Request Input: Before TV, there were Newspapers, before that

[texpatriot2004]

there was word of mouth. If we have to get the word out ourselves and we have to get this news off the blogs and onto the streets so that those who aren't on the Internet like we are can get informed, well, I had this silly idea, or rather a visual of those people who used to be criers for news on the street corners. You know, "Extra Extra Read all About it" criers. Anyway, if we could amass all the information of the last month, you know, the heart of it, especially the facts about errors, exit polls, etc, and put it into a newsletter then have people handing it out. Well, what do you think?

[neversaynever]

1. Very good idea, better yet

dress up in a Santa Suit and get one of those salvation army type bells!!!!

Little Red bucket of truth, anyone?

[RevolutionaryActs]

2. Fabulous idea! I think its one of the best I've heard in a while.

:thumbsup:

:dem:

[texpatriot2004]

3. Hey, glad you like it. I will begin brainstorming this. Anyone else

have an opinion or idea related to this?

[Wordie]

8. I think in colonial times and earlier there was some sort of board in the

center of the town where people posted messages. I think they called them "Publick Notices." So this could perhaps be like an echo of our revolutionary ancestors, who took matters into their own hands in relation to a different George. Maybe you could build on that. I think this might be a good idea because it might appeal to the more moderate elements in our society. Frame the argument in terms of our shared heritage, etc. We don't need so much to convince the lefties.

[texpatriot2004]

4. kick it

[texpatriot2004]

5. kick it again

[pointsoflight]

6. Keep this wonderful quote in mind...

"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." ~ Margaret Mead

[atxryan]

7. word of mouth

I like it! However, it's another question of whether or not regular folks will believe in it... Lyndon LaRouche has people standing on the street corners, but his message is lost on deaf ears... How do you give credibility to this?

[texpatriot2004]

9. That's a good point. What would give it credibility? What kind

of info seems credible to you, us? You know, what gives something credence? The sources for one. Also, in terms of the criers, these people need to be credible, believable. What else?

[texpatriot2004]

10. kick it for input

[17yroldtwins]

11. How many of us are there?

I just can't help wondering.

Judging from the rate of attendance at the demonstrations we're a small but vocal group.

We need a Lech Wallensa (pardon the spelling). I know that Rep. Conyers(sp?) and Jesse Jackson are voices to be reckoned with, but I think we need a voice from the people...a leader who will rally the troops.

What do you think?

Attie

[texpatriot2004]

13. I agree, I wonder how that leader is born? You know, practically

speaking, what gives rise to this person? I have been researching this issue since 11/3 or 11/4. I have read and printed about two reams of info. I have organized it into categories. I am sharing it with other. I am willing to speak, but where? How? I don't know yet and I am not saying that I would be the leader. Just kind of talking and thinking via the keyboard here. Anyway, I think you are right. Where's my Mr. Microphone when I need it?

[Oak2004]

21. A big part of credibility is that the message itself rings true

People will most certainly accept non-standard sources of information if those non-standard sources fit what they've seen themselves, or are consistent with what they believe to be true.

In many parts of this country people saw with their own eyes the number of people who came out to vote for Kerry. I'd venture to guess that most people know that Bush stole the White House the first time around, and that he lies. We know that a bare majority of the public does not trust or believe the major news media.

Really, the only think working against us is that the DNC and Kerry aren't out there on the front lines, fighting this with us. Find a way to handle that doubt, and I think our message, by virtue of ringing true, will be more credible than anything that the major media is currently passing off as news.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

12. Good one

We had an open-mike protest today that ended up being very similar to what you are talking about. Somebody brought a boombox and played good old anti-war/protest music, and people walking by ended up stopping and singing along ("1-2-3 What are we fightin' for/ Don't ask me I don't give a damn, etc). A Salvation Army ringer was set up nearby which actually ended up being an asset, just drew extra attention our way. Protests are very cathartic. End up meeting people face to face, get to speak out loud (whole different thing than typing, and having a billion thoughts stuck, swirling in your brain with no outlet). Anyway, I like your idea.

