Our next door neighbor has a little but loud dog, Tito, - a ferocious loud yapper who takes it upon himself to defend his territory against all invaders. A few weeks ago that pesky neighborhood-disturbing yapper caught my attention and I looked outside. Someone had thrown what looked like popcorn out on the road in front of the neighbor's house and 10-15 crows were after the free grub.
Tito thought not. I watched then as the crows first positioned themselves on telephone lines and trees in a kind of tactical circle so that Tito would be busy trying to keep them all away. When a few of the crows landed at one end of the food, Tito went after them. On the opposite side, other crows swooped down and began feasting. Tito of course turned and roared after the offenders leaving his previous quarry free to move in themselves. It took less than 10 minutes for the popcorn to disappear.
I thought about how the defensive tactic of airborne bombers and submarines illustrates the value of diversion as a means of avoiding destruction. When the pilot or sub-commander orders the release of chaff after an enemy air-to-air missile or torpedo is discovered, the result is supposed to be that the "electronic" attention span of the missile or torpedo is disrupted, distracted and the attacker veers off in pursuit of a pseudo target. The good guys remain free to pursue their objective.
Well, now the bad guys are using chaff on us.
It seems that like torpedoes, air-to-air missiles and Tito the homeland protector, we who strive to challenge and resist the foreign and domestic policy agenda that Bushco relentless pursues face an almost daily dose of distracting chaff and crows who draw our attention away. We chase the chaff and go bark at the distracting crow while the real vultures stay their course and swoop down on the unsuspecting to bite of more and greater chunks from all that has historically sustained America's rise to economic and military power.
In this regard, I suppose many would say that Bushco manipulators a la Rove and company do their job well. I'm not ready to ascribe to the Rovians some idea of superior genius that most of us lack, but do acknowledge their willingness - the outlandish gall, if you will - to simply go ahead and try whatever works; whatever can be gotten away with.
Well, last week I was cleaning out our freezer and found two loaves of special bread we had purchased a couple of years ago on a trip. It was obvious by the few spots of mold, that two-year old frozen bread would not do for our menu. After letting the loaves thaw, I was about to toss them on our back yard when I remembered Tito. Oh, more entertainment... and I tossed both loaves out on to the road between our house and the neighbors and watched.
Tito did not appear, but my own dog, Jake, (who is part Australian Shepherd and Collie and looks like Lassie with a blunt nose) wandered out into the road and sniffed at one of the loaves. Wasn't his cup of tea and he started to ignore it. At that point another neighbor from up the street walked by with his own dog who sniffed at the other loaf, took it in his mouth and carried it about 30 yards up the road before dropping it and moving on.
By this time the crows had gathered and Jake, like Tito two weeks earlier, found himself invested in keeping the crows from stealing the bread. He stared at the other loaf some 30 yards off as several crows landed and started biting out chunks. Jake rushed toward the action and the crows took flight. Standing over the far loaf he looked back to see the crows landing around the other loaf still on the road on front of our house.
Now Jake is not Tito, not excitable and has a herding and guarding instinct that astounds me at times. He looked at those crows for a moment, took the distant loaf in his mouth, trotted over close to the first loaf - causing the crows to fly off. He then proceeded to bury the loaf he'd carried back to our house, digging a hole less than 15 feet from the first loaf. The crows helplessly watched Jake bury that loaf knowing he was not to be distracted.
When he was through, he trotted over and "stayed the course" with the remaining loaf - keeping the crows from their thievery. I don't know how long Jake sustained his vigil but I realized that his own tactic of setting aside one distraction for another more appropriate time while continuing with his original task of preventing the crows from achieving their objective was a valuable life's lesson.
Think about that the next time you want to write another piece about GannonGate, kiss-and-tell taped phone conversations, USANext and their unrealistic attempt to persuade the elderly that AARP is evil or Spongebob Squarepants. Evoking sufficient national interest, they are topics worthy of attention. But aren't there more important things upon which our missiles and torpedoes ought to remain focused?
