Mr. Hartan's Science Class

"Knowledge is a reckoning . . . a way to assess your location, your true position, not a strategy for improving your position." -Walter Kirn-

Astroturfing and Front Groups

October 22, 2009 at 9:05 am · Filed under Environmental Science

Astrotufing

LIST OF ORGANIZATIONS:

1. The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America

2. Californians for Population Stabilization

3. Oregonians for Food and Shelter

4. Animal Welfare Council

QUESTION(S):

1. Just focusing on the names of the above organizations, what do you think they stand for?

2. What is ‘astroturfing’ and what are ‘front groups’?

3. Pick one organization (from above) and research that organization. What’s so strange about the organization? Is there  a difference between the name of the organization and what it does?

38 Comments »

  kali v wrote @ October 29, 2009 at 6:12 pm

1. From the names of the organizations, it sounds like The “Abundant Wildlife Society of North America” supports animal rights and the importance of wildlife. ‘Californians for Population Stabilization” sounds like a group who supports a population that is right for the state’s size, and who supports human rights. “Oregonians for Food and Shelter” sounds like an organization that supports homeless and starving people and helping those people in the state of Oregon. Last, “Animal Welfare Council” sounds like a group who supports animal rights, and supports how important animal rights are.
2. Astroturfing is making something bad sound good, like instead of saying Global Warming, simply saying Climate Change, which sounds much less severe and like its not a bad thing. A “front group” is an organization that appears to support one thing, but it actually supports something completely different. Front groups are usually sponsored by other groups or barely ever mention things that show what it really supports. For example, the group “Global Climate Coalition” sounds like it’s a good thing, but it is an organization supported by ExxonMobil.
3. The strange thing about these groups are that their names sound nice, but really their names don’t say what people think they are saying. For example, in the “Animal Welfare Council” website, it says that animal welfare “supports self-regulation of animal sports, including rodeo, polo, three-day eventing, FFA competitions, horse racing, field trials and endurance riding”. This is different than animal rights, because animal rights include the belief that animals have similar rights as humans. For example, animal welfare beliefs include that animals can be used for rodeos, which they are frequently killed in, and animal rights beliefs say that animals shouldn’t be in the rodeo at all. Animal rights beliefs are against the use of animals for entertainment, industry, sports, or recreation, unlike animal welfare. That is why the organization “Animal Welfare Council”, which sounds like a group that is kind to animals, isn’t actually what it seems.

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  Whitney H2 wrote @ November 1, 2009 at 4:38 pm

1. First of all, there is the “Abundant Wildlife Society of North America”, which sounds like an organization that would help North America protect its wildlife, and keep it abundant. This organization gives the reader the impression that they are good, and want to prevent danger to nature, and keep the wildlife healthy.
The name of “Californians for Population Stabilization” sounds like a name of an organization that would help the state of California control and regulate their population, and make sure it doesn’t outgrow its resources.
The name “Orgonians for Food and Shelter” sounds like an organization for oregon that helps to provide food and shelter for people that can’t afford it.
The organization called “Animal Welfare Council” sounds as if it would protect the welfare of animals, making sure that all animals will be well taken care of well, and not forgotten or left behind.
2. Atroturfing is the disguising of an orchestrated campaign as a spontaneous upwelling of public opinion. This basicaly means that astroturfing is when a company disguises the possibly bad things they do by labeling themselves as something that tricks the reader into liking or beleiving the company.
A front group or organization is any entity set up by and controlled by another organization such as intelligence agencies, organized crime groups, banned organizations, religious or political groups, advocacy groups, or corporations. Front organizations can act for the parent group without the actions being attributed to the parent group.
3. What is so strange about all these organizations is that they all are really exactly the opposite of what they say there are. For example, the “Animal Welfare Council” is doing horrible things, that don’t benefit the welfare of animals at all; they actually promote people using animals as forms of entertainment. For example, they encourage Horse Industry, Circuses, Rodeos, Carriage Operators, Entertainment, Ranching, etc.
Animal Welfare Council members support the use of animals in recreation, entertainment, and sport.
This company is actually just using animals to entertain people, and their policy never says anything about how they would like to improve animals lives and/or well-being. This organization is aweful, but because of their backwards astroturfing name, no one really knows until they read it carefully, and analyze its policy for what it is really doing.

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  Andrea L. wrote @ November 2, 2009 at 8:16 pm

1. I thought that the Abundant Wildlife Society sounded like they stood for protecting biodiversity in North America and for helping struggling species. Californians for Population stabilization sounds like they advocate human population control and/or population control of other harmful species. Oregonians for Food and Shelter sounds like a group that supports efforts to feed and house homeless people. Finally, the Animal Welfare Council sounded like they stand for protecting exploited animals.

2. Astroturfing is when a group or individual appears to support a local and environmentally friendly cause while actually pushing their own agenda. Front groups are organizations set up by political groups or corporations. These front groups appear to be charitable organizations while their real purpose is to protect the creator from legal liability

3. The strange thing about all of these organizations is that their websites never talk about anything they have done to help their cause. Sure, they say they support such-and-such cause, but they never give actual examples. I looked at the website for the Animal Welfare Council and information about the group was minimal. They described their mission n the barest detail and instead pointed the reader towards news stories about animal welfare. You had to pay to become a member. Professional opinions were vague and they never cited any actual experts. The contact information was lacking a phone number.

All I really learned is that the Animal Welfare Council supposedly “supports the use of animals in recreation, entertainment and sport,” which doesn’t tell you much about who these people really are.

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  Emily F (2) wrote @ November 3, 2009 at 7:03 pm

1. Focusing on the above names, it can be thought that the organizations are for helping the environment, animals and other things of that nature.

2. ‘Astroturfing’ is when something sounds like one thing, but actually means something completely different. Basically it is something that has a ‘fake’ name or meaning. Also, ‘front groups’ are groups that fund the organizations such as the Animal Welfare Council.

