As media members fell all over themselves last week calling town hall meeting protesters part of an angry mob financed by conservative organizations, they were totally disinterested in evidence of astroturfing by Democrats at an event attended by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Cali.).
To highlight the supposed impact of stimulus funds on healthcare services, Pelosi joined Rep. Diana DeGette (D-Colo.) and Rep. Jared Polis (D-Colo.) at the Colorado Coalition for the Homeless’s Stout Street Clinic in Denver Thursday.
As marvelously reported by LookingattheLeft.com, a Democrat organization made sure that healthcare reform supporters were not only in attendance for the event, but were also nicely equipped with professionally made lawn signs (h/t Michelle Malkin via Rick Moore):
After I was on the scene for about 15 minutes I got a call from one of my location scouts. “Hey, you gotta come down by the alley here. A bunch of Obama people just showed up.”

I walked over to the far corner of the clinic and sure enough, freshly minted Obama supporters had arrived on the scene.

Note the wire lawn sign hardware left over from Obama’s Presidential campaign. These people were organized by the ArapaHope Community Team (A.C.T.)
As LATL reported, the following e-mail message was sent by the ArapaHope Community Team:
From: "donna galassi" <donna.galassi@arapahope.org>
To: vcmoon@comcast.net
Sent: Wednesday, August 5, 2009 11:49:49 PM GMT -07:00 US/Canada Mountain
Subject: Thursday, August 6, Show Your Support for Healthcare ReformVorry,
Tomorrow, Thursday, August 6, there are two events to spotlight our support for healthcare reform.
Nancy Pelosi, Representatives Jared Polis and Diana DeGette touring the Stout Street Clinic
Where: Stout Street Clinic, 2100 Broadway, Denver, CO Map
When: Thursday, August 6 at 1:30 pmThere will be a lot of media covering this event and those against reform will attend to make their message heard. For that same reason, we plan to attend and ensure that our support is seen and heard.
But here's the best part:
This clinic is adjacent to Denver’s day laborer pickup street, Park Avenue. Being fluent in Spanish, El Marco asked these guys “¿hablan ingles?” “casi nada” was the reply from our amigo on the left. I asked him if he could tell me what the signs said. “¿Quien sabe?” (who knows?) was all he said to me, with a big grin. I’m kicking myself for not asking them how much they were getting paid to support the grassroots.

The irony of their lack of comprehension of the signs they were holding was heightened by the fact that they were the most elaborate and detailed signs of either group.
Ironic indeed, but maybe more so is how media totally ignored this. According to LexisNexis, not one major national news outlet felt this obvious astroturfing by Democrats was newsworthy.
I guess falsely accusing Republicans of manufacturing dissent is much more important to today's so-called journalists than exposing when Democrats actually do it.
Why might that be?
As a post facto aside, the most powerful and obvious astroturfing is regularly performed by the left given their connection to unions and community organizers. As such, when Democrats point fingers at Republicans for orchestrating dissent, it's because they know that much of the protesting by their constituents is indeed manufactured.
In the end, if we actually had an honest media rather than advocates with bylines, they'd see through these absurd claims by the left and report the truth to the electorate.
Or is that asking too much?
—Noel Sheppard is the Associate Editor of NewsBusters. Follow him at Facebook and Twitter.




















Editor at Large
Comments Policy
The media is panicking that THEIR "chosen one's" remaking ...
August 8, 2009 - 11:52 ET by JTPof America plan is crumbling before their eyes. They will feel responsible that THEY have failed if this does not come to pass.
"I guess falsely accusing Republicans of manufacturing dissent is much
more important to today's so-called journalists than exposing when
Democrats actually do it."
But hey, at least the sign making business is being stimulated.
"Live for yourself...there's no one else more worth living for.
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more"- Rush--Anthem
Professionally Printed Signs
August 8, 2009 - 11:54 ET by allanfI was impressed by the signs with similar printing. These people didn't just walk in off the street.
The accusations Democrats hurl at Republicans provides a good guide as to what the Democrats actually do.
"The accusations Democrats
August 8, 2009 - 15:46 ET by mattm"The accusations Democrats hurl at Republicans provide a good guide as to what the Democrats actually do."
More than a good guide -it's an exact description.
I wonder how much 'stimulus' money is being spent on the astroturfers.....
700 Billion Dollar Slush Fund?
August 9, 2009 - 15:49 ET by allanfI don't know if this is being done yet. But the 700 billion dollars in unspent "stimulus" cash can be used to influence a lot of Congressman with promisses of "jobs" in their districts.
