable face. His calm voice carried unexpected weight.

Behind him, the screen flashed images of America's darkest history — the brutal oppression of indigenous peoples, racial discrimination, and labor exploitation.

"From its founding to today, the Western world calls the Soviet Union a brutal evil empire, a prison for its people, and the greatest threat to peace. Yet, history repeats itself in another land — a land never granted a fair trial."

"The so-called 'brutal Russian monarch' returns, not as an invader, but as Themis — the goddess of justice."

"Western leaders fantasize that we are the threat to world peace and freedom, while they arm missiles and bombers to impose their brutal dictatorships."

"The U.S. government preaches freedom and equality, yet the world pays in blood and suffering. In your cities, Native Americans are still oppressed; their massacre commemorated shamelessly with Thanksgiving turkeys."

"In Queens, black communities face poverty and violence, remnants of slavery's legacy. Though Lincoln abolished slavery, discrimination persists in police brutality and systemic racism."

"American workers suffer brutal exploitation. The Ludlow Massacre of 1914 saw unarmed laborers ruthlessly killed for opposing Rockefeller's harsh system. Do you still believe the West's lies about fairness?"

"At this moment, people worldwide suffer from U.S. interventionism, yet you call the Soviet Union a brutal dictator."

The hurried crowds in New York paused, eyes fixed on the screen.

A street musician stopped playing. Black youths fighting in the streets fell silent.

Unlike the wealthy, who sneered on their sofas, these struggling souls seemed frozen — confronted with undeniable truths.

Yes, hard-working people build the nation's wealth, but a tiny elite hoards it, eroding the American dream beneath a hypocritical mask.

"At this very moment, the Soviets stand to save the world — to reclaim true freedom and democracy from American imperialism. Yet, you remain silent. When they arrested Communists, you said nothing. When they come for you, who will speak?"

"Call this Soviet propaganda if you will. But comrades of the Western proletariat, whenever you see capitalists suddenly grow a conscience, remember…"

The man's eyes shone like the North Star.

"... it is because the Soviets still exist."