Stupid: RNC to pass resolution rebranding Democrats the “Democrat Socialist Party”
posted at 2:50 pm on May 13, 2009 by Allahpundit
Just the sort of smart, sober gesture we need to convince Americans of the party’s new seriousness of purpose. Even Michael Steele — Michael Steele — sees the publicity trainwreck a-comin’, although he’s powerless to stop it.
Oh well. The base will love it, and that’s all that matters.
A member of the Republican National Committee told me Tuesday that when the RNC meets in an extraordinary special session next week, it will approve a resolution rebranding Democrats as the “Democrat Socialist Party.”
When I asked if such a resolution would force RNC Chairman Michael Steele to use that label when talking about Democrats in all his speeches and press releases, the RNC member replied: “Who cares?”…
Steele wrote a memo last month opposing the resolution. Steele said that while he believes Democrats “are indeed marching America toward European-style socialism,” he also said in a (rare) flash of insight that officially referring to them as the Democrat Socialist Party “will accomplish little than to give the media and our opponents the opportunity to mischaracterize Republicans.”
More than anything, this reeks of impotence, operating almost as a concession that the right’s argument on the merits that the left is evolving towards socialism isn’t working to shift public opinion. So now they’re going to up the ante by trying the hard sell: Just repeat “socialism” as much as possible to try to drive it into people’s skulls, never minding the fact that that term’s already lost some of its taboo and might well lose more as it goes further mainstream. Or at least, I hope that’s the GOP strategy here. The alternative, that they’re simply sticking their fingers in their ears and repeating “socialist” over and over out of spite like a five-year-old, is too depressing to contemplate. What’s next, a formal resolution declaring french fries “freedom fries” in the Republican Party henceforth and forevermore?
Blowback
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You’re not mistaken. But, for some reason, too many people care more about labels than they do about truth.
The truth is tat the Democrats have put all of us on the path to socialism and will, thereby, destroy this country. Btu it’s more important not to offend them than to stop that from happening. /s
baldilocks on May 13, 2009 at 6:09 PM
I don’t think you’re looking beyond the party redesignation. Once the democrats are redefined, everything they’ve done and have planned can be compared to socialist governments around the world. Needless to say those governments are not very successful.
Another point … democrats have successfully used redefined terminology against us for decades.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:12 PM
Curtain Climber!
baldilocks on May 13, 2009 at 6:17 PM
The left did not succeed by being shrill, loud, and obnoxious. The left succeeded by capitalizing on the failures of our politicians.
We can debate the merits of their tactics, but their tactics haven’t changed in 40 some odd years – there’s no reason for them to become, suddenly, the panacea for what ails us.
TheUnrepentantGeek on May 13, 2009 at 6:19 PM
“Stupid” doesn’t even begin to describe this asinine proposal!
GFW on May 13, 2009 at 6:19 PM
I understand your point, but still believe that there are more effective uses of the RNCs time and efforts. The difference between conservatives and liberals defining terminology, is that we do not have the propaganda machine to assist in our efforts that liberals have in the mainstream media. If it works, more power to them, but it smacks too much of a stunt to me, much as the previously mentioned “freedom fries”.
coyoterex on May 13, 2009 at 6:20 PM
I’d hire you for an expat job in China as soon as you’re finished with school. If any interest, figure out my email and let me know.
DarkCurrent on May 13, 2009 at 6:23 PM
so the truth is stupid now?
Kaptain Amerika on May 13, 2009 at 6:24 PM
Liberal propaganda works not only because of the media, but because no one calls them on it.
Look, the democrats do this all the time … they frame the argument by using specific words. For instance … instead of abortion, they use “pro-choice”. Instead of global warming in the face of global cooling they use “climate change”.
We have to do the same only it’s not a stunt … it’s literally true, and if we say it enough it will stick.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:29 PM
That’s socialism!
baldilocks on May 13, 2009 at 6:30 PM
I know! You’d think it’d sink in by now.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:33 PM
Absolutely it’s socialism (if not outright fascism), but the devil is in the details. Just throwing around the word socialism isn’t going to impact anyone but the true believers.
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 6:33 PM
The Democrats have already rebranded themselves as socialists. Not with a resolution, but with their actions. What’s wrong with pointing it out?
Sign of the Dollar on May 13, 2009 at 6:35 PM
Howard Dean and the DNC offically branded the GOP as the “Party of Corruption” in 2006.
Silly yes, childish yes, but it worked.
Listen, we can all say “we have to win by logic and reason” but that is not the real world. The average American has the attention span for a 4-year old, and time and time again, cheap gimmicks and slogans (Yes, we can! anyone?!) will beat reasoned logic each and every time its tried.
Its about time the RNC starts calling Democrats names and fighting dirty. Enough with the “listening tour”, and other non-sense.
Norwegian on May 13, 2009 at 6:35 PM
You won’t have enough time to state any details if you can’t grab their attention first.
thirteen28 on May 13, 2009 at 6:37 PM
Who is the nit wit that writes the comments on these stories……a RINO………all true conservatives think that calling the Dems “Socialists” is like calling blue….well, blue…………gee whiz………duh? Paa Leaze who ever writes the intro to these things…….STOP.
