FGS
Posted on 09/20/2002 5:08:56 AM PDT by 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--
-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:
Oh my! ROTFL!!!
I was handed a miraculous opportunity to address this very issue with countless middle-of-the-roaders and liberals yesterday while at the LifeChain in front of our Statehouse. I was interviewed on camera and gave my personal testimony of abortion. The reporterette was very much on our side, which was a huge surprise to all of us, and a great encouragement when we saw how she presented the story on the 6pm, 11pm and website news. Because my real name is used in her article, I will not post a link, but here is one quote she used: "Women aren't getting all the facts and aren't making informed choices. They're making choices based on very difficult circumstances and, in some cases, based on lies." I also had the opportunity to speak to the issue of Parental Notification, which the reporterette, bless her dear heart, pointed out was passed by our Republican House but held up by our Democratic Senate.
From what I understand, Bernie took part in Communist meetings on the Goddard College campus, in Plainfield, VT, behind locked doors back in the 70's. There were a couple of large communes started in VT at that time as well.
Goddard college is now aging, ailing, and bankrupt, and I say, Praise the Lord! The town of Plainfield is still full of commies, but as far as I know the communes were a bust. As you know, Bernie is still in office.
...Parental Notification, which the reporterette, bless her dear heart, pointed out was passed by our Republican House but held up by our Democratic Senate.
Another great eye-opener for the wafflers; I'll have to remember to use it:
Were you aware the public school must get parental permission to give a student an aspirin, but may instruct, nay, guide that same student in obtaining an abortion???
That will hit some wafflers in the bread basket!
FGS
FGS
Appropriately, question #1 is: Generally, do you tend to trust or distrust government's ability to solve problems?
This is where the dividing line between Liberal-Socialist Democrat and Conservative Republican-Libertarian cuts closest to the heart, IMO.
How a person answers that one question reveals volumes about his or her philosophy of life, society, government, and religion. How a person answers that first question will determine how they answer all the others. An astute observer, knowing a respondent's answer to question #1, will be able to surmise every other answer after that.
Either one acknowleges, cherishes, and remembers that one is in fact free, or one willingly concedes his or her freedom to Authority. There is no middle ground.
Thank you for sharing that quiz, FGS!
Very funny! The President of VT Right to Life told me that there are more and more media houses and reporters on the Right side all the time. It amazes us all, but I believe it is inevitable considering the millions affected by abortion. Statistically, it would be impossible for those in the media to not have witnessed in some way the dregs of the abortion industry.
While there are and will always be those with calloused hearts who will never admit the truth though it knocks hourly at the gate, there are others, a growing number continually, who see and have the courage, as well as the conscience, to admit the truth.
Every seed we plant in the hearts of the hardened may not bear fruit immediately, but each seed has a chance of sprouting. One plows, one plants, one waters, another reaps the harvest. This is why I don't mind scattering seed on what appears to be fallow ground.
FGS
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.
A "to the wire" bttt
Excellent resources here & advice - THANKS!!
A one-time ping to something worth reading (and things worth doing...)
Appreciate those pings- it's now-or-never time, everyone!
You got it - I'm trying to find my other ones...
Backhoe said it best "Now or Never time!" ping...
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