Activate Yourself!

various FR | 9-20-02 | The Heavy Equipment Guy

[backhoe]

The following is a Jay-Mo ( Just My Opinion ) of a few things I have noted in replies to others here, condensed in one place,

Towards the end, I'll include some links and comments on what I regard as some of the best examples of on-line activism here.

First off, what is the minimum standard of activism?

Vote.

Just do it, every election, and at least you can say you had a hand in representative government. If you don't vote, don't complain about the results you see after an election.

Second, never underestimate the power of letters to editors, to sway, persuede, and get people thinking about an issue.
I have actually had people track me down, in person and over the telephone, to talk about letters I have written to the local and regional papers.

Keep them short, to the point, and try to toss in a memorable catchword or phrase, and a little humor.
Study the most memorable letters in your papers, note the word counts, and try your hand at it. You may be surprised at how much weight your words carry.

Third, consider local or regional talk radio. The big national names usually involve long waits and screening by staffers, but the smaller shows are easy to get on, and reach a lot of people- particularly at work and during drive time. The more you do it, the easier it gets to do, and again, you may influence more people than you even realize.

Fourth, there is on-line activism. There are many pros & cons which have been well-addressed, but I will just say that based on my experiences, it is well worth doing.
It has been argued that every one on a board like this is an activist, and I believe that is so.

However, you may wish to send your voice, opinions, links and stories further-- to that end, follow the links within links here:

Ignorance Making you Ill? Cure it!

...for tools, instructions, links, and email addresses to help you.

Finally, here are what I regard as some of the best examples of activism here on Free Republic:

Here is an example I deem "self-authored"-- a dedicated member decides to champion a cause, and uses the resources of the web to do it:

-'The Jeb Bush Nobody Knows'- Part 20: An Open Letter to the FAEA [Endorse Gov. Bush!]--

Be certain to click summer's profile page to see the bookmarks to all the work she has done in this regard.

Next up is "keeping an issue before the public"-- we live in a Soundbite-oriented society, and getting and holding people's attention is critical. If they don't know what you are talking about, they aren't going to think about it at all.

-SEC plans new rules for lawyers ("Enron" Rubin/"Global Crossing" McAuliffe watch- Day 49)--

Along those lines is a different approach- using humor, music, and satire to keep an issue before the public's attention:

-Black X: "Bubba!!" (Indict DNC Chairman McAuliffe...NOW!!!)--

You would likely have never seen this headline:

-OKC/Iraq connection coming up on Fox News--

...had it not been for the dogged work of OKCSubmariner and the help of honway, glorygirl, and several others who investigated and kept this before the public's eye.

An alliance among talk radio, the web, and many disgusted voters helped lead to this:

- GOOD RIDDANCE, REP. MCKINNEY--

While here, a movement is born:

-`Sawgrass Rebellion' Rallies Planned--

And finally, some example of Free Republic independent research at its finest:

-THE DONKEY IS OUT OF THE BARN -- aka democRAT PLAN TO RAISE TAXES--

-GORE AND ENRON--

-DASCHLE HAS NO CREDIBILITY ON THE ECONOMY (aka Daschle has no credibility Period!)--

---

An afterword-- you may be wondering, "How do I do this stuff?"

Well, it's old and not as well written as I'd like ( a cut & paste of a cut & paste ) but there is information here:

R U new? Some Tips....

[D. Miles]

Vote, then pick an issue you have passion for, study it, get the facts, then hit the road running. You'd be surprised what one person can do.

[backhoe]

You'd be surprised what one person can do

Amen, neighbor- thanks for looking!

[johnny7]

Yea... I vote, but I live in MA. Everyone works for the state.

Big election in Nov. Sen. Kerry has to run again or he won't look so hot in 2004.

A libertarian is running against him.

Heinz/Kerry is absolutely the dullest knife in the drawer.

All that money and dumb as a stump.

