United States | Be a Seed for Change


	August 25, 2010

How did the atmosphere of hope and forward progress around the 2008 election turn into today’s toxic stew of anger, paranoia, and distrust?

Why do so many people believe already-disproven falsehoods about President Obama’s birthplace, religion, and ideology?

Why is our news cycle increasingly driven by phony scandals, fearmongering, and political opportunists?

It’s no accident — and Media Matters Senior Fellow Will Bunch explains it in his must-read new book, The Backlash: Right-Wing Radicals, High-Def Hucksters and Paranoid Politics in the Age of Obama.

Pre-order “The Backlash” today.

Bunch, a Pulitzer Prize-winning reporter, reveals the secrets behind the crusade against Obama, exploring how forces like radical militia groups, the Tea Party, pro-gun zealots, and Glenn Beck have combined old-fashioned populist outrage with digital-age phobias to produce a wave of resentment that many have ridden straight to the bank. It’s a well-researched, compelling book uncovering a dangerous political moment that poses legitimate risks to democracy in America. The Backlash hits stores Aug. 31 — but you can pre-order your copy today.

Pre-order “The Backlash” today.

To understand our political environment, you must understand the sources of myths and smears, and the machine that elevates them to the top of our national conversation. With The Backlash, Bunch provides an essential guide.

David Brock

Media Matters for America

Right now, critical conservation initiatives are in serious jeopardy and you can help save vulnerable programs that are protecting our nation’s natural resources.

Earlier this year, President Obama proposed major cuts to conservation funding that would let four million acres of land fall through the cracks. Now, he has called for an additional 5% cut in the budgets of non-security federal agencies.

Agencies must respond with their proposed cuts by September 13.

Don’t let conservation become a cost cutting casualty. Please urge Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack NOT to slash vulnerable programs that are protecting our nation’s precious natural resources >

While we applaud this effort to move towards a more balanced federal budget, we cannot cut programs that help farmers, ranchers, and private landowners secure a cleaner future for our air, water and land.

Farmers, ranchers and private landowners are stewards of over 70% of the land in America. Gutting initiatives — like the Environmental Quality Incentive Program and the Wetlands Reserve Program — will cut support to those partners who are investing in tackling environmental challenges on their lands.

Demand for these programs already far outweighs available funding. Tell Secretary Vilsack NOT to cut one dime >

Critical conservation initiatives are in serious jeopardy – you can help

With the continuing threat of climate change, water challenges, and the newest environmental disaster in the Gulf, now is not the time to slash vital conservation efforts. Please take action and speak out in support of transformational and effective initiatives that help farmers, ranchers and landowners protect our futures.

Sincerely,

The Change.org Team in partnership with Environmental Defense Fund