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VScott

(774 posts)
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 02:03 PM Apr 2015

Smells like victory!

Proud to say I was able to be part of it.

Dozens of billboards to replace landmark Mass. Pike sign
New sites donated as sign is removed


The Newton nonprofit that for two decades sponsored the eye-grabbing billboard along the Massachusetts Turnpike that inveighed against gun violence is promising to keep that message fresh in the minds of motorists with a new series of targeted ads.

Beginning Tuesday, Stop Handgun Violence will be “saturating” highway signs at three-dozen locations across the state, an interim solution until cofounder John Rosenthal finalizes construction of the Fenway Center complex over the turnpike.

The new highway signs being installed this week will read, “We’re Not Anti-Gun. We’re Pro-Life. Massachusetts Gun Laws Save Lives,” and feature a Bushmaster XM-15 assault rifle, with a white surrender flag poking out from the barrel.

Billboard space was donated by Clear Channel, Logan Communications, Total Outdoor, and Outfront Media, Rosenthal said. All but four of the signs will be on digital displays.

“It will be huge coverage,” Rosenthal said. “Having billboards all over the state that are literally positioned to have maximum exposure from the highways is a huge win.”


http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/03/30/dozens-billboards-railing-against-gun-violence-replace-landmark-sign-turnpike/NVPbQBdhDH1NCMXDPuNnVJ/story.html#

But then... (No link... email alert)

Dear VScott, Please contact Clear Channel Outdoor/Boston TODAY and ask that they give GOAL equal space on billboards, or take the Stop Gun Violence messaging down. Please see release below with info.

Gun Owners' Action League (GOAL) Asks Billboard Companies To Take Down Discriminatory Messaging or Provide Equal Space

Northborough, MA. The Gun Owners' Action League today wondered if Clear Channel and other local billboard companies are playing an April Fools joke as it was released that John Rosenthal of Stop Handgun Violence is receiving free advertising promoting a false and discriminatory message.


The message being broadcast for Mr. Rosenthal, at no charge by the companies, provides inaccurate, discriminatory, and misleading information, which will do nothing to bolster firearms safety or prevent crime. "Our first thought was, is this a joke? Because the messaging certainly does not reflect reality." said Jim Wallace, Executive Director of GOAL.


Over the last two decades the restrictive gun laws of Massachusetts have been an abysmal failure, as demonstrated by the drastic increase in violent crime since the passage of these laws in 1998. The policies and messaging broadcast by Stop Handgun Violence have continually misled the public on the truth behind Massachusetts' gun laws. This long-term ruse is simply an effort to convince the general public to discriminate against the rights of law-abiding gun owners.


"If the billboard companies were really interested in saving lives they would grant space to GOAL. We have a proven record of providing gun safety and legislative solutions that work," said Mr. Wallace. "Since 1998, firearm related homicides have doubled and firearm related assaults have tripled."


So, what happened next?

Gun violence billboards pulled after protest

The advertising giant Clear Channel took down the billboards it donated to a campaign against gun violence, a decision the company said it made because the messages in support of firearms laws had become “politicized.”

The new ads, which went up Tuesday, drew an immediate backlash from gun rights advocates.

Clear Channel was the largest contributor to the billboard campaign, donating 25 of the 36 posted statewide. Stop Handgun Violence, which organized the effort, will soon have to remove its iconic, 252-foot billboard from the side of the Massachusetts Turnpike near Fenway Park.

The new billboards said, “We’re Not Anti-Gun. We’re Pro-Life. Massachusetts Gun Laws Save Lives,” and featured a Bushmaster XM-15 assault rifle with a white surrender flag in the barrel.

“This campaign has become politicized and misconstrued as a political position by our company, so we have taken it down,” said Clear Channel Outdoor spokesman David Grabert in a statement.

Grabert said the company had received “a number of messages expressing concern” about the signs.


http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/2015/04/02/clear-channel-taking-down-gun-violence-billboards-amid-protest/5jX94oOKFPEVe5I32jPulI/story.html





