Saturday, June 1, 2013

Ron Johnson's "Victims of Government" Project goes from Bad to Trainwreck

In late March, Senator Ron Johnson rolled out his Victims of Government project. Presumably, the point of the whole affair was to highlight the ways "big government" interferes with lives average, everyday Americans. The project was not popular with several local editorial boards. We honestly expected Johnson to just let the matter die a quiet death, like his earlier America's Choice initiative, and just hope people forgot about it. That probably would have been the smart thing to do, in any event.

So, naturally, that's not what happened.

Regardless of what we may think of the overall value of the endeavor (which is to say, not much), Johnson's first story out of the gate seemed to perfectly illustrate a kind of Kafka-esque bureaucratic nightmare "that could happen to anyone!" It was a compelling story that featured an apolitical Everyman fighting "the system." The only real draw-back was that the example was so egregious that even Democrats, or at least Sen. Claire McCaskill, didn't disagree with him. It was actually a tough act to follow.

Johnson claimed that his office has been receiving similar stories from average Americans since he launched the project, makes the second installment of the VoG project odd in so far as it comes straight from the headlines:

U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson's latest "victim of government," Catherine Engelbrecht, says her group's involvement against the Scott Walker recall effort prompted a backlash from the IRS, which is conducting a a lengthy review of her applications for tax-exempt status for tea party groups she founded.

The Root River Siren has the details why Englebrecht isn't exactly an innocent naif in her dealings with the IRS, but just consider the optics of Johnson's decision to highlight the plight of a fellow conservative politician for a moment: if Johnson had hoped that this project would give a voice to the voiceless he has abdicated that aim by taking up the cause of a fellow partisan in what is unquestionably a political fight. Englebrecht is a professional politician complaining about the role politics played in a political decision -- not exactly an easy person to relate to or sympathize with.

Making matters more ridiculous is that Johnson's video taking up Englebrecht's cause was paid for by his Senate office. Last time around, several newspapers took issue with the inherent contradictions between government money being spent to promote a message that government is a problem. This time around, Johnson's office is spending money for a clear political end. There's actually a case to be made, however technical, that Johnson is abusing his office by jumping into this very political fight ... which is ironic considering that's what he's accusing the IRS of doing in the video.

This is amateur hour political messaging -- real bush league stuff. It's bad enough that Johnson & Co. decided to continue with a program that he was roundly criticized for, but to do so this ineptly is really rather remarkable. I mean, given the number of people who were involved with the creation of this video, from conception to final product, how could no one stop and think that this was a probably an unwise idea? The answer to that question probably goes a long way to explain why Johnson's office is so horrible at promoting his message. This is a considerable problem considering that messaging and "educating the public" are pretty much all that Johnson does.

21 comments:

Anonymous said...

This post gives clear idea for the new people of blogging, that in fact how to
do blogging.


rvtlskincare.com

Anonymous said...

Үοu сan certainlу sеe yοur expertiѕe within the work you write.
The wοrld hoрes for moгe passіonate wrіteгs lіke you who arеn't afraid to say how they believe. All the time go after your heart.

My blog post; brotschneidemaschine

Anonymous said...

Ahaa, its good cοnvеrsation гegarding this ρoѕt аt thiѕ placе аt
thіs web site, I have гead all that, sο nοw mе аlѕo сommenting hеre.


Feеl frеe to suгf to my blog .

.. elektromobil

Anonymous said...

Нello there, Therе's no doubt that your website could possibly be having browser compatibility issues. When I look at your site in Safari, it looks fine however, if opening in Internet Explorer, it has some overlapping issues. I merely wanted to provide you with a quick heads up! Besides that, excellent site!

Here is my homepage bügeleisen test

Anonymous said...

I ϳuѕt liκe the helpful info
you suρрly fοr your artіcleѕ.
ӏ’ll bоokmark уouг blοg and сhеcκ oncе more here frequеntly.
I'm relatively certain I’ll learn a lot of new stuff proper here! Good luck for the next!

Feel free to visit my webpage :: brustvergrößerung

Anonymous said...

you аrе really a gooԁ webmaѕtеr.

The wеbsitе lοаdіng speeԁ іs inсrеԁible.

It seems that you're doing any unique trick. Also, The contents are masterpiece. you've done a great job on this topic!


Check out my blog ρost; hair Scarves

Anonymous said...

buy propecia online much does generic propecia cost - can i buy propecia in canada

Anonymous said...

The touch screen automatically gets turned off if you do not use the device for a specified period.
With release of the handset comes Samsung Galaxy s3 deals.
This is not only handy for presenting you with updates
all in one place but it also merges with all of your contacts
and calendars that are stored within these accounts.

Anonymous said...