[Illbay]

I saw the best minds of my generation
Destroyed by madness, starving, hysterical
I should be allowed to glue my poster
I should be allowed to think

I should be allowed to glue my poster
I should be allowed to think
I should be allowed to think
I should be allowed to think
And I should be allowed to blurt the merest idea
If by random whim, one occurs to me
If necessary, leave paper stains on the grey utility pole

I saw the worst bands of my generation
applied by magic marker to dry wall
I should be allowed to shoot my mouth off
I should have a call in show

I should be allowed to glue my poster
I should be allowed to think
I should be allowed to think
I should be allowed to think
And I should be allowed to blurt the merest idea
If by random whim, one occurs to me
If necessary, leave paper stains on the grey utility pole

I am not allowed
To ever come up with a single original thought
I am not allowed
To meet the criminal government agent who oppresses me

I was the worst hope of my generation
Destroyed by madness, starving, hysterical
I should be allowed to share my feelings
I should be allowed to feel

I should be allowed to glue my poster
I should be allowed to think
I should be allowed to think
I should be allowed to think
And I should be allowed to blurt the merest idea
If by random whim one occurs to me
But sadly, this can never be

I am not allowed to think
I am not allowed to think
I am not allowed to think (I am not allowed to think)
I am not allowed to think (I am not allowed to think)
I am not allowed to think (I am not allowed to think)
I am not allowed to think (I am not allowed to think)

-- They Might Be Giants, "I Should Be Allowed To Think"

[Congressman Billybob]

I thoroughly agree with the points in this article. I agree so much that I wrote a book about them, Actually it's a pamphlet, 48 pages of fire-breathing analysis and suggstions for action.

This author is exactly right. There ARE things which every citizen can do, starting tomorrow. Each action by itself may not seem like much, but if a million Americans can get rolling in the same direction, doing the same things, then in the words of "Alice's Restaurant," "We've got us a movement!"

Use the second link below to get full information about "to Restore Trust in America."

Congressman Billybob

Click for major article on turnover in the House of Representatives: "Til Death Do Us Part."

Click for latest book: "to Restore Trust in America"

Latest column, "The Politics of Flight 93," is posted on FreeRepublic.

[backhoe]

Your comments, and links, are appreciated.

[LiteKeeper]

bump

[backhoe]

Thanks for the bttt^!

[backhoe]

I meant to flag you, since I used some of your stuff!

[ffrancone]

I was just directed to this thread. This is good stuff on activism and it needs to be bttt.

TakeBackCongress.org

A resource for conservatives who want a Republican majority in the Senate

[backhoe]

Your comments, flags, and link are appreciated, Thank you.

The rubber really is about to meet the road- we can sit back, and the nonsense you see in New Jersey- which is really an extension of the rip-off in Florida, 2000- will trickle down to every election across the country.

Or we can all get energized, get activated, get involved, and work to inform people and motivate them to go vote. The vote is the final arbiter.

[Dog Gone]

Interesting link!

I voted today in a school bond election. They made it as hard as possible, by changing voting locations and not publicizing the election at all. That ensures its passage, since every school district employee will know exactly where and when to vote, but I wanted to cast my ballot anyway.

I think I'll bookmark this entire thread.

[Grampa Dave]

Here is a prime example of Activating Ourselves.

This sign just north of Medford, Oregon on I5 North is a prime example of Freepers activating themselves.

I started a series of Oregon is Burning or Oregon is Still Burning threads this summer during the massive fires due to the agendas of the Enviral Whackos.

A group in Oregon and those out of Oregon who knew what was happening had more good news and data about those fires than any other place. They shared that news, data and strong feelings with the rest of us on Free Republic on those threads re Oregon is Burning.

One day, Ebuck came up with the concept of putting a bill board up to let the public know who was responsible. Immediately, a Freeper who wants to be unknown and lives a long way from Oregon, pledged a month's cost of that sign to get it going. Ebuck and others worked out the details of the signs. A small group of us pledged enough to put that bill board up for a couple of months. The money came from all over Free Republic.

This sign has to be fitting like a huge fishbone in the throats of the Watermelon Jihadists Greens in Oregon. We have them in a vulnerable spot.

This could only happen on Free Republic. This is why every Freeper should pledge at least 17 cents per day to keep Free Republic strong and alive. Just throw your daily change in a container each night. 17 cents per night is easily obtained. That is equal to a massive $5/month pledge.

This is what happens on Free Republic:

[D. Miles]

Call your local election commission, ask why the bond issue was not advertised. It is their duty to advertise all elections. Find out which dem was sleeping at the wheel!

[deport]

First off, what is the minimum standard of activism?

Vote.

Just a reminder that Monday Oct. 7, 2002, in many states, will be the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5th General election, I believe. So if you need to register or know someone that needs to then make your plans and be sure and let them know.

[EdReform]

Bump

[SAMWolf]

Oregon Bump

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks Sam.

