-Ping-
People really do need to recognize these techniques. Some of the people involved in the land use issues that are being pushed at the "local" level are using these techniques. The 'Visioning' processes taking place in communities around the country are a perfect example. Tax dollars pay for a consulting group to help establish a 'vision' for future planning use in your community. The consultants are agenda driven (the solutions to all problems include more regulation of land, increased use of public transportation, more trails and fewer roads), and I have seen them using this very technique in several different forums to get the 'vision' that is pre-ordained.
Unfortunately, most of the participants don't realize they are being manipulated, just go along with it, and the government then uses the results as proof they should have more control.
This is being used in local issues, county issues, state issues, by environemental groups and in the election season. Be aware when it's happening.
Thanks for posting it, Laz!