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....

[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!