Rachel Maddow examines “astroturfing,” or faux grassroots movements — in this case, opposing healthcare reform. That effort is far more sophisticated than what Scene encountered recently in response to our article on suburban oil and gas drilling, but the intent is the same: to advance an industry’s agenda through deception and fear. (Bonus: The report begins with video of conservatives cheering — cheering — over Chicago’s failed Olympic bid.) — Frank Lewis
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This article appears in Sep 30 – Oct 6, 2009.