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House Republicans order arrest of 'Gasland' filmmaker Josh Fox

Looks like Josh is on the loose again...

House Republicans directed Capitol Hill police to detain a highly regarded documentary crew that was attempting to film a Wednesday hearing on a controversial natural gas procurement practice. [...]

Josh Fox, director of the Academy Award-nominated documentary "Gasland" was taken into custody by Capitol Hill police this morning, along with his crew, after Republicans objected to their presence, according to Democratic sources present at the hearing.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff D. on February 7, 2012 at 11:13pm

Jim,

That is exactly the point. The element of showing some sympathy for their position -- even sharing their outrage -- is a VERY powerful tool for winning over a neutral audience. Thanks for adding to the discussion.

Jeff

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Permalink Reply by LW on February 8, 2012 at 6:58am

This has been a great debate to read. Thank you all for your insight. Especially to Jeff D and Jim L. for sound advice.

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Permalink Reply by Sherry on February 8, 2012 at 8:51am

I have been watching this discussion and I would like to provide additional food for thought, especially for those who are in areas where drilling is just beginning, possibly where leasing is just beginning.

Don't wait to start getting your facts out there. One of the ways to avoid some of the unpleasantness we encounter in New York and Pennsylvania is to be proactive and not reactive. It gets tiring being on the defensive. An organized group of well-funded drilling opponents got their message out before those who support drilling and one of the results is New York is entering its fourth year of a drilling moratorium. They get their message out first, making it appear they were the voice of the majority. Many of those in favor of it were then afraid to speak up. It is important landowners and those who feel this is the direction our country should take towards energy independence group together and BE VOCAL!

Being on the offensive versus the defensive allows room for "playing nice"; when you are on the defensive though, and the opponents lies start taking hold, it becomes a whole new ballgame. Does this mean that one has to stoop to their level? Of course not, but the rules of engagement reach a whole new level and reactions have to change.

What do I mean? I have had friends who have had their property damaged and I myself have been followed home with the apparent hopes of intimidating me enough to stop my involvement. Get the upper hand and things may never have to escalate to the point they are here.

FWIW

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Permalink Reply by Billy Park Whyde on February 8, 2012 at 10:11am

Sherry in documents obtained through a public records request to the Ohio Department of Health I paid $45 for the documents of the former Ohio Tobacco Prevention Foundation (which was a State agency ran by anti tobacco lobbyist) in the instructions on how to impose a ban in a city it stated that you should obtain a 3% or more backing by the community! THREE PERCENT! To appear as the majority!

It even detailed how to stage a City Hall meeting in your favor!

We have seen anti frackers already do this.

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Permalink Reply by Fang on February 8, 2012 at 1:16pm

Sherry,

I too have been the subject of intimidation tactics by this vocal minority. People who believe that these people on the fringe can be reasoned with are living in a dream world.

Mark

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Permalink Reply by Jeff D. on February 8, 2012 at 6:30pm

I do believe in dialogue, even with those on the "fringe." Generally, though, my dreams are about other things. Like all the ways I might spend the enormous signing bonus I received last month.

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Permalink Reply by Jeff D. on February 8, 2012 at 6:09pm

That's great advice, Sherry, and we have been working to be proactive in Ohio. This is especially true with state government. Of course, it helps when the governor is pro-fracing and both houses of the legislature have Republican majorities. We do still face challenges on the local level in some places, but things seem to be headed in a positive direction.