Rovian manipulators are not geniuses. Their strongest attribute is cunning and a willingness to try anything that might work and cut their losses if it doesn't while thinking up something else.
Working to think one or two steps ahead of them is hard but not impossible. The benefits are enormous - the ability to ignore the nonsense while closing in on the underbelly itself.
Arthur RugerPublisher, The American Choice
Full Version: A step or two aheand of the Rovians
Common Ground Common Sense > National & International News > Original Essays, Research and Op-ed Pieces by Our members > Original Essays, Research and Op-ed Pieces by Our members Archive
It's not US who "don't get it" - it's the elected officials WHO ARE STILL USING POLITICAL CORRECTNESS 
.
Wanna get ahead of Rove?
Couple words:
EGO. and ANGER.
That's what he runs on and that's what he uses.
APPENDIX: THE FOURTEEN WORDS NEVER TO USE
Sometimes it is not what you say that matters but what you don’t say. Other times a single word or phrase can undermine or destroy the credibility of a paragraph or entire presentation. This memo was originally prepared exclusively for Congressional spouses because they are your eyes and ears, a one-person reality check and truth squad combined. However, by popular demand, I have included and expanded that document because effectively communicating the New American Lexicon requires you to STOP saying words and phrases that undermine your ability to educate the American people.
So from today forward, YOU are the language police. From today forward, these are the words never to say again.
1. NEVER SAY Government
INSTEAD SAY: Washington
The fact is, most Americans appreciate their local government that picks up their trash, cleans their streets, and provides police and transportation services. Washington is the problem. Remind voters again and again about Washington spending, Washington waste, Washington taxation, Washington bureaucracy, Washington rules and Washington regulations. Then remind voters that if Washington created this mess, it is Washington’s responsibility to fix it. “If we expect to succeed, we must look to ourselves and not to Washington to raise our kids, start our businesses and improve our day-to-day lives.” If you must talk about government, use the context defined by President Bush: “Government should help people improve their lives, not try to run their lives.”
2. NEVER SAY Privatization/Private Accounts
INSTEAD SAY: Personalization/Personal Accounts
Many more Americans would “personalize” Social Security than “privatize” it. In fact, two-thirds of America wants to personalize Social Security while only one-third should privatize it. Why? Personalizing Social Security suggests ownership and control over your retirement savings, while privatizing it suggests a profit motive and winners and losers. BANISH PRIVATIZATION FROM YOUR LEXICON.(Emphasis mine, caps lock theirs)
3. NEVER SAY Tax Reform
INSTEAD SAY: Tax Simplification
While a majority of Americans are generally in favor of tax reform, one-third of the population fears that they would end up paying more in taxes if the tax code was in fact reformed. However, almost all Americans believe they would personally benefit from a tax code that was simplified—in terms of money they owe, time they spend and anxiety about the IRS. When more Americans fear the IRS than root- canal surgery, something should be done to simplify the tax code.
4. NEVER SAY Inheritance/Estate Tax
INSTEAD SAY: The Death Tax
While a sizable 68% of America thinks the Inheritance/Estate Tax is unfair, fully 78%think that the Death Tax is unfair. And while a narrow majority would repeal the inheritance/estate tax, an overwhelming majority would repeal the death tax. If you want to kill the estate tax, call it a death tax.
5. NEVER SAY A Global Economy/Globalization/Capitalism
INSTEAD SAY: Free Market Economy
More Americans are afraid of the principle of globalization than even privatization. The reason? Globalization represents something big, something distant and something foreign. It’s the same reason why Americans like their local government but dislike Washington—the closer you are, the more control you have. So instead of talking about the principles of globalization, instead emphasize “the value and benefits of a free market economy.” Similarly, capitalism reminds people of harsh economic competition that yields losers as well as winners. Conversely, the free market economy provides opportunity to all and allows everyone to succeed.
6. NEVER SAY Outsourcing
INSTEAD SAY: Taxation, Regulation, Litigation Innovation, Education
When you use the words of your opposition, you are basically accepting their definition and therefore their conclusion. We should NEVER use the word outsourcing because we will then be asked to defend or end the practice of allowing companies to ship American jobs overseas. Rather, we should talk about the “root cause” why any company would not want to hire “the best workers in the world.” And the answer: “over-taxation, over-regulation, too much litigation, and not enough innovation or quality education.” Because it rhymes, it will be remembered.
