After dealing with the Right wing noise machine for the past 15-20 years, and having our intelegence insulted in the process, there are some things we should be conscious of. There are a few positions, some I agree with, others I don't, that the left has not communicated well. Sometimes we sound almost as dumb as neocons. I just wanted to point out those talking points that do not advance our cause, and/or play into the right's hands. My intention is NOT to argue for or against any position. I'm just going to point out individual arguments that carry over and make us all look stupid or annoying. I'm not saying to be silent on the matter either, just come up with some better material please.
Guns:
A person who owns a gun is X times more likely to blah, blah blah
Oh, realy that's very observant. Did you know that a person who owns a car is X times more likely to get into an auto accident then someone who rides a bike. And a person in the water is X times more likely to drown than someone on dry land. And a person who goes out to a night club is X times more likely to get laid than someone who stays in and watches TV. Finally, a person who hears that arguement is X times more likely to roll their eyes and dismiss Democrats as a whole then someone who heard a good point brought up.
Death Penalty: The death penalty disproportionatly affects innocent minorities
This is true, but somehow I don't see the upside. All you are offering as a solution is disproportionate innocent minorities sevring life without parole. Whooo, Hooo! Not free at last, not free at last, not free at last! Innocent people should not be convicted, period. Your heart is in the right place, but lets take the Chiniese medicine aproach and try solving the problem before we get to it. The focus should be on early prevention of this scenerio playing out in the first place.
Animal Rights: Almost everything a non vegan says
This should be the ultimate bi-partisan no brainer. But so many idiots just say the dumbest things, and nag and annoy people to death, that they want to kick the cat just to piss you off. Vegans are nobel people who hold themselves to a higher standard, and I respect them for it. However a non vegan who bitches about hunting is an idiot. All hunted animals live an infinetly happier, fuller life than cattle raised in a slaughter farm for meat. And leather is fur with a haircut, dumbass. The only reason this is an issue at all is because of idiots.
Abortion: We need to support a womens right to express her free will, and not have those rights infringed upon by the Federal Government which is invading our bedrooms and hospitals....
Just say pro-choice, please. Or come up with something else short and sweet. I agree with you 100%, but don't be so long winded. This arguement is starting to be reframed, finally.
Thank you for your time. Once again, I am not disputing your position, I just think that it could be expressed better than it currently is.