I'm impressed by the quick responses to my posting.
For those of you who have asked me to leave, I'd like to point out a few things.
First, I haven't disguised my identity. I stated plainly that I'm conducting research. I've provided accurate contact information. I don't think that such behavior constitutes "trolling."
Second, the google search you conducted on my name confirms that I am a researcher. Indeed, you can find examples of my work and comments on it by others. (I think you'll find a balanced portfolio, I've written for both the WASHINGTON TIMES and the WASHINGTON POST. I'm quoted by the National Right to Life Committee as well as the National Breast Cancer Coalition. I'm doing balanced research.)
Third, the comments you found on ncpeaceandjustice.org web site confirms that I am conducting research as well. I did attend the rally weekend and made a follow-up visit to Raleigh during the weekend of April 1-3. The "cosponsorship" you refer to was a $30 fee necessary to attend the Southern Organizers Gathering on March 20. Essentially, this fee covered my lunch and share of renting the space. All of this is consistent with conducting research on the event.
Why am I interested in Free Republic? I'm interested in how organizations frame protest events. Why is one message chosen rather than another? Why are certain tactics used? For example, Free Republic focused much of its attention at the rally against Code Pink. While I understand the reasons you don't like Code Pink, you could have chosen to focus on other organizations in attendance -- perhaps you could have focused your attacts on International ANSWER. In general, I'm interested in your choices of strategies and messages.
Think about how you would respond if I wrote an article about the event and didn't take into account your position. You would charge me with bias. Or, worse, if I talked about Free Republic without actually talking with you. You would probably say, "I wish he had talked to us before he wrote this article."
If you don't want to talk with me, that's fine, of course. But I am very interested in talking with someone who attended the event. Again, my contact information is michael.t.heaney@yale.edu. I would be happy to set up a phone call with you if you are willing to talk.
Sincerely,
Michael T. Heaney
"Why are certain tactics used? For example, Free Republic focused much of its attention at the rally against Code Pink"
Michael, Didn't you read the banner? Code Pink provided funding to terrorists in Fallujah.
Acouple of things...
You say you gave $30 to the "planning committee," and you say it covered lunch for you, and your portion of renting the Rainbow Room.
And you say you went to the rally over the weekend.
Why didn't you come over to the group that weekend, and conduct your research?
Something stinks.
A lot.
Folks, I think this researcher is interested in finding out real names and personal information about our protest organizers and attendees.
I don't believe he's simply interested in how we decided it was Code Pink's day in the barrel. I believe he wants to get names and then do some "research" for the other side.
Just my gut feeling. YMMV.
You have e-mail.
Might I ask you a question, pls? Are you working from a grant, and if so a grant from whom? Is this for a college paper?
NC Peace & Justice Coalition: Housing Board
... Contact: Michael Heaney michael.t.heaney@yale.edu 202-236-3369. Dates Needed :
April 1-2. Number of People : 1. Other Comments ...
www.ncpeacejustice.org/article.php?id=49 - 11k - Cached - Similar pages
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Dumb question: When did Yale move to NC?
Gee, I'd like you to contact me so that I can get some details about any future plans you may all have. (This way I can be ready to counter them.) Thanks in advance.
I can assure you that anyone who speaks to you as a FReeper, is not a FReeper.
If you had posted post number 10 as your initial post, you would not be trolling because everything would be upfront and above board.
However, your initial post leaves out a lot of information which suggests you are not an independent researcher but an opposition researcher and someone who is not entirely comfortable disclosing important facts about yourself. That does indicate that you are indeed most likely to be a troll