7. NEVER SAY Undocumented Workers
INSTEAD SAY: Illegal Aliens
The Dems have adopted the phrase “undocumented worker” but you shouldn’t. Call them exactly what they are. In fact, instead of addressing “immigration reform,” which polarizes Americans, you should be talking about “border security” issues. Securing our borders and our people has universal support.
8. NEVER SAY Foreign Trade
INSTEAD SAY: International Trade
For many reasons unrelated to this issue, the word “foreign” conjures up negative images. Americans simply don’t like “foreign oil,” or “foreign products” or “foreign nationals.” International is a more positive concept than either foreign or global.
9. NEVER SAY Drilling for oil
INSTEAD SAY: Exploring for energy
It’s the picture people paint in their minds, the difference between an old-fashioned oil rig that gushes up black goop vs. 21st century technology and innovation that provides us the ability to heat our homes and drive our cars. When you talk about energy, use words like “responsible” and “balanced” and always address your concern for the environment.
10. NEVER SAY Tort Reform
INSTEAD SAY: Lawsuit Abuse Reform
The term “tort” has very little meaning to the average American, and at best reminds one of a French pastry. “Lawsuit Abuse” is something most Americans understand and resent. If you really want to make your case, add the word “frivolous.”
11. NEVER SAY Trial Lawyer
INSTEAD SAY: Personal Injury Lawyer
It is hard to distrust a trial lawyer because we see them portrayed so favorably on L.A. Law and Law & Order. But personal injury lawyers, also known as ambulance chasers, remind people of those annoying, harassing commercials we see at 1:00 a.m. cajoling us to sue someone. If you want to get the full bang for the buck, call them “predatory personal injury lawyers.”
12. NEVER SAY Corporate Transparency
INSTEAD SAY: Corporate Accountability
I constantly hear the need for “transparency” coming from members of the financial services industry as well as members of Congress. But if you asked the American people, corporate accountability is a much higher priority. The fact is, a majority of Americans can’t even explain what transparency actually means. But everyone understands and demands accountability from all sectors of the economy … and the government.
13. NEVER SAY School Choice
INSTEAD SAY: Parental Choice/Equal Opportunity in Education
Americans are still evenly split over whether they support “school choice” in America’s schools. But they are heavily in favor of “giving parents the right to choose the schools that are right for their children,” an there is almost universal support for “equal opportunity in education.” So frame the issue right and you get the support you need.
14. NEVER SAY Health care “Choice”
INSTEAD SAY: “The Right to Choose”
This is an important nuance so often lost on political officials. Almost all Americans want “the right to choose the health care plan, hospital, doctor and prescription drug plan that is best for them,” but far fewer Americans actually want to make that choice. In fact, the older you get, the less eager you are to have a wide range of choices. One reason why the prescription drug card earned only qualified public support was that it offered too many choices and therefore created too much confusion for too many senior citizens.
.Wanna get ahead of Rove?
Couple words:
EGO. and ANGER.
That's what he runs on and that's what he uses.
APPENDIX: THE FOURTEEN WORDS NEVER TO USE
Sometimes it is not what you say that matters but what you don’t say. Other times a single word or phrase can undermine or destroy the credibility of a paragraph or entire presentation. This memo was originally prepared exclusively for Congressional spouses because they are your eyes and ears, a one-person reality check and truth squad combined. However, by popular demand, I have included and expanded that document because effectively communicating the New American Lexicon requires you to STOP saying words and phrases that undermine your ability to educate the American people.
So from today forward, YOU are the language police. From today forward, these are the words never to say again.
