Astroturf: Who is Really Laying Down Sod?

Posted on August 15th, 2009 by

Folks, I was curious about people calling the health care protests "astroturf;" meaning, the protesters are recruited to be there by right-wing fringe leaders like Glenn Beck, Sean Hannity, Bill O'Reilly, and, the mobfather himself, Rush Limbaugh.

But, people seem to be missing the point. Nancy Pelosi, for example, called those asking questions of the Messiah "Un-American." But, in 2006, she said, "I'm a fan of disruptors."

Check it out here.

Barack Obama said that those questioning him are being funded by Big Insurance...If only he had proof...

And he also blames the "ruckus" on "cable news." Now, ladies and gentlemen, let's not be dim here. He means Fox News.

But, if it turns out these groups are getting marching orders from groups,--in the words of Rush Limbaugh--'bout damn time.

And I completely agree. The aggressor sets the rules, folks. The left-wing loons set a precedent for disruptive behavior, and to refer to the questioning of an elected official as "Un-American" is simply that.

Now, let's take a look at the real astroturf.

Now, I must admit, I get my marching orders from MoveOn.org. I receive their email...just so I can know what's going on in the world outside of my God and Guns...

Here is part of an email from August 7, 2009:

Check it out--as well as just who is laying astroturf--after the jump...

Also, Sheila Jackson's townhall: a complete SHAM...

"Dear MoveOn member,

We've got a plan to fight back against these radical right-wingers. We've hired skilled grassroots organizers who are working with thousands of local volunteers to show Congress that ordinary Americans continue to support President Obama's agenda for change. And we're building new online tools to track events across the country and make sure MoveOn members turn out at each one.

It's getting ugly out there.

All across the country, right-wing extremists are disrupting congressional town-hall meetings with venomous attacks on President Obama's plans for health care and clean energy.

Last night in Tampa, Florida, a town hall meeting erupted into violence, with the police being called to break up fist fights and shoving matches.¹

A Texas Democrat was shouted down by right-wing hecklers, many of whom admitted they didn't even live in his district.²

One North Carolina representative announced he wouldn't be holding any town-hall meetings after his office began receiving death threats.³

And in Maryland, protesters hung a Democratic congressman in effigy to oppose health-care reform.^4"

Oh my God! Not in his district?! Let the record show, that I will be attending Dan Lungren's townhall meeting in Rancho Cordova in late August. I do not live in his district. Bring it on MoveOn! Also, Sheila Jackson held a townhall meeting where a doctor stood in support of Obamacare. Hot Air is reporting that she is not a doctor, and is, in fact, an Obama delegate; and was also Lead Organizer for Organizing for America in March of 2008! And, it turns out she was invited by that person who was in charge of that Obama campaign office with the Che flag...

So, as you can see, not so "grassroots."

Also, I received a link in another email issuing me my talking points.

Basically, it breaks down the top five health care lies.

And finally, in the newest email, they actually want me to write to the Sacramento Bee about how I want government controlled health care. And, they actually issue talking points.

Remember, these are the same people accusing the "right-wing mob" of just bloviating talking points.

From the email:

Here are some talking points specific to California you can use in your letter:

We can't afford to wait for reform: Each day, 2190 people in California lose their health care coverage. And without reform, those who still have insurance will see their yearly premiums go up by $9,380 in the next decade—to a staggering $22,660.

Reform with a real public option is key to expanding coverage: Under current legislation, which includes a strong public health insurance option, 5,337,000 people in California—and 37 million Americans nationwide¹—will gain coverage by 2019.

A real public health insurance option is crucial to lowering costs: With premiums projected to hit $22,660, we need to get costs down. By spurring competition, a public plan will help bring down out-of-control costs² for individuals, families, and small businesses.