David C. Johnson

The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law - Conclusion

Conclusion of "The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law"

 

This report has shown that the tort reform movement is part of a two-pronged effort to influence public opinion and gain political power. Industry tort-reform groups utilize "independent voices" -- PR agencies and phony "grass-roots" front groups that appear to be independent of the direct beneficiaries of "tort reform." Meanwhile, the Right has in place a tremendous ideological messaging infrastructure, working for the past 30 years to influence the public's underlying social and ideological attitudes on issues, including tort reform. They have been disciplined, strategic, and patient. They have focused substantial resources on changing the underlying political and social environment, rather than focusing only on single issues.

The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law - Appendix 1

Appendix 1 of "The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law"

Example of Coordinated Dissemination of a Strategic Message

One of the tactics used by the Right is repetition of messages that are designed to resonate with the public and evoke a desired reaction. This appendix presents an example of coordinated use of one such strategic message, which has been repeated in various media, and by various organizations and prominent individuals. In this example the strategic message is that lawyers, lawsuits, etc. are "out of control." The unspoken, subliminal implication of this phrase is that "we have to get it under control."

The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law - Appendix 2

 

 

 

 

Appendix 2 of "The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law"

An Example of Interconnectedness

This is a look at a portion of one individual's tort-reform work, to demonstrate how interconnectedness leverages the work of individuals and organizations tied to the right-wing movement.

An Example of Interconnectedness - Appendix 3

Appendix 3 of "The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law"

 Examples of Ridiculing and Demeaning of Trial Lawyers

  • Mallard Fillmore Comic Strip [102]

Reprinted with special Permission of King Features Syndicate

The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law - Appendix 5

Appendix 5 of "The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law"

Examples of the Involvement of Organizations That Advocate Tort Reform (no funding data included)

Americans for Job Security (no website)

AJS is a "stealth" issue-ad organization that exists to develop and run "issue ads" against Democratic candidates. See the information on this organization at Campaign Finance Institute. [146]

The American Tort Reform Association (ATRA) and The American Tort Reform Foundation

Website: http://www.atra.org/

The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law - Appendix 6

Appendix 6 of "The Attack on Trial Lawyers and Tort Law"

 Examples of State Tort Reform Organizations

Georgia Public Policy Foundation

Website: http://www.gppf.org/

Illinois Civil Justice League

Website: http://www.icjl.org/

Statement from their website:

"The League, with its members, was the principle author and proponent of major tort liability reform in the Illinois General Assembly in 1995."

Michigan Lawsuit Abuse Watch (M-LAW)

http://www.mlaw.org

June 2003 Newsletter

Progressives Need Communication Infrastructure

It's becoming clearer every day that moderates and progressives need a more effective way to get their message out. The reason the Right has been so effective at getting their message out, and getting their politicians elected, and getting their policies enacted, is that they've established an extremely well-funded idea-development and communications infrastructure that has been called "The Mighty Wurlitzer." This infrastructure consists of think tanks like the Heritage Foundation and the American Enterprise Institute; radio talk-show hosts like Rush Limbaugh; TV pundits on Fox News; newspapers like the Washington Times and New York Post, publishing houses like Regnery; and a variety of other organizations.  

All of this constitutes an "infrastructure" because it is already set up and in place, ready to amplify and disseminate any message that the conservative movement's ideological leaders feed into it. Moderates and progressives, meanwhile, don't have anything comparable in place. That has to change!  

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