DU, Lakoff, Language and the Upcoming Election.

[jwirr]

When I browse through the posts after reading George Lakoff's book "don't think of an elephant" I realize that to get ready to be of help in the upcoming 2006 election we should have a teach in here on DU just for members so we stop falling into their frames and helping them. We need to learn to use our on frames when we write letters, etc. Or even when we post here. Otherwise we are shooting ourselves in the foot.

How would we go about setting this up here? I want to participate if someone feels competent to start it. We might also ask our candidates to join us.

[Yoda Yada]

1. I'd like to see that, too.

I also believe that you "play the hand you're dealt." Even though Democrats would prefer to discuss/debate ideas, solutions etc., that is NOT what the Republicans are "dealing out". They (Republicans) seem afraid of debate and open discussion, and depend on spin and manipulative rhetoric and misinformation. So....whether or not the Democrats like it....that is what we HAVE TO deal with. And as the old saying goes...."what you can't get out of, get into.....WHOLEHEARTEDLY!"

Let's be ready for it! :dem:

[jwirr]

2. Okay lets see what happens on this post.

[Warren Stupidity]

3. Framing: referendum on Bush or on gays?

If Democrats don't nationalize this election, don't make it a referendum on the last six years of the Bush administration, on Iraq and Katrina as icons of the criminal incompetence and corruption of the regime, they will end up with the Republican agenda of god gays and terra instead and will make marginal, if any progress when they should sweep the GOP out of control of both houses. If the party goes instead into its usual 'policy of the week' campaign mode, the GOP controlled media will also as usual pay no attention and allow the RNC and Mr. Rove to run their standard nonsense unimpeded.

[jwirr]

5. Actually l think both. Lakoff talks about using our own language about

what is going on and yes, he does suggest ideas about framing the same-sex marriage ideas. He would like to see strategic issues that encompass many Democratic values.

[RufusEarl]

4. Stop going to the middle

I'm not so sure that a middle even exist any longer, not in this upcoming 2006 election. The democrats have so many truths to use against this admin, that all they really have to do is keep reminding voters, about were we are now in this country using simple truth.

All indications show that a vast cross sections of americans are waking up to the fact that they have been lied to, we as democrats need to point out those lies to an awaking America.

[jwirr]

6. Yes, and now is the exact time to put new pictures of values into

their heads. Example: marriage: to them it means a union between a strong man and his weaker female partner. Lakoff suggest that we redefine marriage as being about love and commitment between two people who love each other - not gender specific. The two ideas bring up totally different frames.

While I agree with you that we are probably going to take back Congress - I think we need to make the change in our approach now so that we are good at it in 2008. I am old enough to know that as soon as we are in control of the House and Senate Rover and his hounds will use it to put the blame on us for everything that goes wrong in their eyes. They will have two years to convince their former followers that "see we told you they are evil!". 2008 is not going to be easy.

[RufusEarl]

7. The 2008 election needs to be kept on the front burner,

i totally agree. And it's so important that we take back at least on of the houses in 06, maybe both!

I wish we already had a solid candidate for the 2008 presidential race, one man or woman that we as a group could all agree was our candidate. unfortunately we don't but that could change, even though as of right now i don't see a candidate that everyone can rally around.

But i agree the 08 presidential race will be a deciding factor on what happens to our country, the upcoming election if/when we take it back will only put the brakes on this run-away political system.

[pstans]

8. That is a good idea

I think to start would be to get a Framing forum where people can post frams about certain topics.