"Framing" the SS debate and PR techniques

[BlueInRed]

With all the talk of "framing", it seems like we're letting Bush define the issues in this SS debate. There's lots of talk of rebuttal, which we always do, but having the facts on our side hasn't helped us a lot in prior debates. Rebutting is fine, but it is not enough and it's what we always do - respond, instead of run offense and SELL.

We cannot allow the Bushies to put an image in people's heads that the system is bankrupt. Once that image takes hold, rebutting will not be effective. We must take the initiative and put Bush on the defensive now. We must set the frame that SS is solvent and will be until the youngest Baby Boomers turn 78. And then SS will still be able to pay 80%.

IMO we must also sell the image of them STEALING money from the elderly and the Baby Boomers. This image must get in the minds of people BEFORE Bush's frame is allowed to take hold.

This is a PR campaign. We've been right on the facts FOREVER, but has that alone gotten results? No. We have to be aggressive and if the Dems don't act soon, we need more PAC ads to set the frame our way. Paging George Soros, please run ads now...

Please give your suggestions on how to go on the offense on this issue. I know we have some great idea people here! :hi:

[autorank]

1. "The Birth Tax" nuff said. Over and over with this one.

The seniors know this is crap. AARP got their message loud and clear and nothing * says will change that. We need to nail the youngins and educate them very quickly. There is a large sentiment in favor of this because they are unaware of the implications for them. Since this group is also the most anti-*, targeting them is a payoff all the way down the road. They will be totally against him forever once they figure out he lies like a dog, even when they might like one of his policies.

THE BIRTH TAX VIOLATES THE RIGHT TO LIFE

[slipslidingaway]

2. Transfer of wealth from the working class to the wealthy

and Social Insecurity.

Senator Clinton spoke of the transfer of wealth during a panel on Social Security today.

[kodi]

3. Refer to the Bush "reform" as "PIRATIZATION of Social Security"

Arg Matey!

[cyberpj]

6. Much more appropriate than you think!

Check this out....

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x1566269

[msgadget]

4. Just call it the Raw Deal.

And, point out how many disabled workers who would not have had a chance to fully fund an account could possibly end up homeless.

And, explain how widows and children rely on the money to eat and would be destitute with an underfunded account.

Point out all the disabled people who can never work who would have no recourse.

Democrats need to show examples of the recipients of Social Security - the ones under 55 who would be economically devastated if his plan were to take effect. You know damned well they're going to have real, live plain folk talkin' about how they love an ownership society where they get to decide what to do with their money.

Oh, and I posted this link elsewhere tonight, but they've got to quickly point out his biggest lie about blacks dying sooner and paying in money they get no benefit from:

>The Social Security actuaries found that Heritage had exaggerated substantially the amount blacks pay in Social Security taxes and low-balled the benefits they receive. "In fact," the actuaries said, "results from more careful research reflecting actual work histories for workers by race indicate that the non-white population actually enjoys the same or better expected rates of return from Social Security than for the white population."

The GAO reached the same conclusion. It said that, "In the aggregate, blacks and Hispanics have higher disability rates and lower lifetime earnings, and thus receive greater benefits relative to taxes than whites."<

http://www.startribune.com/stories/561/5187689.html

Edit: spelling

[nedbal]

5. Raw Deal, Social Insecurity.& PIRATIZATION, are great

"The Birth Tax" I don't like as a retort to be used in the the SS issue. It may stand by it's self against his tax cuts.

[BlueInRed]

7. These are great ideas all

Thank you for responding :hi: