New Haven Independent

Posted by: on whalley | October 16, 2007 11:11 AM

"starting at 8 a.m. ... Participants will fill out a survey and watch a background video about immigration before breaking into groups of ten for moderated discussions ... discussions will be geared toward the articulation of questions that will be presented at a mid-day plenary session with a panel of "local experts.""

This coupled with the little presentations by the libraries, which I'm sure the participants are being encouraged to attend, shows there will be quite a bit of coaching and indoctrination for these "talks."

If they really wanted to hear people's concerns why not bring these participants in without the coaching, movies, "moderators" or any of the other outside influences they intend to barrage the participants with? It sounds more like they intend to use this event to test out various training methods on the public and opening and closing surveys lead me to believe the intention is better learn how to force a public to accept what is imposed upon them by their government. This is right out of 1984.

Posted by: Mary | October 16, 2007 11:30 AM

Yes, it does sound like a carefully controlled brainwashing session doesn't it?

Posted by: Been Called Worse | October 16, 2007 1:29 PM

'forced to accept'... interesting concept. My understanding was residents have the option to not accept and register their disgust by voting out those are creating and ratifying these laws.

I am curious as to who is on the panel of "local experts" (and what specifically makes them "experts").

I won't go so far as to say that this session is bieng used to "indoctrinate" people (although a free breakfast does always make me more agreeable), but the pre-survey, discussion, post-survey format appears an attempt to gauge the degree to which the attendee's attitudes change by the moderated discussions. This all leads to question - who's agenda is being served by this forum? Citizens? Illegal Immigrants? Government?

Posted by: albert vosburn | October 16, 2007 3:41 PM

Will they discuss illegal immigration? Will they even distinguish illegal immigration from legal immigration? I've a very different opinion on the two.

Still, I do not support legal immigration from all world groups -- some do not come here to join with us, but to create their own divisive cells who reject assimilation into the larger society, claiming ethnic/racial unity or religious fervor. Let them stay away!

Posted by: Brendan | October 16, 2007 6:47 PM

The Democracy 2.0 Declaration is Here!

On behalf of the 1,581 Democracy 2.0 survey respondents, 47 participants of
the Democracy 2.0 Summit, and those 12 that worked 15 hours to draft a
document we're proud of, stand behind and will mobilize around, it's my
pleasure and honor to announce our generation's Democracy 2.0 Declaration:

Democracy is an unfinished project. It's time we upgrade.

We, the Millennial Generation, are uniquely positioned to call attention to today's issues and shape the future based on the great legacy we have inherited. Our founding fathers intended for every generation to build, indeed to innovate, on the American experience. We realize that as young people we are expected to be the leaders of tomorrow, but we understand that as citizens we are called to be the leaders of today.

We are compelled by the critical state of our present democracy to establish a new vision.

In a world often damaged by conflict and intolerance, we must commit to develop common ground through equality and open mindedness.

In a world often damaged by social isolation and materialism, we must commit to community at the family, local, national and global levels.

In a world often damaged by instant gratification, we must commit to creating sustainable solutions.

In a world often damaged by apathy and disillusionment, we must commit to civic participation and inclusion of all voices.

The present state of our democracy impedes opportunity for real change. We must connect the specific issues failing our population with their underlying systemic causes.

Our government seems unable or unwilling to adequately address our broadest problems, including economic inequality, America's role in the world, and the effect of money on the democratic process. But we must remember, our government is only as effective as the sum of its citizens. Low civic participation means the most disadvantaged people in society are neglected and we overlook many potential solutions to our problems.

Our generation is telling a different story. We are uniquely positioned to foster community engagement through social networks of all kinds. It is our responsibility to use information and technology to upgrade democracy, transform communication and advance political engagement and civic participation.

We are social networkers, we are multi-taskers, we are communicators and we are opinionated. The informality of our generation breaks down traditional barriers and opens doors for inclusiveness and equality. Most importantly, we are leaders in a society that yearns for leadership.

It's our democracy, it's time to act.

Posted by: fairhavener | October 16, 2007 10:25 PM

I agree it sounds fishy. What was described sounds more intense than any course offered at Yale. It certainly doesn't sound like "talking".

I know for a fact that if you are doing a study (collecting data, researching people, etc.) you need to register with some government agency. I don't remember which one. It may be worth the effort to see if a "permit" has been pulled for this endeavor. If it hasn't and they are collecting data, then there may be a legal issue at hand. If a "permit" has been pulled, then, well, you know...