TO SOUND AS IF YOU HAVE THE HIGH GROUND WHEN YOU SPEAK UNIVERSAL TRUTHS.
When he finally spoke after the tsunami, Bush commented "We are showing the compassion of our country in the swift response." Or on Social Security, "We have a duty to act on behalf of (our) children and grandchildren.
TO LOOK GOOD WHEN YOU HIDE HALF OF WHAT YOU DO.
Whether it is the energy task force, the claim of a mandate in 2004, or the fact that the Social Security privatization doesn't even address the issue of the Social Security shortfall. Or even bigger...the plans for Iraq. Do we plan to keep long term bases there? Why haven't we even heard this discussion?
TO SWAY PEOPLE WHEN YOU ARE TOTALLY WILLING TO LIE.
This one is so big that I could spend the rest of the day listing lies. The opposition has finally been willing to call a lie what it is in Condolezza Rice's nomination hearings. Every day in every way the lie is used if it is politically expedient.
TO CONVINCE PEOPLE WHEN YOU OWN THE MEDIA
Thank goodness for the internet, Air America, and occasional reporters on all sides.
TO PLAY ON FEAR, IGNORANCE, EXHAUSTION, AND POWERLESSNESS.
The whole terror industry is making sure that people vote their security ahead of their interests. The dismantling of the progressive educational system is leaving citizens who can't do critical thinking. The loss of jobs and wages is leaving people who have no time or energy to do anything but struggle for daily needs. And these are the people who would most benefit from an alternative vision.
TO WIN WHEN ALL YOU CARE ABOUT IS WINNING.
The ruthless self promotion of these people, the lack of care for the future, the inhumane tearing of the public safety net, the phenomenal growing split between rich and poor attests to the unparalleled pursuit of self interest of those who govern us today.
AND WE MUST RESPOND WITH TRUTH, COMPASSION, REAL WISDOM, RESPECT FOR ALTERNATIVE POINTS OF VIEW, AND NEVERENDING HARD WORK.
I am not sure that that is enough, but it is what we have. Learning what the other side does must not lead us to emulate them. Being strong but humble is hard. We have so much to do.
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