Are we spending too much time on DU?

[garybeck]

I realize most of us do things like contact the senators and sign the petitions, but I'm wondering if in general we could be spending more time getting the word out beyond DU.

The other day I posted a message on a Usenet Newsgroup titled "Still think Bush Won? Think Again". I included some info in the email and a link to a few websites for more info.

I got several responses, covering the whole gamut from "screw you, idiot" to "right on".

the important responses I got were from Kerry supporters who at first were chastising me for being a crazy conspiracy nut. but after a few replies, several people started to look at the information and realize there's something to it. one said, "OK, Bush stole it, but there's nothing we can do about it" others agreed we need to make this a core issue.

My point is, that if we all tried to spend some time on Usenet or other boards and talk to people directly about election fraud, I know we will find many people who are willing to look at the facts and some people will join the cause.

We shouldn't just go to democratic boards and beat a dead horse. Usenet Newsgroups are a great way to reach out to other people and engage in direct conversations. Direct conversations is a very powerful way to spread the truth because you can answer any question or concern that they have.

do you like fishing? I'm sure there's a Usenet group on fishing where you could post a message and engage in a conversation. Or is there a music band you like? Most have a newsgroup.

My advice is to be respectful as possible and only focus on the true facts. also, if people attack you, kill them with kindness. It's amazing what can happen when you kill someone with kindness and other people are watching. the observers invariably become more interested in what you're talking about.

Just a thought, consider talking on Usenet newsgroups if you can. It's worth it.

BTW, just make sure the newsgroup doesn't have strict rules about posting information that isn't directly related to the newsgroup's subject. if you see other non-related information posted, it should be safe. In some cases they ask users to add something to the subject line, to indicate it's not directly related (like how we add "n/t" to our subject lines).

-Gary

[dzika]

1. heh.. I saw your newsgroup post and reposted it on DU.

[garybeck]

2. that's too friggin funny n/t

[dzika]

12. incest is best!

You have a good point, though.

How much information circulates on DU that should be making it (in one form or another) to a larger audience?

In addition to other things, I try to keep 1 or 2 real-world fraud related activities going locally. Workgroups, press conferences, recruiting new volunteers, talking with local media... something, anything.

The work means the most to me when I can connect it back to my community; to my flesh-and-blood life. I'm in NC, so sometimes I feel very alone in working on local tasks...

But then I come back do DU.

[SlowDownFast]

3. link?

[garybeck]

4. I will copy/paste some of it

I don't think there's a way to link to Usenet. I want the convseration to continue a little more, and then I'll paste highlights into a DU thread. Hopefully it will encourage others to get out on to usenet and spread the word.

[americanstranger]

19. You can link to Usenet through Google Groups.

I found your post. (Using TinyUrl because the Google Groups URL is about 3 miles long)

http://tinyurl.com/5s2l9

Glad to help. :)

-as

[smartvoter]

5. Let's set an organized day outside of DU devoted to this. nt.

[garybeck]

7. or how about this?

rather than making it a one-shot-deal, here's an idea.

EVERYONE READING THIS:

if you agree it is good to get the message out beyond DU, take a guesstimate of how much time you spend on DU per day, or per week, or whatever.

Now promise yourself to pry yourself from DU for a certain percentage of that time from this point on.

i'd say 20% is a good place to start. Do it every day, not just a one-shot-deal. Certainly won't prevent you from getting all the hot news on DU.

So take 20% of the time you spend on DU and go out to other non-related newsgroups and spread the word. Be civil. focus on facts. don't argue, be nice. show that you're a smart person not a conspiracy nut.

I think you'll find that the conversations you have will be just as rewarding (if not even more so) on these other groups. When you find a newbie who says "wow, thanks for showing me that. I thought something was up" You'll feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

but as you all know, this is not about feeling warm and fuzzy. it's about saving our country and our democracy.

Let's get the word out.

peace,
gary

[SlowDownFast]

8. excellent idea...

I already started a Votergate (that's what many folks were referring to it at first) topic at Utne Cafe (as in the magazine) in "Currents" last month, and its doing well, with new posts and responses everday.

I get most of the info i post there from lurking here (links,etc)

Been thinking of finding another general currents/news group to keep the network growing...

now i will for sure.

[housewolf]

6. Good idea, Gary

And good work!

:yourock:

[pauldp]

9. Great point Gary

We need to do the cyber equivalent of taking to the streets. Any ideas for mainstream boards to hit?

[Pepper32]

10. I do this already, on AOL boards. I get mixed responses....

Like you, I get Dems who say get over it, Kerry lost and we are only embarrassing ourselves by claiming fraud etc. I also get the nasty replies from repukes.

One repuke actually tried to justify the Ukraine hypocrisy by quoting a line from Kerry's concession speech. He kept asking, did Kerry lie when he said that there was no way he could win during his concession speech? In other words, fraud couldn't have happened here, as Kerry would not have conceded. :eyes:

Many Dems that believed there is fraud, fell for this and answered no. Then proceeded to say we should move on.

Long story short, I got into a two hour "debate" with this guy. Eventually, truth prevailed and he gave up. I also received many emails, from Dems/Liberals, praising my efforts and added some of them to my Fraud Update, email circle. :D

PS: Although, many did not... It really bothered me to see some of the Dems on that board, fall for rethuglican tricks.

[ccarter84]

11. righteous kick

[EuroObserver]

13. Use Indymedia too. n/t

[garybeck]

14. kick

[GetTheRightVote]

15. I tell other Demos & they are always reply that there was no way

that * won the election and they were certain of it but did not know how he got away with it. It looks like we need to put on our education hats and get out the info to other citizens.

:bounce:

[bunny planet]

16. I'm actually trying to get at least 10 people a day turned on to DU. I've

got the DU bumper sticker on my car and people have asked about it. I live in a very Democratic town but lots of people don't have a clue what's been going on since the election. Has anyone checked how many new members have joined since Nov.3rd, that would be helpful to know.

[genieroze]

17. I always post on the usenet.

If any freeper says screw you, I kill filter them.

[CantGetFooledAgain]

18. Google Groups is a Usenet archive...

Try a link like this:

http://groups-beta.google.com/groups?ie=UTF-8&q=%22election+fraud%22+diebold

I believe that you can post through Google Groups, though I haven't done it myself. Make sure to protect your email address if you do post.

It should be possible to find non-political groups where this conversation is already taking place, or where it could be started.

[americanstranger]

20. Great minds...

I posted the same tip above.

Usenet is a strange animal, tho. For all the people who post there (and I posted to Usenet for years before coming here or to BartCop), there have to be twice as many people who probably don't even know of its existence.

-as