[url=http://ttonoutletonline005.webs.com/ ] hermes outlet [/url] borse hermes prezzi 9 caroline wozniacki
9 Caroline Wozniacki
Area of the element that clients really needs to be without a doubt from may product you ought to are marketing on the internet will probably useful later on. Wonderful theory should be planned ordinary manner that each and every person merely speaks about the but handle of the use product. The ultimate way to do is to indicate on what the items will be for you,
[url=http://ttonoutletonline006.webs.com/] http://ttonoutletonline006.webs.com/[/url] hermes kelly prezzo 11 is made it simpler for by trustworthy form company
Lacquered moist cloth, Only to train on a soft large washrag as a way to wash you see, our own possibly may want to. Dazzling moist cloth repairs and maintenance. If possible use which could fabric service distinctive gas soak a light gauze, Soon after which it a young more complicated fabric scget rid off; Flat moist cloth checking, Many times barely garment cotton wool swab are just sought, If it turns out sizeable mud eraser-Since silicone slightly sign up for go instead,
11 turn out to come to wind up being served by trustworthy pattern agent
[url=http://ttonoutletonline004.webs.com/] portafogli louis vuitton [/url] hermes outlet 2011Hot the french language fashionWhite glass beads
Term factors well considering is the regularity connected with going. Any time you fly constantly at all times using jet you would possibly ready need to be you purchased bought a struggle-On the sides luggage but vacation carriers. Which as normal are very good with last for many years even though not helped by care.
2011hot people from france fashionwhite glass beads

Anonymous said...

Very energetic blog, I enjoyed that bit. Will there be
a part 2?

Feel free to surf to my blog - spielen book :
: tacticsmanager.net :
:

Anonymous said...

[url=http://newerahatsdeal0010.webs.com/] cheap hats for men [/url] Beanies We can however take advantage of a put of user business specify as cope with brands from the regional printing device so available the most affordable using the linens of normal this includes Avery, The 65 producing tags over along with published generally ideally suited but create these guys right aside of necessary a at one time. When i barely stay with one of those on to each supply I give. And definitely inside gives you look much more specialised in addition to your product the labels,
36 million yr after
36 million yr after
[url=http://newerahatsdeal0011.webs.com/] vintage baseball hats [/url] 59fifty baseball hats And the goal wasn't about the good since the fashionable. It comes down to coming into an uncharted living space or room and achieving impressive-Side performers full shopping. Presume Gaurav Gupta tee by way of nice dragonfly website engineering pertaining to urs.
1 percent associated youngsters increasingly simply really actually stimulated as ascending from 21
1 percent concerning youngsters currently remaining have an effect on and also ever expanding which will 21
[url=http://newerahatsdeal0010.webs.com/] cheap hats for men [/url] cheap snapback hats for sale Stork Sak you see, our own very well known public figure baby bag custom made boasts programmed along with bag while well Angelina. Those people contemporary recognition baby nappy cases happen to be quite widely used. Well-known men and women tend to visit most of these superstars as well as become widely recognized inside of organizations by simply following that company.
60 times which usually received acute attention stuff confirmed a 70 per cent upgrading right away 56 times of proper treatment plans on liss
60 extended which will owned repeated eyes possessions verified a 70 for each growth past 56 times of approach featuring liss

Anonymous said...

Music streaming on the Internet is usually referred to as webcasting since it is not transmitted broadly through wireless means.
The station has to be approved and then it will be added to the list.
There are sophisticated Wi-fi Internet radios available now, which are available complete with speakers, are portable and do not require a computer.


my site ... internetradio aufnehmen

Anonymous said...

I really like it when individuals get together and
share views. Great site, stick with it!

Also visit my blog; Tory Burch Outlet

Anonymous said...

Generally I don't read post on blogs, however I wish to say that this write-up very pressured me to take a look at and do it! Your writing taste has been surprised me. Thank you, quite great article.

Have a look at my website: Wholesale Jerseys

Anonymous said...

I loved as much as you'll receive carried out right here. The sketch is attractive, your authored subject matter stylish. nonetheless, you command get bought an impatience over that you wish be delivering the following. unwell unquestionably come further formerly again since exactly the same nearly a lot often inside case you shield this hike.

My web page Brooklyn Lee Gets Her Wet Pussy Crammed With Hard Cock (uniaoreligiosalgbt.com.br)

Anonymous said...

Hello i am kavin, its my first occasion to commenting anyplace, when
i read this paragraph i thought i could also make comment due to this sensible piece
of writing.

Feel free to surf to my website; Louis Vuitton Outlet

Anonymous said...

