New "527" Group Comes Out Swinging On Tax Issues
RightChange.com launches national advertising campaign to ask "What’s
it Cost? Who Pays?"
Raleigh, NC – RightChange.com, a newly formed issue advocacy organization, was launched today with a national advertising campaign designed to engage citizens in asking the questions, "What is the right type of change for America? What will it cost? Who pays?"
RightChange.com is nonprofit, nonpartisan "527" organization. Through advertising, a Web site and events around the country, the group will provide a clear view of economic policy issues and work to help Americans see through spin and hype that often surrounds serious economic policy challenges.
"Over and over we hear candidates for office calling for 'change,' with little explanation of how their policies will really affect American families. People are frustrated with the same old political promises and want details on policy matters," said Tim Pittman, executive director of RightChange.com.
"Politicians tend to sound like they are speaking to think tank academics and Washington, DC, lobbyists,” Pittman said. "But they need to be listening to the American people and responding to their concerns. RightChange.com will be a place where folks can get information, but also provide their thoughts and feedback on major policy decisions."
The first ad, called "Bungee" which airs today, features an average American standing on the railing of a bridge with a bullhorn and saying to a gathered crowed: "Politicians have played us for fools. Now we’re supposed to fall for it again?" He asks, "Change? What’s it cost? Who pays?"
The ad will run on CNN, Headline News, and Fox. To see the ad, click here.
Today’s announcement also marks the launch of the RightChange.com organization. Through the use of creative and unconventional approaches, RightChange.com will work to engage the public and ensure that misguided proposals to raise taxes on selected families, seniors, investors and small business owners are understood by average Americans.
In the longer term, the organization will serve as an online organizing point for activists on a variety of policy issues. Unlike other 527’s, RightChange.com will not only focus on issue advocacy, but e-activism and social networking surrounding major national policy matters. In 2009, the organization plans to undertake an aggressive effort to spur real discussion and raise awareness through online engagement, town hall meetings, policy forums and other cutting edge tactics.
"Its time to pull back the curtain and have a thoughtful discussion about the long-term implications of tax increases, politically correct energy policies and other plans that would spell disaster for America’s long-term competitiveness," Pittman added.
The following is the script of the ad that airs today. The ad, as well as RightChange.com’s mission statement and fact sheets, can be found at www.rightchange.com/about.php.
"Bungee"
30-second TV ad
Video: An angry man, early-mid forties, possibly a small business owner, is at his wits end. He is standing in the middle of a bridge with stopped traffic on either side of him, yelling into a megaphone.
Audio (Man): "Change? Yeah, politicians promised us change. And we bought it. We got record gas prices, a terrible economy; now they’re talking welfare again! Big government taking more than half my paycheck! Politicians are playing us for fools!"
"And we’re supposed to fall for it again?"
Video: The man moves to stand up on the guardrail to address the crowd. He loses his balance as the gathered crowd including a senior couple, a man, woman, and a child watch him lose his balance. He plunges down the canyon, and we see him falling through the air as the crowd gasps.
Audio (Voice over): "Change? Before you fall for it, get the facts. What’s it cost? Who pays?"
Video: The man is hanging upside down, suspended by a previously unseen bungee cord. The RightChange.com logo appears on the screen. Text appears: "Paid for by RightChange.com and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee."