|
|
| Students Launch Radio Ad Campaign |
|
Posted by FoM on June 21, 2001 at 12:08:10 PT By John Hlinko Source: U.S. Newswire 
Students for a Drug-Free White House today launched its first radio ad campaign to support its "JustSayBlow.com" online petition effort. The ad will begin airing this week in selected markets, including Coke, Texas; Powderhorn, Colo.; and Blowville, Ohio. It was also emailed to more than 6,000 JustSayBlow petition supporters today, and is posted for listening and downloading at: http://www.JustSayBlow.com/radio/ CD's are available for college stations and others who wish to air it as a public service announcement. The group is combating a Bush Administration policy denying aid to students who refuse to answer questions about past drug convictions -- a policy that will rescind aid to 60,000 students this year alone. The petition is posted at: http://www.JustSayBlow.com and reads: "President Bush, if you deny federal funds to students who won't talk about their drug histories, it's only fair that you forego your federal salary until you are willing to come clean with your own drug past." Launched on May 22, the petition has already garnered nearly 6,000 signatures. "We're on a shoestring budget, and we're guessing there's an excellent chance we'll all get IRS audits next year, so we had to be very strategic about paying to place the ad," said John Hlinko, former Internet executive, MoveOn.org strategist and founder/czar of the group. "Coke, Blowville, Powderhorn... somehow, we just felt that this issue would resonate particularly well in those places. 'Bush' and 'Coke' -- they just go together." Hlinko first stumbled upon the policy while researching Ph.D. programs. Dazzled by the awe-inspiring hypocrisy of the program ("A triumph! If hypocrisy were an Olympic event, even the East German judge would've given this a 9.8") and stunned by the raw stupidity of it ("If you want to keep a kid off drugs, why would you deny them an education? How many crack dealers do you know with college degrees?"), Hlinko posted the site, emailed a few friends, and watched the numbers grow by "word of mouse." "JustSayBlow.com is an excellent example of how citizens can use the power of the Internet to highlight hypocrisy in our government," said Joan Blades, co-founder of MoveOn.org, the most successful online petition in Internet history. "John Hlinko stepped forward to help us at MoveOn.org when we were just getting going. He has been an inspiration, bringing a creative and humorous approach to our strategic efforts. He understands viral marketing better than anyone I know. I look forward to watching his work progress with JustSayBlow.com." Fundraising: "Send Dubya a Mystery Mirror" Campaign: The group also began actively raising money to air the ad in additional markets, and to produce more ads -- including television spots. Supporters can donate online, at www.JustSayBlow.com. Those giving more than $25 will be rewarded with a "Commemorative JustSayBlow.com" mirror (complete with mysterious white powder residue). And, $50 donors will have the option of sending an additional mirror to the president as a gift. About the Policy: 60,000 Students Losing Aid, But Charles Manson Still Qualifies: The Higher Education ACT (HEA) was initially passed to help expand opportunities for Americans to attend college. However, it was amended in 1998 by Congress to deny financial aid to students with prior drug convictions. This provision was largely unenforced by the Clinton Administration, but the Bush Administration has decided to enforce it strictly -- even assuming that students who do not answer the question are guilty. As a result, 60,000 students will lose their aid this year alone. Oddly enough, the provision only applies to drug offenses -- murderers, rapists and arsonists still qualify for aid. So, Charles Manson still gets aid -- unless he's caught with a joint. Additionally, DWI is OK, so the president and vice president need not worry. For further information about this issue and related items, including "Blow," the movie, "Coke," the beverage, and "Frosty the Snowman," visit: http://www.JustSayBlow.com or contact John Hlinko at john@justsayblow.com. Note: 'Students for a Drug-Free White House' Launches Radio Ad Campaign Against Bush Policy Denying Funds to Those with Drug Pasts. Contact: John Hlinko of Students for a Drug-Free White House, 415-516-3896, e-mail: john@justsayblow.com Source: U.S.Newswire Related Articles: Students Find Drug Law Has Big Price Bush To Once-Busted Students: Do As I Say Bush To Enforce Financial Aid Drug Law Home Comment Email Register Recent Comments Help |
 |
| Post Comment |  |
 |  |