The Progressive's Guide to Raising Hell

How to Win Grassroots Campaigns, Pass Ballot Box Laws, and Get the Change We Voted For

by Jamie Court

Praise

"Americans angry about the state of their government or the fallout from the BP oil disaster might find in Court's persuasive manifesto a cause for action. As the president of Consumer Watchdog, the California-based consumer advocacy organization, Court has gone toe-to-toe with powerful politicians and corporations<—>and won. Without straying far from Advocacy 101, Court provides a how-to on taking a stand and making a difference. Following '10 rules of Populist Power,' 'Rousing Public Opinion in a New Media Age' explores the use of the Internet to rally and mobilize support. For instance, MoveOn, with over five million members, has become 'one of the most successful Internet-based political groups in America.' Court also outlines how to build a 'Populist 2.0 Platform' using e-advocacy, blogging, social media, and other technologies. Other chapters serve as case studies for taking on energy companies (the author was once recruited into a California task force on gas prices), Wall Street, and Governor Schwarzenegger ('Taming Arnold'). With great accessibility and a fired-up attitude, Court brings his lessons in empowerment to the people."

—Publishers Weekly

"Political 'leaders' can only lead if there is a parade for them to get in front of. They can act effectively only if the public forces them to. Progressives need to start many more parades. Jamie Court tells you how in this guidebook to action."

—George Lakoff, author of Don't Think of an Elephant! and The Political Mind

"Tough, smart, strategic. Read it and take action. NOW."

—Robert Greenwald, director and producer of Iraq for Sale and Out-Foxed: Rupert Murdoch’s War on Journalism, founder of Brave New Films

"I've often said, 'First we will elect people who we can talk to into positions of power, and then we will hold their feet to the fire so we get real change. This book is the manual for holding Democratic feet to the fire."

—Howard Dean, former Chair of the Democratic National Committee and Vermont governor; author of Howard Dean's Prescription for Real Healthcare Reform