"Grassroots" protest sponsored by the GOP?

I received an email this morning noting a 'grassroots protest' outside the headquarters of the Ohio Democratic Party.

I couldn't help but wonder just how 'grassroots' is a protest when it's put on by a political party? Isn't this the astroturfing we've been accused of doing all along?

And doesn't the OHGOP know that the tea party groups have scheduled a protest against the IRS at their offices for the exact same time?

I really don't like it when my party does things like this, but have to point out that if the OHDems were doing the same thing the OHGOP would be having a field day with it.

Perhaps this protest at the Dem party headquarters is part of the national tea party event? Perhaps the GOP just issued the media advisory on behalf of some 'grassroots' citizens? Perhaps....

But if that is the case, then the media advisory should say so.

Come on, GOP - aren't we better than that?

As an aside, though I consider myself a tea party member, I don't support the protests scheduled by the tea party groups. I believe it will take the focus away from the actual scandals and give some Democrats and the media a new story to focus on instead of digging to get to the bottom of who told the IRS workers to target the tea party/patriot groups in the first place.

I think that when your 'opponent' is self-destructing, you don't get in the way.

But that's just me - what do I know?

At least I'm not alone in that opinion...

Here is the email:

www.OhioGOP.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                         Contact: Katie Eagan

May 21, 2013                                                                    (614) 477-9113

***MEDIA ADVISORY***

COLUMBUS - Tuesday, May 21 2012 there will be a grassroots protest outside the headquarters of the Ohio Democratic Party by citizens demanding answers from Ohio Democrats regarding the mounting failures of the Obama Administration.

WHEN: 12:00 p.m.: Protest Begins

WHAT: Citizens' Protest of Ohio Democratic Party

WHERE: 340 East Fulton Street
Columbus, OH 43215

###

American Egyptians in Toledo plan show of support

I wanted to share with you this press release from a group called American Egyptians in Toledo:

Stand in solidarity with the demonstrators, stand for a democratic possibility in Egypt and the Middle East!

Today, Saturday, the 29th of January, American Egyptians and concerned citizens who support human rights will be gathering at the intersection/corner of Sylvania Ave and Talmadge Rd. in Toledo at 3:30pm to stand in peaceful solidarity with the demonstrators in Egypt and throughout the Middle East.

In the last weeks we have been witnesses to spontaneous uprisings across the Middle East, signifying the beginning of an end to decades of political and social repression. It began with Tunisia, the ousting of Ben Ali, and has now spread to Egypt, Yemen, Algeria, Lebanon, Libya and Jordan. Since January 25th was declared a ‘day of revolt’ against torture, poverty, and government corruption in Egypt, demonstrations have continued all over the country. Rumors disseminated prior to the 25th provided information about what was seemingly going to be an average demonstration – meaning, several hundred demonstrators and several thousand police officers surrounding them – yet what has happened is quite remarkable.

Demonstrators have outnumbered police... and demonstrations were not confined to their usual quarters. The first day, marked by tens of thousands of demonstrators, Journalists arrested, blogs shut down, newspapers closed, has increased consistently throughout the country and what started as a small movement has been joined by masses from all social classes, religious affiliations, and political persuasions calling for an end to tyranny and true democratic possibility. Government crackdown has characterized the last 48 hours and continues. As of late Thursday evening (in the US), Internet and SMS(text) services are blocked and phone usage (both cell and landline) is cut in advance of a scheduled day of mass, organized, peaceful demonstrations. In some cities, including Suez, electricity and water are cut off. All of this in a country that is one of the largest recipients of U.S. military aid. Egypt receives $1.7 billion military aid annually aid feeds ‘National Security’ and the weaponry being used to repress these demonstrations.

We are asking for the US to respond to these democratic movements and for a firm stance to be taken against repressive, violent regimes. This is a moment of far- reaching democratic possibility and must be supported!