The modern incarnation of a conservative does not believe in individual freedoms. Their positions concerning abortion related issues and the recent SCROTUS decision are but two of the latest examples of their scorn for the fundamental principals which guided our Founders. This is a debate I would like to hear. I don't believe the American people, if given the choice, after a rational exploration of the arguments, would side against their individual rights and Constitutional protections. Why the left is so timid about engaging on these core arguments and calling out their opponents for their radical beliefs concerning the Constitution is beyond me. Politically, patriotism should be the underlying message. This is the Achilles Tendon of the "Right". Alas...The Democratic Party doesn't have a coherent messaging strategy that is heard. The "Right" does. They even have networks to broadcast them. They even have the discipline and means to speak largely in unison from the same scripts. Witness yesterday: Sen. James Inhofe, and at least 2 other of his compatriots, Rush, Sean, and Glen all came out using the snowstorm as a foil to mock and mislead over the issue of Global Climate Change. They aren't even constrained by truth or rationality so long as no one is able to effectively challenge their lies. Why do we tolerate lies so readily?

"Why do we tolerate lies so readily?"

Because we want to play nice. And we don't want to sink to their level (i.e., making fools of them like they make of us). But we should. We need to. Especially because we have facts and science and truth on our side.

Where is Captain Cupcake when you need him? Probably hanging out with all the other Ding Dong's running this country! Just thought I would post something fun and meaningless. Sometimes the world issues get to me and I have to say something that makes me laugh!!!

@KMH - thanks for posting that link. Didn't know that. Kinda changes things, doesn't it?

@Wendy Thank YOU. I go crazy when I see this in the mass media. In fact, its gotten to the point where I could use some validation myself!

One of the worst problems that Environmentalists/Scientist created for themselves is originally labeling it "Global Warming" when they should have called from the start "Global Climate Change" as they are trying to rename it now.

Please help them make this correction. Call it what it is, "Climate Change"; drop the "Global Warming" label it's misleading and only helping the deniers.

@KMH - consider yourself validated my friend! =) You've given me another arrow in my arsenal against my conservative family members who consider ME the family crazy.

1C = 33.8F

So our summer temps here hover around 80F. If there is a 1 degree C change, my 80F summer just became 113.8F!! YIKES! Consider states like Florida where the average summer temp is in the 90's F!

@Wendy: no, you got it wrong. the correct answer will appear any minute, I'm sure.

1 Celsius degree is 1.8 Fahrenheit degrees. Do not be confused by the fact that the zeros for the scales are at different temperatures. Convert two temperatures that differ by 1 degree in the same scale, and see what the difference is in the other scale.

I wanted to point out that we will have no success in the stem cell/abortion debate if we use scientific arguments or scientific terminology. Most voters are ignorant of science, and if you use a word like blastocyst, you will lose them.

There are 3 elements of effective messaging to keep in mind:
1. Use emotional, not intellectual arguments.
2. Keep them small enough to fit on a bumper sticker.
3. Repeat them over and over.

So how can we use these principals to win public support?
Show a picture or a video of a dying child and say, "Save this child. Support stem cell research."
Here's another one: "Stem cell research could save YOUR life or YOUR child's life."

We need talking points that we take the focus off other children and get people to focus on their own lives and their own children.

I would think that putting unqualified women (or men) in positions they are not qualified for probably isn't a good idea. Why do conservatives think that quotas of any kind mean that the majority of those who fill them will be unqualified? Even when you put qualified people in certain positions, they fail (look at CEOs). To me, all it means is opening a door to groups that may not have the opportunity. You still need to prove yourself.

I agree with Jeremiah. That's the problem with Democrats, though. We want to explain things logically and use science and technical terms and nuance. And we lose.

John P said..Our Founding Truth: Nature kills babies all the time, it’s a human moral that preserves the sanctity of children.>

Nature is different than the will of man.

I want to change a meme.
When did we start saying "The" Government and objectify our way of ruling ourselves? If you read FDR's speeches and all older speeches it is always Government, no THE. If you add THE in front, it is the same as objectifying what should not be objectified. Afterall, we have self-government, it is us, it is a part of us. Let's start calling it what it is - Government. I think this objectification was deliberate and a NLP technique from the Frank Luntz school.