55 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Smells like victory! (Original Post) VScott Apr 2015 OP
That's nothing to be proud of. n/t mcranor Apr 2015 #1
How much will *you* be contributing towards renting a billboard? friendly_iconoclast Apr 2015 #3
...<sound of crickets chirping> friendly_iconoclast Apr 2015 #40
You don't really expect them to actually do anything, do you? DonP Apr 2015 #42
Clear Channel was duped... NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #4
Like, yeah... whatever. VScott Apr 2015 #7
sure it is, if you're, you know, ONE OF "THEM" Skittles Apr 2015 #14
Why not? eom. GGJohn Apr 2015 #25
Good for GOAL Lurks Often Apr 2015 #2
Just heard Outfront Media saw the error of thier ways also. VScott Apr 2015 #8
"Proud to say I was able to be part of it." NaturalHigh Apr 2015 #5
K&R discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #6
Wut? VScott Apr 2015 #9
An old quote from Lt Kilgore discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #10
Doh!!! VScott Apr 2015 #11
My memory for names is fading discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #12
Actually DashOneBravo Apr 2015 #26
That's more like it discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #27
whatever you do, don't call them GUN HUMPERS Skittles Apr 2015 #13
Or...ammosexuals. tosh Apr 2015 #15
senseless carnage is to be expected Skittles Apr 2015 #16
Or "Factose Intolerent" (nt) blueridge3210 Apr 2015 #19
Please feel free to be as immature as you wish hack89 Apr 2015 #17
Or Hoplophobe. (nt) blueridge3210 Apr 2015 #18
"Gun Humpers" would make a great attention grabbing message on a billboard. VScott Apr 2015 #20
not really sure they would understand even cartoons Skittles Apr 2015 #21
Actually, I encourage *all* DU gun control advocates to post more cartoons friendly_iconoclast Apr 2015 #39
OK Piddles, I won't. nt. appal_jack Apr 2015 #23
Well...unless you want to sound like a fuckwit. Lizzie Poppet May 2015 #53
The NRA gift basket is in the mail. Card signed by a grateful Ted Nugent. Fred Sanders Apr 2015 #22
and Governor fucking Brownback Skittles Apr 2015 #24
There are two sides to a culture war discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #28
No one on DU respects the NRA point of view, except here in the "safe haven" for NRA lovers who dare Fred Sanders Apr 2015 #30
You have a nice day too Fred discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #31
"NRA Point of View" blueridge3210 Apr 2015 #32
Indeed - "NRA" is a terrible name. I notice some folk can not even mention it....notice that? Fred Sanders Apr 2015 #33
I notice that when some people cannot make a coherent argument blueridge3210 Apr 2015 #34
Have you noticed that it's always the gun control side that quotes the NRA DonP Apr 2015 #43
If so... Puha Ekapi May 2015 #51
Nah, they're "Self Made Men" n/t DonP May 2015 #52
It's almost like a caricature. NaturalHigh May 2015 #54
Forrest Gump - "Stupid is as stupid does" DonP May 2015 #55
you know it Fred Skittles Apr 2015 #45
sorry, no Skittles Apr 2015 #44
Are you thinking that billboards make you safe? n/t discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #46
easy to see why the NRA is so successful Skittles Apr 2015 #47
easy to see why gun-control is not discntnt_irny_srcsm Apr 2015 #48
As you've shown, culture warriors are prone to false consensus effect friendly_iconoclast Apr 2015 #49
It must chap your ass that you can't beat a moron like Nugent hack89 Apr 2015 #29
So do you suppose sarisataka Apr 2015 #35
That sort are reluctant to acknowledge Bloomie's efforts against Democrats friendly_iconoclast Apr 2015 #38
I admit I haven't sarisataka Apr 2015 #41
Rosenthal is particularly obsessed with outlawing modern-looking rifles benEzra Apr 2015 #36
"Pro-life?" What a mixed message. Antiabortion with flag out of an AR15 barrel? Eleanors38 Apr 2015 #37
I was just browsing through the group... NaturalHigh May 2015 #50
 

DonP

(6,185 posts)
42. You don't really expect them to actually do anything, do you?
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 04:38 PM
Apr 2015

Our gun control "friends" MO is to whine online and call names but they don't actually DO anything in the real world.

That's Bloomberg's job, they've outsourced all the activity to him and Shannon Watts. Not to mention all the financial support, you don't think they are ever reaching for their checkbooks?

NaturalHigh

(12,778 posts)
4. Clear Channel was duped...
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 03:28 PM
Apr 2015

into donating its services to an organization that attempted to vilify law-abiding gun owners. I for one am proud of the people who fought back against this crap.

NaturalHigh

(12,778 posts)
5. "Proud to say I was able to be part of it."
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 03:33 PM
Apr 2015

Thank you for your efforts, VScott. Contrary to what our new anti-gunner posted in his reply, this is something to be proud of.

Clear Channel was clearly duped into using its resources to promote a political, misleading, anti-RKBA message, and I'm glad they rectified their mistake.

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,479 posts)
10. An old quote from Lt Kilgore
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 06:12 PM
Apr 2015
I love the smell of napalm in the morning. ...The smell, you know that gasoline smell, the whole hill. Smelled like
[sniffing, pondering]
VICTORY.


by Robert Duval 1979 Apocalypse Now
 

VScott

(774 posts)
20. "Gun Humpers" would make a great attention grabbing message on a billboard.
Thu Apr 2, 2015, 09:26 PM
Apr 2015

Oh wait, whatever subliminal ones that were out there are being taken down.