Cinday Blackburn on May 13, 2009 at 6:38 PM
All my GOP emails are the same
It goes as follows.
1) We need your input at this critical time. Please fill out the survey and return it to let us know what issues are important to you.
Its called targeted marketing people. If you know what the primary issue of the marketing campaign is you can focus your message
2) We need to stand up to the Powers that be in Washington. Its critical to get your feedback
Yeah but the “Feedback” in this case is said survey where I cant do more than check a box and get their prepackaged message.
3) Its cricial for conservatives to unite. Please send up your contribution of $20, $50, $100, or $500 Dollars.
Here is the money pitch. I swear I can almost hear the infomertical Tim Robbins salespitch in perfect tune.
4) Our country stands at a crossroads. It is important for people like you to step up and help us get America on the right track.
So now America is dependant on me giving them my money or volunteering my time ? Id say America needs the GOP to get its head out of its arse and stop with the tired old marketing ploys. Its like talking to a robocall or listening to a telemarketer drone on and on.
The GOP stopped being a party of leadership and became a party of marketing fools.
William Amos on May 13, 2009 at 6:39 PM
I guess that is the point I was trying to make with a lack of eloquence. It is fine to call them out, but provide the evidence and support for your argument at the same time.
coyoterex on May 13, 2009 at 6:40 PM
This would be counterproductive…seriously. Goes with the saying: America has two political parties: the dangerous party and the stupid party.
I am a member of the stupid party.
Ejasz on May 13, 2009 at 6:43 PM
What? It’s socialism but you don’t want to call it socialism?
Sssshhhh … don’t tell anyone the democrats are socialists, we don’t want anyone to know. Besides, they might call us mean names.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:43 PM
I think you totally defame (and underestimate) “the base” when you indicate they will love rebranding the libs. For what purpose? Name calling is grade school crap that gets us no where and makes us look like the Anti-bushies and reined terror on name calling for 8 years.
“A rose by any other name, is still a rose.” We all know the current democrats are socialists, calling them that is pretty damn stupid and elementary.
Now RNC, how about a solution or two? How about sticking to your principles and stop wandering all over the place trying to be all things to all people. Save your “listen tour” bucks by simply reading what just about every conservative on the Internet has been screaming for the last 1.5 years. Get to work!
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 6:44 PM
I don’t think the RNC are going far enough.
Call them: the Thought-Police Socialst Anti-Democratic Fascist Party.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 6:45 PM
What people want is just that … fighting back. Play as dirty as they do and never, never let them go unchallenged.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:45 PM
OH wait, maybe my idea was stupid and ineffectual. Oh well it felt good.
petunia on May 13, 2009 at 6:47 PM
Wikepdeia:
Did the RNC think through this strategy? What’s the chances of a lawsuit? If they sue, it would make great publicity for them and RNC ineptness. Just what we need.
Loxodonta on May 13, 2009 at 6:47 PM
How can you win on the facts and logic when you’re afraid to call something by its logical, factual name? We’re talking about politics, not poetry. Trying to defeat your opponent with floury verbose language that merely describes socialism in a inoffensive way is a losers trick that wastes time while accomplishing nothing, when a single word with an established definition and history is a direct path to clarity.
This still assumes that the socialist-lite wing of the Republican party is defeated and Capitalists regain control.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 6:47 PM
whoa! william amos – I hear you! Now if the RNC would simply READ that, they could save one big bunch of bucks and stop asking us for money.
Do they really think with all their fledgling and flailing that we are stupid enough to send them money? I’ll answer that: yes they do. They have no confidence in the intelligence of their base. They think that like the other party, we are all sheep ready to follow the first wolf that jumps in front. Take that “listening tour” money GOP and buy a clue!
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 6:48 PM
I can’t get over how people don’t understand this. If you define your opponent as socialist, then you’re clear to compare them to every socialist disaster the world has ever produced. Show people exactly what happens in socialist countries. Show them what socialist governments do and ask them is this what you want?
Also calling them what they are is not name calling.
Good grief.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:49 PM
Floating Rock: We all know it’s socialism. Isn’t it rather stupid to take the time and trouble to announce a campaign to “rebrand” the Democrats when we all know what they are?
How about solutions, solidarity, working on their own house and senate, getting their sh*t together rather than running around pointing fingers?
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 6:50 PM
That too.
If this effort is the extent of the reformation of the Republican party, it’s a mistake. But if it’s a broadside by the capitalists within the party to wrest control back from the neo-statists, then I think it’ll pay dividends.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 6:50 PM
Well-said! And they could spend the money for that stupid “listening tour” on some well-crafted national ads showing people what this administration is doing to our country and how they are violating the very same constitution they swore to uphold.
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 6:51 PM
Is the RNC rebranding strategy designed to educate the public, or is it a marketing strategy to bring in more campaign cash for the RNC to control?
