Letter from a Disillusioned Woman

 
New York Times  - Organizing For Action - a 501 Social Welfare Group

I should have done my homework before sending an rsvp to OFA saying that my husband and I would be there.  We just went to the location like trusting blind sheep believing we were going to a "meeting" with Congressman Meehan,  assuming, foolishly when viewed from hindsight, that he would be giving us his views and plans on ending gun violence.  I still insist though, that the way this event was presented on OFA's website (which I saw for the first time today) and presented to us via phone call and emails is misleading, implying that Rep. Meehan would be involved in this event.  It's not my intention to condemn the entire agenda  of  Organizing For Action, I'm not sure what there agenda is at this point,  and I still have great respect and admiration for President Obama.  I just want them to stop using sleazy tactics to draw supporters into their fold.  At this point though, I must confess, I find myself disillusioned and  the OFA more than a little bit scarey. 


Last night, after the stressful events of the day, I found the energy to write the following letter to the OFA:

August 21, 2013

To: Organizing For Action (info@barackobama.com)

I will never trust "Organizing for Action" again. Your organization used deceptive measures to get people out to your gun violence rally today in front of  the building where Representative Patrick Meehan has his office. I am thoroughly appalled and feel betrayed, tricked, fooled and manipulated by your actions.  First came the phone call we got from a young man from your organization who asked if we would come out to Patrick Meehan's office in support of stronger and more thorough background checks for persons buying guns and ammo.  Then came the email with the subject "My Son Daniel"  followed by a request for our presence and support for Gun Violence Prevention to be held at 940 West Sproul Road, Springfield, PA 19064 - Rep. Meehan's address. 

My husband and I are both in our seventies.  We rsvp'd that we would be there to both requests, phone and email, thinking there was going to be a meeting  and discussion with Patrick Meehan in his office.  We kept today open on our calendar, cancelled plans to visit family at the Jersey shore.  I have Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia but I wasn't going to let it hold me back from supporting this important cause.  We consulted our kids on the best route to take from our home  to Rep. Meehan's office.  When we arrived at 940 Sproul Rd we saw a group of people in front of the building but didn't make the connection between them and our purpose for being there. They looked like a bunch of Jimmy Buffet fans - not that there's anything wrong with Jimmy Buffett or his fans.  (eye roll)

To avoid all the commotion in front of the building we parked in the back and entered through the back door.  Inside we saw that Rep. Meehan's office was on the 2nd floor and took the elevator up.  When we stepped off the elevator we saw several police officers and some men in business suits milling around.  We paid them no particular attention and went to Meehan's office, tried opening the doors, we didn't want to be late for the meeting.  The office doors were locked and we were greeted by a receptionist behind a window.  We told her we were there in response to a phone call from  their office and an email requesting our presence and support to discuss solutions to gun violence.  She told us "Our office has nothing to do with those phone calls or emails.  We didn't make the calls or send the emails.  There is no meeting being held here."  That's when we realized we had been duped.

Can you understand why we have lost all respect for and trust in your organization? Your tactics are despicable. Is this what you call organizing for action?  Isn't President Obama having enough problems without your organization adding more?  I would like to add that as I write this I have no idea if Rep. Meehan is Republican or Democrat and I really don't care. Party affiliation means nothing to us.  We want honesty and integrity in the politicians we vote for; we not only want it, we demand it. 

copy to:
President Obama, via Whitehouse Website;  Congressman Patrick Meehan;  Congressman Nick Miccarelli; Mayor Robert O'Neill; Phil Heron, Editor Delco Times

 

 

How the event was presented on OFA website

 

Delaware County Gun Violence Prevention Rally - "Hand Across Pennsylvania" (Not Backing Down -- Action Events)

Across the Commonwealth, Pennsylvania residents have let it be known that we want ACTION on gun violence prevention. Join your Delaware County neighbors in showing support of House legislation to expand background checks on gun sales. Both congressmen representing Delaware County, Rep. Meehan and Rep. Brady, ARE co-sponsors of HR1565. In front of Rep. Meehan's office on August 21st, at 12:00 noon, we will rally to show continued support for HR1565 and send a message to other members of congress, asking them to join in Delaware County's commitment by co-sponsoring that legislation.

Time:

Host: Alycee Nelson-Ruley

Location: Rep. Meehan's District Office (Springfield, PA) 940 West Sproul Road Springfield, PA 19064

 

OFA's Mission Stament via their website:

Organizing for Action
Statement of Purpose

Organizing for Action is a nonprofit organization established to support President Obama in achieving enactment of the national agenda Americans voted for on Election Day 2012. OFA will advocate for these policies throughout the country and will mobilize citizens of all parties and diverse points to speak out for speedy passage and effective implementation of this program, including gun violence prevention, sensible environmental policies to address climate change and immigration reform. In addition, OFA will encourage the formation of chapters that will be dedicated at the grassroots level to this program, but also committed to identifying and working progressive change on a range of issues at the state and local level. In carrying its work, OFA will operate as a "social welfare" organization within the meaning of section 501(c)(4) of the Internal Revenue Code.