Despite the warnings that a sequel is never as good as the original (except for Godfather II, of course), Common Cause has just released Wolves in Sheep's Clothing, Part II: More Telecom Industry Front Groups and Astroturf.

Our March report exposed nine organizations that looked like think tanks or grassroots groups, but that were actually controlled by telephone and cable company interests. Since that time, the telecom reform debate has kicked into high gear and a handful of new Astroturf groups were launched.

Our latest report profiles five of these organizations: Hands Off the Internet, TV4US, NetCompetition.org, The Future... Faster and Video Access Alliance. You may recognize some of these names from their extensive - and misleading - ad campaigns in recent weeks. Now you can read about all the ways they are trying to fool `we the people,' and pass the information on to concerned friends and family as well.

Let us know what you think of the report and whether you've seen any of evidence of Astroturf campaigning in your community.