[texpatriot2004]

14. I am going to my first protest tomorrow. I look forward to it.

Especially after what you shared here. I can relate to all the thoughts in my head with no outlet for them.

[eowyn_of_rohan]

15. I hope you have a great time. Is it one of the capital city protests?

It will be interesting to see how many turn out for these. Even if it isn't a lot, we can feel good that we are on the cutting edge!

[texpatriot2004]

16. Yes, Austin Texas.

[atxryan]

19. good to hear

Hi texpatriot! Good to have you on board...
Visit http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=180&topic_id=7292&mesg_id=7292 to see what your fellow DUers are planning on. I hope to be able to meet you.

-RYAN JOY
r at joyserve.net

[17yroldtwins]

24. If your protest experience is anything like mine

you will get very energized and feel so good about putting yourself out there.

You'll get positive honks and 'thumbs up' but you'll also get laughed at and have folks say 'get over it'.

I hope your group is good about 'peaceful' protest. When our folks curse back at the objecting few or give them the finger I think it hurts our cause.

Anyway, have a great time. It is DEMOCRACY IN ACTION!!!

Attie

[eowyn_of_rohan]

25. Well, were you able to go to the rally?

If so, how did it go? I hear Austin had 3-400 people! That is one of the best turnouts of all the states. Here in Madison it was blowing about 25-30 MPH half the time, and in the 30s, so it was pretty cold, but so fun. We had about 150-175 -not bad!

[lonestarnot]

17. A good freeway blog works too! Newspaper, skywriting

town crier...use megaphones, disturb the neighborhood...just word out.

[vlad]

18. New here, but have a request.

Hello there, liberal in Pa.
Great idea, my roommate and I were going to post flyers and things like that at grocery stores, local, and even the dreaded Wal-mart. Tape them to the windows in gas stations...
I had emailed all both TechTV and CourtTV and all of their shows that investigate respective things and wondered if you guys would email them send feedback, force multiplier... Tech TV on the DREs and companies.. CourtTV on lawsuits in Ohio, voting law, and other things.. Specialized shows might be able to have a new story after Peterson goes away!

[jamboi]

20. Great idea. Also wherever you go you can ask: Did you hear about the

election fraud in OH? Did you know there's a recount going on in OH due to the odd problems there? Get the word of mouth thing going. Keep it non-partisan, cuz its a non-partisan issue. Freely admit that the Dems likely participated too and that you just want to get to the bottom of it so that every vote counts.

[shiina]

22. Planting Seeds in not-so Fertile Minds...How to?

Great idea, jamboi. We talked about stuff like that at a recent meeting of a peace group here...how to talk to people in a way that doesn't get a bad reaction which will cause them to reject our message.

Just mention some little odd fact that will get them curious, don't make any accusations.

I wouldn't use the word "fraud" even, because people in this country seem to be trained to turn their brains off and immediately label something like that as a crazy conpiracy theory.

Talking about the Ukraine election might be a good idea. "You heard they're going to re-do the whole election in the Ukraine, right? I heard it's because they're exit polls were off and no one trusted the result. It's weird, but I heard that they exit polls were way off in some of the swing states here, too. I guess they're going to do recounts in Ohio..."

Probably, I mean to really plant seeds, you want to sound like you don't know too much. If you do it really well, they'll get curious, and go read something, then come back to you a few days later and tell *you* something...or mention it to someone else... Do this to everyone at work and you can get your own little echo chamber going. :)

In any case, gauge their reaction, go slowly, give them more when you think they can handle it. One comment every few days can really start to build up, get them curious, thinking about it. If they come across something related, they'll be more likely to listen to it or read it because they've heard about it already.

I don't know...just some ideas. Let me know what you think.

[proudbluestater]

23. I was thinking of a simple flyer. I downloaded one last night.

Could be beneficial to stick on poles, car windshields, etc.

Before television there were also newsreels that played at the movie theaters, telling the folks of the progress in the various wars. Of course, they were filled with propaganda, much like today's television is.