This site is jumping around
August 8, 2009 - 11:57 ET by Chris NormanThis site is jumping around my screen like a bucking bronco - $#@^! double post!
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Media: "Don't believe your
August 8, 2009 - 11:55 ET by Chris NormanMedia: "Don't believe your eyes or ears - believe us.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
what's worse
August 8, 2009 - 11:57 ET by candanceEveryone should spend the time to see Russo's entire posting on his site. Lefties who had literally been handed an itinerary to attend the event were walking around with signs that told the "insurance puppet" protestors to go home.
That's right. They had professional organizers print up signs to accuse conservies of having professional organizers.
Also notice that the lefties told Russo they would soon have to leave because their handlers wanted to start the process all over again at Pelosi's next stop in some other town. So much for requesting that only "real constituents" show up.
Well, they definitely don't
August 8, 2009 - 12:00 ET by Chris NormanWell, they definitely don't shop at Brooks Bros. - Slobs-R-Us, perhaps?
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Chris
August 8, 2009 - 12:24 ET by ricklailSomem of them look more like they went to a consignment shop on Haight and Ashbury back in the 60's.
Semper suprene nitens
North Carolina now has the worst government money can buy.
Yeah, some of these "hard
August 8, 2009 - 13:55 ET by Chris NormanYeah, some of these "hard workin' 'mericans" are the laziest people on earth - never done much work in their life - unless agitating and protesting are considered work. They just like to look like the part. The funny thing is, the Obama elites have nothing but contempt for the real blue collar folk and the real middle class.
The "Mainstream" Media: By liberals. For liberals.
Ahh yes...
August 8, 2009 - 23:22 ET by BarkerAnd I'd say 70-95% of them are racists. Evil, evil racists.
Those two boys in the T's
August 9, 2009 - 08:37 ET by rimskyThose two boys in the T's and baseball hats look like illegals.
From the website shown at the bottom of the printed signs.
August 8, 2009 - 12:07 ET by JTPSo the definition of a Democratic grassroot orginazations is 1000 groups in 46 states. I guess I am just old fashioned. I thought it was me and my neighbors jumping in the car and going down to the township hall for a chat with our local reps. Silly me.
What is Health Care for America Now (HCAN)?
Health Care for America Now (HCAN) is a national grassroots campaign of
more than 1,000 organizations in 46 states representing 30 million
people dedicated to winning quality, affordable health care we all can
count on in 2009. Our organization and principles are supported by
President Obama, Vice President Biden, and more than 190 Members of
Congress.
We are building a national movement to win comprehensive health care
reform by helping mobilize people in their communities to lobby their
U.S. Senators and Representatives in Congress to stand up to the
insurance companies and other special interest groups to achieve
quality, affordable health care in 2009.
Edit - What is this WINNING crap? I don't see this as a game in any way or form.
"Live for yourself...there's no one else more worth living for.
Begging hands and bleeding hearts will only cry out for more"- Rush--Anthem
Okay, I gotta ask
August 8, 2009 - 12:06 ET by ParagrouperThe lady in white in the top photo of the post, with the green shopping bag and an itch that apparently needs scratched, is that why she "Can't Wait!" for heathcare? Boy, I hope its not contagious.
"Beware the fury of the patient man." - John Dryden
Ouch!
August 8, 2009 - 12:48 ET by BlondeCapfest joker, you are!
Dude...that needed a beverage alert.
I hope he fails, too.
Dang
August 8, 2009 - 13:40 ET by DingbatYou beat me to it but you said it better than I could have. H/T!
So once again, Nancy Pelosi
August 8, 2009 - 12:20 ET by dscottSo once again, Nancy Pelosi is accusing others of exactly what she has or intends to do. That's called Projection.
By the same token, the MSM is using the exact same tactic, accusing via slanted reporting those who object being lied to of being paid by the insurance companies or the GOP. Why...that's no different than scientific professionals who are critics of AGW being accused of being on the payroll of the oil companies. But this time the Dems have over reached because now they are accusing the general public. Hint, hint, hint, you don't accuse the mark and tip them off to your tactics by using on them, morons...
By extention you now know why Obama was whining about the GOP saying HealthCare being his Waterloo, to Obama he sees it is as his Waterloo. Always pay attention to the accusations of liberals, they are telling you exactly what THEY ARE DOING.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
"So once again, Nancy
August 8, 2009 - 19:41 ET by flyingmonkey"So once again, Nancy Pelosi is accusing others of exactly what she has or intends to do. That's called Projection."