Maybe more cartoons will win hearts and minds?

 

friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
39. Actually, I encourage *all* DU gun control advocates to post more cartoons
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 03:42 PM
Apr 2015

They've helped to make gun control what it is today...

discntnt_irny_srcsm

(18,479 posts)
28. There are two sides to a culture war
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 08:46 AM
Apr 2015

Those who engage in the battle and those that can respect another POV and work to make progress in spite of differences.

IMHO it's time to work.

Fred Sanders

(23,946 posts)
30. No one on DU respects the NRA point of view, except here in the "safe haven" for NRA lovers who dare
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 08:57 AM
Apr 2015

not say it's name.

You know it, I know it, everone at DU knows it.

Pretending is what Republicans do.

 

blueridge3210

(1,401 posts)
32. "NRA Point of View"
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 09:06 AM
Apr 2015

Is that your concession that you have no valid argument to make so you resort to "name calling"?

 

blueridge3210

(1,401 posts)
34. I notice that when some people cannot make a coherent argument
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 09:36 AM
Apr 2015

they resort to childish name calling and personal attacks. Business as usual amongst the pro-control side. Must be a side effect of the hoplophobia.

 

DonP

(6,185 posts)
43. Have you noticed that it's always the gun control side that quotes the NRA
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 04:44 PM
Apr 2015

Watch how it's always the gun control "fans" that tell us what the NRA thinks or is doing or is going to do or what Ted Nugent said.

It's never the actual gun owners.

Kind of makes me wonder if some of them may be "sub rosa" NRA members here as paid shills?

NaturalHigh

(12,778 posts)
54. It's almost like a caricature.
Fri May 8, 2015, 06:21 PM
May 2015

Some of these people probably think that nuclear power plant workers all resemble Homer Simpson.

 

DonP

(6,185 posts)
55. Forrest Gump - "Stupid is as stupid does"
Fri May 8, 2015, 06:54 PM
May 2015

Always love hearing from the other sides "brain trust" on these things.

The NRA must be doing something right, to have so many gun control fans seeing them behind every bush and tree.

But they must be pretty dumb since they can't seem to tell the difference between the NRA, the NSSF, the GOA or the SAF or all those independent state rifle associations. I guess all gun organizations look alike to them.

No wonder they can't get anything done in the legislature or the courts and the height of their achievement is trying to get a post hidden.

 

friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
49. As you've shown, culture warriors are prone to false consensus effect
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 10:49 PM
Apr 2015

And when it leads them astray (as it did with Mike Pence and his merry band
of homophobes), they tend to get angry and defensive.

Lack of introspection being another characteristic, they would sooner lick a New York
sidewalk than calmly consider why they are not successful, and usually blame
nefarious "others"...

hack89

(39,171 posts)
29. It must chap your ass that you can't beat a moron like Nugent
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 08:48 AM
Apr 2015

Is that why you had to find an authoritarian Repuke billionaire to lead your movement - a lack of good leaders?

sarisataka

(18,570 posts)
35. So do you suppose
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 01:10 PM
Apr 2015

Tom Cotton sent a thank you to Everytown/Bloomberg for their help in defeating Mark Pryor (D)?

 

friendly_iconoclast

(15,333 posts)
38. That sort are reluctant to acknowledge Bloomie's efforts against Democrats
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 03:37 PM
Apr 2015

Certainly none of the culture warriors on this thread will...

sarisataka

(18,570 posts)
41. I admit I haven't
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 03:54 PM
Apr 2015

Done extensive research but it seems the Bloomberg effect helps Democrats in secure seats but helps Republicans in close races.

interesting that two of three targeted Democrat senators, who weren't pure enough on gun control, were replaced by tea partiers. To some apparently that is success.

I am unaware of any Republicans who replaced by Democrats based on his support.

I believe some might point to Colorado but it was assumed that Democrats would take those seats back in the general election. Also those were state level not national.

benEzra

(12,148 posts)
36. Rosenthal is particularly obsessed with outlawing modern-looking rifles
Fri Apr 3, 2015, 02:20 PM
Apr 2015

and has made the "assault weapon" fraud the centerpiece of his agenda for many years. It appears to me that he is not concerned so much with reducing violence as he is with taking down gun enthusiasts, hence his tight focus on rarely misused guns. He's ostensibly fine with revolvers and smallish 9mm's, he just wants to outlaw AR-15's, Barretts, and 5.7mm pistols.

That is not a "gun violence prevention" message; it is an at-times-unhinged crusade against particular guns he doesn't like, including some of the most popular guns in U.S. homes, and some that have AFAIK never been used in a single U.S. homicide. Even Bloomberg et al have disavowed most of Rosenthal's positions, so portraying them to the advertising companies as neutral public-service violence prevention billboards was indeed disingenuous.

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