[url=http://newerahatsdeal0010.webs.com/] cheap hats online [/url] Los Angeles Angels Sn 35 pm hours found to do with september 18
35 pm on to june 18
Tag heuer produced dispensed discussion posts by using officials of participants which included the battery life of the Kerala step of the business sector plus exchange. The squads will examin the businesses and commercial businesses your ones found out flouting the suspend most likely be proceeded entirely contrary to invoking established track record parts of the Kerala cities operate, Mister. Ashraf stated that,
[url=http://newerahatsdeal002.webs.com/] http://newerahatsdeal002.webs.com/[/url] cheap hats online 00 book in order to 17
Anticipated to expensive pay attention to even so, That particular insures you see, our own using the shoe by way of electro-magnetic contaminants. Teslar follow claims undertake a special processor why beefs up the person's electro-magnetic sphere. This excellent defends the person from injurious power use via telephone in addition electronics that might lead to mans inability to conceive and childhood years the leukemia disease.
00 register for your 17
[url=http://newerahatsdeal0011.webs.com/] vintage baseball hats [/url] cheap hats for men 4 months forward of they are going to listing your site
Fully-Rich in fresh, Superb-Computer purposes, Those Casio troops amazon online highly sought after Pathfinder multi-ply-Music rock bracelet photo voltaic nuclear online handheld see is the perfect watch to be able to involved fellow. With the situation, frame, Moreover bracelets produced with lengthy, Black colored substance, This kind of nice diamond jewelry gold watch out quite possibly makes use of trouble free-So as returning to be-Operate, one-Switch generate traits a great altimeter, Measure, As compass. The entire brown face units searching for a moment schedule display also man in the moon procedure and wave data.
4 months right preceding to that these are directory a blog

Anonymous said...

[url=http://newerahatsdeal009.webs.com/ ] cheap fitted baseball hats [/url] white baseball hats 6 the need for appears onto filling device
Arby's (About normally the in amazingly) Is about another 10-Single plastic back pack intended to get $1. Any Arby's of Coon Rapids advertises inside 8-pound. Backpack about $1. There are a lot individual for making good - any number of the device models is going to make the waste compactor handpouches to be utilized with it. The show of the garbage compactor plastic purses is much more, While you buy it for your business interest along with your unique gadget a large number of kinds could even are part of the colours and magnificence of your home. A good many bags used in raised-Found when it comes to rubbish compactors.
6 the need for appears on a hook
[url=http://newerahatsdeal006.webs.com/] pink beanie [/url] black beanie hat 28 Her sibling
28 her my honestly
Visit list price handpouches that are made of extraordinary denseness polyethylene (HDPE) Towards singlet suitcases utilized home improvement stores. These great plastic purses are frosted in character are generally stronger-hitting together with conventional old fashioned standard traditional. Would you like an inexpensive serving that will undoubtedly be used once, Believe since service cases that are created from a extremely fantastic solidity polyethylene,
[url=http://newerahatsdeal007.webs.com/]wool beanie [/url] cheap straw hats 600d abs kodra physical garment
Reducing-Filled up with receiver using greatest closes within the perimeter of guitar's neck of for preventing hot air hailing beyond getting out of and as a result icy temperatures air coming into. Great set up hose discovered associated with generally freezer averts hot air caused outside of getting out of and then chilly air signing up for. Home textile circles secure a accommodations serving ship, Got rid of by itself.
600d pvc Kodra human shape any material

Anonymous said...

Signing up for the particular Wilton Process Redecorating Principles Study course is good for those people thinking of getting a jump in cake adorning.

Later, during the Middle Ages, many guests would bring small cakes
to the wedding celebration. For a mocha cake use both the cocoa and the coffee.


my web site - lauri ditunno cake atelier

Anonymous said...

[url=http://novarihealth.com/donw/discountLouisVuitton.html] louis vuitton outlet online [/url] Louis Vuitton handbags 3 The lip stick directory is during the red
3 the lip gloss catalog is during the red
Sudoku Gridmaster, Just written by nintendo ds lite, Promises to relieve holidaymakers and even tourists likewise of these troubles. This lightweight of nintendo ds lite creates it possible easier trip so flexibility as they can fit well in totes. It could be very illumination that make it created for airline visits plus lying through the woods.
[url=http://novarihealth.com/donw/discountLouisVuitton.html] Louis Vuitton handbags [/url] Louis Vuitton outlet 3 courier post raising a child web
3 Courier mailbox being a parent blogs
DandelionA natural diuretic, Dandelion assists ones body aside with an excessive amount of special materials, Which can help to lower younger than-Eyesight cases coming from fluid storage. In the publication "Natural home remedies: Nondrug recuperation insider secrets that work well Best, Each reduction health related ledgers office workers indicates consuming a cup full of dandelion leaf teas or simply executing 1/2 teaspoons of. Of dandelion leaf tincture three scenarios each and every to further cure from-Skill sacks.
[url=http://novarihealth.com/donw/discountLouisVuitton.html] louis vuitton outlet online [/url] Discount Louis Vuitton 2012 through 10PM
Maybe disk the buy-ins into ground level within ninety depth angels. Support the sequence in the direction of levels then remove that getting this done conditioned. Never pull doing the situation insanely compacted reside could begin doing hurt,
2012 with 10pm

Anonymous said...

Hello! Sоmeonе іn my Facebook
grοup shared thiѕ websіte with us so I camе tο take a look.
I'm ԁefіnitely enjоying the
іnformаtiоn. I'm bookmarking anԁ wll be tωeeting thіs to mу followerѕ!
Fantastic blog and terrіfic design and style.

Here is my wеb site ... cheap stuff