NO MORE SURGE!

[tavalon]

Yep, I'm yelling. Stop framing the debate for the other side. They want us to call it a surge so that Joe Sixpack will feel a surge in his loins, not a kick in his gut over a troop escalation. It is elementary framing of the debate and each and every time any of us use that term we are helping the Rethugs. Just say no.

For the rest of the day and for as long as I see this damn term without quotes or without the term "supposed" in front of it, I am going to post a standard message. It is as follows:

"Please don't call it a surge unless you place it in quotes and preferably with the caveat "supposed" in front of it. Better yet, use escalation. Otherwise, you are helping the republics to frame the debate. Don't help the other team please."


Yes, I'm going to be a pain in the ass about this. Sorry, tough luck. This is important and if we can't even be disciplined on such an elementary framing issue, we aren't going to get anywhere. So buck up and start flying right folks. If you don't know what I'm talking about, read up on Lakoff's framing the debate discussions. Let's get this frickin' elephant off our website.

Edited to add the term "escalation" as a more appropriate framing word

[ClassWarrior]

1. Your standard message needs an alternative word.

Escalation. I know it's obvious to you and me, but it doesn't hurt to include it, just in case someone needs reminding.

May I use your standard message too?

:thumbsup:

NGU.

[tavalon]

2. I will add that and you are welcome to use the message

the more the better, ClassWarrior. Welcome to the Lakoff, Beat Back That Damn Elephant Team.

[ClassWarrior]

5. Thanks tavalon...

I've been a Lakoffian for ages. B-)

NGU.

[tavalon]

6. Welcome

Me too, though this word has been the first one that has really, really bothered me. It's just so very cynical and Rovian. And I don't think the Thugs should get to use sex as part of their framing as they are the most sex negative group ever!

[ClassWarrior]

8. LOL

NGU.

[Deep13]

3. Escalation is the right term.

While we are on the subject.

They are prisoners of war, not detainees.
It is torture, not aggressive interrogation.
It is an occupation, not a war or a "time of war."
It is global warming, not merely climate change.
It is religious, not faith-based.
It is aggressive, not pre-emptive.

[tavalon]

4. Exactly

We are clearly working out of the same play book. Their euphemisms drive me crazy and I'm not going to take it anymore.

[tavalon]

7. Hey guys

What say we get this one onto the Greatest Page too, along with "surge = escalation" so it can be a one/two slam. Get the message in deep.

[NJCher]

9. Luntz says "surge" is the wrong word to use

I caught him on one of his new book interviews twice yesterday. I can't remember exactly why "surge" isn't a good term to use, but Luntz maintains it isn't. I think he said it was because the public perceives "surge" as escalation. That's something we would want.


An aside: Luntz almost named his new book the wrong title. He wanted "Killer Words." This tested poorly. People thought it was a book about the vocabulary of killers. Luntz then went to "Words that Work."

I guess Luntz must be off the White House payroll since they didn't consult him on what to call the troop escalation.



Cher

[ClassWarrior]

10. First, I don't trust Luntz.

Second, I don't care if "surge" MAY be right or wrong. I KNOW that "escalation" is accurate and damning.

NGU.