Healthcare Reform Foes Using Radical
Alinsky’s Tactics
Influential Chicago activist Saul Alinsky wrote the book
on community organizing for the left.
Now in an ironic twist, opponents of
President Barack Obama and the Democrats’ healthcare reform plans are employing
some of the very same tactics that Alinsky, who died in 1972, espoused in his
work "Rules for Radicals."
As healthcare reform foes angrily
confront lawmakers at town-hall meetings, The New York Times observed: "It
is an irony of the current skirmishing about healthcare that those who could be
considered Mr. Alinsky’s sworn enemies — the groups, many industry sponsored,
who are trying to shout down Congressional town hall meetings — have taken a
page from his handbook on community organizing."
Among the Alinsky
"trademarks" that the Times’ Noam Cohen pointed to are "using
spectacle to make up for lack of numbers," targeting an individual — in
this case Obama — and "using ridicule to persuade the undecided."
As for complaints from Democrats about
the reform opponents’ sometimes belligerent tactics, Alinsky stated that
"any effective means is automatically judged by the opposition as being
unethical."
The Internet availability of many
town-hall confrontations would have won approval from Alinsky, who urged
activists to seek media attention — in particular by challenging public
officials on camera.
The boisterous disruption of the
meetings by reform foes also jibes with Alinsky’s tactics. He advised
organizers to "raise a din and clamor that will make the listener believe
that your organization numbers many more than it does."
Among the many community organizers
influenced by Alinsky, the most prominent today is — Barack Obama. He learned
and taught Alinsky’s methods for community organizing while working for the
Developing Communities Project in Chicago.
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To find
out how to participate in the Tea Party Express events across the country, CLICK HERE. But be
prepared to be called part of a right-wing organized mob!!
The Tea Party Express is meeting up with events and tea parties along its 7000+ mile route from Sacramento to Washington D.C.where people are protesting local issues, ObamaCare, taxes, government spending, stimulus, and the list goes on.
The Tea Party Express will end up in Washington D.C. to meet up with and take part in the National Tax Payer March on 9/12. Glenn Beck was asked to MC the event, but has decided to cover it for Fox Cable News.
Check back daily for updates on the Expresses progress and coverage of National Tax March on 9.12.09. I guess this should count as patriotic service to our Country since President Obama signed a bill last April changing 9/11 from a day to remember the events of 9/11 to a National Day of Service backed by mostly liberal organizations including ACORN, Color of Change and the Apollo Alliance.
See you in Washington D.C. on 9/12 if you can there or along the way at a tea party event. If you can’t be in DC in person, watch Glenn on Fox Cable News live that day from the event.
Ask Marion
SEPTEMBER 11, 2009 – HONOR IDEA
We have a little less than one month and counting to get the word out all across this great land and into every community in the United States of America.
THE PROGRAM:
On Friday, September 11th, 2009, an American flag should be displayed outside every home, apartment, office, and store in the United States. Every individual should make it their duty to display an American flag on this eighth anniversary of one of our country’s worst tragedies. We do this to honor those who lost their lives on 9/11, their families, friends, and loved ones who continue to endure the pain, and those who today are fighting at home and abroad to preserve our cherished freedoms.
In the days, weeks and months following 9/11, our country was bathed in American flags as citizens mourned the incredible losses and stood shoulder-to-shoulder against terrorism. Sadly, those flags have all but disappeared. Our patriotism pulled us through some tough times and it shouldn’t take another attack to galvanize us in solidarity. Our American flag is the fabric of our country and together we can prevail over terrorism of all kinds
So, here’s what we need you to do .
(1) Forward this email to everyone you know (at least 11 people). Take a moment to think back to how you felt on 9/11 and let those sentiments guide you.
(2) Fly an American flag of any size on 9/11. Honestly, Americans should fly the flag year-round, but if you don’t, then at least make it a priority on this day.
Thank you for your participation.
God Bless You and God Bless America!
Source: Knowledge Creates Power – Cross Posted: Daily Thought Pad
Posted: Marion’s Place
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