Awww Jeanie and Jeremiah, not using Science and Technical terms and going emotional sounds good, but it won't resolve the problem. I think you're on to something, but use the emotional tactic and back it up with Science and Technology. Use both techniques to support the debate. There will always be those who refuse to listen, no matter what emotions you bring up. But you'll risk turning away the thoughtful progressive if all you do is make it an emotional argument.

Besides its not the argument that needs to be won, its only the legislation that needs to be passed. Progressives have got the numbers, and we'll be taking over so long as we DON'T PANIC.

Global warming when it's hot and global warming when it's cold. Now you see why so many people, especially of faith, say it's bogus.

I have been hearing talk of a progressive march on Washington but a theme is lacking. Maybe a black arm band funeral march mourning the death of the American dream. We have been witness to the steady decimation of our lives, our liberties, and our ability to pursue happiness for too long now. ENOUGH !!

Thomas Jode said..February 11th, 2010, 11:28 am
Give me a solid Founding document that says that stem cell research is against the Laws of Nature. And tell me what the Laws ARE, then say what YOU think they are.>

I believe their writings are sufficient. The law is life, which no one has power to take except God; says the Preamble in the Constitution. Besides, I doubt people on this blog adhere to the will of the Founding Fathers.

You're right, Nels. I don't mean to only use brief, bumper-sticker slogans for everyone. I meant in addition to the usual communication techniques. It doesn't have to be one or the other. But remember, religion does not rely on science or technology and is wildly successful. Can't we somehow do that?

Michelle Bachmann says that the upcoming health care reform meeting on February 25th with Republicans is a "P.R. Stunt". I'm shocked, as an avid Liberal, to find myself agreeing with her! Obama is NOT stupid - he HAS to know that no Republican is going to cooperate with him at all, ever, on this subject (or on any other!). Thus, it is obviously a P.R. stunt, and a waste of time.

RE Ruffian @ 11:20--

YES.

The Founders -- such as Ben Franklin who were inspired by the Iroquois Nation principles of government -- were recognizing a different way of governing. The most progressive Founders were calling for an end to government from the top down as in monarchy rule. Instead they called FOR governing from the bottom up -- from the individual citizens.

You're right, calling it "The" Government indicates the bureaucracy rules. THAT certainly was not the intention!

Carrie Lucas is one of the reasons why I say that men's opinions should be listened to and considered in regard to abortion. Just because you're a female does not mean you are empathetic, intelligent, logical, or fair or will be to other females. Female conservatives are no different from male conservatives. Plus, they tend to use their femaleness as an advantage in the debate, as if they "know" what is best for females. Not much different from men who claim to "know" what's best. Just look at the males on this blog. And to Thom. I'd much rather listen to them than to Carrie Lucas. (Not to beat up on her, but she brings it on herself.)

@ Nels OK I was being petulant when I called Carrie "stupid". She rubs my rhubarb wrong!!! Grrrrrr. I wonder, however, is it really smart to use your abilities to try to mislead the masses about vital issues? I can forgive good ol' dumb but willful perfidy? Cunning, sure but ultimately a dead is where Carrie's "smarts" will lead. :-)

@DDay, woe to you if you find me an optimist. I've always considered the glass half empty (if for no other reason than I fully have faith in evaporation to effect its contents).

I don't know if we'll win this battle, but it is only one in the never ending war between left and right. The odds are, that the left will win some battles and the right will win some battles, the once those battles are over, they'll give birth to new ones, and on and on it will go... I suggest that you don't go to battle to win, but go knowing you'll give it your all.

DDay,

We are all human and make mistakes. It's those whose greed and selfishness is used to deliberately hurt others that I call out and no longer tolerate. ('Sorry, I couldn't think of anything amusing as a response. My attitude lately has been anger mixed with little patience. That's because I, like you, have concluded that everything is going to merde. It's only a matter of time 'til I can't continue with life as I currently know it.)