1. NEVER SAY Government
INSTEAD SAY: Washington
The fact is, most Americans appreciate their local government that picks up their trash, cleans their streets, and provides police and transportation services. Washington is the problem. Remind voters again and again about Washington spending, Washington waste, Washington taxation, Washington bureaucracy, Washington rules and Washington regulations. Then remind voters that if Washington created this mess, it is Washington’s responsibility to fix it. “If we expect to succeed, we must look to ourselves and not to Washington to raise our kids, start our businesses and improve our day-to-day lives.” If you must talk about government, use the context defined by President Bush: “Government should help people improve their lives, not try to run their lives.”
2. NEVER SAY Privatization/Private Accounts
INSTEAD SAY: Personalization/Personal Accounts
Many more Americans would “personalize” Social Security than “privatize” it. In fact, two-thirds of America wants to personalize Social Security while only one-third should privatize it. Why? Personalizing Social Security suggests ownership and control over your retirement savings, while privatizing it suggests a profit motive and winners and losers. BANISH PRIVATIZATION FROM YOUR LEXICON.(Emphasis mine, caps lock theirs)
3. NEVER SAY Tax Reform
INSTEAD SAY: Tax Simplification
While a majority of Americans are generally in favor of tax reform, one-third of the population fears that they would end up paying more in taxes if the tax code was in fact reformed. However, almost all Americans believe they would personally benefit from a tax code that was simplified—in terms of money they owe, time they spend and anxiety about the IRS. When more Americans fear the IRS than root- canal surgery, something should be done to simplify the tax code.
4. NEVER SAY Inheritance/Estate Tax
INSTEAD SAY: The Death Tax
While a sizable 68% of America thinks the Inheritance/Estate Tax is unfair, fully 78%think that the Death Tax is unfair. And while a narrow majority would repeal the inheritance/estate tax, an overwhelming majority would repeal the death tax. If you want to kill the estate tax, call it a death tax.
5. NEVER SAY A Global Economy/Globalization/Capitalism
INSTEAD SAY: Free Market Economy
More Americans are afraid of the principle of globalization than even privatization. The reason? Globalization represents something big, something distant and something foreign. It’s the same reason why Americans like their local government but dislike Washington—the closer you are, the more control you have. So instead of talking about the principles of globalization, instead emphasize “the value and benefits of a free market economy.” Similarly, capitalism reminds people of harsh economic competition that yields losers as well as winners. Conversely, the free market economy provides opportunity to all and allows everyone to succeed.
6. NEVER SAY Outsourcing
INSTEAD SAY: Taxation, Regulation, Litigation Innovation, Education
When you use the words of your opposition, you are basically accepting their definition and therefore their conclusion. We should NEVER use the word outsourcing because we will then be asked to defend or end the practice of allowing companies to ship American jobs overseas. Rather, we should talk about the “root cause” why any company would not want to hire “the best workers in the world.” And the answer: “over-taxation, over-regulation, too much litigation, and not enough innovation or quality education.” Because it rhymes, it will be remembered.
7. NEVER SAY Undocumented Workers
INSTEAD SAY: Illegal Aliens
The Dems have adopted the phrase “undocumented worker” but you shouldn’t. Call them exactly what they are. In fact, instead of addressing “immigration reform,” which polarizes Americans, you should be talking about “border security” issues. Securing our borders and our people has universal support.
8. NEVER SAY Foreign Trade
INSTEAD SAY: International Trade
For many reasons unrelated to this issue, the word “foreign” conjures up negative images. Americans simply don’t like “foreign oil,” or “foreign products” or “foreign nationals.” International is a more positive concept than either foreign or global.
9. NEVER SAY Drilling for oil
INSTEAD SAY: Exploring for energy
It’s the picture people paint in their minds, the difference between an old-fashioned oil rig that gushes up black goop vs. 21st century technology and innovation that provides us the ability to heat our homes and drive our cars. When you talk about energy, use words like “responsible” and “balanced” and always address your concern for the environment.
10. NEVER SAY Tort Reform
INSTEAD SAY: Lawsuit Abuse Reform
The term “tort” has very little meaning to the average American, and at best reminds one of a French pastry. “Lawsuit Abuse” is something most Americans understand and resent. If you really want to make your case, add the word “frivolous.”