3. What is so strange about these organizations is that they all seem to say one thing, but mean another. The Animal Welfare Council sounds as though it would be for the well being of animals, such as helping them and releasing them into their natural habitat. However, it actually supports “…the use of animals in recreation, entertainment, and sport.” So, basically, this group is supporting using animals for things that benefit humans, not animals. The Animal Welfare Council is okay with animals being used in things such as circuses, rodeos, ranching, carriage operators and entertainment.

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  Mila Z. Period 2 wrote @ November 3, 2009 at 9:34 pm

1.) The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America leads me to believe that this group supports growth of nature across North America. It leads me to assume that it is against deforestation, animal testing, and other cruel things done to the environment. The title Californians for Population Stabilization sounds as if this group, of Californians, is standing for a not increasing the population so that the population stays relatively the same. The group name, Oregonians for Food and Shelter, most, including me, would infer that this group is trying to help homeless and less fortunate people. It sounds as if they are supporting shelters and food pantries so that everyone’s necessities are taken care of. The Animal Welfare Council most animal lovers might support quickly if they just heard the name. It leads me to believe that this group supports animal rights and tries to stop abuse, testing, mass breeding, and other cruelties to animals so that they are all taken care of properly.

2.) Astroturfing is formal political, advertising, or public relations campaigns formally planned by an organization but designed to mask its origins and seeking to create the impression of spontaneous. It is giving someone the impression of something different then it really is. Front Groups are groups that hide their true base and purpose and creating a false belief that they support something else. They mislead people into believing they are something the group is not.

3.) The organizations are strange because although the titles sounds nice and pleasant, they support something totally different. I chose Abundant Wildlife Society of North America. This group believes that human involvement is improving the Earth. It is believed that “trimming” forests was one of the best things they could have done because it made the forests healthier and men had a natural resource. Modern technology improves farming land because they produce much more then the men that farmed the land naturally. Wolves are bad for hunting because they “kill for the sake of killing, not just to survive” and “the predator is to wildlife as weeds are to a garden”, unavoidable. They believe that the wolf population should be controlled because when it is, hunters are helped and the wolf population is not near endangerment, they are fine. This organization is not what it misleads you to believe, it is a organization that anyone is their right minds would not support.

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  Kevin B (per 2) wrote @ November 3, 2009 at 9:36 pm

1. Just focusing on the names of the above organizations, what do you think they stand for?
Just looking at the names, I think that the organizations want to protect animals, provide food and shelter to people in Oregon, and to help the population of California.
2. What is ‘astroturfing’ and what are ‘front groups’?
Astroturfing refers to political, advertising, or public relations campaigns that are formally planned by an organization, but designed to mask its origins to create the impression of being spontaneous, popular “grassroots” behavior. A front organization is any entity set up by and controlled by another organization, such as intelligence agencies, organized crime groups, banned organizations, religious or political groups, advocacy groups, or corporations.
3. So . . . what’s so strange about these organizations. Pick one and tell me what you have learned about the group.
I learned that The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America is against the Endangered Species Act . They tell all of the bad things about it, like the fact that a man lost his property to the government because of a snail. Another example is that a “common” red squirrel stoppped the building of a $240,000,000 telescope.

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  Dylan M P1 wrote @ November 4, 2009 at 10:40 am

1. The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America is a group that is involved with the wildlife in North America. The Californians for Population Stabilization is a group of Californians that are trying to stabilize the population in California. The Oregonians for Food and Shelter is a group of people from Oregon that are trying to get food and shelter for those who need it in Oregon. Animal Welfare Council is a group that cares for animals’ welfare.
2. Astroturfing is a nice way to say that a public relations campaigns is planned by an organization to cover up their origins and make it seem like a new group that is based off of the politics of a community. Front groups are anything set up by and controlled by another organization. Front groups can act for the parent group without the actions being attributed to the parent group.
3. The Animal Welfare Council caught me off guard. I thought it was going to be about how animals should be left alone in the wild and not harmed or disturbed be human influences. Instead it was promoting the use of animals in sport and industry saying that we should use them more like in rodeos because they are not equivalent to man.

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  Erica P2 wrote @ November 4, 2009 at 4:54 pm

1) The names of the groups above give off a sense of care and aspiration for the well being of animals and humans and wildlife in general. They sounds like they are working to benefit these things providing them with food, shelter and general welfare. The Oregonians for Food and Shelter group sounds like a group aspiring to provide people with sufficient food and shelter. The Animal Welfare Council sounds like an organization working to keep animals safe and happy and well treated.
2) Astroturfing is a term referring to campaigns and organizations that are seemingly not harmful and beneficial but are really just masking their true origins. A front group is an organization that is made to shield the true motives of the creator or founder.
3) I chose to research The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America. I found that though the name seems to be an organization working for abundance of wildlife in North America, the group’s members are mostly made up of hunters, trappers, and ranchers. A spokesperson,Troy Mader, once said, “The hunting of rare and endangered species is what keeps [the animals] alive.” While the name radiates benefitting wildlife, the members of the organization are doing acts that endanger the welfare and abundance of wildlife in America.

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  Callie I Per. 2 wrote @ November 4, 2009 at 6:52 pm

1. Solely based on the names i think that the Abundant Wildlife Society of North America is a society that maintains the welfare and keeps count of the wildlife in north America. I think the Californians for Population Stabilization is a group of people that are trying to manage the growth of the worlds population and help people that are struggling because of it. I think that the Oregonians for food and Shelter would be people that build shelters and provide food for those that cant afford it on their own. Lastly i would think that the Animal Welfare Council is a group that is trying to stop animal abuse and is trying to help abandoned animals.
2. Astroturfing is when a company pays another group to run campaigns with hidden agendas. They are groups that have names that mask what they really do. Front groups are the groups that use astroturfing.
3. Californians for Population Stabilization (CAPS) is a group in California that controls the population of the state by trying to stop or limit immigration to the state. They believe that the welfare of Californians can be improved by having a lower population in the state. CAPS is run by a board of people that believe in limiting immigration to California by any means possible. CAPS does not care about the people that are being negatively affected by overpopulation, all they care about is ending immigration to California.

