Is the Slabwatchdog.com hiding that it is a front group for the battery industry? Upon initial investigation they appear to be a traditional environmental group, however under closer scrutiny it becomes clear that they are anything but transparent and are disguising who they represent, how they are funded, and who makes the policy decisions they are advocating for.
When I first begin to learn about a new issue it helps to understand exactly who is advocating for and against the issue.
On the Slabwatchdog.com website they proclaim: SLAB Watchdog is a non-governmental organization dedicated to eliminating the environmental danger and community health issues caused by the foreign recycling of Spent Lead Acid Batteries (SLABs).
Well what does non-governmental organization in this case mean exactly? Is Slabwatchdog.com a lobbying group, or a political action committee? How are they organized? Are they a corporation? For-profit or Non-profit? Do they have a board of directors or an advisory group? None of this organizational information is disclosed on their website.
On the About tab on Slabwatchdog.com it says: Located in Virginia So I became curious..... Are they registered with local or state governments? Nothing with the Alexandria Chamber of Commerce or the Virginia State Corporation Commission.
The About tab continues: SLAB Watchdog relies on growing support from environmental groups, worker organizations, and other activists to stop foreign recycling. I wondered who are the environmental groups, worker organizations and other activists that are supporting them? They have a several prominent national environmental groups and labor organizations listed as "likes" on their facebook page but nothing demonstrating any two way connections or actual support.
I looked further and was directed: If you have any questions please contact our Director, Diane L. Cullo at diane@slabwatchdog.com Who is Diane L. Cullo? A google search reveals that she is the owner of an Alexandria Virginia Public Relations firm DLC Communications. She was also a 2004 Bush Appointee as the executive director of the President's Advisory Board on Tribal Colleges and Universities.
So here is something. Slabwatchdog.com is run by a longtime PR professional who was previously appointed to serve in one of the most environmentally hostile Republican administrations in American history. The next step was to find out who is producing the slick website.
Slabwatchdog.com is listed in the portfolio of the Alexandria, VA online public relations firm Campaign Solutions. A review of their clients reveals that they have worked for the presidential campaigns of Michele Bachmann, McCain-Palin, and Bush Cheney.
Now the picture is getting clearer. A Republican pr firm specializing in political campaigns creates a grassroots campaign (for a client?) and recruits a Republican pr person to be the public face.
The question is who is holding the leash and feeding the Slabwatchdog?
