Organizations have been deceiving the public in this fashion for nearly a
century, perhaps more. The most egregious violators of the language trust
have been "independent" advertisers seeking to give the public the
impression they're all squishy and wonderful interest groups protecting the
rights of all:
The names are fleeting these days because most are ad hoc groups formed to
get a policy initiative passed or blocked or a candidate elected or a
candidate defeated.
*The drug companies trying to put a spin on prescription drugs for anyone,
especially seniors, by coalescing around the words, "choice" and "quality"
drugs (vs. cheaper and as effective generics) and reduced profits that
undermine research and development of new pharmaceuticals.
*Selling stadia as economic development tools when everywhere they've been
financed by public money, the surrounding economy has tubed.
*Selling self-serving development policies by calling oneself a sensible
land use coalition and attempting to co-opt the private and public sector
watchdogs over rampant and irresponsible sprawl.
These all involve Minneapolis and St. Paul firms, all with fancy names for
marketing use or persuasion objectives but deceiving the public by inferring
the very opposite of what they really are.
The goal of Minneapolis Republicans would be to stifle the traditional role
of labor in electing Democrats and Greens, so why not form an organization
dedicated to "labor" when unions are anathema to Republicans.
It's phony baloney. But it confuses people enough to create the very public
distrust they seek to create. Confusion naturally leads to resentment, often
in the wrong direction, but there nevertheless.
Andy Driscoll
Saint Paul
--------
I (cannot) submit the whole system of my opinions to the creed of any party
of men (and women) whatever in religion, in philosophy, in politics, or in
anything else where I was capable of thinking for myself. Such an addiction
is the last degradation of a free and moral agent.
--- Thomas Jefferson (updated)
> From: "Linda Higgins" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> So who is this group made up of? Seems as if they've co-opted a term and
> are using it to misdirect voters.
>
>
> linda higgins
> old highland
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