Anonymous wrote:Slightly off-topic but is "astro-turfers" a more modern day "carpet-bagger"?

Is this a real term or just used here on DCUM?

General history of GOP astroturfing as a political strategy (it didn't start with education):
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Astroturfing
https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/archive/2009/08/the-politics-of-astroturf/348484/
https://www.salon.com/2020/04/20/astroturf-gun-rights-activists-and-prominent-gop-donors-push-protests-of-coronavirus-restrictions/

More specifically about FCPS schools:
There is at least one group (Parents Defending Education, based in Arlington) with many former Trump and Koch organizers. This group consists of professional organizers under the guise of "grassroots" organization. They infiltrate school organizations and try to push faux issues or amplify others for ulterior motives.

Anytime you see someone like Asra Nomani pushing an "issue", take consideration.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

You know why people are objecting to the manner in which she chose to do this. Even people who disagree with the content.

I’ll b so happy we the election is over and the BS gets toned down.. There was time when I was considering voting for Youngkin based on schools. But I can’t if it means education turns into a Trumpy shock and awe mess.

Exactly. There are plenty of ways to ways to address sincere concerns about FCPS books/materials that don’t involve political stunts.

Or don’t involve astroturfers like Asra pushing hysterics.

I assume that you are equally opposed to political stunts by those whose viewpoints you support? Or it is a one-way street.?

Agree or disagree, school board meetings are a public forum. There is broad First Amendment protection. People can and should bring up any issue that it is important to them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

DP. I have no issue with this content being made public, but I do have a problem with Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections.

Could I trouble you to provide a referecne for Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections?

Um, this whole farce? No one is objecting to “Forever” being in school libraries even though it has very explicit sex scenes, because it’s heterosexual sex.

Anonymous wrote:Slightly off-topic but is "astro-turfers" a more modern day "carpet-bagger"?

Is this a real term or just used here on DCUM?

It’s a real thing. Carpetbaggers on steroids. With Carpetbaggers, you knew who the person was. Atroturfing means the people supporting thi revert one. And no one These book issues didn’t happen organically. This is a coordinated GOP strategy being pushed down to the local level. If you get on Twitter and sites like DCUM and FB with a coordinately attack ad messaging, you can make it seem like there is overwhelming community sentiment, when many posters and tweeters and FB accounts are GOP hacks ad only a few people create most of the content. See also CRT. Or transgender students. The outrage didn’t happen organically across the country. They were coordinated attacks formulated and supported outside FCPS. Because kids= politics.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

Same. I would never have known. I am grateful she brought this to the attention of the school board!

Thank you. It’s been eye-opening to see just how proprietary some posters are about FCPS’s “right” to do whatever it wants, regardless of the views of parents, accompanied by the suggestion that any concerns about clearly obscene material should be meekly conveyed to some bureaucratic “committee” that can then find a way to conveniently ignore them.

So you are pro-tantrum and anti-rational decision making?

It’s what Trumphumpers and Faux News live for. Why solve. Problem like an adult when you can peddle outrage on OANN?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

DP. I have no issue with this content being made public, but I do have a problem with Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections.

Politicians gonna politick.

Why do you think it was "don't trust the vaccine" from Dems when Trump was in office and now it's "Take the vaccine it's great" now that Biden is in office?

I’d prefer they not when it comes to public education. From either side of the aisle. So sick of people playing politics with kids.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

DP. I have no issue with this content being made public, but I do have a problem with Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections.

Could I trouble you to provide a referecne for Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections?

DP. This astroturfed stunt before the school board for starters.

I hate the lead up to elections in this area. It’s all hock ad putrage all the time. As if COVID, the pending shutdown and the possibility of bowing through the debt ceiling weren’t enough, we’ve got o deal with this, or transgendered bathrooms, or some other social wedge issue outrage Every. Single. Fall.

BTW, transgendered bathrooms happened in VA. Where are all the boys who were going o invade girls bathrooms? So much unnecessary outrage.

