According to the Texas GOP:
"The Republican Party of Texas affirms that the United States of America is a Christian Nation... Our nation was founded on fundamental Judeo-Christian principles based on the Holy Bible... Our Party pledges to exert its influence to restore the original intent of the First Amendment of the United States Constitution and dispel the myth of the separation of Church and State."
The 'myth' to which they refer -- verbatim from the First Amendment to the U.S. Constitution:
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion..."
Framing the national debate begins not with the issues, but rather with 'America' itself. The framing of individual issues is a secondary achievement -- overshadowed and subordinated to that which defines us all.
Thus, our initial and primary goal should be to frame the entire arena in which the battle for the hearts and minds of Americans shall ensue -- the foundational context that encompasses all-important issues. We must define 'America'.
What is America?
What kind of a country and society exists here?
Is it conservative? Progressive? Christian? Secular?
The answers to these questions will frame every debate that unfolds within its borders. The policies, values, and actions of the nation will be determined by its accepted definition, and those actions will vary profoundly depending on that definition -- a 'conservative' nation will behave and evolve in a way indistinguishable from that of a 'progressive' nation.
Wouldn't you rather debate the issues, raise your children, and live your life in a nation that eschews progressive values? -- where the support of the founding fathers, the Constitution, the Declaration of Independence and the founding principles all support by default YOUR perspective, vision, and values?
The purpose of this four-part series is to take back America, starting at the place that matters most -- its foundation.
To date, most work on framing has been very issue-specific. This is different. Here, we'll not discuss particular legislation, policy, or anything comparably concrete. Instead, we'll define who we are as a nation, and thus the direction of our nation for generations to come.
For a bit of perspective, think about where we're headed right now. Think of what our children will have to endure if we're not successful in our efforts.
This series will present arguments and actions to reestablish progressives' rightful place in America. Each section will add to a logical progression of ideas that result in the natural implementation of progressive values by establishing American government as a 'progrogressive' government held accountable to the standards of a 'Progressive Nation'.
Each installment will accomplish four things:
1. Present the Conservative frame and its rationale (and the accompanying language, actions, and initiatives necessary to facilitate that frame)
2. Give a snapshot of reality -- factually debasing the conservative frame. But, since frames overrule facts, we must...
3. Suggest a Progressive frame and accompanying rationale (and the accompanying language, actions, and initiatives necessary to facilitate that frame)
4. Suggest specific actions to promote the desired progressive frame while countering the conservative frame
PREVIEW: "FRAMING: Take Back America"
PART I: 'America is a Progressive Nation': Contrary to the claims of right-wing wordsmiths, the Founding Fathers were a group of the staunchest progressives in our nation's history -- men of enlightenment, ardent supporters of church/state separation with a fervent passion for decentralization of power and freedom of expression. So too were the founding documents they authored and the principles by which they acted.
PART II: 'Progressive Values' = 'Traditional American Values': As a natural progression from the logic that 'America is a Progressive Nation', it can only follow that 'Progressive Values' are 'Traditional American Values'. One does not replace the other. They are one in the same. The evidence of that assertion exists in abundance and is therefore extremely easy to assert with confidence and pride. This frame overwhelms the conservatives' attempt to frame the nation's debates by assigning their party the label of 'Family Values'. America is metaphorically our greatest 'family' with implicitly overarching 'National Family Values'. If we are able to effectively frame 'Traditional American Values' as 'Progressive Values', then we have implicitly reframed the dominant set of 'Family Values' -- in effect subordinating the Conservative 'Family Values' to the greater, progressive 'National Family Values'.
PART III: What is the 'Best Interest' of America: With these progressive 'National Family Values' firmly established, we can then determine what those values deem to be in the 'Best Interest' of the United States. Bush has already taken great pains to explain that he will do 'whatever is in the best interest of the United States'. I think that's great and I agree that we should do whatever is in the best interest of our nation. THE DIFFERENCE is our respective idea of what that 'Best Interest' entails. Bush's idea of America's 'Best Interest' likely entails ungodly amounts of oil, Middle East control, and some sort of theocratic influence. IN CONTRAST, a 'progressive' America would most likely see as its 'Best Interest' such things as energy independence, vast, multilateral alliances, and complete freedom of thought.
PART IV: The Role of American Government = Uphold and Promote Progressive Values: As a result of a 'Progressive Nation' with 'Traditional Progressive Values' that understands its 'Best Interests' with a crystal clear progressive vision, we naturally proceed to a government that upholds and promotes Progressive Values. In this progression, there is no alternative. A government of such a nation must push forth a progressive agenda -- boldly, proudly, and relentlessly.
The potential for such a progressive-friendly environment and irreproachable ally in our quest for the acceptance and implementation of progressive policies, priorities, and principles is why we must frame 'America', 'Progressive Values', Our 'Best Interest' and the 'Role of Government' in a way that reflects the traditional progressive nature of America's values.
Parts I-IV are on their way...Stay tuned!