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  Molly R wrote @ November 4, 2009 at 9:06 pm

1.) Based on the names of these organizations, their main goals are the protection of wildliffe and the spread of habitat for different species. Also, some of the organizations might deal with keeping a stable population and making sure that the population of a certain species does not become too large, or dangerously low.

2.) Astroturfing is a sneaky way for organizations to make people believe that a certain movement is a popular one, although it is not. The goal of this is to convince the public that a movement has gained more popularity than it really has, it is a very misleading way of advertising. Front groups are groups that try to dicieve the public of who they are really in support of. They do this so the people do not quesion their motives.

3.) The animal Welfare Council is a group that is in favor of the use of animals for the purpose of entertainment, industry, or recreational purposes. However, while they still believe in the use of animals for these purposes, they are trying to advance the humane use of these animals during these activities. And trying to make sure that humans are more responsible when it comes to interacting with the animals

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  Colby S (P1) wrote @ November 4, 2009 at 9:34 pm

Colby Standish period 1 BIOLOGY
Question 1 Just focusing on the names of the organizations, what do you think they stand for?
The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America – I think, just by purely looking at the name, that the organization deals with wildlife in North America. Maybe the organization controls the populations of animals in North America. Possibly they may keep species from moving into new regions. This species would become invasive and affect the other populations in that new region.
Californians for Population Stabilization – The Californians part of this organization clearly indicate this group has something to do with people from California. This would mean people from California want population stabilization. Perhaps the population in California is very large and people from California want to control it and bring the population down.
Oregonians for Food and Shelter – I believe this means people from Oregon want more food and shelter for the poor. It seems from just looking at the name that it is what it sias, people from Oregon that want food and shelter.
Animal Welfare Council – This group seems to me to be an organization to help animals in some way. They may possibly be fighting for animal rights, they might be trying to stop the testing of drugs on animals, or they may just be a group that’s trying to get abused animals a home.
Question 2 What is ‘astroturfing’ and what are ‘front groups’?
Astroturfing – Astroturfing is when a product, organization, or political viewpoint, is made to look better than it really is. Basically it is when something is made to look better than it really is.
Front groups – A front organization is any entity set up by and controlled by another organization, such as intelligence agencies, organized crime groups, banned organizations, religious or political groups, advocacy groups, or corporations. This is a web definition but my definition is a front group is like a robot for another group. What I mean by this is that one group can control this front group however it wants.
Question 3 So . . . what’s so strange about these organizations? Pick one and tell me what you have learned about the group.

I pick Abundant Wildlife Society of North America
What’s so strange about this organization is that they are totally against environmentalism, or have humans back off of wildlife land to let the wildlife grow. Instead this group only talks about how human activity with wildlife is good. Here’s one example of where they said human interaction is good for wildlife. PREDATION MUST BE ADDRESSED FOR WILDLIFE TO BE ABUNDANT FOR VIEWING OR HUNTING. THE PREDATOR IS TO WILDLIFE WHAT WEEDS ARE TO THE FARMER AND THE GARDNER. YOU CAN’T HAVE ABUNDANT WILDLIFE WITH ABUNDANT PREDATORS ANY MORE THAN YOU CAN HAVE AN ABUNDANT GARDEN OR CROPS WITH ABUNDANT WEEDS! This was written after the organization had said on the website that environmentalism (when humans try not to interact with nature due to harming it) is the reason why wildlife populations have been dropping. They are saying that without humans killing predators, other wildlife suffers. This may be true but they don’t have any evidence backing this hypothesis up.

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  Erin C. wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 6:24 pm

1. By just focusing on the names of the above organizations, I think that The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America is a group that works with wildlife populations, making sure the growth rate is stable. I am guessing that the Californians for Population Stabilization is an organization that makes sure the growing of a population doesn’t pass its carrying capacity. My guess is that the Oregonians for Food and Shelter is a group that provides food and living space to those in need. Lastly I believe that the Animal Welfare Council makes sure animals are treated right, that they aren’t used in the wrong ways.
2. When a major corporation routes funds that push an agenda through an organization that appears to be a grassroots group, it is referred to as astroturfing. A front group is an organization that purports to represent one agenda while in reality it serves some other interest whose sponsorship is hidden or rarely mentioned.
3. These organizations are strange. An example is the Californians for Population Stabilization. This group is working to reduce the number of illegal immigrants in California. One of their goals was to eliminate birthright citizenship for children of illegal immigrants, also to stop the growing population of illegal immigrants in California. They felt like if they didn’t try to do this that eventually most of California would consist of illegal immigrants.

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  jonathan s.2 wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 6:44 pm

Astroturfing

1) -The abundant wildlife society of north Americas
I think this group is for the protection and against the over hunting of abundant animals in North America.
-Californians for population stabilization
I think this is for the stabilization of California’s population and not allow immigrant to get into California.
-Oregonians for food and shelter
I think they are for making shelter and providing food to homeless people in Oregon
-Animal welfare council
I think they are for the well being of animals

2) Astroturfing- is the groups and coalitions created and funded by corporations, trade associations, political interest and public relations
Front group-an organization that follows one agenda but in reality it serves another party

3) The abundant wildlife society of North America is against what it sounds like it actually supports the hunting of predators like wolves, mountain lions and cougars because they destroy the animal population and ruin hunting. Also they are not for the protection of endangered animals because they claim that the protection of the animals has cause their populations to rise and now they shouldn’t be on the endangered species list. This shows that they are for hunting of predators because with out them then hunters can hunt abundant species and destroy the population themselves. As you can see the abundant wildlife society of North America is not for what is sounds like it should which is the protection and conservation of animals but it’s real goal is to reduce some species so that hunters can have a fun time killing animals.

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  Kendal P period 1 wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 6:48 pm

1. The name Abundant Wildlife Society of North America sounds like an organization that protects the wildlife in North America. This is because the word “abundant” means a large amount, so the group is trying to keep and abundant amount of wildlife in North America. The name Californians for Population Stabilization sounds like an organization of people from California that want to stop the rapid population growth. This may either be of the human population or any other population; which is not known from the title. The name Oregonians for Food and Shelter sounds like a group of people from Oregon that want to make sure everyone/ everything has something to eat and a home. This could be from working in soup kitchens to building homes for people that are less fortunate. Lastly, the name Animal Welfare Council sounds like the organization is looking out for the wellbeing of animals. This could be abuse of pets or stopping hunting.