11. NEVER SAY Trial Lawyer
INSTEAD SAY: Personal Injury Lawyer
It is hard to distrust a trial lawyer because we see them portrayed so favorably on L.A. Law and Law & Order. But personal injury lawyers, also known as ambulance chasers, remind people of those annoying, harassing commercials we see at 1:00 a.m. cajoling us to sue someone. If you want to get the full bang for the buck, call them “predatory personal injury lawyers.”
12. NEVER SAY Corporate Transparency
INSTEAD SAY: Corporate Accountability
I constantly hear the need for “transparency” coming from members of the financial services industry as well as members of Congress. But if you asked the American people, corporate accountability is a much higher priority. The fact is, a majority of Americans can’t even explain what transparency actually means. But everyone understands and demands accountability from all sectors of the economy … and the government.
13. NEVER SAY School Choice
INSTEAD SAY: Parental Choice/Equal Opportunity in Education
Americans are still evenly split over whether they support “school choice” in America’s schools. But they are heavily in favor of “giving parents the right to choose the schools that are right for their children,” an there is almost universal support for “equal opportunity in education.” So frame the issue right and you get the support you need.
14. NEVER SAY Health care “Choice”
INSTEAD SAY: “The Right to Choose”
This is an important nuance so often lost on political officials. Almost all Americans want “the right to choose the health care plan, hospital, doctor and prescription drug plan that is best for them,” but far fewer Americans actually want to make that choice. In fact, the older you get, the less eager you are to have a wide range of choices. One reason why the prescription drug card earned only qualified public support was that it offered too many choices and therefore created too much confusion for too many senior citizens.
Excellent Post Momma...
This is all about the framing of the discussion. We need to be like Dean and say "I refuse to let you frame the debate". Lets' stick to the facts please.
This is all about the framing of the discussion. We need to be like Dean and say "I refuse to let you frame the debate". Lets' stick to the facts please.
QUOTE(DrWolfy @ Feb 26 2005, 03:46 PM)
Excellent Post Momma...
This is all about the framing of the discussion. We need to be like Dean and say "I refuse to let you frame the debate". Lets' stick to the facts please.
This is all about the framing of the discussion. We need to be like Dean and say "I refuse to let you frame the debate". Lets' stick to the facts please.
Or, when answering one of their pre-framed topics, simply re[frame it our way.
Then answer.
That is an excellent response!
Wish I'd written it.
Wish I'd written it.
Great piece Arthur!
Now HOW do we get one step ahead of Mr. Lucifer .. err... Mr. Rove ?
Now HOW do we get one step ahead of Mr. Lucifer .. err... Mr. Rove ?
QUOTE(lawnorder @ Feb 26 2005, 10:08 PM)
Great piece Arthur!
Now HOW do we get one step ahead of Mr. Lucifer .. err... Mr. Rove ?
Now HOW do we get one step ahead of Mr. Lucifer .. err... Mr. Rove ?
Well if I knew for sure ... I'd be in demand ... maybe even rich.
One thing I keep looking for is a more rapid skeptical response on the part of the blogosphere that immediately imputes the possiblity that the next outrage may be part of smoke and mirrors.
I wonder what it would look like now if a year or so ago we who prowl the internet had remained intently focused on digging and and keeping alive a more focused challenge to the Iraq agenda - the way we have with GannonGate and social security - that we could not have managed to keep the doubts about the reasons for invasion in a place where the MSM couldn't ignore it. In retrospect doesn't it seem like what has been done in response to the Social Security reform scam, could have been done about Iraq - especially in the form of what is revealed in Fahrenheit 911 and the Greenwald films.
I don't know If that information was widely dissemintated in blogs back then (and as far as I know it could have been since I didn't start reading blogs and blogging myself until last summer).
We've demonstrated the power of the Internet as not just a competitor but a legitimate alternative to MSM who is eventually going to be left reporting news to a shrinking block of uninformed citizens who somehow managed to convince themselves that the state of the union is like it's always been.