I've also heard it referred to as turn speak and the Democrats are good at it.
But this photo shows just how dumb the democrats really are. One of the main objections of those against national health care is that illegal aliens will be qualified to receive it.
And whose holding the signs?
squirrels
August 8, 2009 - 12:36 ET by rick007Join the community organizers Squirrels!!! We crush ACORNS!!!
Look at those signs and
August 8, 2009 - 12:39 ET by motherbeltLook at those signs and then look at these and these
Now whose protest do you think is top-down, and whose is grassroots?
The signs in this present posting all have a www address at the bottom, too!
Oh, and as I posted elsewhere the so-called Grassroots4change is the biggest deception of them all
Grassroots, my foot!
More than just the signs....
August 9, 2009 - 12:04 ET by ThisnThatMB, look at the average weight of the participants. Pelosi's group outweighs the others by at least 2:1. Now, when you talk healthcare, people point out that obesity is a major cost. Why aren't the dim people taking better care of themselves? Why are they so obese?
And why should I spend my taxes taking care of them?
And as JessieH pointed out below, where are the American flags with Pelosi's group, compared with the flags present in your two links?
___________________________________
"Tax the rich" is a basically unstable way of governing - The NYT
Yeah, the web address AND the Union-Printed bug.
August 9, 2009 - 15:15 ET by SickofLibsYeah, the web address AND the Union-Printed bug.
This is NOT inconsequential.
What's she doing there?
August 8, 2009 - 13:28 ET by KC MulvilleIn Noel's post, look at the last picture, on the right edge of the photo. There's a woman there with a TV microphone. I presume she's from the media.
My friends, every time a protest is organized, the organizers alert the media. That's why organizers stage the protest to begin with - they want media coverage. So they always call the media, hoping the media will send reporters to publicize the protest. If a media reporter, especially a camera crew, shows up at a protest ... especially at the exact time the protest is scheduled ... that's pretty strong evidence that the protest was staged.
Makes you wonder what's
August 8, 2009 - 13:38 ET by RR GOPMakes you wonder what's coming down the pike-I mean, 3 1/2 more years of this?
I tell myself to step away from the internet and sites like these because quite frankly I'm getting frazzled...but then I'm afraid I'll miss something and I want to be informed and involved. It's not a preference but rather a necessity. I could be an ostrich like my wife, but I've learned that when things are forced upon you, you simply can't ignore it and hope it goes away. You have to deal with it.
We've been inundated with the constant hammering and hysteria courtesy of the MSM and the Socialists for the last 8 years over the Bush administration and the Republican Congress. And they're still at it!
I wonder what the psychologists would have to say about all this. Clearly the crap being slung at us by these self-righteous, Libtard goons is not good for many Americans, especially children growing up right now. If things get worse, we're going to see PTSD and many people are going to be nervous wrecks, especially if TSHTF and there's some kind of paralysis due to martial law, disruptions of daily life, etc.
I'm sick of these bastards. I know what they're up to. They don't care about the vast majority of Americans who just want to live their lives (which is often hard enough as it is). I won't go to these things where the Communists are present. I have a big mouth and I'm pretty sure I'd end up in jail. Just not worth the hassle.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 61% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory (yep...approval for Congress now at 39%...do you believe that!?).
Somewhere on each of those signs in the photos.
August 8, 2009 - 22:49 ET by DelsaYou can look for THE UNION LABEL!
SOBama's THUGS!
Hey Delsa... Have you
August 8, 2009 - 23:07 ET by bigtimerHey Delsa...
Have you ever hit the nail on the head!
Do you remember when Algore tried to make that old Union Label song some of us do remember some kind of a theme song for his fun for Prez in ads and such and it all turned out to be another lie with the story he was telling...been awhile ago, I'm too tired and lazy to look it up.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
This was predicted everywhere, by everyone
August 8, 2009 - 14:56 ET by general companyHilarious Noel, true to form the liberals rarely disappoint, thanks
My Gov. thinks I am dangerous, so be careful
"Television is a freak show" Bernie Goldberg
August 8, 2009 - 15:42 ET by jessieHI didn't see any swastikas on hand, but then I didn't look in Pelosi's pockets. I can almost smell Cuban cigars, though. Can anybody see what's missing from these pics??????? No AMERICAN FLAG! Small crowd too. Isn't that Nancy, holding the two signs? It has to be. She always has her nose in the air. Angry Mobster
Email
August 8, 2009 - 16:04 ET by DoktorFrankenI emailed Noel's article out to a few people. Here was my preface:
The Speaker of the House of Representatives of the United States of America must really be afraid of Americans. Afraid enough to call them Astroturfing Nazis.
http://www.youtube.c...
