Investigative journalist Sharyl Attkisson, who exposed that horrible “Star Trek” parody put together by the IRS, didn’t think much of the agency’s training methods, and she’s critical of the agency’s oversight of charities and nonprofits. The IRS’ targeting of conservative groups has brought to light the process of vetting groups applying for nonprofit status, and Attkisson suspects the agency’s getting rolled by special interests on both sides.
"Astroturfing" is rampant, esp. online (blogs, Facebook, Twitter). It means a special interest pays $$ to disguise itself and write blogs..
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
@SharylAttkisson like George Soros?
— Scott Sutton (@Sfsutton) June 1, 2013
…edit Wikipedia entries, have "letters to the editor" published or just post comments to online material to make you believe…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
@SharylAttkisson Indeed. Remember "Ellie Light"? … http://t.co/TjUJBOMLhJ
— Patterico (@Patterico) June 2, 2013
…that a disinterested, grassroots party is speaking. Astroturfing is designed to provide the credibility of a non-conflicted source…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
…by masking the true source's financial interests in the subject.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
As one observer wrote of Astroturfing:
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
"Sometimes one individual operates over many personas to give the impression of widespread support for their client's agenda…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
…astroturfing can alter public viewpoints and create enough doubt to inhibit action."
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
Hallmarks of astroturfing can include use of key words such as "crazy," "nutty" and "pseudo," intended to sway the public…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
Go on…
… from listening to the subject the $special interest$ wishes to disparage.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
But you're too smart for that right? If you have suspected examples, tweet them to me.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
It's my belief, based on knowledge and experience, that all persuasions are using "astroturf." I'm not only speaking of political interests-
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
-but also various corporate interests.Many times when I've dug into non-profits and charity groups, corporate or other special int$ is there
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
In my experience, the IRS does little oversight of charities/non-profits and the PR world has realized they can make great use of them.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 1, 2013
@SharylAttkisson Correct. Media Matters "for America"? If "America" is a euphemism for "Left Wing Ideology". The confusion is intentional.
— Shadow Banned Joe Friday (@justhefax_mam) June 2, 2013
A colleague recently observed that sometimes (not always) a non-profit that sounds like it's "for" a cause … or victims…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 2, 2013
..is actually financially-backed by interests who are against the cause/victims but trying to sway opinion.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 2, 2013
Full disclosure: nobody is counting on me to perpetuate any particular viewpoint for $ or any other reason.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 2, 2013
Astroturf is probably most successful when mixed with genuine "grassroots" efforts or real folks… it amplifies a smaller movement…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 2, 2013
…and further masks its special interests. After all, if you can show some genuine efforts, people may assume the rest is grassroots too.
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 2, 2013
@sharylattkisson is a masterclass in Twittering. 🙂
— CLA (@ConservativeLA) June 1, 2013
@SharylAttkisson So in essence, believe nothing of what you hear and half of what you read? ☺
— ♱ Mr. Will ♱ (@Dudeteronomy) June 2, 2013
@RightWingBadger as I like to say: read a lot and listen to a lot. but do your own thinking. seek advice from those you trust…
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 2, 2013
@RightWingBadger …make up your own mind. What you think is your own business 🙂
— Sharyl Attkisson?️♂️ (@SharylAttkisson) June 2, 2013
Whoa, are you sure you’re a journalist?
https://twitter.com/DebraBurlingame/status/340981326712815616
Join the conversation as a VIP Member