As Iraq drags on, as Social Security reform attempts throw an ever larger negative spotlight on Republicans , as scandals continue and new scandals arise, Bushco - I believe - is going to arrive at it's threshold of "credibilit-sustained-by-deception" and that's the time when we need to be experienced, able and smart enough to ignore the chaff.
Governing by lie and deception is not a static process that can go on indefinitely unless the degree of electorate apathy and opposition party activity is miniscule. Four years of Bush led to an incredible amount of discernment wherein 55 million voters spoke against him. The election was a shock and - as far as I'm concerned - stolen. But it was not anything near proof of Bushco invincibility or Rovian genius.
They are learning that the number of sheep is not increasing but decreasing. They are learning that there is a massive grassroots element of the Democratic Party that is not going to lay down and die and is, in fact, in the process of throwing out the old DLC mind-think and more willing to say not only "No," but "hell no!"
When the credibility threshold is reached, the whole ballroom will be lit and dancing out of the limelight won't be nearly as easy.
QUOTE(ArthurRuger @ Feb 26 2005, 09:54 PM)
That is an excellent response!
Wish I'd written it.
Wish I'd written it.
For the Record Straight:
The lasts points on my post were taken from the LUNTZ REPUBLICAN HANDBOOK.
Hey, Arthur. I checked out your blog (after reading your piece on the effective tactics of diversionary crows) and was equally impressed with what I saw there!
I like how you think, Arthur.
I like how you think, Arthur.
QUOTE(ArthurRuger @ Feb 27 2005, 08:54 PM)
Well if I knew for sure ... I'd be in demand ... maybe even rich.
One thing I keep looking for is a more rapid skeptical response on the part of the blogosphere that immediately imputes the possiblity that the next outrage may be part of smoke and mirrors.
One thing I keep looking for is a more rapid skeptical response on the part of the blogosphere that immediately imputes the possiblity that the next outrage may be part of smoke and mirrors.
Absolutely! Rove excels at smoke and mirrors. We are catching on. I see the people here and elsewhere - the regulars - as starting to ask the question - "What if this is just a smoke and mirror move" on the part of Rove. I also see people here who assess the situation and say, "let's focus on both" knowing one might being a diversion but tactically thinking it out such that we can take both the so-called real issue and the potential diversion and make them both work to our advantage. I've been very impressed with our ability as a group to discuss possibilities, come up with different options, and finally settle on a plan. What I see missing is some way to coordinate us, really focus our energies down to a laser beam during certain short-lived, but critical moments. I suppose if all the leaders on this board posted something like "do this, write this, call this person, etc., we would all fall in line, more or less. And perhaps that's all the organization we need. I think if we over-organize we will kill the creativity from which our power springs. Something very remarkable is happening on this blogosphere/forumsphere. It's really cool to be a part of it. Addictive, almost.
QUOTE(ArthurRuger @ Feb 27 2005, 08:54 PM)
As Iraq drags on, as Social Security reform attempts throw an ever larger negative spotlight on Republicans , as scandals continue and new scandals arise, Bushco - I believe - is going to arrive at it's threshold of "credibilit-sustained-by-deception" and that's the time when we need to be experienced, able and smart enough to ignore the chaff.
I completely agree with you here. The tolerance threshold of the American public with BushCo. is fast approaching. We have a golden opportunity to make difference as this happens, and in a way the blogosphere has greatly contributed to the disillusionment of the American people with BushCo.
I have faith in how the true democracy of the blogosphere works. Chaff may be analyzed, focused on, etc. But there are so many bright people out there contributing their time and brain power to this joint venture in which we all participate that I don't think we will stay focused on chaff too long. Like the Peggy Noonan article says on your blog - we have a freedom to instantaneously change our focus as the news changes. MSM doesn't.
QUOTE(ArthurRuger @ Feb 27 2005, 08:54 PM)
Governing by lie and deception is not a static process that can go on indefinitely unless the degree of electorate apathy and opposition party activity is miniscule. Four years of Bush led to an incredible amount of discernment wherein 55 million voters spoke against him. The election was a shock and - as far as I'm concerned - stolen. But it was not anything near proof of Bushco invincibility or Rovian genius.
This is the first time I've heard of the election results as proof that the Rovian genius and BushCo invincibility are not as smart and not as invincible as I thought they were. One of the most demoralizing parts of this battle is the persistent idea I have in my mind of Rove as this incredible genius and BushCo as the most invincible corporate-political force in world history. It never dawned on me to see the election as proof they're not as smart as I think they are.
QUOTE(ArthurRuger @ Feb 27 2005, 08:54 PM)
They are learning that the number of sheep is not increasing but decreasing. They are learning that there is a massive grassroots element of the Democratic Party that is not going to lay down and die and is, in fact, in the process of throwing out the old DLC mind-think and more willing to say not only "No," but "hell no!"
When the credibility threshold is reached, the whole ballroom will be lit and dancing out of the limelight won't be nearly as easy.
When the credibility threshold is reached, the whole ballroom will be lit and dancing out of the limelight won't be nearly as easy.
I can't wait for the day the lights finally go on in America.
QUOTE(Gabrielle @ Feb 27 2005, 08:04 PM)
Absolutely! Rove excels at smoke and mirrors. We are catching on. I see the people here and elsewhere - the regulars - as starting to ask the question - "What if this is just a smoke and mirror move" on the part of Rove.
.....What I see missing is some way to coordinate us, really focus our energies down to a laser beam during certain short-lived, but critical moments. I suppose if all the leaders on this board posted something like "do this, write this, call this person, etc., we would all fall in line, more or less. And perhaps that's all the organization we need. I think if we over-organize we will kill the creativity from which our power springs. Something very remarkable is happening on this blogosphere/forumsphere. It's really cool to be a part of it. Addictive, almost.
I completely agree with you here. The tolerance threshold of the American public with BushCo. is fast approaching. We have a golden opportunity to make difference as this happens, and in a way the blogosphere has greatly contributed to the disillusionment of the American people with BushCo.
I can't wait for the day the lights finally go on in America.
.....What I see missing is some way to coordinate us, really focus our energies down to a laser beam during certain short-lived, but critical moments. I suppose if all the leaders on this board posted something like "do this, write this, call this person, etc., we would all fall in line, more or less. And perhaps that's all the organization we need. I think if we over-organize we will kill the creativity from which our power springs. Something very remarkable is happening on this blogosphere/forumsphere. It's really cool to be a part of it. Addictive, almost.
I completely agree with you here. The tolerance threshold of the American public with BushCo. is fast approaching. We have a golden opportunity to make difference as this happens, and in a way the blogosphere has greatly contributed to the disillusionment of the American people with BushCo.
I can't wait for the day the lights finally go on in America.
THAT'S what worked so well on the Kerry/Edwards forum - and it was very organic, with some hints and nudges once in awhile 0 IT WORKED.
Brendan and Co. have the LOCAL CommonGroundCommonSense site up, and It would be an ass-kickin' "action" board to use when things start getting down and dirty.
Now's the time to get the info on the local/regional press in a good format to use for future "needs". That type of preparation will make the difference, even in 2006.
QUOTE(mommadona @ Feb 28 2005, 01:21 AM)
THAT'S what worked so well on the Kerry/Edwards forum - and it was very organic, with some hints and nudges once in awhile 0 IT WORKED.
Brendan and Co. have the LOCAL CommonGroundCommonSense site up, and It would be an ass-kickin' "action" board to use when things start getting down and dirty.
Now's the time to get the info on the local/regional press in a good format to use for future "needs". That type of preparation will make the difference, even in 2006.
Brendan and Co. have the LOCAL CommonGroundCommonSense site up, and It would be an ass-kickin' "action" board to use when things start getting down and dirty.
Now's the time to get the info on the local/regional press in a good format to use for future "needs". That type of preparation will make the difference, even in 2006.
So is that how localcgcs is going to work? As an action board during elections? That's cool! To cater our conversation & mobilize us to act at the local level? Very creative use of the medium. It's not set up like that yet but I can see how it will easily be transformed into that. I suppose we could use it to even micromanage precinct by precinct. I didn't know.
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