One of the most interesting, and important points here on Kos is 'framing the debate', having a contrasting view. The 'marketing of the party' if you will. I've come to think it is less about marketing and more about boldy speaking the pure and simple truth.
But how can that be? We know the republican marketing machine is successful. Why? Necessity. How do you get a poor spanish family in West Texas to vote republican, against their best interests? By telling them you are going to cut taxes. (I've seen that particular slight of hand myself). Everyone wants less taxes but most would be surprised to know that those tax cuts are not for YOU. That is just one example, but it is all the same. The perception of the truth. Red Propaganda works.
The Truth
I'm no smarty moonbat who was born understanding this, I had to SEEK it, while avoiding Repblican chaff, and it is still unclear. Embarrassingly, I've learned some things lately that I SHOULD HAVE KNOWN that SHOULD HAVE BEEN DRIVEN HOME BY DEMOCRATS. I'm a reasonably intelligent guy with a college education. I served in Gulf War I. How could I be so apathetic, so ignorant? Well, now I've come to believe, partly, that is the way the Republican party wants and shapes America. Down and dumb. They'd prefer to have us watch a bunch of cars chase each other in a circle, or go out and kill some poor animal for fun, rather than know the truth. That tenet underlies every right wing think tank idea ever. It is about separating America's conscience FROM the truth.
Reality sides with democracy
So, you ask, what is the difference between The Truth, and marketing? Reality. Marketing persuades people to do something they might not have done otherwise. Mysteriously, Republicans know this better than Democrats. Truth enables good honest Americans to vote in their best interest. Seemingly, Democrats have not noticed America is overwhelmingly democratic in nature. In my opinion, if the Democrats can not win elections on the basis of the truth alone, especially as starkly framed by this demonic administration, then the Democratic party is broke. And the America the founding fathers envisioned is in deep doodoo because it is run by dodos. Or Republicans in dodos clothing, if you can hear me Lieber(man). Republicans have made an art of pissing on America and telling them it is raining.
Solidarity
But we have to stick together. I'm suggesting it is time for Democrats to REALLY circle the wagons by simplifying the core Democratic message to unassailable truths. Period. Don't let Republicans drag you into the gray area. If you are in a tough situation, come back with 'People by the People' (in the voice of Rainman) and say nothing else. The net effect will sharpen and amplify the message. Factions and single issue Democrats should join the Lieberman party, which ever one that is.
With that in mind, I've developed a little web application, I hope, will help contrast the parties and educate people. I've started with my own contrasting points of view, but I hope others will contribute.
http://mountbushmore.com
I started the site, as you might guess by the domain, with the idea that I would contrast Bush with the founding fathers by setting their quotes beside a Bush 'quote', allowing the Patriot to guess who's is who's. Guess wrong too many times and you are a loser.
http://mountbushmore.com/...
Which I may get back to some other time.
Finally, I'll NEVER make any money from this. You won't see any Google ads. Or anything else, ever. Just links to progressive, Truth loving progressive sites.
It is the least I can do for the America I love.