ATTENTION Californians - Defeat The Governator

[ProudDad]

There's an idea that has been floating around in my head lately that may allow those of us who live in California to defeat the Gropenator (Schwarzenegger) in his latest effort to bypass our legislature with his money. I'm still trying to figure out how to get it implemented, maybe we can figure this out together.

For those who don't know, Der Fuhrer and his handlers are raising $50 million to hire paid signature gatherers in order to force another expensive special election to vote on a set of horrible initiatives in November. This "special" election will cost the California Taxpayers $70 million.

One initiative would dismantle the pension plans for state workers and teachers in exactly the same way that the shrub is trying to destroy Social Security. Another would force a redrawing of California electoral districts a'la Tom Delay in Texas except by republican judges instead of the Democratic Legislature. Another would change the budget rules and finish the job that Proposition 13 has done to destroy California's infrastructure and what once was one of the best systems of education in the world.

The right-wing idealogues are trying out their ideas in California because lately their money has been able to buy the initiative process in this state.

OK, here's the idea. We mobilize enough volunteers so that where ever Ahnald's signature gatherers set up they are immediately accompanied by "Truth Tellers" who can pass out flyers and engage in polite, considerate dialogue with the people who stop. It would be easy to frame these issues in such a way as to keep people from signing these petitions.

I'm thinking of an effort like MoveOn's mobilization of election workers. This effort would include a central database of volunteers, a kit that each person could carry in their car and phone facilities. Whenever a volunteer saw signature gatherers they could immediately set up to be a "Truth Teller" or if they don't have the time, phone a central 800 number and get someone down ASAP to do so. The kit would include flyers, maybe some cool hat with a sign on it saying "Truth Teller", talking points, volunteer forms, etc.

I think it's entirely possible to keep the forces of darkness from getting enough signatures (they only have until the middle of April) or at the least, get some publicity (it's a neat "man bites dog" story). I'm also sure that this kind of effort would seriously increase the cost of their gathering effort.

What do you think? Does anyone know how to get in touch with MoveOn or any other organization that could help us implement something like this. I personally would pledge every available hour until April 15th to be a "Truth Teller"!!! I'm sure we could mobilize thousands of others...



:nuke: ahnald

[JDPriestly]

1. This will be done in L.A.

[YvonneCa]

2. I'll make that pledge...

...MoveOn is having a round of House Parties this Thursday (March 10th). I'm sure if you check their website, there are probably several in California. That could be a good place to start. :hi:

[proud patriot]

3. That's right

go see if I can find a Moveon house party to attend .

This will be a great place to start .

[msongs]

4. saw arnolds petition signature gatherers out in force today AND

they were all wearing shiny new t shirts claiming to be Save California!
so I asked they guy how much he was paid per signature for arnolds initiatives and he said up to $2 per signature. i asked him how it feels to be a cheap prostitute working for such a low rate>

the guy got mad....doh

Msongs
www.msongs.com/liberaltshirts.htm

edited a typo

[robertarctor]

5. There's always the recall option, too.

Imagine Ahnult's special election getting hijacked by a recall. That would be sweet justice indeed.

[proud patriot]

6. I'm all signed up to attend a house party in my town

:shrug:

[ProudDad]

8. Tell them about it

[shance]

7. It's the Recall scam all over again.

You're right about the publicity. Perhaps we should work on a statewide Democratic canvassing effort to go door to door.

[proud patriot]

9. Some neat ideas in My California Forum Thread

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=141&topic_id=7752#

[erpowers]

10. Great Idea

The only thing I would say is do not wait until the Schwarzenegger team goes somewhere to begin to tell the people the truth. Get your people out there before the other side gets there. That way you do not have to try to compete against the other people in trying to convince people of what is going on. If you want to contact MoveOn maybe you should go to their website and try to email them or get their number and call them. I am sure they will be willing to help.

[proud patriot]

11. I'm afraid the petition people are out there now

:-(

[realFedUp]

12. Good idea...also write letters to local papers, including the freebies

can reach a larger audience....write about
the petition gatherers, how much they are
getting, what the petitions say and what the
costs will be to all Californians.

If anyone puts a truth paper together, please
post it in the California section.

The State CA Dem party should be all over this.