Astroturfing is a phrase to describe a false and manufactured ''Grassroots'' movement. And although we all know the historical meaning of the term ''Nazi'', it has become watered down by blatant overuse. Sort of like this example:
http://www.thomasalb...
Why, if Bush were really a National Socialist (Nazi) he would attempted to usurp the authority of Congress by appointing Czars who have no accountability to anyone but the president. He would have taken over private businesses and forced their takeover by unions. He would have attempted to create ‘’a civilian national security force that's just as powerful, just as strong, just as well-funded’’ as the United States military that would be answerable to the president. He would have attempted to stifle Freedom of Speech by berating anyone who dared to speak out against proposed ''programs and Bills'' by calling them names. And he would have asked Americans to snitch on their fellow Americans if they heard or saw anything negative or ''fishy'' in regards to his '’legislation’'.
But Bush did none of these things. Hussein did. And if Bush were half as bad as the Left claimed he was they would be in jail or dead.
And here's what Pelosi did after claiming that people who came - on their own volition - to several ''Town Hall'' meetings of ''Astroturfing'' when all they did was ask questions and complain about lack of representation.
Gibbs on protests
August 8, 2009 - 17:20 ET by slickwillie2001Gibbs at the WHPC has not only accused conservative protests at townhall meetings of being 'astroturfed', but yesterday he said that the anger directed against the Obamacare plan was "manufactured anger". No definition of what on Earth manufactured anger is.
Gibbs would be dangerously incompetent if he was in a job with any significant responsibility.
Between his 'aaahs' and his
August 8, 2009 - 17:26 ET by bigtimerBetween his 'aaahs' and his giggles, he has to be one of the most disgusting critters working for the O-Team in our faces almost daily that I can think of.
Clinton had a couple I detested with everything I have, Scottie was just plain stuttering pathetic...but this guy is an arrogant joker plus.
Obama's a Community Agitator, a walking, talking destroyer. ~ Rush Limbaugh
manufactured anger
August 8, 2009 - 17:37 ET by katainkent- anger crafted by those who work for a living?
hehehe. Ok that was bad.
hey its all Doublespeak now. get with the Ministry of Information-al program!
grassroots effort - individuals attending town meetings who are working for top down union paid programs with all the same sign in all the same t-shirt bussed in by the hundreds.
astroturf - individuals attending town meetings who are [too well?] dressed in their own clothing carrying their own home made sign and drive themselves.
thug - a person who asks a question of their rep and demands an answer
concerned citizen - a person who gives the above person a beatdown.
constituent - those that sit silently and wait to be fed their orders.
Nazi - a term when uttered by a dem = conservatives right wing thug
Nazi - a term when uttered by a conservative = conservative right wing thug
___________________________________________
"The tax imposed under this section shall not be treated as tax" - HR 3200 (Health Care Bill) Pg. 203. Ln 14 & 15
Someone needs to be at
August 8, 2009 - 19:49 ET by GregESomeone needs to be at those with a sign that reads something like.....
"HEALTHCARE NOW! Steal money from my neighbor to pay it! I would, but I'd go to jail!"
Those Obama supporters are
August 8, 2009 - 22:11 ET by marvlThose Obama supporters are pretty pathetic looking. I wonder at what interstate overpass they were picked up? Are they supposed to be "grassroots?" They look more like "weedroots" to me. Nice signs, though.
Union-turfed, too - signs also contain the Union bug
August 9, 2009 - 08:22 ET by SickofLibsFirst & second photos - if you look at the bottom of the signs, to the right of web address, you will also see the requisite "Printed by ______ Union" bug.
Illegals?
August 9, 2009 - 11:27 ET by BigMike252Did Anyone check for Green Cards?
ICE isn't detaining them
August 9, 2009 - 11:37 ET by dscottICE isn't detaining them anymore, so why should they waste their time identifying them? Besides all ICE will do is fine their employer but not kick them out of the country. It makes no difference how high unemployment goes, it's the votes that count.
Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reid, starving the poor one gallon of ethanol at a time. Fill your tank with E85 and cull a village.
