It’s a Movement not Community Organization

It is hard to believe that eight years ago this past September 11th we witnessed the worst attack in history on the civilians of this nation. However on September 12th we witnessed another event of monumental proportions for on that date, a movement was born.

Unfortunately, some are blowing off this movement claiming it is just astroturf and not a grass roots movement. The definition of an astroturf movement is one that is organized by a community organizer who gathers a group or participants together whereas a pure movement is spontaneous in nature. Astroturf movements are what community organizers, like President Obama, do but what we saw on Saturday was not astroturf and this is why.

First an astroturf movement usually has professionally produced signs that are given to the participants when they show up. The signs are usually uniform in nature and have a common saying or theme. The signs we saw on 9/12 were homemade. They had a common theme but each sign was unique.

Second, the participants in an astroturf movement are often paid to participate or, if they are not paid, their expenses are covered by the organizer. What we saw on 9/12 were participants who all paid their own way with many coming from other states. In fact I heard of one individual who traveled to Washington DC from California at their own expense to participate.

Third, the participants in an astroturf movement participate often in marches and protests. Protesting is old hat to them. On 9/12 we witnessed a group of individuals many of which had never done this before. They were there because they wanted to exercise their first amendment right to free speech rather than keeping quiet like they had done in the past.

Movements are spontaneous. The participants in a movement have some deeply felt concern that they want to voice. Due to this deeply felt concern, these participants are persistent and not easily silenced.

In a representative republic such as the United States, where the public elects its leaders, the voices of a movement such as we saw on 9/12 need to be heeded by elected officials if they are to keep their positions. Unfortunately for them, the leaders to whom this march was aimed are paying it little attention and are belittling its impact. They do this at their own peril.

Kudos to all who participated in the 9/12 protest and those who stayed at home but share the participant’s concerns, you are great Americans. Hang onto your values and keep speaking out. Election Day 2010 and 2012 is coming when we can make the ultimate statement and elect officials who share our heart felt values.