Sander Bellman -- Reframing the issues and going on the attack
This entry was posted on 12/21/2004 6:39 PM and is filed under uncategorized.
I think one of the mistakes we made these last few years was to
respond to Right-wing attacks defensively. We need to move to the
offense to sell our own values in language understood by the vast
majority of Americans. The language of a nurturing society where
we are each responsible for ensuring the future of our country.
For example, we don't talk about abortion. Instead, we talk
about respect for life. Where poor pregnant mothers who want to
continue nourishing their unborn are provided with proper
pre-natal care. Where children receive proper medical care if
their parents are not able to procure affordable medical
insurance. We don't talk about gay marriage. Instead, we talk
about how all of our citizens are due equal protection under the
law and freedom from discrimination. We don't talk about tax cuts
or tax breaks, but how tax loopholes for only the wealthy and
corporations need to be eliminated. Where the responsibility of
ALL citizens, and corporations, in a civilized society is to pay
their dues, their taxes, based on what they can afford, yet still
put bread on the table, buy medicine when needed, and provide for
their families a decent standard of living. And when any of us
unable to work through disability, age, or circumstance, need not
wander the streets homeless and hungry, but are helped by society
to become employed, if possible, and provided for, if not.
Democratic values are American values. They represent the best
our country has to offer and our only hope for the future. We
have been the silent majority, but not any longer.
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