DU Group proposal: Propaganda Debunker

[Sweet Freedom]

I would like to propose the following:

The DU Propaganda Debunking Group will provide information to discredit and or refute right-wing propaganda disseminated via, but not limited to: e-mail (hoaxes, urban legends, and chain letters); newspaper (opinion pieces, letters to the editor); 527 organizations (such as SBVT); and broadcast media (such as radio and television).

Nearly everyday someone is requesting help debunking something they saw or received. It would be nice to have all that info in one group and to have solutions and suggestions other than “delete it” or “ignore it”.

Anyone interested? If so, any suggestions for an improved or edited mission statement?

[NewJeffCT]

1. I'd be interested

I proposed something similar a few months back & it went over like the proverbial lead balloon.

[JaneDoughnut]

2. Can we include a focus on Iran?

When the RW rumors started flying that OBL was in Iran, I thought we should get a group of journalists to pledge to investigate and counter these stories as necessary, before another war takes place. You know, instead of looking up a year later and going, "Oh, gee, sorry America, we just took the White House at its word." I don't think I'm qualified to BE one of these journalists, but we must force the media to ask these questions before it's too late.

[Sweet Freedom]

3. Yes, I think debunking media propaganda should be included /nt

[Sweet Freedom]

15. Jane, are you officially in?

If so, I believe we have a group.

[Sweet Freedom]

4. Anyone else??

[Texasgal]

5. I would like that...

Count me in!

[Maat]

6. I'm in.

[Sweet Freedom]

7. I think we're halfway there...

Who else? :bounce:

(Pretend I am Puss in Boots from Shrek 2 and you cannot resist my "Bambi eyes". Sorry, I just rented it for my kiddo and I've seen it 4 times this week)



(edited to include photo)

[Sweet Freedom]

10. So, I can tell,

the eyes are not working.

Would it help if I told you I'm purring? ;-)

[Sweet Freedom]

8. Here's an example

from today:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2803024

[ConservativeDemocrat]

9. Sure...

Understand though, that there'd have to be some rule that allows
people to put links to GOP-lie sites in this group. The knee-jerk reaction around here is to Alert such posts rather than develop the appropriate devastating counter-attack that Democrats need when in forums they don't control.

- C.D. Proud Member of the Reality Based Community

[Downtown Hound]

11. I think this is a great idea

and sorely needed. I'm interested.

[Vincardog]

12. I am in how can I help?

[Sweet Freedom]

26. I have proposed the group to Skinner

and am waiting for the go-ahead.

Please stay tuned and watch for the new group, Once we get established we can fine-tune the particulars.

Some suggestions have already been made (Demopedia and watch dogs). We can search our archives and link to previously debunked propaganda. We can also search Snopes, Truthorfiction, Factcheck, Spinsanity, etc.

I think if you find something that fits the mission, post it!

Thanks for the support. :hi:

[alexisfree]

13. look

how can I help?.

[Sweet Freedom]

27. Please see post #26 /nt

[The Doctor.]

14. I'm hip...

such a focus group would be quite valuable...

Tell me what you need.

[Sweet Freedom]

28. Thanks, Doc. Please see post #26 /nt

[MelanieArt]

16. Count me in.

I'm all for it, it's a great idea! I feel it's a big problem that needs attention, I'd be happy to participate.

[Sweet Freedom]

29. Thanks, Melanie. Welcome to DU! /nt

[MelanieArt]

31. No problem! It's a great idea! :)

and thanks for the welcome, I've been loving it here.

I spend enough time debunking ignorant chain emails that people send to me, I might as well put it to better use. I recieved one yesterday that I couldn't believe anyone would pass along, but they do, they always do.

[Sweet Freedom]

17. Great! I believe we have a group!

Before I submit to the administrators, are there any issues, rules or mission statement revisions to discuss?

To address the issue of GOP sites…I think if we post a link to a repub site, we could include a snip in our post so that readers can see what they are linking to (if they choose to go there).

Also, I think it might be helpful if the title of threads posted in the group are the same as the title of the propaganda piece. That way, we won’t have a gazillion threads with “Can you help me debunk this?” as the title.

Any other thoughts or issues?

[Downtown Hound]

21. This may be a long shot and more trouble than it's worth

but I'll propose it nevertheless. Maybe we could have certain people to volunteer to do certain "beats" like one person does fox news and another does World Net Daily or something. Again, I know that's a big commitment for some to take on, and it might be a little more rigid than we're hoping for, but it might be a good way to attack the propaganda that's out there in a very organized way. What do you guys think? I'd be willing to take on a beat.

[Sweet Freedom]

24. I think if someone is willing to take on the task...

more power to us! We certainly could try it and see if we can make it work.

I think it's a good suggestion.

[Sweet Freedom]

18. Suggestion from Skinner

"I might suggest figuring out a way to use the new Demopedia to save all the info you collect."

Something for us to keep in mind...

[SomthingsGotaGive]

19. great idea

If we act professionally I'm sure many of the authors we debunk would be happy to appear here and answer questions.

As has happened many times before.

I'm in.

Can we include dis-information?

[Sweet Freedom]

25. Yes we can include dis-information

and I think your point about professionalism is important. Let's keep in mind that not only is our goal to debunk, we should also aim to inform and sway those who have accepted propaganda as truth.

Think of all the people DUers have swayed, one person at a time. Drip, drip, drip.

[EstimatedProphet]

20. count me in

[da_chimperor]

22. I'm up for that.

This is weird. I was thinking about starting a group like this just late night. I got pretty pissed off about prisionplanet.com 'articles' being put into LBN and GD, and then getting challenged on all of it by irritable tinfoil hatters.

[kaitykaity]

23. Great Idea.

This will be fun -- like fish in a barrel.

:hi:

[Catchawave]

30. I'll be interested....

Looks like you have enough too :)