George Lakoff on Freedom
Added: June 21, 2006
http://www.youtube.com/...
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George Lakoff is Professor of Linguistics at the University of California, Berkeley. He previously taught at Harvard University and the University of Michigan.
George Lakoff currently is working with the Rockridge Institute, Center for Rethinking Progressive Politics -- Re-framing the Public Debate.
Professor Lakoff suggested in that video clip, that the GOP has held power over public opinion through the use of these very simple, but very emotion-laden Talking Points:
We must "Stay the Course" in Iraq.
We must not "Cut and Run" on our Troops.
The primary purpose of these GOP Tactics is really to just "Stonewall Debate". Thank goodness, these "Deep Frames" are finally being exposed as "Shallow gimmicky stalling Tactics" they really are.
Especially given the latest U.S. Intelligence revelations that clearly show, that this mis-guided effort in Iraq has failed to diminish the real-world threats of Terrorism:
-- The U.S. will face 'a persistent and evolving terrorist threat' within its borders over the next three years. The main danger comes from Islamic terrorist groups, especially al-Qaeda, and is "driven by the undiminished intent to attack the homeland ...
-- Al-Qaeda is probably still pursuing chemical, biological or nuclear weapons and would use them if its operatives developed sufficient capability.
-- The terror group has been able to restore three of the four key tools it would need to launch an attack on U.S. soil: a safe haven in Pakistan's tribal areas, operational lieutenants and senior leaders.
...
http://www.signonsandiego.com/...
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So much for "Fighting them 'Over There' so that we won't have to Fight 'em Over Here"!
This Slogan is another tired, old stalling tactic of the GOP. And it was made effective, due to the constant reinforcement of the "MSM Talking Parrots", so much so, that many people still accept "Fighting Them over There" as just "a given".
Which Them? ... Which There? BTW. It seems the MSM forgot to ask, those 2 all-important follow-up Questions. And most of those over-paid "Media Parrots" still aren't asking them!
So it's high time for us, to turn around those effective GOP Slogans!
It's high time to put the GOP on the Defensive, for a change!
Here's how I would "pivot" those GOP Talking Points against them:
The president has "Cut and Run from Reality"!
And Staying in Iraq is "Staying the Course towards Chaos"!
How about Fighting 'em, where Bin Laden's actually hiding, like in Pakistan?
Here's a few more brand new Talking Points, I would suggest, that could be used to put the GOP "on the defensive", if they continue to insist on supporting our "Clueless Commander in Chief" come "Hell, or High Water", as no doubt they will:
Hey Wingnuts, Hey W. --
-- America may win the Battle in Iraq (not likely) BUT still lose the War with Al-Qaeda in Pakistan!
-- The "American Insurgency" in Iraq has created more Enemies, NOT less!
-- When you're driving straight towards a cliff, the "smart thing" to do is slow down, maybe even change directions. That's why America is yelling "Hit the Brakes!!!"
-- Check the History Books, Smart Leaders know when to "cut their losses".
-- It's a wreckless Gambler who keeps "doubling down", (using his Credit Cards) against all odds!
-- Refusal to admit a mistake is not a sign of Strength, BUT instead it shows a "Major Disconnect with Reality."
-- When you jump into the Swamp with "both feet", be prepared when go in "over your head."
-- Leaders who ignore and defy the "Will of the People" are really "Leaders in name only", soon destined to become "washed-up has-beens".
-- Be careful, who you "hitch your wagon" to.
Buh-Bye, W., Buh-Bye, Wingnuts!
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I'm sure there are many more NEW Frames just waiting to be discovered, and put into play.
And I'm sure there are many more OLD Frames waiting to be deconstructed, too (as I tried to do in an earlier diary here; and again here, with my deconstruction of a few respected MSM Myth-makers.)
Learn more about how to Re-Frame the Discussion, using your own progressive values.
from the Rockridge Institute
Center for Rethinking Progressive Politics
and Re-framing the Public Debate
Rockridge Institute Home page:
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/
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Articles on the Progressive Vision:
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/...
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Articles by George Lakoff:
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/...
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Progressive Value System
-- Strength
-- Safety and Protection
-- Fulfillment in Life
-- Fairness
-- Freedom
-- Opportunity
-- Prosperity
-- Community
-- Cooperation
-- Trust
-- Honesty
-- Open Communication
http://www.rockridgeinstitute.org/...
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SO if you want to TAKE BACK AMERICA, start by Taking back the National Debate! This means "Framing the Issues", using your own Progressive Values, in such a way to win over hearts and minds, which are still "hanging in the balance".
Once again, Professor George Lakoff shows you "how to connect" with an important gut-level issue, that the GOP has owned for years:
Family Values - Rockridge Nation Video Series
February 14, 2007
http://www.youtube.com/...
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SO, I would ask once again "Whose Freedom is it anyways?"
Does it belong only to the GOP Spin Doctors? Or does it originate with ALL Americans, speaking up for those things that they personally value, deeply?
Is Freedom worth fighting for? (You bet it is!) Have Progressives really taken "their half out of the Middle" yet? (I'm not sure.)
Are Progressives trying hard to win back the center, in the national conversation, or do Progressives, really just spend a lot of time bantering in their own isolated "echo chambers"?
[ An important indicator here, I would suggest, is to ask just which Themes are ruling the day, in the water-cooler wars of Middle America? This is the pulse, we should be reading, as the days flee by ... the clock is ticking. ]