Politics, Politics, Politics...

--Comicus, Stand-Up Philosopher (i.e., Bull-Shitter), History of the World Part I

Sorry I've been away so long (as usual). I had my work week, and then went back home to Erie -- more on that later. Suffice it to say no one from Cleveland was anxiously awaiting my return.
Before I left I was out with some friends and, after a few drinks, I went into political wonk mode. Some of them, including Chad over at Stop Touching My Food, thought it might be insightful. This probably had to do with the booze, but c'est la vie. Remember, you read it here first.

I am a life long Democrat. We need a new strategy. The word liberal seems to have four letters, President Bush has artfully made everyone who questions him unpatriotic, and somehow we have allowed pro-choice to mean pro-abortion (anytime, anyplace). Time to change the discourse and re-"frame" the argument. (If you want to read about "frames" and political thought, check out Don't Think of an Elephant by George Lakoff -- it gets a little redundant, but there are some nifty ideas and strategies.)

We need a slogan or issue that hits a classic American nerve and will jolt people like a knock to the funny bone. Enough of a jolt that a Democrat could argue with the President and Republicans as a fellow patriot with a different, but important focus. Then issues can be tied to it. Better yet if it emphasizes currently perceived weakness, or even, dare I say, a scandal.

My candidate -- "Privacy, not secrecy". Why?

1) Start with the spying -- legally questionable. And topical. Grant that the president may have broadened powers during a time of war, but when does the war on terrorism end? Play clips of Eisenhower's speech on the military/industrial complex. Republican on republican action -- sexy, ain't it.

2) Link privacy with PERSONAL FREEDOM as the soul of the USA. (The truth can be a strong weapon, but only when wielded appropriately.) Remind people that this is what the young American men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan are defending, and it would be nice if they still had some freedoms when they return. We can't become the tyranny we fight.

3) Snag some libertarians and small government conservatives by mentioning that the government is getting bigger to spy on people. If the era of small government isn't over, let's keep it to welfare, medicine, and highways. Insert your favorite 1984 reference (George Orwell, not Ronald Reagan) here. On the other hand, link the spying to the KGB, then bring up how Reagan fought the cold war to free Eastern Europe of this sort of government intrusion on privacy -- see #1 (more sexy republican infighting). Then you can fold in Nancy Reagan and stem cell research -- at private universities if necessary.

4) Reframe abortion. When it's a choice, it's a terrible one to have to make. Don't defend the act, defend the right to make your own decision. Roe vs. Wade hinges on an implicit right to privacy in the constitution -- defend that, not "choice".

5) Cue the "vs. secrecy" part. Again, start with the spying and executive privilege. Bring in all the secret closed door meetings on environmental policy and energy. Hop over to Abramoff and Tom Delay -- easy targets. Don't forget the secret intelligence information on Iraq that was wrong. (Even if you don't consider that information "secret", people will by it if the framing works. And it will invoke memories of all the other issues. Really. Read the Lakoff book.)

6) On to Judge, soon to be Justice, Alito. This is what you get for electing a President who will nominate people who endorse violating the privacy of 10 year old girls. (Bonus points if you can work "private parts" into this commercial without seeming crude.) He also allows executive secrecy, and secret military courts to try Americans.

7) Katrina -- I haven't quite worked this one in yet, but I'm open to ideas. I think linking to home ownership and the "Private Sector" (see how broad this gets) is a winner. If not, evoke the last winning democrat to energize the base -- "It's the privacy, stupid."

I could probably do more, but I'm taking some private time. Let me know if you have number 8. Now we just need a messenger -- perhaps more on that later, also.

Poser of the day: Chad Fox and I were given a gratis dessert. We split it with two spoons. Did I touch his food? (Check out his blog at chadfox.com. Especially his podcast -- I got a dedication. Thanks, Chad.)