-Caveat Lector- Someone seems to be engaged in faking support for Bush in letters to online editors, with identical wording. :-)
---------- Forwarded message ---------- Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 18:26:29 -0500 From: Declan McCullagh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: FC: Confirmed: Google reveals Bush's faux astroturf campaign [Clearly I should have followed the links more carefully last night before sending out the earlier message. Mea culpa. The GOP appears to have been caught. Also, Jack King did a Westnews search and found the identical letter in the Deseret News, The Gazette, The Press Democrat (Santa Rosa, CA), and The Press-Enterprise (Riverside, CA). Previous Politech message: http://www.politechbot.com/p-04332.html --Declan] --- Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 17:27:29 -0500 (EST) From: Jonathan Weinberg <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Declan McCullagh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: FC: Google reveals Bush administration's astroturf campaign? In-Reply-To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> No, the point is that the *entire letters* are verbatim, word-for-word, identical; searching for the catchphrase is just how you find them on google. Read the links. No matter how big the country is, it doesn't contain a large number of people who independently come up with the exact same 130-word letter. Jon --- Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 15:52:15 -0600 (CST) From: Alif The Terrible <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Declan McCullagh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: FC: Google reveals Bush administration's astroturf campaign? On Mon, 20 Jan 2003, Declan McCullagh wrote: > [I don't think we have nearly enough facts here to make a reasoned > conclusion. An explanation could be as simple as Republican direct mail > efforts using this phrase, which the recipients echo in letters to the > editor. It's a big country; there's bound to be some repetition. --Declan] Declan, If you examine the links, these aren't mere phrases being echoed, they are word for word copies of entire "letters". No question these are not the "spontaneous" utterances of those who are purported to have written them. Yours, J.A. Terranson [EMAIL PROTECTED] --- From: "Werberg, Sam" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: "'[EMAIL PROTECTED]'" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: RE: Google reveals Bush administration's astroturf campaign? Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 17:11:45 -0500 Declan, More than a coincidence here. These identical letters were all sent through the Republican National Committee's letter-to-the-editor service, as pointed out by the Eatthestate.org folks in the first letter below. <opinion>Nothing particularly sinister I suppose, if it represents actual individual citizens voicing their opinions. What is bothersome though it that it's just another sign of people being unable to express and articulate their own opinion. And that is certainly not limited to any one political party.</opinion> -Sam Werberg __________snip_______________ RNC Zombies Dear Eat the State!, President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the President noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right--our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. Sincerely, --Melissa Whitis, via e-mail G.P. comments: This was one of a number of letters we get regularly through a letter-to-the-editor distribution service run by the Republican National Committee. I couldn't resist printing this one, not just because of the boilerplate nonsense, but because I totally agree with Melissa. I don't want weapons of mass destruction in the hands of freedom's enemies. I certainly don't want world events to be dictated by brutal and lawless politicians. That's why I support regime change in Washington DC. <http://eatthestate.org/07-04/Backtalk.htm>http://eatthestate.org/07-04/Backtalk.htm __________ Applause for Bush PRESIDENT BUSH should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the president noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. Bush is right -- our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. Andrew Burak Oxnard (Ventura County) <http://www.examiner.com/opinion/default.jsp?story=op.letters.1114w>http://www.examiner.com/opinion/default.jsp?story=op.letters.1114w Bush right in wanting to act against Saddam President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the President noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right -our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. CHRIS McINTOSH Norcross <http://albanyh.surfsouth.com/forumarchive/1102/forum113002.html>http://albanyh.surfsouth.com/forumarchive/1102/forum113002.html Bush is right To the Editor: President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the president has noted, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right -our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. Charles L. Mitchell Jr. - Bremerton <http://www.thesunlink.com/opinion/2002/november/1129let.html>http://www.thesunlink.com/opinion/2002/november/1129let.html ABOUT: Support President Bush on Iraq issue FROM: Eric Ord, Carlsbad, CA President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the President noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right - our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. <http://www.hispanicvista.com/html/102102le.htm>http://www.hispanicvista.com/html/102102le.htm From: Jim Salter Subject: I support President Bush's efforts to protect our nation from Iraq October 31, 2002 The