Folks here is example of the value that SamWolf brings to Free Republic. Last winter Sam posted a thread that is big time news this week about terrorists in Portland, Oregon and the obstruction of justice by the wicked Witch Mayor. (Portland's Mayor rolls out welcome mat and obstructs justice for Islamakazis)

This important thread that Sam posted last year was a heads up of something very rotten in Portland. Now this weekend with the news of the 6 arrested in Portland, and one who was the Mayor's intern for two years is breaking the PC/Diversity news blackout. Thanks to Sam and Free Republic, we knew about this situation last year.

Is news of this importance worth 17 cents per day or a $5/month donation?

Hell yes! Just cancel your subscription to your daily fishwrap and send half the money saved each month to Free Republic for a double win.

[SAMWolf]

Thanks Grampa Dave. It was just a story that PO'd me when I read it. Figured others should know about it.d

[MeekOneGOP]

Just a reminder that Monday Oct. 7, 2002, in many states, will be the last day to register to vote in the Nov. 5th General election, I believe. So if you need to register or know someone that needs to then make your plans and be sure and let them know.

Great point. Get this. Back when we had our primary in March, I went to vote. I voted, but they said I need to call the Voter Registrar's office in Dallas and request a new card. I did. I didn't get my card. I called again. To make a long story short, I have called FOUR times, the last time on 9-16 and "Michelle" told me that she would personally put my replacement card in the mail that day (I told her I would be VERY upset if I was denied my vote because of some beaucratic problem like not getting my new voter card in the mail). I still haven't received it. I'm registered, I just can't get them to send me the new card. I can't imagine I'd be denied voting because of this, but it's REALLY irritating because I've done MY part.

I vote EARLY usually, so if I am turned away for whatever reason, I'll be writing a letter to somebody, and making phone calls too !

[deport]

If you are registered and on the rolls then all you really need is your drivers license. I vote that a lot of times as I rarely have my voter registration card with me.

[deport]

I vote that a lot = "I vote that way a lot "

Not paying attention .....

[MinuteGal]

Here's an example of a one-person freep activity:

Ragtime Cowgirl pinged me to her post regarding a hot education issue in the Jeb/McLawyer campaign in Florida.

I just forwarded the whole thread to a teacher neighbor. She rubs shoulders with other teachers every day. I will suggest she forward it and/or print it out to distribute to as many educators as she can.

"Each one reach one" is my motto.

My point is to scan our forum for articles and analysis that would be of interest to friends, family and neighbors who may be in some particular field. Forward it to them with a personal note.

This gives them the opportunity to forward things on to others who may be in that special field. Or it will be useful in providing them with talking points for their own use.

I hope others jump in on this thread to post what THEY are doing prior to this election. Every idea can be an inspiration to other freepers on how to......

BE AN ARMY OF ONE!

Leni

[Little Bill]

Pick your issues, talk to everyone, raise hell with the pols, one man with a sign can make a difference.

[backhoe]

Dave, thanks for the flags... and I've sent pictures of that billboard all around the web. Are you getting an overall favorable response to it?

[backhoe]

So if you need to register or know someone that needs to then make your plans and be sure and let them know.

Absolutely right. Thanks for the timely reminder.

[backhoe]

Thanks for the bump!

[backhoe]

"Each one reach one" is my motto.

I like that slogan- before I discovered the 'net, I used to tell everyone I discussed issues with, "if what I'm telling you makes sense, I want you to tell two other people about it- and tell them to tell two more..."

[backhoe]

Appreciate the comments- thanks!

[ffrancone]

I love that billboard. FR activism at its best.

[bert]

Great post.

Another version of your thoughts is Here: 

We have practiced the theory and it works.

The hard part is beginning. The way to begin is to get up one morning and  begin. Once started it becomes easier.

We are the Citizens Coalition For Responsible Media, the Free Republic Network chapter fighting media bias. Calypgin and others hammered out the Media Activist's Handbook.

[blackie]

The RATS are in disarray...eradicate the rodents !!

Fire Democrats, Hire Republicans !!

GWB Is The Man !!

Snuff Saddam, NOW !!

Death To all Tyrant's !!

The Second Amendment...
America's Original Homeland Security !!

Freedom Is Worth Fighting For !!

Molon Labe !!

[JulieRNR21]

The liberal media often ignores 'good news' (endorsements, accomplishments; problems solved & solutions proposed; innovative strategy) by our candidates so we have to balance that with our letters to the editors.

I've developed 'email relationships' with the editors of a few newspapers. When I find an especially good article that gives information supporting our values; I email it and request it be printed 'to maintain balance'. I've had a few successes with this approach.....once getting an article by Col. Ollie North printed in Kennedy Kountry.

