Make the Media Tell the Truth!

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By Ilya Sheyman, National Community Organizer DFA

Ending the war in Iraq has been DFA's priority from day one, and we will not stop until every soldier is home. Now we're at another critical juncture. On September 11, General Petraeus is expected to report to Congress on the success of the "surge" in Iraq. He's supposed to outline our progress and our setbacks over the past few months.

But, we already know that's not going to happen. The General's report is going to "actually be written by the White House, with inputs from officials throughout the government."¹ President Bush will try to mislead the public again with a whitewashed progress report from Iraq.

We won't let him get away with it.

America needs the truth about what's happening in Iraq. The media must be stopped from blindly "reporting" more positive spin from the Administration.

At your September Link-Up Event, please write letters to the editor of your local paper. In your own words, demand that they report the truth about the situation in Iraq. Tell them you're tired of yes-men and faulty White House reports with cherry-picked facts that hide the big picture. It's time for the media to "Tell the Truth" about what's happening on the ground.

On September 12, we'll follow up with something the media won't be able to ignore. Organize a "Tell the Truth" event outside your local media outlet.

Here's how to do it:

• Pick a local T.V. station near you. If you have a FOX affiliate pick them, but any of the networks will do.
• Keep it simple. Make at least a dozen signs in advance, the bigger the sign the better, with only three words: TELL THE TRUTH
• Don't stand still. Think of the event as a picket line, not a vigil.
• Think visually. What you wear will help sell the message. If possible - veterans, clergy, etc. should be easily identifiable.
• Timing matters. Hold your event during the evening news. Networks love to report live. Make sure your event happens from 5 to 7pm.

Post your event on our website so other DFA members can find it:

http://www.DemocracyforAmerica.com/planmediarally

The Republicans are planning to exploit the memory of September 11 to support their failing war of choice. The Bush administration's rhetoric can not go unchallenged. The media is not at the command of the White House Press Secretary. You have the power to pressure the media to tell the truth.

Thanks for all you do,

Ilya Sheyman
National Community Organizer

P.S.  When organizing your event, you might find the links below helpful.

Find a list of media outlets in your community at:
http://www.congress.org/congressorg/dbq/media

September agenda, talking points and material are available at:
http://www.DFALink.com/Resources

Rove, Romney & Ghouliani

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by Propagandee

August 13, 2007

When pro-war Presidential hopeful Mitt Romney was asked if any of his five sons had volunteered for military service, he replied that they were showing their support "for our nation by...helping to get me elected."

As Blogosfear's military consultant, General Snark, observed: "What an inspiring sight. Five strapping young men braving the heat of the Iowa corn fields in their air-conditioned, up-armored Winnebago." Now that's shared sacrifice for you.

Not to be outdone, Rudy Ghouliani tries to convince us that posing for photo-ops in front of the ruins of the World Trade Center put him at equal risk for health complications as the rescue and recovery workers digging their way through all that toxic rubble. No word yet whether he will accompany Michael Moore on his next mercy trip to Cuba for medical treatment.

Click here to read the rest of this post:

 

Our Race to Win

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By Jim Dean, DFA

The fight to bring health care to every American is not just a national issue. It is a local one too. Governors, state legislators, and insurance commissioners are taking the lead on health care, often making a difference when no one else will.

Gary Anderson is taking the lead in his state. That's why he's our candidate for Mississippi Insurance Commissioner.

Contribute $20.07 today to put Gary over the top:

www.democracyforamerica.com/anderson

As you might imagine, insurance is a big deal in Mississippi. Almost two years after Katrina, many residents are still waiting for insurance payments to begin rebuilding their lives. 

As a key member of the State Health Insurance Board and the sole insurance rate-setting authority in the state, Gary will find ways to help pay for annual physical exams, periodic screenings, and preventative education and care.

When we win, Gary will be the first African American elected to statewide office in Mississippi in over a hundred years. Gary's victory on August 7th will prove a Democrat can win in the Deep South and set the national stage for Democrats to win so-called red states across the country. Please contribute $20.07 and help Gary make history:

www.democracyforamerica.com/anderson

Democracy for America is not waiting for 2008 to make change happen. Gary's race is happening right now; victory in 2007 is ours to win!

Thank you for moving America forward.