My latest idea

I am tired of the personal attacks (of which I hear in the media both sides are guilty, but after what I heard this week at the RNC, I call bullsh*t). I think the election this November is going to come down to policy. And, even as interested as I am, I still need to brush up on and be able to speak about. So. My latest idea is to host a Liberal Study Group. I will structure it around Don't think of an Elephant
by George Lakoff.

I haven't read it yet, but 1. it's SHORT and 2. Dave has and he raved about it.

My idea is to get passionate people to be super-informed so that they can speak intelligently about the issues and point out the weaknesses of the republicans' platform (change?? really??).

If any of you are looking for a party idea, you could do it, too!

FOR EXAMPLE, some of the things Dave mentioned reading in the book were very apparent last night in McCain's speech. (paraphrasing) "Let the government work for you... (well, not ALL of you, just you, you and you)" "The government is the problem, don't trust the government" "Taxes are bad and the government is too big" --the ideas seem to be to leave ordinary people OUT of government and trust some rich white men to run it for you. Whereas I genuinely feel that Obama's campaign reiterates the message of community organizing and involvement--that it's not ME, it's US; that only with the help of people who passionately care about the fate of our country can we succeed at this critical point in our history.

Whatever people think about Obama or Democrats, you gotta admit, it's not a bad idea to get people involved and to remind Americans that this is a participatory democracy.

Don't Think of an Elephant! is the definitive handbook for understanding what happened in the 2004 election and communicating effectively about key issues facing America today. Author George Lakoff has become a key advisor to the Democratic party, helping them develop their message and frame the political debate.

In this book Lakoff explains how conservatives think, and how to counter their arguments. He outlines in detail the traditional American values that progressives hold, but are often unable to articulate. Lakoff also breaks down the ways in which conservatives have framed the issues, and provides examples of how progressives can reframe the debate.

Lakoff's years of research and work with environmental and political leaders have been distilled into this essential guide, which shows progressives how to think in terms of values instead of programs, and why people vote their values and identities, often against their best interests.

Don't Think of An Elephant! is the antidote to the last forty years of conservative strategizing and the right wing's stranglehold on political dialogue in the United States.

Read it, take action—and help take America back.