FIGHTING BACK!! Taking back our country!! Joining war on VALUES -LAKOFF!!

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The war of values has finally been joined. The bad news is that we are joining it 40 years after it began. The good news is that we are lucky enough to have this incredible resource of progressive minds all in one source to build it from. And, though facts are not essential to win the war, we also just happen to have the facts on our side. That gives us a big extra advantage.

The first step of this war, which we are declaring now is gathering information about how to fight. Liberals can NOT bring a knife to a gun duel, and expect to come out ahead. We must meet them equally.

What has inspired me to write this, is through reading and listening to George Lakoff. You can read the incredible excerpt from his book “Don’t Think of an Elephant” here:

http://www.chelseagreen.com/images/DTE_Sampler.pdf

In short, using simple language to communicate ideas. And, the difference between Republicans and Democrats as they view the world (YOU MUST READ!!) - strict parents vs. nurturing parent - just guess which is which...

If you like what you read, and I sure did, then here is your first project. Read a full Lakoff book. “Don’t Think of an Elephant” is short, a bit more than 100 pages, and an easy read. I would suggest that we read a number of his books, but let’s start with this one. If you are serious about this project, then this is our first assignment.

If anyone can’t afford the book, I will buy it for you (I dare you to make me broke!!), because if I do that, then you will be obligated to read it. This is an essential first step, because we must be on the same page with all of this. One of the faults of liberalism is that we lose focus so easily, that we don’t get things done. That is why we must first do this so that we can start our think tank.

Yes, that’s right, this will be a think tank. Communicating ideas, in words that are easily understood. We have three main parts:

1. Simple easy to understand phrase to communicate our thinking - like the Republicans have for "tax relief"...we can call it a "birth tax"
2. Linking those 2-3 word phrases to a set of values (ESSENTIAL right now for those moral values people who should be on our side!!)
3. Linking our values to a general policy proposal that can be implemented to achieve our goals (essential to stay on the offensive with our ideas instead of always being on the defensive)...

But, wait, you say, there is already a liberal think tank. So what!? That’s Lakoff’s point, there needs to be more than one. When there is only one, then we are usually on the defensive, because the Republicans have so many working against us.

From there, we will go on to develop phrases and ideas that frame our arguments in terms of values. But, of course, I want all of your feedback to proceed with that. So, for now, let’s stick to the first step. Are you with me!!

ALSO!! Our goal is three fold:

1. Coming up with key words/policy solutions that show the values in liberal ideas.
2. Communicating our goals through a newsletter - that will be PMed to you. Eventually we will move to a website, but for now, we will be doing this strictly through DU to be sure that the ideas are the main focus of this venture.
3. Sharing the information. We have all made contacts in our local community. As we come up with these newsletters, your goal is to spread the "message" throughout your community. As we speak clearly with one message, we become stronger!! And, our message gains strength!!

ARE YOU WITH US!! You can do all of these with us, or just one...we are strongest when we fight together!!

If so, reply with a kick for others, and then PM me.
I look forward to hearing from and working with you!!