Home Uncategorized Anthill Activism Part #4: Tanner gets a ringing over budget cuts

    Anthill Activism Part #4: Tanner gets a ringing over budget cuts

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    I think that the next step in this fun form of activism should be for Anthill to send the nice receptionist in Minister Tanner’s office a big, fat bunch of flowers. She deserves it!

    According to independent online media service Scopical, the Minister’s media advisers were quick to downplay the phone-in: “I wouldn’t say it was particularly large… it’s probably under one hundred.”

    Wait a minute!

    Our team of bespectacled mathematicians at the ‘Anthill Institute’ (imagine pristine white laboratories and multiple security passes… or me, in convalescing state, with calculator in hand) has done the numbers and…

    That’s up to 16 calls every hour.

    Or…

    One call every four minutes!

    The tight-lipped nature of the response (a pre-prepared comment, at the ready) and obvious awareness of ‘the cause’ suggest to me that an impression was made. I too would be doing me best to avoid media follow-up.

    According to the same spokesperson…

    “The caller’s names have all been recorded and they will be sent to the Minister, and he will review it.”

    That’s a good start.

    But, while organising our big, bouquet for the Minister’s lovely and ever-courteous receptionist, I also plan to find a company that delivers nuts. Not cashews. Not almonds. No, I’ll be sending a package that says:

    “The scrapping of Commercial Ready was JUST PLAIN NUTS!”

    I have prepared a letter that I invite readers to download, stick on company letter head and send to the Minister. If you’re feeling really adventurous, also send some nuts. (Heh heh.)

    If you don’t have a lot of time, I have set up an easy email link with a pre-drafted email.

    Click the link and a pre-drafted letter/email will appear.

    Make sure that you take advantage of this easy tool we’ve set up before you go home today. Follow-up is important.

    Lastly… Did we make a difference? Honestly, I don’t know.

    My natural belief is that activism is good. It’s a necessary part of our system (because elected officials and their staff aren’t always right). And for those who took part yesterday, you’ll also know… it feels good too! 🙂

    While some of you might be tiring of ‘Anthill Activism’ (Antivism?), others are just getting revved up. As such, I’ve decided to create the ‘Anthill Army’. (This brand of ours knows no bounds!)

    If you want to take part further or be invited to join us in other activities with political purpose, click here and fill out the form.

    And, of course, please post your experiences, thoughts and suggestions about yesterday and the future below.