2. Astroturfing refers to political, advertising, or public relations campaigns that are formally planned by an organization, but are meant to disguise the origins. A front group is a group set up by and controlled by another organization. Front groups can act for the parent group without the actions being attributed to the parent group. Examples of front groups are intelligence agencies and organized crime groups.

3. The Animal Welfare Council does not do what its name perceives, in fact it does the opposite. The Animal Welfare Council is in the pharmaceutical and animal testing industry. They are involved with rodeos and ranching as well as horse slaughter. The name of the council makes the group appear to be helping animals, when in fact they are hurting them and their populations.

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  Emma B P1 wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 7:07 pm

1. The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America- An organizan that deals with invasive species and overpopulated species growing/living in North America. Californians for Population Stabilization- A group that tries to control the populations of species living in California. Oregonians for Food and Shelter- People from Oregon trying to provide food and shelter for animals or people. Animal Welfare Council- A council that tries to secure the wellbeing of animals.
2. Astroturfing- A political organization that looks to be a program to help communities but is actually driven by some masked interest.
Front groups- An organization set up to hide the true interests of the creator.
3. The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America- A group that was originally started to stop the re-introduction of the endangered grey wolf into Yellowstone National Park. Today, they sell books showing that the grey wolf supposedly mauled a variety of livestock. The members are said to be mostly fur-trappers, ranchers, and hunters.

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  Cameron H. (Period 1) wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 7:10 pm

1.) Based on the names of the organizations listed above it seems that they focus on the preservation, protection, and safety of the environment. These groups are probably environmental friendly corporations that support the growth of wildlife and work towards creating a stable habitat for all organisms. The organizations most likely provide food and shelter for species and attempt to preserve living areas and breeding grounds as well.

2.) Astroturfing is political, advertising, or public relations campaigns that are planned by an organization, but designed to mask its origins to create the impression of being spontaneous and popular. These types of groups attempt to make it seem that what they are doing as an organization is good for the environment by creating names that seem friendly for all species. Front groups are organizations that appear to be independent voluntary associations or charitable organizations, but really aren’t.

3.) I chose to research the Animal Welfare Council because it seemed like an organization that cared for the wealth of all animals. Instead this group supports the use of animals in recreation, entertainment, industry, and sports or basically for the enjoyment of humans. The members of the AWC interact with animals in many activities that are based on the purpose of entertainment and work. These events include rodeos, ranching, circuses, or even horse industry. This is not what i expected at all. The name of this organization is completely different from what it actually does. Animal Welfare Council seems like a group that focuses on the bettering the lives of animals, but what they do is support animals as entertainment for people.

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  shannon. b. wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 7:36 pm

1. I think the first organization, THe abundant Wildlife Society of North America, would be protecting animal rights. I think they would be trying to make species that are endangered in North America and try to make them more abundant. The seccond organization i think would be trying to stabalize california’s population, by making there be a less population density. THe third organization i think would be helping people in need get in a shelter and food. tHe last organazation above i think would be protecting animal rights. By putting up hunting laws and regulating the amount of animals killed a year.
2. astroturfing is when a company’s name sugests they are helping a problem, but they are acctualy doing the opposie and don’t want what there name sudgests. front goups are organizations set up by other compaies to hide waht the company acctually does.
3. Oregonians for food and Shelter, this organization doesn’t really help people who are in need of help. Something strange about this organazation is that they protect people who use the soil and pest management. Instead of what the name suggests to protect people who need food and shelter, because they can not afford it on their own.

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  Eric B (1) wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 7:51 pm

1. I think number four, the organization called Animal Welfare Council would be a group of people that focuses on the “welfare” or well-being of animals, for example trying to preserve habitats etc.

2. Astroturfing is a term that refers to a political or advertising group that puts on campaigns to mask their true origins and make them appear to be “green” or spontaneous. Front groups are organizations created by larger organizations to appear independent organizations and hide the true interests of its “parent organization”.

3. The Animal Welfare Council or (AWC) is actually a front group for a larger industry run rodeo/horse slaughter company. The name “Animal Welfare Council” is extremely misleading and makes it seem as though this group is fighting for animal rights when in fact it is actually fighting to keep horse slaughtering legal.

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  Tamara G p.1 wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 8:03 pm

1. I think The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America stands for a group of the wildlife which there are large amounts of. I think the Californians for Population Stabilization stands for a group of the Californian animals which need a more stable shelter. I think the Oregonians for Food and Shelter is a group of animals from Oregon which need more food and a better shelter. I think the Animal Welfare Council stands for a group of animals which are healthy and don’t have problems.

2. Astroturfing is the act of creating a small organization and making it appear to represent something popular for the purpose of promoting a particular entity, cause, etc. A front group is an organization set up to hide the true interests of its creator.

3. The Oregonians for Food and Shelter is a pro-active, member-funded, grass roots coalition that works to protect the rights of natural resource based businesses in Oregon. Their main focus is protecting businesses that responsibly use pest management products, soil nutrients and biotechnology from government over-regulation. This is strange because there is a group of people who are protecting businesses that use products to grow their grass from the government. I personally think it is a strange subject to be concerned about. In the title it didn’t mention anything about grass the title mentions food and shelter, but the main focus of the group involved using products on grass. I would never predict that this group was about grass after looking at the title.

