Neo-con Freedom Watch Run Ads in Oregon in Support of the War

I have been sickened by the recent splattering of ads by a group calling itself Freedom Watch in Oregon. According to an article on the Politico website, Freedom Watch is spending $15 million dollars on the pro-war ads. In truth the people behind the group are hard core Bush neo-cons.

They include:

Bradley A. Blakeman (president, a former deputy assistant to George W. Bush).

Ari Fleischer (board member, former Bush press secretary).

Matthew Brooks (board member, executive director of the Republican Jewish Coalition).

Mel Sembler (donor, former ambassador to Italy who helped finance the 2000 Florida recount battle).

John Templeton Jr. (donor, board member of Templeton Growth Fund and financier of Let Freedom Ring).

Sheldon Adelson, (donor, CEO Las Vegas Sands Corporation and the third-richest American in Forbes magazine's rankings last year).

Kevin E. Moley (donor, former U.S. ambassador to international organizations in Geneva, and a senior adviser to Dick Cheney during the 2000 campaign).

Howard Leach (donor, CEO Leach Capital and former ambassador to France who also helped fund the Florida Recount).

Anthony Gioia (donor, head of Gioia Management and former ambassador to Malta).

Richard Fox (donor, co-founder of the Republican Jewish Coalition).

Gary Erlbaum (donor, owner of Greentree Properties).

Also notable in some of the ads the "big lie" is repeated that Iraq attacked us (alleging they were behind the 9/11 attacks). The ads are being aired in areas where Republicans are vulnerable for next year's election according to the Politico article.

Obviously, the airing of the ads in Central and Southern Oregon are meant to help and give cover to Senator Gordon Smith. Smith, who is facing a tough reelection bid next year has waffled on the war, calling it "criminal" just after the 2006 mid-term election, but continuing to vote for the war.

According to Freedom Watch's own website:

Freedom’s Watch is dedicated to educating individuals about and advancing public policies that protect America’s interests at home and abroad, foster economic prosperity, and strengthen families. Through outreach and education, communications to key members of Congress, and bold public awareness initiatives, Freedom’s Watch is fighting for the ideals and policies that keep America strong and prosperous. We welcome all those who share our values to join our efforts.

Haven't caught one of their ads yet? Then, feel free to click on either of the two ads below to watch:





Feel free to leave comments or throw up as needed....