MoveOn.org

Especially out here in the Shenandoah (but I suspect in other parts of Virginia that tend "red" also), the Reactionaries like to scare their rank and file with horror stories: MoveOn is sending its "paid operatives" into the area to stir up trouble, or so-and-so is a MoveOn organizer (the implication being that he or she is evil). It reminds me of old time (or maybe not so old time) segretationists who warned their neighbors (sometimes wearing white robes and pointy hoods) that civil rights workers ("outside agitators") were coming to town to stir up trouble.

Because that's pretty much what MoveOn is about--protecting the rights of citizens, helping them speak up and have their voices heard--and if citizens would just investigate on their own, instead of letting Fox News and Rush Limbaugh and, locally, the SWACtionaries, feed them lies, they'd learn the truth, and they'd learn that the Reactionaries are lying to them.

From MoveOn.org:

The MoveOn family of organizations brings real Americans back into the political process. With over 3.3 million members across America – from carpenters to stay-at-home moms to business leaders – we work together to realize the progressive promise of our country. MoveOn is a service – a way for busy but concerned citizens to find their political voice in a system dominated by big money and big media.

Now, considering how much time the SWACtionaries spend whining about the "mainstream media," you'd think that they would want to sign up. This is how we can really give voice to the voiceless--through a true grassroots organization, not one that is manipulated by the greedy, corrupt and power-mad right-wing. I'm proud to be a member of MoveOn.