a humble suggestion for 2006 campaigns

[radfringe]

Most of us on the DU have equated republicans with being rubberstamps.
I've also heard a few Dem Senators/Representatives saying something similar "...legislation was just rubberstamped through" or "we shouldn't be just rubbertamping 'x'...."

My idea for first-time candidates running against an republican incumbent: get a large model of a rubberstamp on stage, label it Republican Party - or get someone in a rubberstamp costume.

Make the connection of republicans being rubberstamps. Use the word Rubberstamp multiple times. Emphasize that American People "VALUE" independence and independent thought/actions so why would they want to re-elect a rubberstamper? Emphasize that a Senator or Representative is elected to office to REPRESENT the PEOPLE's VALUES - not to rubberstamp one man's policies through congress using manipulation of Congressional procedures, arm-twisting, or spin. Those that are sent to Congress WORK FOR THE PEOPLE - not just at the convenience of one person or at the pleasure of special interests.

If people want rubberstampers - we might as well not have a congress at all because a rubberstamping congress is no more than window dressing to give the impression of a democracy at work.

on edit: bumpersticker/sign suggestion - "STAMP OUT THE RUBBERSTAMPERS!"

[katinmn]

1. Great suggestion! Will pass it along.

[Son of California]

2. To take that thought a step further

remember how deftly Repubs played the whole flipflop deal on Kerry, with people dressing in Flipper costumes etc etc.
They just threw it in the echo-chamber and watched it go.........

RUBBERSTAMPERS

is this that great catch phrase that we are looking for to attack the Repubs with?

That they can't think for themselves? That everything they do comes down from the WH (which by the way is not popular with a lot of Repub voters right now).

The absolute best strategy we have is to tie every Republican running for Congress to this amazingly unpopular administration. They are all Rubberstampers, Bush zombies, do what they are told, regardless of right on wrong.

What we need is strong individuals, who can think for themselves, who care about the difference between right and wrong, who aren't scared to speak Truth to power.

[radfringe]

3. use the word VALUES

as in "American People VALUE independent thinking, leaders who are willing and able to stand up for what is right for their constituents. Where would we be today if our founders rolled over and rubberstamped King George's edicts? America was built on people who thought for themselves and took action - because they were willing to fight for what they VALUED - freedom, independence and the right to determine the course of their own lives.

All great changes in our society and country have emerged from one person or a group of people who said "this is not right". They thought for themselves and they were willing to stand up to the status quo - no matter what the odds -- because they valued the basic principles of liberty and freedom for all. They didn't back down or lay down or roll over and follow meekly - they stood up and spoke out."

[sandnsea]

7. That's very very good

That will appeal to independent rocky mountain voters too, and is the way to go to counter the gay rights and abortion hoopla. The right to determine the course of your own life. It's an American Value.

[abluelady]

4. Send the Idea to Dr. Dean

Americans seem to like little words, like "flip flop." Maybe a small word, "rubberstamp" with a mascot will appeal even more to the voters. I like the idea.

[melissinha]

5. Man sounds like a great costume

Inspired by radfringe's animated signature...


I'm a costuming freak.. I would SOOOOO make that costume to wear at protest....

NOW what would the stamp say (you usually see it printed on the side)
How about this:

Whatever George wants,
George gets.

OR you could dress up in a suit as some polititian and carry a big rubberstamp.

[sandnsea]

6. rubberstampers

Excellent idea!!!