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  Ben G (2) wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 8:07 pm

1. From looking at the names of the organizations, i could tell that they were determined to reach their goals. This is certainly not the case whatsoever. For example, the Animal Welfare Council states that they interact with animals that are involved in circuses and rodeos. Animal Welfare would be protecting animals from harm and making sure that they are well taken care of. In a circus animals are caged against there will and have to perform and look ridiculous. The Animal Welfare Council is obviously not who they want other people to think they are. Now I know that everything is not what it seems.
2. Astroturfing is a term that refers to campaigns that are formally planned by an organization, but are designed to hide its origins to create the impression of being spontaneous. What this means is that companies create an organization that sounds like it wants to benefit a certain thing. But in retrospect it just wants to promote their own ideas or it does the exact opposite of what it sounds like it does. Front groups are the organizations that are created during the act of Astroturfing. An example of a front group would be the Animal Welfare Council.
3. I chose the OFS as my organization to research. This organization seems strange to me because some of the members of their board of directors are representing companies that actually promote deforestation which would lessen the amount animals’ homes in the forest. Instead of providing shelter for animals they are destroying it to build strip malls and other economic buildings that don’t need to be there. The difference is clear in my eyes about what the organization actually does, and what the title says.

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  Aydan S. (2) wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 8:48 pm

1. They sound like they are groups of people who save animals and plants so that their populations are safe.

2. Astroturfing is when an organism says it does something vague but it really does something else and front groups are groups that say they do something vague but do something else that they don’t want people to know. It’s name makes it seem more innocent than the group really is.

3. The Californians for Population Stabilization are a group of basically police officers who track down and arrest immigrants.

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  Caroline H(2) wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 9:02 pm

1. I think the abundant Wildlife Society of North America stands for the protection and conservation of wildlife. Also maybe protecting nature and forests from deforestation could also be a factor in the abundant wildlife Society of North America. Californians for Population Stabilization is probably for keeping the population of California in check by maybe setting up a child limitation law. I think Oregonians for food and shelter means, the people of Oregon raising money to provide shelters and food for the homeless. Animal Welfare Council I think means protecting the rights of animals, and making laws to pass, to protect the harmful use and exploitation for animals.

2. Astroturfing is referring to the political advertising or campaigns that are planned by an organization, but hide the fact that what they stand for is not necessarily popular with the public. So to mask their real intentions they use creative and somewhat false advertising, to make their cause have an impression of popular and spontaneous. A front group is an organization that appears to address a public cause, but actually suit the interests of a client whose sponsor may be unclear or misleading.

3. The Animal Welfare Council doesn’t actually particularly care about the welfare of animals. They believe animals can be used in entertainment, industry, sport, and recreation and testing. This company’s title isn’t only misleading its quite false. For example, under the “News” section of the Animal Welfare site is Animal Welfare news, with headlines like “Horse owner charged with neglect” and “Horses fall victim to the economy”. These titles suggest The Animal Welfare Council cares about some aspect of animal lives but on another part of the site the council promotes the complete opposite of animal wellbeing. The council promotes public education for animal care, in other words zoos, where animals are mistreated and enclosed. The Council Also believes in the Industrial use of animals, animal testing. Animal testing is not only malicious and cruel it harms animals to test human products.

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  Mark B. P1 wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 9:22 pm

1. I think that The abundant wildlife Society of North America deals with observing and maintaining the populations of animals of interest that might be in danger. the Californians for Population Stablization helps California control their own population. Oregonians for Food and Shelter help the homeless get the food and shelter they need. the animal Welfare Council sounds like an organization that focuses on animal rights.
2. Astroturfing is when a large corporation pushes what it wants through a group that appears to be a group that wants to help. A Front group is a group that says they represent something while they are scretly pushing another agenda.
3.The animal welfare council is strange because of the purpose of taking care of the animals. The Animal Welfare Council support the use of animals in sports and entertainment. In both of these activities the horses are pushed non stop and forced to do things. the Animal Welfare Council goes against what some would call animal rights.

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  Claudia C (2) wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 9:25 pm

1. Without any research on the selected organizations, I would think that they all stood for ethical things. The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America seems like an organization focused on protecting species. The Californians for Population Stabilization may be a group of people for improving the general well-being and protecting the citizens of California. Oregonians for Food and Shelter would likely be working towards providing food and shelter for citizens of Oregon. The Animal Welfare Council seems like an organization trying to protect animals from harm.

2. Astroturfing is when companies, corporations, political parties, and other organizations confuse consumers with misleading statements. Front groups are companies, corporations, political parties and other organizations advocate one thing; but in reality they support an opposite mission. Astroturning and front groups are both ways to decive individuals.

3. Without any background information, The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America seemed like an organization dedicated to protecting wildlife. But, with a little research this proved to be very, very wrong. The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America is actually is concerned about wildlife population, but not for peaceful reasons. This organization is concerned about endangered speices like wolves and mountain lions because they are predators and need to eat hunted game to survive — not because they face the threat of extiction, but because they eat animals that some people like to hunt. The name of this organization is very misleading to its actual mission.

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  Whitney H2 wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 9:37 pm

THIS IS NEWER VERSION WITH CORRECTIONS:
1. First of all, there is the “Abundant Wildlife Society of North America”, which sounds like an organization that would help North America protect its wildlife, and keep it abundant. This organization gives the reader the impression that they are good, and want to prevent danger to nature, and keep the wildlife healthy.
The name of “Californians for Population Stabilization” sounds like a name of an organization that would help the state of California control and regulate their population, and make sure it doesn’t outgrow its resources.
The name “Oregonians for Food and Shelter” sounds like an organization for Oregon that helps to provide food and shelter for people that can’t afford it.
The organization called “Animal Welfare Council” sounds as if it would protect the welfare of animals, making sure that all animals will be well taken care of well, and not forgotten or left behind.
2. Astroturfing is the disguising of an orchestrated campaign as a spontaneous upwelling of public opinion. This basically means that astroturfing is when a company disguises the possibly bad things they do by labeling themselves as something that tricks the reader into liking or believing the company.
A front group or organization is any entity set up by and controlled by another organization such as intelligence agencies, organized crime groups, banned organizations, religious or political groups, advocacy groups, or corporations. Front organizations can act for the parent group without the actions being attributed to the parent group.
3. What is so strange about all these organizations is that they all are really exactly the opposite of what they say there are. For example, the “Animal Welfare Council” is doing horrible things, that don’t benefit the welfare of animals at all; they actually promote people using animals as forms of entertainment. For example, they encourage Horse Industry, Circuses, Rodeos, Carriage Operators, Entertainment, Ranching, etc.
Animal Welfare Council members support the use of animals in recreation, entertainment, and sport.
This company is actually just using animals to entertain people, and their policy never says anything about how they would like to improve animals’ lives and/or well-being. They for example, make the animals join things like circuses just to entertain people, possibly risking their state of health. This organization is awful, but because of their backwards astroturfing name, no one really knows until they read it carefully, and analyze its policy for what it is really doing.

