Relay-Version: version B 2.10 5/3/83; site utzoo.UUCP Posting-Version: version B 2.10 beta 3/9/83; site cwruecmp.UUCP Path: utzoo!linus!decvax!cwruecmp!decot From: decot@cwruecmp.UUCP (Dave Decot) Newsgroups: net.politics Subject: Invitation (comments - LONG article) Message-ID: <796@cwruecmp.UUCP> Date: Thu, 17-Nov-83 22:44:57 EST Article-I.D.: cwruecmp.796 Posted: Thu Nov 17 22:44:57 1983 Date-Received: Mon, 21-Nov-83 00:57:37 EST Organization: CWRU Computer Engr. Cleveland, Ohio Lines: 93 This article contains my comments on the "invitation" I received today from the National Republican Congressional Committee, who are now going under the pseudonym "The Honorable Ronald Wilson Reagan." I have no doubt that the President authorized this mass mailing, but his signature appears nowhere in the entire solicitation. See the companion article for reference. I should probably just throw away anything with my address printed by a computer, but I never learn--I'm just too curious about what the public is being subjected to. The stamp on the letter was precancelled, and reads: "USA 5.2c Auth. Nonprofit Org". Oh boy. The only possible explanation for this arriving in my mailbox is the inexcusable fact that I actually *voted* for this person in 1981. If anyone ever asks me what was the most stupid act I ever performed, I have absolutely no problem. I shall definately be more careful this time. (I thought ballots in this country were supposed to be secret?) ---------------------------------------------------------------------- [Cover page] You are cordially invited to send us your money. If this isn't Orwellian I don't know what is. Some of the country's most successful businesspeople will accept this gracious invitation. Ruthless abuse of language. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE SITUATION IN WASHINGTON TODAY--THE NEED FOR THE GOP VICTORY FUND 'The Democrats are liberal, liberal, liberal. Liberals are scheming, nasty, maneuverers whose only goal is to "tie up [bills] endlessly in committee" and strangle the nation's economic life.' ---------------------------------------------------------------------- THE PRESIDENT'S DECISION TO INVITE YOU 'You are a special person. Special, select, carefully chosen. Special. Out of all the millions of names in America, you, yes YOU were carefully selected and singled out as one of the President's valuable friends.' Everyone has seen this gimmick used by mail fraud artists. The Presidency is soiled. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- CONCEPT AND BACKGROUND OF THE GOP VICTORY FUND/CAMPAIGN VICTORY PLAN 'We'll be ruined if you don't send money NOW. We'll lose our independence and freedom and recovery will be shot.' Calm down, it's okay. They won't be short because your $25 didn't get there. The voting records of Democratic candidates will be collected and used as "evidence" to smear them, no matter how they vote. ---------------------------------------------------------------------- YOUR ACCEPTANCE OF THE PRESIDENT'S INVITATION IS FUNDAMENTAL TO VICTORY IN 1984 Only money can buy votes. That's the way our country works? Let's please try to reverse this trend, so that money can buy goods and services, the way capitalism is supposed to work. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- YOUR LEVEL OF SPONSORSHIP "A special friend of the President?" Will Sponsors be his friend in 1985, or (voters forbid) 1989, when he is out of a job? I don't think so. 'I'll be your friend for $25.' The only difference between this "deal" and those made by first graders is the inflation. (I don't mean to malign first graders by comparing them to the National Republican Congressional Committee.) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS To continue the insult to your intelligence, you are invited to join the Ronald Wilson McDonald Club, which gets you a membership card, a certificate signed by Ronald himself, and a memento. Probably a secret decoder ring with CIA engraved in it. And all for at least $25! Amazing. --------------------------------------------------------------------------- SPONSORSHIP DEADLINE This is the most insulting sales tactic ever. You have a limited time to send money! The purpose is to get you to act immediately, and not put it off and eventually forget it. I doubt that they'll refuse contributions after the deadline, so take your time. (Think: how many limited time offers and "send before midnight tonight" deals have you seen go away within a year?) --------------------------------------------------------------------------- The form letter asks you to "please list any political, professional or civic titles you have held on a separate piece of paper." Why? We don't want any of the "friends of the President" to be members of subversive organizations? Or will these organizations be dunned with "invitations?" It also says that your check "is a personal contribution even though it may appear to be drawn on a business, partnership or other type of account." Although corporate contributions are prohibited by law, it seems they won't bother to verify that checks with a corporation header are really from the private citizen. ----------------------------------------------------------------------------- I am deeply saddened when I realize that people will be impressed and honored and send their money. Has anyone else received this waste of trees? The favor of your opinion is requested. Do not send cash, checks, stamps, or secret decoder rings. Dave Decot decvax!cwruecmp!decot (Decot.Case@rand-relay)