The day after the 9-11 attack; I called an editorial page editor and complained about the Doonesbury cartoon. He agreed the content was inappropriate at that time & suspended it. Unfortunately it returned after two weeks.

If I see too many political cartoons bashing the GOP & conservative values; I'll point out that 'more balance' is needed. These local newspapers seem to like to pretend that 'balance' is desirable....LOL.....maybe FOX is having an impact?

FR is a great place to get facts & information to share with one's email list. Just before the election I will send emails to personal friends telling them who I'm voting for & why.

[EternalVigilance]

BUMP!

[backhoe]

bert, appreciate the comments and the link- that's a good, concise handbook. Everyone ought to print it out and refer to it.

[backhoe]

Appreciate your remarks, and getting rid of Doonsbury- even shortly- is a good development.

[backhoe]

Thanks for the bump, FRiend...

[Grampa Dave]

If and when EBuck slows down and is only working 6 days a week and about 12 hours per week, I will find out. Now he is like a flash every now in then.

Thanks for the publicity around the country and the world.

[ffrancone]

bump!

[backhoe]

I'm interested because I have found that the "man in the street," when you can get them to be really candid, is usually, shall we say, "dubious" about all the wonderful things the Left holds dear. They just usually keep silent about it.

[Grampa Dave]

Thanks for your kind words about that billboard.

This is a prime example of what can happen when Freepers get behind something on Free Republic.

Not one tax $ or any government funding went into that billboard from the moment that Ebuck came up with the idea. It was created by Freepers and sheparded into reality by Freepers. There was no free lunch nor any grant from a polical party. This is grass root Freeperism at its best.

Then, Freepers funded the cost, and we have that message being seen by about 40 to 50,000 motorists everyday. They are locals, professional driver of buses, trucks and other vehicles, people who own RV's and people on vacaion.

Finally the Watermelon Jihadists are getting the light of truth flashed on their dangerous agendas.

This billboard represents what can happen when motivated conservatives on Free Republic get together and work on a Freep or project like this bill board.

One can only imagine what would happen if we had 5,000 Freepers donating $5/month or 17 cents per day!

[Grampa Dave]

Mr and Mrs Moderate voter has to be silent as there is no real truth out there to back up their dubious feelings about the left's agendas and so called accomplishments.

This is why people like you and the Free Republic Lifeform can have such an impact on our future. Your tireless work to get out the truth, Freeps, and other actions like this billboard get the reality of Truth out there for Mr and Mrs Moderate to see and consider. They may never admit to changing their voting to our side, but it happens if we can get the message out and around the leftist media.

We can't win elections without the support from Mr and Mrs Moderate. We can't have any real power and control unless we have elected officials trying to move the country in a conservative direction. That is reality not some pipe dream.

[backhoe]

For a long, long time I have realized, and said, that at the heart of it, we are locked into an Information War with the Left.
For years they so dominated and controlled the media- both press and entertainment- that our voices went unheard and un-noticed. I'll never forget- or forgive- that "Daisy" ad that scuttled Barry Goldwater's bid.

Finally, however, we are making an end-run around them with the web, and talk radio-- as well as those other methods noted in the handbook in bert's link, and wonderful things like your billboard.

Gotta run- wife's making "shooing" gestures...

[Grampa Dave]

If our wives make shooting gestures when we have been on Free Republic too long, that is when we need to log off ASAP!:)

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

My point is to scan our forum for articles and analysis that would be of interest to friends, family and neighbors who may be in some particular field. Forward it to them with a personal note.

Thank you, Leni! Without Florida Freepers and grass roots activists, Florida voters won't hear the truth about their candidates this election year. FR matters!

[MinuteGal]

Right, girl! There's already been some good ideas posted here. Keep 'em coming, folks. Share with us (and especially our enthusiastic newbies) what you've done or what you will be doing as an "army of one" in the upcoming critical election!

Leni

[Ragtime Cowgirl]

What? No DUBOB links?! (^:

Good work, backhoe.

[ForGod'sSake]

Share with us (and especially our enthusiastic newbies) what you've done or what you will be doing as an "army of one" in the upcoming critical election!

Alrighty then! A little something I've been working on; not because I'm a Missouri Freeper, but because I deeply despise the man:

And this little number I created for our (supposedly)tight senate race here in Texas to help folks make the connection between deadbeat Daschle and what will continue to happen if the "other" guy is elected. Properly sized and inserted into Winders word processor; printed on Avery #8371 card stock...

FGS

[ForGod'sSake]

oops! I meant to ping Missouri Freepers to #49...

FGS