I wonder if these are th
August 9, 2009 - 12:03 ET by Free StinkerI wonder if these are th $10-$14 an hour jobs advertised for promoting Healthcare "Reform"
VOTER ID
August 9, 2009 - 12:54 ET by reelman46VOTER ID IS AN INDICATOR
Want
to tell the political Parties apart? Outside of abortion there is an
issue of great importance as more elections end up in court due to
local corruption. That is Voter ID. An ID is required for a dozen
activities from cashing a small check on but somehow is “intimidation”
to require it to vote. How about some names of people “intimidated” by
a required ID to cash a check or vote? Can anyone really explain that
“talking point” smokescreen to maintain the corruption-promoting
loophole?
Even when the Voter ID was offered free at your home in a state one
political Party refused to support it. It matters not that dead people
still vote and people living far away still vote locally. One political
Party likes it that way. Its the same Party that said their big
frowning guys with nightsticks at a precinct last year was “not
intimidation”.
Voter ID is not just right, its a necessity now for ALL states.
Doug Schexnayder, Ph.D. (theconservativecrawfish)
Re Voter ID
August 9, 2009 - 13:09 ET by slickwillie2001I expect that the Obamacare Registration Card will be accepted as a substitute national ID card.
I bet that fat Mexican in the third pic is our old friend...
August 9, 2009 - 15:04 ET by R D Helm...Tumbler. :-)
What I see in those pics are a bunch of societal leeches who are looking to use the police powers of the Imperial Federal Government to point a gun to my head and force me, against my will, to pay the health care costs for their lazy, fat asses.
Fork 'em.
You know, if those Obamabots in those pics would spend less on food, they could probably save enough to pay for their own health insurance.
-Dave
If it's CommieCare you want, then move to Cuba.
Dave: spend less on food?
August 9, 2009 - 15:10 ET by SickofLibsHey, at least they're doing their part in not spending anything on personal hygiene or haircuts.
One haircut = 10 Whoppers With Cheese.
or more likely, an illegal!
August 9, 2009 - 15:30 ET by NL207or more likely, an illegal!
You know.....
August 9, 2009 - 15:43 ET by BarkerBeing called a Mob by the Manson Family isn't such a bad thing after all.....
Vulgar comment removed by
August 9, 2009 - 17:51 ET by ZacraVulgar comment removed by management as has been poster. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Somebody ban this goof!
August 9, 2009 - 17:52 ET by BKeyserSomebody ban this goof!
~Kossack alert
August 9, 2009 - 17:53 ET by choselife3xAmerica is waking up, sing louder.
http://www.youtube.c...
Chose
August 9, 2009 - 17:54 ET by Free StinkerSure smells like a Plant, doesn't it ?
~Tastes like one, too
August 9, 2009 - 18:22 ET by choselife3xKos plant visual aid.
America is waking up, sing louder.
http://www.youtube.c...
LOL
August 9, 2009 - 18:25 ET by Free StinkerLOL
ATTENTION NEWSBUSTERS STAFF !!
August 9, 2009 - 18:15 ET by Free StinkerPLEASE BAN IDIOT ZACRA FOR UNACCEPTABLE REMARKS!
UPDATE: Thank you for banning that moron!
OH MY OBAMA!!!
August 9, 2009 - 17:54 ET by shawn228I believe I can speak for most here when I say post like these are not appreciated especially the See You Next Tuesday word no matter how you spell it, and you might want to be careful about posting threats of bodily injury to the a person that is two heartbeats away from the Presidency.
"I swear sometimes the self-appointed moral police are as obnoxious and demanding of big government interference as "environmentalist" gun control advocates, labor unions and trial lawyers"~fitzfong
Getting desperate aren't
August 9, 2009 - 18:04 ET by RR GOPGetting desperate aren't we? When things in the real world don't work according to plan then one should simply result to infiltrating boards and planting phony posts.
Are you wearing black grease all over your face with Secret Agent Man (hmmm, that's probably before your time I suspect) or the theme from Mission Impossible playing in your I-Pod (oh, I know you have one)?
The Democratic Underground should stay underground in the sewer where they belong. Maybe Mankind will get lucky and they'll start taking bomb making lessons from Bernadine Dohrn.
One of the 34% who thinks George W. Bush was a great President. One of the 86% who wants to bring back the stock and pillory.
Umm RR GOP
August 9, 2009 - 18:12 ET by shawn228I hope that was not directed at me ;-)
"I swear sometimes the self-appointed moral police are as obnoxious and demanding of big government interference as "environmentalist" gun control advocates, labor unions and trial lawyers"~fitzfong
Pelosi is a Dispicable Liar
August 10, 2009 - 06:54 ET by Zamora1Someone should abort her.