What Is Our Philosophy As Democrats?

[ruggerson]

What is our concept of government?

And I don't mean a litany of positions on issues, such as pro choice or in favor of a minimum wage hike.

I mean what is our PHILOSOPHY of how government should work in a democratic republic?

I know what I think it is, but whatever candidate nails that one for me in '08, is the one I'll support.

[More Than A Feeling]

1. The government belongs to all the people, not politicians, not the media

not the corporations.

Also, people who think their race, gender, class, religion, or sexual orientation gives them the authority to take more than their fair share at the expense of those they hate can take a flying leap.

Doesn't need to be any more complicated than that.

[William769]

2. Of the people, by the people, for the people.

Nuff said.

[ruggerson]

3. Which means what?

I like the populist sentiment, but give me your answer to Reagan's famous: "Government is the problem, not the solution."

How do we see government's broad role?

[William769]

4. Government is not the problem, it is the solution.

It's how the people let the Government govern that is the problem.

Reagan was a asshole, Governed as a asshole, and died a asshole. Does that tell you what I think of Reagan quotes?

[ruggerson]

5. I share your feelings about Reagan

but disagree with the philosophy articulating that government in and of itself is the solution. I think the PEOPLE of America are the solution and government can be ONE means by which we effect change. I guess my answer to Reagan would be that he's missing a key element of our republic: the people ARE the government.

[William769]

7. Hence.

"Of the people, by the people, for the people."

[ruggerson]

8. To extend that further:

Government is not the problem. Government that puts the interests of corporations over the needs of its hard working citizens is the problem.

[omega minimo]

10. So why are you invoking that Lying Sack of Crap Reagan?

[ruggerson]

12. Invoking?

I'm asking for thematic ideas that succinctly express our side's philosophy of government. Their side keeps calling for less government, lower taxes and strong defense. By framing it that way, they try to pretend that we stand for more government, higher taxes and a weak defense. We do not, but, imho, we have not been as effective as we could in articulating an overarching theme that combats their lies. Hence the OP.

[omega minimo]

18. You already said: We ARE The Government

:boring:




Invoking:

"Which means what?
I like the populist sentiment, but give me your answer to Reagan's famous: "Government is the problem, not the solution."
How do we see government's broad role?"


Reagan is a piece of shit and you seem to already know the answers to your own questions........................

[ruggerson]

19. I am interested in a discussion

to find the most effective way to convey and communicate our vision of government to contrast with and combat theirs.

Evidently you don't want to have that dialogue. There's about a zillion other threads you can participate in if this one bores you.

[omega minimo]

20. http://www.thomhartmann.com

You're the one who centered your thread on Reaganisms, ruggerson :eyes:

If you want to have a discussion, don't pretend not to know what you already know. Start from THERE :think:

[ruggerson]

21. Nope

I centered my thread on finding defining language and themes that we can employ. And I said in the OP that I know what *I* think but I was interested in the contribution of others so we can hopefully bounce new ideas off each other.

You're bent out of shape because I mentioned Reagan? Reread what I said, I mentioned Reagan in the context of finding language to combat his meme, which as Lakoff acknowledges, is still hanging out there in the American psyche and in the media.

I'm not sure why you keep posting personal flamebait.

[omega minimo]

22. I wasn't. Must be an IQ thing

"I'm not sure why you keep posting personal flamebait"

[ClassWarrior]

16. I would say that government is value neutral.

It is. It exists wherever people live together, like it or not. What's good or bad is how government is used.

NGU.

[omega minimo]

9. Cool! Did you think that up?!!

:hi:

(Yer right, nuff said)

[William769]

11. Not in this lifetime!

But it's one of my favorites.

[More Than A Feeling]

14. That's way catchier than what I said.

You're right on!

[rucky]

6. ...

everybody pitches in to help people with what they need when they need it.

[ClassWarrior]

13. Our county party uses this as our "values statement:"

"Democrats value broad prosperity, mutual responsibility, effective government, a better future, and a stronger America." (With props to George Lakoff.)

NGU.

[ruggerson]

15. I like that

alot. But I think we need some sharper memes that contrast with the dark side. Such as "An effective, lean government that values people over corporations, stays vigilant and strong in keeping us safe from foreign threats, and respects and honors the privacy of American families."

[ClassWarrior]

17. This was taken from Lakoff's ten word philosophy for Progressives...

...which was a direct comparison to what he called the RW's ten-word philosophy: a strong defense, free markets, lower taxes, a smaller government, and family values.

For an elaboration on the Progressive version, see this site: http://hughesforamerica.typepad.com/hughes_for_america/2004/12/learn_these_lak.html

NGU.