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  Sarah G. 2 wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 9:55 pm

1) The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America sounds like it is an organization created to increase the wildlife populations in North America. The word abundant means “present in great quantity,” so I can assume from the name that the organization works to make wildlife numbers increase. The organization probably promotes animal rights and the creation of new hunting restriction laws, and seeks to end the practices which are decreasing wildlife populations.
The Californians for Population Stabilization organization sounds like it was created to make California’s population stronger or “more stable.” The organization probably works to end conflicts between groups of people and maintain peace within California.
Oregonians for Food and Shelter sounds like it is an organization created to help the poor by providing them with essential needs, like food and places to live. Members of the organization probably collect donations, and hold charity events to raise money for the needy. The name suggests that the organization wants to reduce the poverty rate in Oregon, and create better lives for those who are less fortunate.
The Animal Welfare Council sounds like it is an organization created to end animal cruelty. Welfare means “well-being” so I think the organization wants to help animals by ending practices such as animal testing and exploitation. The organization’s main goals are probably to increase animal populations and end human interference of the populations.

2) Astroturfing is “the disguising of an orchestrated campaign as a spontaneous upwelling of public opinion.” The term refers to AstroTurf, a brand of synthetic carpeting designed to look like natural grass.
A front group is defined as any entity set up by and controlled by another organization.

3) Research: I discovered that The Animal Welfare Council supports the use of animals in recreation, entertainment, and sport. For example, the council supports the use of animals in rodeo, polo, three-day eventing, FFA competitions, horse racing, field trials and endurance riding. It is dedicated to advancing the use of animals in these activites. The organization believes that there is a distinct difference between animal rights and animal welfare. Members of the organization believe that humans can interact with animals in entertainment, industry, and sport and recreation, but that the interaction should include provisions for the proper care and management for all animals involved.)
I was very surprised to find out that the organization wants humans to increase the use of animals in recreation, entertainment, and sport. These activities can be harmful to animals and the animals certainly would not want to partake in these activities if they had the choice. From the name of the organization, I thought it wanted to help animals, possibly by ending forms of animal cruelty. The name “Animal Welfare Council” suggests that the organization cares about the well-being or welfare of animals. The organization doesn’t actually care about the well-being of animals, but the well-being of humans! Humans can make money by using animals in competitions, races, etc. And some have fun partaking in these activities, even though they are aware that they are torturing animals. Although the organization states that the animals must be properly cared for by the owners, “proper care” means different things to different people. The Animal Welfare Council promotes the exploitation of animals, not animal welfare, as its name would suggest.

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  Alyssa S (1) wrote @ November 5, 2009 at 10:41 pm

(1)The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America: I believe this organization stands for increasing food production or the number of an animal species in North America.

Californians for Population Stabilization: This group may want to stop California population growth of animals or of humans. It may be driven to prevent overcrowding or shortages of food or other necessities.

Oregonians for Food and Shelter: I think this organization wants to keep food and shelter available for the people of Oregon. It may support the poverty stricken people of Oregon, and provide them with these necessities.

Animal Welfare Council: This organization appears to be the most legitimate out of the four. It likely supports the humane treatment of animals, and the prevention of animal abuse.

(2) Astroturfing: a political term that describes a type of campaign that can be via public relations, television, radio, Internet or political demonstrations, that seeks to gain entry into popular culture under the guise of appearing to be a spontaneous movement. (Definition from http://usconservatives.about.com)

Front Group: A group campaigning for something, while secretly representing the interests of an undisclosed organization.

(3) None of these organizations represent what their titles lead you to believe. One example is the Californians for Population Stabilization. This group does support the notion of population stabilization in California, citing legitimate consequences of rapid population growth, such as “impossible traffic jams, to record-breaking air pollution, to an exhausted health care system.” Though, after delving deeper into this association one realizes that this is misleading. The Californians for Population Stabilization is only interested in one type of population stabilization- the halting of immigration. Other sources of lowering population growth, such as controlling birth rates, and informing citizens of possible penalties of overpopulation are scarcely mentioned. In fact, in the section regarding lowering birth rates, information is biased by ethnicity, stating “35% of women in Mexico have had a child by the age of twenty, while only 19% of twenty year olds in the US have given birth.” This makes the prospect of allowing any immigration from Mexico into California seem like a poor choice that will increase population drastically. The headline on the homepage even reads, “Immigration Teams Arrest More Criminal Offenders.” In addition, the majority of reasons cited to limit population growth in California relate directly to immigrants. They include the theory that a terrorist will immigrate, increased crime rates with an emphasis on violent gangs composed of immigrants, and the money illegal immigrants cost tax payers. While I support some ideas the Californians of Population Stabilization backs, such as the securing of borders, and stopping of illegal immigration, this organization should change their misleading name to suit their actions and beliefs.

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  ldavis(2) wrote @ November 6, 2009 at 12:00 am

1. When I first read the names of the organizations, they come across as groups created to help improve the quality of life of a certain group of peoples/animals. They use words like “welfare” to conceal their true purpose.

2. Astroturfing is a term used to describe when an organization uses a campaign to deceive people of its true nature. A front group is a seemingly privately owned organization that is controlled by a larger company.

3. I chose to investigate the Animal Welfare Council. The name suggests that they try to better the treatment of animals, both captive and wild. But truthfully, the Animal Welfare Council speaks in favor of people who keep animals in captivity for profit. They speak out against critics of the rodeo and Pregnant Mare Urine industry, among others.

