The pros and cons of a unified message.

[Pacifist Patriot]

I don't think anyone can argue that one of the reasons the Republican party has gained the power they have is due to their ability to control and propogate a unified message, particularly a negative message attacking liberalism. Not only do they effectively disseminate a talking point almost verbatim, but they have managed to create a virtually monolithic platform on a variety of subjects.

Liberals, and moderates for that matter, are notorious for being anything but unified. Let's be honest and admit that sometimes we go so far as to shred one another rather than accept differences of opinion and focus on countering the conservative agenda. Additionally, we lend ourselves to "specialists." What I mean by that is someone who considers him/herself a liberal in most areas but is particularly passionate and therefore activist about the environment, civil liberties, reproductive rights, etc.

This runs counter to the habitual Republican who blithely follows the party without questioning specific tenets. Basically, I wonder if Democrats have more "dealbreakers" than do Republicans. We're willing to break ranks and sacrifice a vote for a candidate who represents most of what we believe, but not all. I think that may be one reason why a county which is 35% Dem, 40% Repub and 25% NPA/Ind routinely elects Republicans to office.

If we remain true to the principles of liberalism, we encourage people to explore the facts and reach conclusions using their own reasoning and value systems rather than providing both the answers (too often based on faulty/phony data) and the value system. Liberalism runs contrary to prevailing social psychology which the Republican methods directly tap into.

How in the world do we counter a successful message machine when their tactics are anathema to the liberal principles we hold dear?

I think there is room in the Democratic party for a unified message but it realistically cannot be based on policy matters. Too often such contracts become mired by conflicting priorities. "Sure I can agree with all of these policy stances, but I want this one to come first or I'm not going to support you."

Examples of Unified Messages

1. Conformity is dangerous.
2. Freedom/Liberty is nothing to fear.
3. Democrats will always be engaging in intra-party dialogue on every issue and that is how it should be to ensure every voice is heard.
4. Everyone has value.
5. The U.S. Constitution is the highest law in the land.

and so on....

The difference between the Democratic Party and the Republican party isn't one of anti-choice/pro-choice or anti-DP/pro-DP. The difference between the Democratic Party and the Republican party is that we respect everyone's ideas and want to work together for the common good recognizing that sometimes we can't have everything our own way when trying to progress as a nation. They respect only their ideas and want to dictate the common good exhibiting petulance when they can't have their own way.

It's pro/anti-Constitution until classical conservatism once again gains control of the GOP.

[Pacifist Patriot]

1. kick until...

someone agrees with me or tells me I'm full of shit. I spent some time on this post. I'm not going to let it die with no responses. ;)