My first attempt at reframing the debate about taxes below the fold.
Ok with all this talk about framing, I thought it would be a good idea to start a discussion about taxes. This for our party is a very important issue that we are getting killed on; the entire debate at present is dominated by the rights frame. This is a debate that we must start winning, and we can't win until we get rid of this "relief"/ taxes are an ailment frame the right has entrenched in the debate.
So...
Let's start with some values that would be advantageous for our frame to encompass:
- Prosperity
- Community
- Vested interests
Ok these come to my mind; first and foremost we need to start framing taxes in a beneficial light. To accomplish this I believe that it is best to start talking about taxes as an investment.
Taxes represent an investment in our future.
This is a good start, but let's expand the concept of taxes as an investment further. To accomplish this lets add the concepts of community, prosperity and the idea of vested interests.
Taxes represent an investment in our nation. This investment brings our society a more prosperous future. It is a way for citizens to feel ownership of our society, which fosters stronger communities through a greater sense of a shared vested interest.
Well that's my stab, I want it to be broad, to serve as the overriding vision we have about taxes. Later in a discussion the concepts need to be elaborated, like how/what types of investments we think are worthy. And how these investments in fact build stronger communities, ect.
Please discuss these ideas, and let me know what you think.