dick ciampa wrote:
| There is nothing stopping the pro racing people from making up their own signs and protesting the protesters. In Florida some of the kennel people made up signs that supported our side and also signs that said the antis were lying. I would guess you would have to follow the same rules as the antis and if the antis get confrontational video it, but don't let it get out of hand and be peaceful.
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I think you are spot on, Dick. What is happening in Ireland today, to some extent happened in Australia. I also think Sandro is spot on with the strategies that need to be put in place. For mine, the Australian Greyhound Authorities initially fell into the same mistake IGB have, and that is to bury their heads in the sand and hope it all blows over. That isn't going to happen and the momentum the antis have is building. It's building because it is they who have the media coverage to promote their propaganda. The public only see this and don't see the industry's side because no-one is voicing it publically... So, WHO ARE THEY GOING TO BELIEVE!? The protests these antis are organizing will get media coverage. Why don't you use it wisely to send your own messages and shame the IGB for its inaction. Use the protest's media coverage to your advantage and dwarf the protester's slogans with your own FACTS, some of which have already been mentioned here. Every time there is a protest, use the coverage to your advantage. Take a leaf out of Sandro's post and get organized and skilled in social media. As another post mentioned, you could easily "out message" the protesters if everyone bands together and outnumber the their signs 10 to 1 with strong direct messages. It's clear from where I sit no-one in power is willing to come forward and speak up, so you really only have one choice...you do it or watch the industry get eaten away by public backlash because of anti propaganda. If you do this it is paramount you don't retaliate to the anti's abuse or bully but make sure you video every single second of it then forward it to TV stations, media, share on social media etc...get it out there. Think of it as opportunities to educate the public what these people really are and the powers that be are not. Maybe then the public will see the real picture... Good luck folks.
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