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:
"Now or Never time" (backhoe) ping!!
It isn't over yet ping!
Found them. Heh.
I don't normally use my ping lists outside their subjects, but the election is Tuesday and our country's future is at stake.
Bump!
I can't think of a more critical time- it is "A time for choosing..."
Thanks for stopping by- I like the "Bush Goon" idea!
I would like to point out that we need EVERY SINGLE VOTE we can get to the polls, even in states that are considered "safe."
We need as many votes as we can get under the "Popular vote" column to head off the "he didn't win the popular vote" argument.
Absolutely right- all the unending whining fron the Left we have seen from 2000 will become even worse if we win by a narrow margin.
I already cast my vote for Dubya !!Early voting begins in Texas today 10-18-2004
BUSY polling place this morning!Here is an interesting site that tracks Early Voting in Texas.
To ALL Freepers and Lurker voters:
GO to the polls and vote for Bush. Take your friends with you to do the same. If you know any Zell Miller type Democrats that support Bush and they are voting for him, take them as well.
Vote EARLY to avoid the rush, and remember:
IGNORE ANYTHING IN THE MEDIA YOU HEAR (i.e., making a fast, early call in Florida for Kerry, etc.). WE CAN AVOID A REPEAT OF THE FLORIDA ELECTION DEBACLE OF 2000 THIS YEAR IF GOP TURNOUT IS STRONG, imho.
[Expletive deleted] !!!
Good advice, good graphics- thanks! Onward to victory.
Excellent point. It will be a shame if any Republicans stay home because Estrich mentioned "4 hour early voting" lines just because this state is (sadly) a lock for Kerry according to, well, everyone. VOTE no matter what!
Thank you, sir. And thanks for all your hard work! :^D
Thanks for the kind words- and fasten your seatbelt, batten down the hatches, and hang on-- the next few days will be wild.
Seatbelt fastened!:
PING and VOTE!
Thanks for the ping!
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