Slightly off-topic but is "astro-turfers" a more modern day "carpet-bagger"?

Is this a real term or just used here on DCUM?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

Same. I would never have known. I am grateful she brought this to the attention of the school board!

Thank you. It’s been eye-opening to see just how proprietary some posters are about FCPS’s “right” to do whatever it wants, regardless of the views of parents, accompanied by the suggestion that any concerns about clearly obscene material should be meekly conveyed to some bureaucratic “committee” that can then find a way to conveniently ignore them.

So you are pro-tantrum and anti-rational decision making?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

You know why people are objecting to the manner in which she chose to do this. Even people who disagree with the content.

I’ll b so happy we the election is over and the BS gets toned down.. There was time when I was considering voting for Youngkin based on schools. But I can’t if it means education turns into a Trumpy shock and awe mess.

Exactly. There are plenty of ways to ways to address sincere concerns about FCPS books/materials that don’t involve political stunts.

Or don’t involve astroturfers like Asra pushing hysterics.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

Same. I would never have known. I am grateful she brought this to the attention of the school board!

Thank you. It’s been eye-opening to see just how proprietary some posters are about FCPS’s “right” to do whatever it wants, regardless of the views of parents, accompanied by the suggestion that any concerns about clearly obscene material should be meekly conveyed to some bureaucratic “committee” that can then find a way to conveniently ignore them.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

DP. I have no issue with this content being made public, but I do have a problem with Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections.

Politicians gonna politick.

Why do you think it was "don't trust the vaccine" from Dems when Trump was in office and now it's "Take the vaccine it's great" now that Biden is in office?

Uh…people just wanted the vaccine to go through the appropriate efficacy and safety process?

You know, the people who actually got vaccinated and tried to slow the spread and reduce deaths.

Anonymous wrote:What other politicians do does not change whether the book(s) are appropriate for a school library and whether Karl Frisch should have been equating keeping them in the libraries to supporting LGBTQIA+ community members.

What politicians say about the vaccine while their party is and isn't in power doesn't change whether the vaccines are effective.

What does the LGBTQ+ community think about these books?

Do many find these books supportive?

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

DP. I have no issue with this content being made public, but I do have a problem with Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections.

Could I trouble you to provide a referecne for Youngkin and other Republicans encouraging and weaponizing anti-LGBTQ sentiment to try to win elections?

LololololllolloloolololilollloololoL

I just spit out my coffee.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:


I literally DGAF about the school board.

I do GAF when GOP astroturfers try to hurt our schools and our kids.

You *legit* don’t like the books? Submit a request for review. Tell your kids not to read them. Don’t spread misinformation (it’s not pedophilia FFS) or throw a tantrum at the school board to get a spot on the RWNJ channels.

It’s intellectually dishonest to play dumb on the GOP’s role here.

So many cliches. Can you go away for a spell while people try to clean up this mess?

Truth hurts.

I'll be here calling out the astroturfers each and every time.

Repeating an earlier comment: This can't be an issue about parenting and what is appropriate for the school library. Try to engage, and you'll be attacked.

For the left, EVERY issue is about politics. Politics IS their religion, sadly. This is you.

If it were an issue about parenting, then parents would have brought it up with the librarian or principal. No, it had to be a big public spectacle. A political stunt.

And enough with the intellectual dishonesty. We all know WHY this is being discussed NOW and WHO is pushing it.

I do NOT want politics in school. And I certainly don't want politicians and their lackeys (hello, PDE) hurting our schools for their own personal benefit.

It's all about politics to you. In reality, though, it's very simple. A parent uncovered this mess and made it public. Why? Because sunlight is the best disinfectant. And now concerned parents like me are aware. You'd rather that such material fly below the radar. If you're proud of this material and believe it's appropriate, then why do you care if it's existence is made public?

Same. I would never have known. I am grateful she brought this to the attention of the school board!