Memphis Flyer: Search for a Southern Strategy, Beyond Bubba.

[madfloridian]

I love her op eds.
http://www.memphisflyer.com/content.asp?ID=3173&onthefly=1

“New Strategies for Southern Progress” was the name of a recent conference of regional Democratic political leaders and others in North Carolina. According to reports, their goal was to “identify pragmatic and innovative solutions to the region’s toughest problems” and more boldly, to “chart a new progressive vision for the region.” According to The Nation magazine, the “attendees left visibly conflicted on some fundamental questions: What kind of politics can - and should - win in the region? And what are our bedrock values and long-term vision for the future?”

"If these well meaning folks are hoping to come up with some new ideas on how to jump political hurdles with white, Christian fundamentalist voters in Dixie, they’ve got themselves a heaping helping of challenge on their plates..."

SNIP..."For example, take the word “saved”. A word commonly used by Christians to describe spiritual status should be used to discuss the nation’s temporal status. We should save America from perpetual war. The nation’s sick children should be saved from suffering by being given healthcare. We should save Social Security so seniors can live with dignity instead of in poverty.

When Howard Dean, the newly elected chairman of the Democratic Party showed up in Mississippi last week, it was a fresh start for progressive politics. Because he understands its gravity to the voters, Dean talked about issues in terms of moral and religious choices. Engaging in dialogues by communicating with language that matters will be the first step in persuading Southerners to rethink their attitudes and to realize that living the American dream is our salvation, but in order to have it, we must work for the general welfare of the entire country and greater good of all....."

[tsuki]

1. One of these days we're going to have to set down over a cup of

coffee, or a brand of poison, you name it. You are so right on.

:yourock:

[TerdlowSmedley]

2. The Memphis Flyer is a great publication. It would be worth

anyone's while to also read articles by Ed Weathers and a very interesting article, circa April of 2004, I think, about George Bush's no-show with the National Guard.

[forgethell]

3. Duh!

"For example, take the word “saved”. A word commonly used by Christians to describe spiritual status should be used to discuss the nation’s temporal status. We should save America from perpetual war. The nation’s sick children should be saved from suffering by being given healthcare. We should save Social Security so seniors can live with dignity instead of in poverty.

Even the most moronic Southerner can see through a feeble ploy like that. Jesus H. Christ!! Don't we have any people who can figure out what it will take to win an election, and the influence to do it?

"Saved" is a good word, but context is everything. This is the pitiful result of the bone-head "framing" meme?? Golly. No wonder we keep losing elections.