Progressive Headquarters 409 E Main St Madison, WI 53703- Dear Progressive: President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the President noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right - our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. Sincerely, Jim Salter <http://www.progressive.org/talkback2/talker1102a19.html>http://www.progressive.org/talkback2/talker1102a19.html President Bush Is Right By John Turley, Fountain Valley, CA President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the President noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right - our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. <http://www.pakistanlink.com/Opinion/2002/Nov/08/08.html>http://www.pakistanlink.com/Opinion/2002/Nov/08/08.html Bush Courage Editor, Times-Union: President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the president noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. I don't want my children and grandchildren to have to worry about Sept. 11th or worse ever happening in their lifetime. I want these people stopped now. If you are breathing today you should be scared for your future. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right - our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. Pattie Marlow Syracuse via e-mail <http://www.timeswrsw.com/M021015.HTM>http://www.timeswrsw.com/M021015.HTM Kudos to Bush for taking a stand President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the president noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right ---- our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. Jeff Olhasso Temecula <http://www.nctimes.com/news/2002/20021110/zzzz.html>http://www.nctimes.com/news/2002/20021110/zzzz.html Bush is trying to protect nation from Iraq President Bush should be applauded for taking a courageous stand against Saddam Hussein's outlaw regime and its reckless pursuit of weapons of mass destruction. As the president noted in his recent address to the nation, the riskiest option for dealing with Iraq is to do nothing. Inaction would only give Saddam Hussein time to complete his malicious pursuit of nuclear weapons and would embolden tyrants and terrorists everywhere. Acting now to disarm Saddam Hussein, using military force if necessary, is the only way we will keep America safe from weapons of mass destruction that fall into the hands of freedom's enemies. President Bush is right our nation cannot let world events be dictated by brutal and lawless dictators. JOHN LUCAS Vista <http://www.nctimes.com/news/2002/20021208/zzzz.html>http://www.nctimes.com/news/2002/20021208/zzzz.html --- Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 14:09:27 -0800 (PST) From: Doug Masson <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Declan McCullagh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Bush Leadership & Astroturf Looks like astroturf. It's a form letter. I'm attaching the results of the 1st page of Google letters. The second looks to be more of the same. <http://www.pressdemocrat.com/opinion/letters/14letts.html> EDITOR: When it comes to the economy, President Bush is demonstrating genuine leadership. The economic growth package he recently proposed takes us in the right direction by accelerating the successful tax cuts of 2001, providing marriage penalty relief and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest. Contrary to the class warfare rhetoric attacking the president's plan, the proposal helps everyone who pays taxes, especially the middle class. This year alone, 92 million taxpayers will receive an immediate tax cut averaging $1,083, and 46 million married couples will get back an average of $1,714. That's not pocket change for a family struggling through uncertain economic times. Combined with the initiatives to help the unemployed, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy. TREVOR CARLSON Santa Rosa <http://www.thestarpress.com/tsp/opinion/03/jan/0110bushtaxplan.php> JOHN PINCKNEY - 400 Aspen Lane When it comes to the economy, President Bush is demonstrating genuine leadership. The economic growth package he recently proposed takes us in the right direction by accelerating the successful tax cuts of 2001, providing marriage penalty relief, and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest. Contrary to the class warfare rhetoric attacking the president's plan, the proposal helps everyone who pays taxes, and especially the middle class. This year alone, 92-million taxpayers will receive an immediate tax cut averaging $1,083 - and 46-million married couples will get back an average of $1,714. That's not pocket change for a family struggling through uncertain economic times. Combined with the president's new initiatives to help the unemployed, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy. <http://www.boston.com/dailyglobe2/012/letter/Bush_s_cuts_are_the_way_to_go+.shtml> WHEN IT COMES to the economy, President Bush has demonstrating genuine leadership. The growth package he has proposed takes us in the right direction by accelerating the successful tax cuts of 2001, providing marriage penalty relief, and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest. Contrary to the class warfare rhetoric attacking Bush's plan, the proposal helps everyone who pays taxes and especially the middle class. This year alone, 92 million taxpayers will receive an immediate tax cut averaging $1,083 - and 46 million married couples will get back an average of $1,714. That's not pocket change for a family struggling through uncertain economic times. Combined with the president's new initiatives to help the unemployed, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy. STEPHANIE JOHNSON Milton <http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache:tJ3dGoPzz9sJ:www.tucsoncitizen.com/opinion/1_9_03letters.html+%22demonstrating+genuine+leadership%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8> Bush's stimulus plan a winner President Bush is demonstrating genuine leadership when it comes to the economy. The economic growth package he just proposed takes us in the right direction by accelerating the tax cuts of 2001, providing marriage penalty relief, and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest. Contrary to the class warfare rhetoric coming from the liberal politicians attacking the president's plan, the proposal helps everyone who pays taxes, and especially the middle class. This year alone, 92 million taxpayers will receive an immediate tax cut averaging $1,083 and 46 million married couples would get back an average of $1,714. That's not pocket change for a family struggling through uncertain times. Combined with Bush's initiatives to help the unemployed, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy. - SHERRY COLLINS <http://www.wausaudailyherald.com/wdhopinion/280902175259552.shtml> Bush tax cuts help economy, create jobs EDITOR: When it comes to the economy, President Bush is demonstrating genuine leadership. The economic growth package he recently proposed takes us in the right direction by accelerating the successful tax cuts of 2001, providing marriage-penalty relief and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest. Contrary to the class-warfare rhetoric attacking the president's plan, the proposal helps everyone who pays taxes, especially the middle class. This year alone, 92 million taxpayers will receive an immediate tax cut averaging $1,083 - and 46 million married couples will get back an average of $1,714. That's not pocket change for a family struggling through uncertain economic times. Combined with Bush's new initiatives to help the unemployed, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy. David Bednarski, Wausau <http://www.upgroup.com/gazette/Archives/aletters.html> To the editor: When it comes to the economy, President Bush is demonstrating genuineleadership. The economic growth package he recently proposed takes us in the right direction by accelerating the successful tax cuts of 2001, providing marriage-penalty relief, and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest. Contrary to the class warfare rhetoric attacking the president's plan, the proposal helps everyone who pays taxes, and especially the middle class. This year alone, 92 million taxpayers will receive an immediate tax cut averaging $1,083 and 46 million married couples will get back an average of $1,714. That's not pocket change for a family struggling through uncertain economic times. Combined with the president's new initiatives to help the unemployed, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy. NICK KOSZYKOWSKI Dodgeville <http://216.239.39.100/search?q=cache:y4hSf2Dh-58C:www.galvnews.com/letters.lasso+%22demonstrating+genuine+leadership%22&hl=en&ie=UTF-8> When it comes to the economy, President George Bush is demonstrating genuine leadership. The economic growth package he recently proposed takes us in the right direction by accelerating the successful tax cuts of 2001, providing marriage penalty relief, and providing incentives for individuals and small businesses to save and invest. Contrary to the class warfare rhetoric attacking the president's plan, the proposal helps everyone who pays taxes, and especially the middle class. This year alone, 92 million taxpayers will receive an immediate tax cut averaging $1,083 and 46 million married couples will get back an average of $1,714. That's not pocket change for a family struggling through uncertain economic times. Combined with the president's new initiatives to help the unemployed, this plan gets people back to work and helps every sector of our economy. Chuck and Leah Williams Lake Jackson --- Date: Mon, 20 Jan 2003 13:59:27 -0800 (PST) From: Joseph Lorenzo Hall <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: Declan McCullagh <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: FC: Google reveals Bush administration's astroturf campaign? In-Reply-To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > [I don't think we have nearly enough facts here to make a reasoned > conclusion. An explanation could be as simple as Republican direct > mail efforts using this phrase, which the recipients echo in letters > to the editor. It's a big country; there's bound to be some > repetition. --Declan] But the letters are nearly identical... the republican campaign would have to be something like, "write a letter to the editor using these words to show your support"... it would be interesting for someone with lots of time on their hands to actually track some of these people down and pull a story out of it... Joe ------------------------------------------------------------------ Joseph Lorenzo Hall [EMAIL PROTECTED] Graduate Student astron.berkeley.edu/~jhall Astronomy Department 601 Campbell Hall voice: (510) 643-8592 University of California at Berkeley fax : (510) 642-3411 Berkeley, CA 94720-3411 face : 753B Campbell ------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITECH -- Declan McCullagh's politics and technology mailing list You may redistribute this message freely if you include this notice. To subscribe to Politech: http://www.politechbot.com/info/subscribe.html This message is archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ Declan McCullagh's photographs are at http://www.mccullagh.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Like Politech? 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