Democrats Make Appeal for Hungry on Radio

[jefferson_dem]

DES MOINES, Iowa - Growing numbers of Americans were hungry this Thanksgiving, and the nation should do more to help them enjoy its bounty, the Democrats said Saturday in their weekly radio address.

"Unfortunately, the blessing of abundant food is not shared by all Americans," Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said. "A recent report from our Department of Agriculture documented an increase in hunger in America, particularly among our children."

Vilsack, chairman of the Democratic Governors Association, said sharing is an American value rooted in the country's origins when American Indians helped the Pilgrims four centuries ago.

"On that day, sharing became an American value," Vilsack said. "Living up to that value requires us to do what we can, and what we must, to stop hunger in America."

<SNIP>

http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story&cid=519&e=1&u=/ap/20041127/ap_on_re_us/democrats_vilsack

[bemildred]

1. Tax the rich to feed the poor! Yes! I like it! Let's get started. nt

[jefferson_dem]

3. Now there's a VALUE we can live with.

It's called...compassion.

[InvisibleBallots]

18. is Vilsak proposing to tax the rich?

In that case, I support him for DNC chair!

[bemildred]

19. I doubt that.

I was freely extrapolating from the thrust of his remarks.
After all, one needs money to feed the poor, eh? And who has
the money in America. The rich!

[durablend]

2. "Hungry people in this country?"

"BAH...just another myth purported by the democrats...no such thing!"

"Things haven't been this good in DECADES if not CENTURIES!"

:crazy:

[Ice4Clark]

4. This may be a bit off topic, but if they took the money spent on

this sign, then they would have more to feed hungry people.

http://www.bluelemur.com/index.php?p=442

[coloradodem2005]

5. Who spent all the money on that abomination?

What the fuck.

[Ice4Clark]

6. Read the link in my message. I can't start new topics, but maybe

you could post it somewhere else. That billboard makes me very ill.

Yep, a uniter alright. In FL too.

[intheflow]

10. This was already posted on DU, Ice4Clark.

Here's the link: http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=104&topic_id=2743969


Welcome to DU! :hi:

[Ice4Clark]

7. I'm thinking statues will be forthcoming.....Saddam Jr.

[Rose Siding]

8. Compared to Bush's address, this might id a dem mssg problem

The way both of today's addresses were framed presents an interesting contrast.

Bush's subject: "to share our blessings with the least among us."

Vilsack's: "Unfortunately, the blessing of abundant food is not shared by all Americans"


Bush is full of crap, of course, and his remarks were focused on the "privitazation" of the concept of the safety net, more or less. ("Bush Calls on Americans to Volunteer, Give") But he strokes the listener, basically telling them just to be who they are, because they are wonderful and generous:

``We also recognize our duty to share our blessings with the least among us,'' the president said. ``Throughout the holiday season, schools, churches, synagogues and other generous organizations gather food and clothing for their neighbors in need. Many young people give part of their holiday to volunteer at homeless shelters or food pantries.

``On Thanksgiving, and on every day of the year, America is a more hopeful nation because of the volunteers who serve the weak and the vulnerable.'' -See? It's like a done deal. 'We do ALREADY recognize..', 'a buncha places ALREADY gather...' 'America is ALREADY more hopeful'

Vilsack stresses the growing need, the (accurate) implication being that we aren't doing what we should and that we must change ourselves:

"Unfortunately, the blessing of abundant food is not shared by all Americans," Iowa Gov. Tom Vilsack said. "A recent report from our Department of Agriculture documented an increase in hunger in America, particularly among our children."
........
"With these thoughts and prayers, we should rededicate ourselves to ensuring that all who've served our country receive the health and income benefits they have earned by their service."

The problem is that no one wants to admit that they are part of the problem and it's almost impossible to define deficiencies without beating people over the head for their own failures. I'd *like* to beat them over the head, and it would be great if the public responded like a group of well-adjusted, responsible adults, but that's not realistic.

How could Vilsack's remarks have been more complimentary of his audience? -NOT watered down, but respecting of their good qualities; qualities that will compel them to accomplish the desired end. Is that possible?

[neuvocat]

9. This is a very real message.

Thanks for posting this and your comments along with it, folks.

[Cocoa]

11. Vilsack's statement was more complimentary than Bush's

it showed respect for the listeners, treated them like adults, rather than pandered to them.

That's leadership, and if it's sustained it will make people better, rather than further turn American citizens into mindless self-centered morons. And I think the dems should be careful about emulating the republicans' poisonous tactics.

[Erika]

15. Uh, Where has the Dems emulated the mean spiritedness of the GOP?

I don't see it.

[struggle4progress]

12. kick

:kick:

[Erika]

14. Bush Cannot Identify With the Poor

He thinks they don't exist. If such a creature exists, he hopes he transferred enough wealth from the working class to the rich so they can toss out a few coins to such a group. He is so compassionate and Christian. Not.

[BiggJawn]

13. And on Monday, Limpballs reminds us that only LAZY folk go hungry...

"Why, friends, there's PLENTY of food here in Amur-ikka...You just have to be willing to GET OFF YOUR ASS and EARN it!"

Same meme the ReTHUGlicans spread during the Ray-Gun years: "Everything is just peachie, and if you're not raking it in hand over fist, well, then, you must be lazy or stupid or something..."

Heard that so many damn times from fucking Yuppies....

[Erika]

16. Paris Hilton and the Bush Twins so totally identify that

if Americans had any sense of integrity, they would have figured out a way of being rich like they did. What a joke.

[BiggJawn]

17. If I had a body like Paris Hilton, you better BELIEVE I'd be rich!

And I wouldn't be no "I'm beautiful and I showed up, that makes me one HOT fuck" kind of fuck, either...

[The Flaming Red Head]

20. Since they're not using all that money for a recount

why not give us all a good last meal before they march US all (liberal Democrats who believe in seperation of church and state) out to the re-education democratic church camps.

[iamjoy]

21. We Must Keep This Up

Hammer the point about the growing hungry, especially children.

I mean, maybe these stupid rich Conservatives can say that poor adults are just lazy, but does that mean their children should starve?