Why America Doesn't Work Anymore

[N2NH]

PNAC and the Neocon agenda. How is this so? Their my road or the highway approach to politics. No compromise is possible, no intelligent debate can exist, there is no possiblity of moving forward if you don't do it their way. Go back at least to the Newt Gingrich and the "revolution." They are definitely experts at being revulsive.

Here is the proof. (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norm_of_reciprocity)

[WØTKX]

Unfortunately, the "norm" is more like this. And many embrace this reality, from fatalistic to enthusiastic cheerleaders.

[N2NH]

Why is Newt's name invoked regarding this? Here's why...


This example occurred more than ten years ago, but it is one of the most striking applications of propaganda techniques in recent memory. A popular Republican politician on his way to the top, Newt Gingrich clearly understood the power of propaganda. His political action committee (GOPAC) mailed a pamphlet entitled Language, A Key Mechanism of Control to Republicans across the country. The booklet offered rhetorical advice to Republican candidates who wanted to "speak like Newt." It was subsequently awarded a Doublespeak Award by the National Conference of Teachers of English in 1990.

The booklet contained two lists of words. GOP candidates were instructed to use one set of "positive, governing words," (glittering generalities) when speaking about themselves. A second set of negative words (name-calling words) were to be used against their opponents.

* View the glittering generalities.
* View the name-calling words.

A brief glance at the words on Gingrich's lists suggests that they continue to be powerful tools in American political discourse. Words such as "vision, courage, lead, learn, commitment, empower, and freedom" are common to politicians on all sides of the political spectrum. Call-in radio hosts regularly use words like "ideological, liberal, bureaucracy, crisis, endanger, and lie" to discredit certain ideas.

He's the original. There were many others who did pretty much the same, like Rove. Here's more.

Much, much more. (http://www.propagandacritic.com/articles/examples.newt.html)

[Vinnie]

Co-authored by Dr. H. Himmler?

[PA5COR]

The repuglians learned from the best..... :roll:

[al2n]

Say what your audience wants to hear. Say anything to anyone to get elected. Who cares if you believe it or not, just say what it takes to get elected.

Been the template of politics for generations.

[ad4mg]

Say what your audience wants to hear. Say anything to anyone to get elected. Who cares if you believe it or not, just say what it takes to get elected.

Been the template of politics for generations.

The current crop of Republicans have worn that theory out, and Americans are starting to wise up (20 years too late, but nonetheless). If they don't get their act together, the Democrats will legislate us out of existence. We need both parties to counteract each other, or the party in power runs rampant. I reference the Bush administration, which many [i]real[i] conservatives think was a disaster.

As long as we have simple minded people who play the left/right, blue state/red state, conservative/liberal game, we're going to get abused by both parties. Some of the more intellectually vacant people take it a step further by not only parroting partisan views, but placing blame on other Americans with mind numblingly stupid suggestions, like the unions being to blame for many of our problems.

You just can't cure stupid, and until more Americans pull their craniums out of their lower intestinal tract, we'll get more of the same, just from two different brands.

Anyone have the latest faux nooz ratings available here?

[al2n]

Not just a tactic for the Repubs.

Obama said what the crowd wanted to hear on a number of occasions. His most obvious one were his words to folks in the heartland, then when he got to California, he uttered the "Bitterly clinging to guns and religion." line. He played to each crowd in a different manner in order to gain their support and get elected.

[ad4mg]

Not just a tactic for the Repubs.

Obama said what the crowd wanted to hear on a number of occasions. His most obvious one were his words to folks in the heartland, then when he got to California, he uttered the "Bitterly clinging to guns and religion." line. He played to each crowd in a different manner in order to gain their support and get elected.
Oh, absolutely, and he, too, will be held accountable. I don't exclude the Dems, but they are the ones riding high right now, and the Repubs need to get their act together PDQ.

I'd just as soon see the R's gain seats in both houses of Congress in 2010, and Obama re-elected in 2012. It worked well when Clinton had a Congress full of R's to contend with. All of the petty BS would have to be set aside, or nothing would get done, which is better than we have right now.

[al2n]

Repubs need to figure out if they are going to be a conservative or moderate party. Right now there is a lack of clear direction and no one has stood up to take control and steer the party one way or another.

Will be another year or so before the pieces have been picked up and the party regroups. The Dems had to regroup in a similar fashion some years ago and did a pretty good job of it.

[ad4mg]

Repubs need to figure out if they are going to be a conservative or moderate party. Right now there is a lack of clear direction and no one has stood up to take control and steer the party one way or another.

Will be another year or so before the pieces have been picked up and the party regroups. The Dems had to regroup in a similar fashion some years ago and did a pretty good job of it.
There's a glimmer of hope. Watched John Anderson's (CNN ... anyone have the latest Fauz Nooz ratings available?) interview of Minnesota governor Tim Pawlenty this morning. He's quite conservative, but realistic, and is the type of person who might be able to help put the recent insanity of the party behind them.

Imagine ... a Republican Governor interviewed by a liberal main stream host on the Communist News Network. It was very polite, some tough questions respectfully asked, and nobody was interrupted. No wonder their ratings suck.

The idiot savants among us would rather see teh hannity_hero or bill-o-bob skewer their guests with insults and constant interruptions. After all, winning is all that counts, and it's all about the ratings.

[N2RJ]

Imagine ... a Republican Governor interviewed by a liberal main stream host on the Communist News Network. It was very polite, some tough questions respectfully asked, and nobody was interrupted. No wonder their ratings suck.

The idiot savants among us would rather see teh hannity_hero or bill-o-bob skewer their guests with insults and constant interruptions. After all, winning is all that counts, and it's all about the ratings.

Sean interviewed him, and it was conducted in pretty much the same manner as CNN did.

And are we talking about the same CNN? You know the one that had the reporter who called the tea parties "anti-CNN" because they were "highly promoted by the right-wing conservative network Fox?"

[KB3LAZ]

Checks and balances anyone?

Damned crickets.....

[M0GLO]

Imagine ... a Republican Governor interviewed by a liberal main stream host on the Communist News Network. It was very polite, some tough questions respectfully asked, and nobody was interrupted. No wonder their ratings suck.

The idiot savants among us would rather see teh hannity_hero or bill-o-bob skewer their guests with insults and constant interruptions. After all, winning is all that counts, and it's all about the ratings.

Sean interviewed him, and it was conducted in pretty much the same manner as CNN did.

And are we talking about the same CNN? You know the one that had the reporter who called the tea parties "anti-CNN" because they were "highly promoted by the right-wing conservative network Fox?"
Of course they were respectful Ryan, he is a Republican. :roll:
When they do the same for a Dem you can hold that up and be proud.
I wouldn't hold my breath though.

[N2RJ]

When they do the same for a Dem you can hold that up and be proud.
I wouldn't hold my breath though.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_753sLQQ8q8