Dean and the "Grand Unification Theory"

listening to joe lieberman describe dean's trade positions as "protectionist" got me thinking about NAFTA, etc. my gut reaction said that dean's stands are not protectionist, but i couldn't immediately say why, given the way the issue is usually framed: any regulation on international trade is deemed protectionist, as opposed to free-trade ("free" being the operative word) dean needs to connect the threads of his vision more effectively, and i think i've hit on an idea...dean needs to establish a new rhetorical framework that pits the idea of "globalism" vs. "isolationism".

my phraseology here is just a first attempt - suggestions welcome. but slog through this and tell me what you think, if you're so inclined

dean positioning himself as a "globalist" ties together some of the political/governing philosophies he's already established:

* accountability
* community
* empowerment

moreover, "globalism" serves as a bridge between issues that voters often see as independant of one another. in other words, the idea of "globalism" links national security to global trade, and equal rights. even domestic economic concerns (rising heatlh care costs) fit into things. it's a "grand unification theory" of politcal rhetoric for dean.

the basics:

"globalism" is meant as a foil to the bush administration's "isolationist" policies.

bush has conducted a foreign policy that has isolated the u.s. form the rest of the world - including its allies.

bush's economic policies have singled out the top wage-earners as the main benificiaries.

every step of the way, bush is intent on being the very divider he claimed he wasn't in 2000. calling bush a divider doesn't completely capture it to me, though...it's more a combination of divider and bully - he not only wants to seperate, but deny rights, opportunities and hope to some.

contrast this with the idea of "globalism".

it basically means that dean understands the fact that the world - like it or not - is quite small...we are all interconnected and every one of us feels the impact. every one of us impacts every one else. consequently, we share responsiibilities too.

not only is it important to improve global working conditions for economic reasons (manufacturers won't have to compete as much on price - a losing battle for american firms), but for national security reasons. improving global working conditions, rights of unionization, etc., also reduces economic disparities between people. improving the living standards of people reduces the hopeless, desperate conditions that are what creates terrorists.

arguing for equal rights/opportunity for humanity isn't just good from an altruistic perspective...it's good politics in a country where 40% of hispanic immigrants send $30 mil home to relatives - that's more than the $17.2 mil the u.s. sends out in foreign aid.

even the idea of covering every american with health insurance is globalist...it's an acknowledgement that we're in this together.

dean can describe his campaign as the embodiment of globalist philosophies - a campaign that respects the power of individuals and embraces the idea of collaboration and mutual accountability.

dean's already there, for the most part...but it's never been articulated as an overarching theme - connecting each and every one of his positions.

maybe this could do the trick.

shux :: deanforamerica

•  Re: Dean and ...

  Globalism sounds too much like Globalization, and when it comes to trade issues, Globalization is a sticky one.  Many Democrats now oppose globalization treaties like NAFTA and FTAA.  I think the only reason Dem's supported them in the first place is because they were Clinton's ideas.
  Dean's recent comments on trade show him supporting Fair trade as opposed to free trade.  He acknowledges that corporate profits have been globalized and that now it the time to globalize human rights, worker rights, and environmental rights.  Dean has been pretty consistent using the word "fair" when it comes to his policies and I think that is good.  As for foriegn policies, bush is definatly "isolationist."  I think instead of this word, we need to put a negative connotation on the word "unilaterally."  I think this is already happening.  Dean needs to internationalize the conflict and needs to work within international structures.  International sometimes has a negative connotation as well, so maybe some work needs to be done there.

  by Chris Dub on Wed Dec 10, 2003 at 01:31:03 AM PDT

•  Re: Dean and the "Grand

  Good points.  I also like the simple "fair trade vs. free trade"  The term "free trade" is really just a name for rich nations trying to get poorer nations to open up their markets, while rich nations keep certain tarriffs and subsidies that would be politically untenable to remove.  I think US trade policy, no matter who is elected will still always be fundamentally  based on negotiations where we try to get the best deal for our workers and companies while giving up the least.  What I hope for in a Dean administration is first, a serious dialogue and at least recognition that our agricultural subsidies are a huge problem. Also, a preference for working on this issue globally, rather than trying to pick countries off one by one which the Bush administration prefers.  Finally, a real committment to including environmental and labor rights guarantees in any future agreements.  

  by jcbhan on Wed Dec 10, 2003 at 01:40:49 AM PDT

•  "Grand Unification Theory"

  While I like the sentiment, "Grand Unification Theory" just makes me think of the the Unification Church.  I keep picturing mass CU ceremonies . . .

  Yeah, naming stuff is hard when all the good names are either taken or tainted with negative connotations.  We are lacking a noun for "being a good world citizen and working to improve the lives of everyone everywhere, just because it's the right thing to do."  Deanism, maybe?  Shuxism?

  Singer-songwriter Peter Mayer calls it "Earth Town Square," which is a little cheesey, but gets to the heart of that "we are all interconnected and every one of us feels the impact" idea.

  by folkbum on Wed Dec 10, 2003 at 02:15:13 AM PDT