How do we speak the truth ?

[kentuck]

Do we shout it from the windows and rooftops? Do we whisper it low in the midst of a storm? Do we speak it in parables? How do we speak to someone who will not listen? Could some wise person please explain that?

[serryjw]

1. Unfortunately..........

there is no answer. Working class people are fighting to stay alive, they simple can't take any more 'truth'. Bushit and CO will be coronated on 1/20/05 and there is nothing we can do...I TRIED for 18 hours a day for 3 years..and I lost. NOT ONE person I tried to educate is talking to me. They either don't BELIEVE the truth.....or simple can't wrap their mind around it.....Maybe very similar to what was happening in Nazi Germany BEFORE everyone FINALLY KNEW. Why does the rest of the world hate Bushit as much as we do...yet Americans DON'T see it?

[NuttyFluffers]

2. you say it, however you can, whenever you can.

because each drop of truth into the circulating social system of humanity is medicine against the slow poisoning of lies.

if you are the type to yell it out, then yell. if you are the type to whisper, then whisper. if you write, write. if you gesture, gesture. but whatever you do let it free, for only when truth is unspoken is its magic powerless.

[Az]

3. It depends

When in power speak quietly. When out of power it may become necissary to raise the volume. Sometimes people cannot see the truth before their eyes. Sometimes they see it but through a different filter than you do.

I think the time for subtlety has passed.

[CBHagman]

4. I'll let you know when I finish George Lakoff's book.

I'm in the middle of reading "Don't Think of an Elephant," in which Lakoff points out that liberals/progressives very much believe that all we need is to tell people the truth and they will understand the value of progressive policies. What Lakoff suggests is that we need to look at how we deliver the message (i.e., frame the debate) in order to succeed in reaching people.

But that's something I have to finish reading. In the meantime, writing letters to the editor, calling/writing elected officials and chatting with anyone you meet is a good way to start...