From Wikipedia:
Astroturfing is a word in English describing formal political, advertising, or public relations campaigns seeking to create the impression of being spontaneous "grassroots" behavior, hence the reference to the artificial grass, AstroTurf.
The goal of such a campaign is to disguise the efforts of a political or commercial entity as an independent public reaction to some political entity—a politician, political group, product, service or event. Astroturfers attempt to orchestrate the actions of apparently diverse and geographically distributed individuals, by both overt ("outreach", "awareness", etc.) and covert (disinformation) means. Astroturfing may be undertaken by an individual pushing a personal agenda or highly organized professional groups with financial backing from large corporations, non-profits, or activist organizations. Very often the efforts are conducted by political consultants who also specialize in opposition research.
From CanvassingWorks.org
For those seeking to develop a career out of activism, finding a job is not as difficult as it may seem. Outside of law and medicine, fields which require very specific degrees and seven or more years of schooling, possible areas students may enter are social work, government and international positions, environmental, and community organizing.
Adrienne Esposito, the Executive Director of the Citizen’s Campaign for the Environment, says of the life of an activist, “It’s a choice.” It may not always be glamorous, but your role is to ultimately protect the public and hold the government accountable for its actions.
Esposito co-founded the CCE in 1985, and since, it has grown to six offices located throughout New York and Connecticut. Its focus is on the environment and public health as it relates to environmental issues. According to Esposito, the CCE has tackled issues such as energy planning, water protection, recycling and air quality, among others.
And this is what a professional activist looks like:
Cassandra McKee is the Deputy Campaigns Director for USAction, a national progressive political organization, and USAction Education Fund (USAEF). Cassandra directs the USAction/USAEF national field operation for campaigns such as social and health security, fair taxes and civil justice. She supervises a staff of 10, including seven senior field managers who provide support and technical assistance to USAction’s affiliates and partners in 26 states. Last year Cassandra’s work contributed to the successful defeat of the President’s plan to privatize Social Security. Before joining the USAction staff in 2002, Cassandra was the Director of Grassroots Advocacy for the National Network for Youth where she managed legislative advocacy and implemented grassroots campaigns for a national network of youth advocates. She began her organizing career as a Fund canvasser while in college, and upon graduation in 1997, as a New Jersey PIRG campus organizer, roles that provided her with practical experience in voter education, community outreach and leadership development. Cassandra has a degree in Women’s Studies from Drew University and serves on the board of Calvary Women’s Services, a non-profit organization that provides housing and supportive services to homeless women in Washington, D.C.
This is what Noam Chomsky didn't quite understand that he was saying when he coined the term 'manufactured consent'. Economy not working out for you? Work for Obama. You do like Obama don't you?
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