Freedom Writer - April 1994

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Tactics of the Right

Writing frequent, emotionally charged op-ed pieces and letters to 
the editor in local papers, with the result that a handful of people 
appear more significant than their numbers warrant.

Claiming that they represent most parents, when no sizable group, 
such as the PTO, has chosen them as representatives.

Criticizing educators, school committee members, and other citizens 
by name in the press or in flyers to intimidate them.

Misrepresenting what people say and then criticizing the misrepresentation, 
rather than the actual statement.

Taking curriculum material out of context and publicizing it as "frightening" 
or "shocking"; quoting background material for teachers in teaching 
guides and representing it as something given to students.

Hiding links to Religious Right organizations outside the local community 
such as Family First, the Pilgrim Family Institute, or others, and 
vehemently denying such links even when confronted with factual information 
which establishes them.

Labeling people who expose their affiliations as "McCarthyite" or 
"religious bigots."

Using statistics based on faulty research methodology to disprove 
what their opponents advocate and to prove what they advocate.
	
Alleging that school systems' plans for sex education were made behind 
parents' backs, even when many community people have been involved 
in the process for a long period of time.

Demanding documents from school systems, citing the Freedom of Information 
Act.

Threatening or initiating litigation or legal action against school 
committees, as a harassment tactic, using the Open Meeting Law, the 
Freedom of Information Act, the Hatch Act, or alleged liability for 
condom failure.

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Copyright 1995 IFAS
The Freedom Writer / ifas@crocker.com

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