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  Lexi P2 wrote @ November 6, 2009 at 12:19 am

1. I think these companies stand for trying to help wildlife, stabilizing population and possibly helping decrease the amount of competition between animals, the protection of natural resources, and giving animals better protections rights. I think they are all for the help of nature and organisms and try to reduce some of the abuse that goes on with the earth.
2. Astroturfing is when an organization makes them sound like they are going to be helpful and be of a good cause, but it really just a cover-up for what they are really doing. It is almost as if they are they are trying to hide what they are really doing by saying that they are doing something else that is actually beneficial to their environment. Front groups are groups that imply one group’s ideas and concerns, but in reality it also supports other organizations that are rarely mentioned and that they keep “hidden.”
3. The Californians for Population Stabilization is an organization that is supposed to help make the population of California stable in a non harmful manner. What they really do is take people away from the population, for example arresting immigrants. Californian’s do not think immigration is helpful to the population and they immigrants therefore can not live the life they came to live. Their name is different from what they do because from their name it sounds like they try to help stabilize the population by perhaps moving some people to different areas and take care of it in a sufficient manner. The arresting of immigrants really shows that they are not trying to help them in any way and are treating them with disrespect just because they are not from California.

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  Jonathan C wrote @ November 6, 2009 at 6:55 pm

1. Organization number one, The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America, sounds like a group that is interested in promoting the wildlife in North America. Organization number two, Californians for Population Stabilization, probably stands for a group of people monitoring the environment’s population growth in California. Organization number three, Oregonians for Food and Shelter, probably stands for giving shelter and food to the poor in Oregon. Organization number 4, Animal Welfare Council, probably stands for a group that protects, shelters and helps animals.

2. Astroturfing is when a small organization is created and made to look like or represent something popular with the intent of promoting a certain entity or cause. Front Groups is an organization which is designed to hide the real interests of its creator.

3 I picked the organization named Animal Welfare to research. The aspect that makes the organization so strange is that it is not really an organization for the welfare of animals. The organization is astroturfing which makes it seem like they are created for the welfare of animals but this title is deceiving. There is a vast difference between the title of the organization and what it really stands for. What Animal Welfare Council really stands for is the “caring for animals in recreation, entertainment, sport and industry”. If the organization was really worried about the welfare of the animals, they wouldn’t be using them for human activities. The Animal Welfare Council is an ideal example of astroturfing, making it appear that the group is in it for the animals, but are really just in it for human entertainment and business.

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  Amanda G(2) wrote @ November 6, 2009 at 10:08 pm

1. I think that the name “Abundant Wildlife Society of North America” stands for this organization taking care of animals. The next organization, “Californians For Population Stabilizations” means that the Californians are for taking care of their citizens, and making sure they stay well. The third organization, “Originations for food and shelter”, I think, stands for people helping the homeless and the hungry. The last organization, “Animal Welfare Council” sounds like and organization that is involved with helping and taking care of endangered or injured animals.

2. “Astroturfing” is when organizations such has “Originations for food and shelter” name their organization one thing and don’t support it, and do something different.

3. The organization “Animal Welfare Council” sounds like it is an organization that wants to help animals, but instead they use animals for recreation, entertainment, and sport. Obviously, there is a difference between the name of the organization’s name and what they actually do. What is so strange about the organization is that they don’t support their title.

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  Jackie D. per.1 wrote @ November 6, 2009 at 10:35 pm

1.I think The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America stands for and protects animal rights. I think they try to protect the habitats of animals so that they don’t become endangered. The Californians for Population Stabilization probably work and research about human population growth rate and get statistics about it. They probably try to inform people about the safest and healthiest lifestyle. Oregonians for Food and Shelter is probably an organization that allows homeless people a temporary living place. They most likely feed and shelter them for a certain period of time. Animal Welfare Council sounds like they also protect animal rights and help animals that may be suffering.

2.Astroturfing is using fake grass in place of real grass. It is a thin, plastic-like material which is usually accompanied by small rubber beads. It is used on sports fields in place of grass and is convenient because when it rains, the water goes to the very bottom of the “roots” which causes little dampness on the surface. Also, it does not get torn up by grass and does not need to be mowed or cut. It is sometimes used in yards in place of regular grass. A “front group is an organization set up to hide the true interests of its creator. For example, a group of casino owners that did not want legalized gambling in an adjacent states might create a group that claimed to oppose gambling on moral grounds, when they actually opposed gambling in adjacent states because they thought it would hurt business” (http://info-pollution.com/frontgroups.htm)

3.I researched Oregonians for Food and Shelter. I thought it was going to be about homeless people and how they provided a temporary living place for the less fortunate and gave them food. Instead, it is about protecting people who properly use pesticides and other biotechnology from overregulation. They also get involved in many disagreements involving urban businesses relating to natural resources foresters, and farmers. This is very different from what the company name makes you think they will be about.

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  Nick M (1) wrote @ November 6, 2009 at 11:11 pm

1. I think that #1 stands for people who want to increase the abundance of wildlife in North America. #2 stands for Californians who want to keep a stable human population. #3 stands for Oregonians who want to supply all people with food and shelter. Lastly, I think that #4 stands for people who are concerned with the well-being of animals.

2. Astroturfing is when campaigns are formed by organizations, but are meant to look like they are newly thought up by ordinary citizens who want change. Front groups are any group set up by and controlled by another group.

3. I researched the Animal Welfare Council. Their name suggests that they want animals to run free and wild in their natural environments. However, what they support is the complete opposite. The Animal Welfare Council supports using animals in entertainment and sport for us human beings. It seems strange that the organization would name themselves the opposite of what they are trying to accomplish.

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  Jason B. (P1) wrote @ November 6, 2009 at 11:30 pm

1. I think that The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America studies thriving populations of animals in North America, Californians for Population Stabilization help keep endangered species from going extinct, Oregonians for Food and Shelter help feed and give the poor a place to sleep, the Animal Welfare Council makes sure animals are no mistreated and forced out of their habitats.

2. Astroturfing is making a small organization and making it look like a popular idea. A front group is a group set up to hide the real interests of the founder.

