Freedom takes vigilance – and a little publicity

It took them a few days to find me, but apparently someone likes monoblogue because they sent me a press release.

It was a “Vigilant Freedom Media Alert”, dated August 12, 2007. They note that:

You are receiving this email newsletter because your blog has been selected on the basis of its pro-victory, patriotic content, to receive limited distribution Media Releases from the Center for Vigilant Freedom’s Blogger Outreach Program.

Sounds fair enough to me. They must read my dissent to the line that Wayne Gilchrest commonly spouts when he explains his pro-pullout votes. (By the way, Wayne is our speaker at the next WCRC meeting on August 27. Come early for a good seat.) Anyway, here’s the money part of the release:

Today, those of us who believe we must win the war on terror have an extraordinary opportunity. Freedom’s Watch has released several moving and emotional commercials to major television and radio outlets from veterans and their families – people who have given the ultimate sacrifice.

Moveon.org will talk a lot about the quitting and giving up in Iraq. But what they won’t discuss – and in truth, what they just don’t care about – is the overwhelming cost of U.S. and Iraqi lives and security if we give up too soon and lose this war. We are asking you to join us on this national media day. You can watch these heartbreaking testimonies of Iraq veterans and their families here. (Editor’s note – this wasn’t a link in the release, I just decided to make life easier on all of us. Same goes for the link below.)

Then please call 1-877-222-8001 and tell your Member of Congress that defeat is NOT an option!

We’re also asking you to help spread this message. Host these videos at your blog, and urge your readers to contact their congressmen as well. Help get the word out that victory is America’s only option!

For more information on these ads or Freedom’s Watch go to our website.

I actually heard one of their radio ads on WICO today, I think it was on during Rush’s program but it could’ve been on AM Salisbury as well. So when I noticed the press release in my monoblogue mailbox, I gathered that this is a coordinated effort of some sort.

Since I’ll see my Congressman Monday, I don’t have to call. But to me this is part of a growing trend to spread the political word through the blogosphere. I have to admit that I wish they’d pay me for placement but then again I agree with the message and I only reach a far smaller number of people than WICO does.

This gets me to thinking about another political example. Andy Harris gets plenty of free publicity from the local blogs just by sending his press releases to maybe 4 or 5 websites. I’ve seen his stuff on Delmarva Dealings, Crabbin’, WorcesterRight, and Salisbury News as well as featured here on monoblogue. Most of the others print the release verbatim, and sometimes I do as well. But usually I’ll add my comments in.

On the whole it makes it a little easier to have content when I get items from three political campaigns who want me to post stuff, and now this outfit. Even better, I can use it as a starter for making my points if it’s a opinion I agree with, as this group seems to be.

After all, I’m also looking for free publicity and readership so this could be the start of a beneficial relationship between the CVF and I. We’re all out to spread the good word, so why not help each other along the way?

Author: Michael

It's me from my laptop computer.