Prior to 2009, astroturf was merely an all purpose athletic surface, created for professional sports franchises in cities with baseball and football teams in 1965. However, as soon as the Tea Party spread to the local level, poising a threat to democrats, liberals and republicans in power, this term was given a new meaning. Fueled by political talking points, this phrase was repeated countless times by Nancy Pelosi and Harry Reed, attempting to de-emphasize the genuine nature of this grassroots movement.
Fast foward 6 years and the shoe now is on the other foot. The recent protests across this country following the verdict in the Ferguson, Missouri Grand Jury of officer Darren Wilson are being organized by Occupy Wall Street. Although the media is portraying these marches in metropolitan cities as a natural out crying of support, Moveon.org is active behind the scenes pulling the strings. If the mainstream media possessed a conservative agenda, perhaps astroturf would make a comeback. Yet, for now, viewers of the news must be careful of symbolism over substance.
If you are searching for leadership, results over time will reveal truth from fiction. While force is the choice for many protestors, history conveys a different message. Transformation is possible, but not with violence. Rather, trend setters like Jesus, Martin Luther King and Ghandi displayed love to touch a generation. Therefore, don’t let what others say influence the crowds you join. When you see the genuine thing in person, you can distinguish astroturf from men of action.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 