Don't think of an Elephant and Homegrown Democrat

[pstans]

I just finished reading "Don't think of an Elephant" by George Lakoff and there was some very interesting stuff in there. It really made me understand where the Conservatives are coming. They aren't just babbling idiots (well some are), they have a philosophy behind their actions. Lakoff does a great job explaining this "strict father" mindset and how it conflicts with the Progressive mindset of "nurturant parents."

I also picked up "Homegrown Democrat" by Garrison Keillor. I tried to read it and got bored. Being in my mid-20's all of the"back in my days stories" did not resonate with me. I only read the first 4 chapters or so. I had heard things about the book, though, so I went back to the library and got the book on tape. I listened to it while I was riding around town and the first 2 chapters are incredible. I recommend reading/listening to those over and over. They explain what it means to be a democrat and how Republicans fall short. One of my favorite quotes, "if you are injured you don't want Republicans dispensing your oxygen. They would probably set it at the lowest possible level for brain function. Democrats don't believe that is the right way to live."

I would recommend picking up both books. They are very easy reads (or listening in the case of Keillor's book for me).

Today, I am going to start reading "The Long Emergency" by James Howard Kunstler about the energy crisis and Peak Oil.

[CrispyQ]

1. "Don't Think of an Elephant" was a wonderful book!

I didn't realize the power of framing & how if you answer a question framed in your opponents language, your answer is ineffective. If you liked that book you might consider checking out the "Frame the Debate" group here at DU.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topics&forum=252


The book was also a Book Club selection a few months ago. Here's a link to those discussions:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_mesg&forum=209&topic_id=806&mesg_id=806



I look forward to your review of "The Long Emergency."

[NoodleBoy]

2. can't stress how important "Don't think of an Elephant!" is

[Coexist]

3. Don't think of an Elephant is SUCH an important book.

The should give one away with every Dem. registration.

[Geek_Girl]

4. Don't Think Of an Elephant

Was a real eye opener for me. I actually understood why my fundie friend is such a moron. He buys into and completely relates to the strict father mindset and so follows the repugs without question. Yet he's a government postal worker who belongs to the union. Facts just bounce off him because he completely bought into the Dobson world view.

[CBHagman]

5. What stands out about Homegrown Democrat is...

...the combination of Keillor's anger regarding recent developments and his obvious affection for the people of this country. The book is, above all, very values-based. It's a celebration of human decency, the sort of human decency that would construct a state university system, public libraries, and the like. It's about the decency of ordinary people who are polite and hospitable and humble, and who would never dream of shunning a relative who had come out of the closet.

But at the same time, Keillor really cuts through all the crap and exposes the current political leadership for the morally bankrupt people they are. And he does something else, too: he points out that the mind-set of the leadership of the current Republican Party is rooted in the hoary notions of the 19th century (e.g., the concept of the "undeserving poor" and so forth). And no one can just write him off as a partisan, for he has some sense of what this country has been and how drastically the Republican Party has altered, to the detriment of the party AND the entire country (indeed, the world).

Really, Keillor's book is perfect 4th of July weekend reading.

Happy 4th, gang. :patriot:

[pstans]

6. I listened to the first 2 chapters of Homegrown Democrat over and over

When I had to take the book on tape back, I checked out the book and wrote down some of the great quotes in the book.

I think the first 2 chapters should be required reading by all Democrats.

When talking about there not being any liberal think tanks, Keillor said, we have think tanks, they are called Universities.

Check out my signature. That is from the book too.

[Democrats_win]

8. Homegrown Democrat had some great and funny quotes.

I'm confused that someone wouldn't enjoy this book. Sometimes his radio show misses the mark, but when he's funny, there's no one better. Al Franken is a little edgier, but both are very respectful of republicans. They are truly the greatest American non-fiction authors today.

[terrya]

7. I really think Howard Dean has read and taken to heart...

"Don't Think of an Elephant". Listening to him, he sometimes uses talking points from the book. Which is a very good thing indeed, IMO. :-)

[Reverend_Smitty]

9. I'm reading elephant right now

and if our politicians take it to heart, it could become one of the most important books ever written for progressives. Reading it has definitely been one of those "light bulb" moments for me. It just seems so simple like it was right in front of my face the whole time but I didn't see it. Frame the debate, such a simple concept!