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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
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