What I like about... me

So I like that I generally try to speak up when I hear misinformation presented. I remember doing this in college, and I've just done it again at work. Of course, speaking one's opinion has a time and a place, but I felt this was a good time and place.

Anyway, this particular issue pertained to online/e-mail petitions. A coworker of mine, who I like, sent an e-mail from MADD (supposedly). It contained a poem and a nasty little guilt-based letter encouraging the reader to "sign" the petition at the bottom. In fact, said message reads:


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If you receive this petition and do nothing but delete it, your selfishness knows no bounds. Signing is such a small effort to make. After you have read the poem, please add your name at the bottom. And never forget, DON'T EVER DRINK AND DRIVE, not even once, thinking that it won't matter. IT DEFINITELY WILL MATTER!!!

How to set it up:
* Click on Forward
* SIGN YOUR NAME AT THE BOTTOM.
* Then send it to everyone you know.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*



So I was a little peeved, knowing that I'm not an extremely selfish person. I am also not a sucker, however, so I felt I had to speak up somehow.

Anyway, I was pretty proud of the little retort I composed and sent off:



Ladies,

As much as I am all FOR groups like MADD and other anti-drunk-driving committees, I have read time and again that e-mail/internet petitions are generally a waste of time. I don’t mind reading the poetry or the information or whatever, but a list of typed names at the end of an e-mail is of little use to policymakers. Here are some sources if you’re skeptical:


http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/petition/internet.asp

http://www.womensenews.org/article.cfm?aid=395

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Internet_petition

http://www.truthorfiction.com/rumors/p/petitions.htm

http://journals.aol.com/seglm/SheepNotSheep/entries/2006/05/05/internet-petitions/164

http://www.hoax-slayer.com/petition-value.html

http://urbanlegends.about.com/library/weekly/aa052798.htm

http://www.truthminers.org/petitions1.htm

http://www.bentbay.dk/email_petitions.htm


I don’t mean to get on anyone’s bad side, but I thought I’d spread the good word about the futility of online petitions, especially when no verifying information is required. If you have any comments, I welcome your discourse.


Thank you all, and I’m sure I’ll see you soon,


Mb :)



So that's that. Just thought I'd share. :)

P.S. After looking on the MADD website, I found the exact thing I'd been looking for. Directly from their site:


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"Q: I received an email petition accompanied by a poem about a young girl killed by a drunk driver. Is this petition sponsored by MADD? What happens to the signatures?


A: The petition circulating via e-mail accompanied with the poem titled 'I Went to a Party Mom' did not originate with nor is it endorsed by MADD.

While the petition you received probably began with good intentions, MADD did not initiate the campaign. Some variations of the e-mail use language that we feel to be inappropriate. Moreover, the e-mail asks you to participate in a petition, which does little to advance the fight against drunk driving.

Your inquiry about this petition shows that you would like to help. You can make a real difference today in the fight against drunk driving and underage drinking by learning how you can play a part in MADD's lifesaving work.

You can also visit our Web site to learn more ways to help this cause please also consider making a Make a Financial Contribution MADD.

The mission of Mothers Against Drunk Driving is to stop drunk driving, support the victims of this violent crime, and prevent underage drinking. Thank you again for your support."

Fin.