3. The Animal Welfare Council supports animals being used for entertainment and industry purposes even though it’s name suggests that the group would be supporting animal rights and animal rights groups are usually against animals used for entertainment and industry purposes.

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  Ionelee B p1 wrote @ November 7, 2009 at 8:42 am

1. Based on the names of the organizations, the abundant Wildlife Society of North America sounds like an American organization for preserving wildlife. The Californians for Population Stabilization sounds like a California organization for preserving resources and controlling population growth. The Oregonians for Food and Shelter sounds like an Oregon organization that supports homeless people and animals. Animal Welfare Council sounds like a group organized to improve domestic and wild animals’ welfare.
2. Astroturfing is a technique used by organized public relations campaigns trying to pass itself off as the general feeling and reactions of the public to current events. A “front group” is an organization set up to hide the true interests of its creator.
3. The Animal Welfare Council has very vague statements and professional opinions, and never refers to what they have done. In addition, most of the links to articles that they have posted which are supposed to support their argument lead to very vague articles or pages that cannot be found. Contrary to what I believed at first, the Animal Welfare Council is actually a group who supports animals’ rights determined by individuals. Instead of protecting animal rights, they say that the public should decide how their own animals should be treated.

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  Josh W (2) wrote @ November 8, 2009 at 10:22 pm

1.

I think The Abundant Wildlife Society of North America stands for and protects animal rights. It appears as though they try to protect the habitats of animals so that they do not become endangered. The abundant part makes it seem that they want wildlife to be plentiful in the wild, not only safe from endangerment. They probably do not like the idea of zoos, because they are a wildlife society.

The Californians for Population Stabilization probably work and research about human population growth rate and get statistics about it. They probably try to inform people about the safest and healthiest lifestyle. In addition, are probably interested in finding ways to help stabilize the population of California.

Oregonians for Food and Shelter is probably an organization that allows homeless people a temporary living place. They most likely feed and shelter them for a certain period of time.

Animal Welfare Council sounds like an organization that is involved with helping and taking care of endangered or injured animals. They also may be interested in ensuring the welfare of animals in zoos or aquariums as well

2.

Astroturfing is when a company disguises the possibly bad things they do by labeling themselves as something that tricks the reader into liking or believing the company. It is a technique used by organized public relations campaigns trying to pass itself off as the general feeling and reactions of the public to current events. It is called Astroturfing because it is very similar to Astroturf. Astroturf is fake grass that is meant to act as, look like, and replace natural grass, while Astroturfing is meant to act as the public’s real opinion, while it is not their real opinion.

A “front group” is an organization set up to hide the true interests of its creator. There job is to make sure that nobody finds out what the groups true intentions are.

3.
I picked the organization named The Animal Welfare Council to research. The piece that makes the organization so strange is that it is not really an organization for the welfare of animals. This is a perfect example of Astroturfing and the deception that it causes. There is a vast difference between the title of the organization and what it really stands for. What Animal Welfare Council really stands for is the “caring for animals in recreation, entertainment, sport and industry”. If the organization was really worried about the welfare of the animals, they wouldn’t be using them for human activities. The Animal Welfare Council is an ideal example of Astroturfing, making it appear that the group is in it for the animals, but are really just in it for human entertainment and business. . The Animal Welfare Council is perfectly willing to allow animals to be used in events such as circuses, rodeos, ranching, carriage operators and entertainment. This company is actually just using animals to entertain people, and their policy never says anything about how they would like to improve animal’s lives and/or well-being. The worst part of this organization is that unless one was to read all the details and all the fine print, a majority of the nation will believe that this council supports the welfare of animals. This is a classic case of how you can not judge a book by its cover.

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  Brittany P wrote @ November 8, 2009 at 10:54 pm

From the names of the organizations, it sounds like The “Abundant Wildlife Society of North America” is a group that protects the rights of animals and the wildlife, its sounds like an overall good orginazation. ‘Californians for Population Stabilization” sounds like a group who supports te rights of people and human rights . “Oregonians for Food and Shelter” sounds like an organization that helps people that give food and shelter to the homless people in Oregon , “Animal Welfare Council” sounds like a group who supports animal rights and helps sprad the word for the treatment of animals.

2. Astroturfing is when small groups make the things that they are doing sound good and helpful to mankind and the environment sound good when in actuality they are doing something bad for the environment, such as the “Animal Welfare Council”.

3.I researched the Animal WelfareCouncil this group is actually supporting the euthinising of animals and populationcontrol of animals, they say this is for the animals own good but it is really actually what the public thinks is good for the animals, at first i thought that this group was supposed to be helping animals, and protctig their rights like, not testing human products on animals, but this group is actually how the people think that aimals should be treated,and none of their points and facts are well supported at all

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  Sarah R (2) wrote @ November 29, 2009 at 2:51 am

1. Abundant Wildlife Society of North America sounds like an organization that protects the rights of animals. It could help bring the populations up, this is hinted at by the word ‘abundance’ which refers to a large number of something. It could create policies that prevent wildlife from being killed, therefore their populations would still stay abundant.

Californians for Population Stabilization sounds like an organization that protects the population of California. This could create policies that prevent immigrants into the state. Or in reference to animals, it could help prevent animals from going extinct of from having a population boom. It could keep the populations at a stable amount.

The Oregonians for Food and Shelter sounds like an organization that represents the people of Oregon in fighting against homelessness. It could be a group of people determined to give those without a stable home a secure place to stay and a stable food supply.

Animal Welfare Council from only looking at the name of the seems like an organization that would protect animals rights and attempt to reduce the amount of animals that are abuse every year.

2. “Astroturfing” is when a label or advertisement that leads the reader to believe one thing when it is actually another. It is false advertising. The label of the campaign often covers up for something bad the company is doing. A “front group” is a group of people who disguise the actual intent of the company. The purpose of a front group is to make sure no one finds out about the company’s false advertising.

3. The irony in the names of these organizations is they all represent something that the name goes against. For example, “Animal Welfare Council” seems like a group against animal abuse and mistreatment but in reality they support events such as rodeos, carnivals/ circuses, along with horse slaughter.

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