Loxodonta on May 13, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Steele and the RNC don’t have a clue. Very, very frustrating. And since the party blew their credibility on capitalism (Bush was more socialist than Clinton or Carter) nobody is going to listen to what looks to the average person like juvenile name-calling.
The Dean on May 13, 2009 at 6:52 PM
darwin: read my message to floating rock. Go ahead and call socialism just what it is. Go ahead and provide examples, but damnit – provide some solutions and alternatives with some credibility first. Get your own house in order.
The “campaign” to “rebrand” is what is stupid! We KNOW what socialism is. We know that’s what we are getting (unfortunately at least 30% of Americans don’t care). The RNC is preaching to the choir because the choir is the only ones listening.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 6:52 PM
Amen. Too many Republicans are afraid of what Olberdouche or the NYT will say.
1% of Republican members of Congress were guilty of corruption in 2006, and the DNC offically named the GOP “The Party of Corruption”. Not one Democrat objected to that name-calling.
98% of Democratic members of Congress voted for Porkulus and massive increased spending (Spelled S-O-C-I-A-L-I-S-M), and we still have people within our party objecting to calling them “Socialist”….
Norwegian on May 13, 2009 at 6:54 PM
califcon: or file a couple of solid law suits for O’s illegal acts. But the RNC doesn’t have balls anymore. They are stuck at name calling and finger pointing.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 6:54 PM
Are you deliberately misunderstanding what I and many other people on here are saying?
Because, no one has a problem with referring to the Dems as socialist. What people have a problem with is meeting in “an extraordinary special session” whose main purpose seems to be this fool’s errand. (Please see Loxodonta’s excellent post above.)
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 6:55 PM
Norwegian: You guys simply aren’t getting it! No one objects to calling socialism – we object to making that their message rather than DOING something, anything, about it! We didn’t elect these yahoos to go up on the hill and call names! DO SOMETHING!
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Its an attempt to play down conservative social issues and play up economic conservativism.
A wash with me as Im mainly a foreign policy conservative at heart.
William Amos on May 13, 2009 at 6:56 PM
Can’t the GOP just leave the word play to talk radio? Let Hannity or Beck do it for a while and see if it catches on. If this is what the party is spending its time on maybe the death spiral is approaching its inevitable end sooner rather than later.
dedalus on May 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
Well… this has a certain Pee-Wee’s playhouse, neener-neener, I know you are but what an I quality to it…
elgeneralisimo on May 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
They’re not going to “rebrand” democrats for our benefit.
Remember Saul Alinsky? One of his rules was “make them play by their own rules”. If you label democrats socialists … they either have to accept that title, or they have to deny it and explain how every program and policy they propose isn’t socialist. They won’t be able to.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 6:59 PM
I will agree that it’s stupid to pass a resolution proclaiming the new perjurative. The new perjurative(s) should just start being used.
Blacklake on May 13, 2009 at 7:01 PM
If that is the case, then great…but already we have seen the ineptitude of the RNC to present their objections to the liberal agenda in a coherent accessible manner. You do not win if all you do is sit and call your opponent names, deserved or not. It is not the base that follows blogs like Hot Air that need to be won over. It is the so-called independents that need to be shown what is really going down.
coyoterex on May 13, 2009 at 7:01 PM
What you feel is “calling names” others find simply as telling the truth. Finally.
When the Democrats announce the massive federal takeover of health care, what are Republicans supposed to do? Announce their own plan with slighly less government control? Or call it what it is and say “hell NO”!? I vote for the latter.
Listen, the GOP don’t have anything they can do legislative. Any “plan” we put out will be misrepresented by the MSM and the Obama echo-chamber. The only thing we can do is to protest as loud as we can.
Norwegian on May 13, 2009 at 7:02 PM
I’m not following your logic. Giving a set of policies its true name is “throwing it around?”
baldilocks on May 13, 2009 at 7:04 PM
Wrong. I will bet $100 right now that the democrats will turn around and point out that the RNC is busy with childish name calling instead of actually doing something or offering solutions. Just like they did with the party of “no”.
First and foremost you all need to understand that the Democrats are experts at name calling and branding. The RNC is not and trying to play that stupid game will only backfire. You see, the liberal base is very good at picking up mantras and repeating them over and over, whether they make sense or not – and they have the major media on their side. Our base is not that stupid. We won’t “stand by our man” even when he’s wrong. We are swayed by facts; the liberal base doesn’t give a wit about facts.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 7:05 PM
Really? Do you honestly think there is one single conservative who will be edified by this? Or that there is a single Dem/lib/progressive to whom it will make the slightest difference?
Because I don’t. I think it’s just more useless bloviating that could very easily blow up in their faces.
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 7:06 PM
Huh? So relabeling the democrats as socialists is cool, you’re just mad they call a special session? If so, why is it then a fools errand?
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 7:06 PM
baldilocks: you and many others are convincing me that you only write and don’t read. Please read the messages we’ve written over and over and over.
NO ONE OBJECTS TO CALLING DEMS POLICIES SOCIALISM. We object to that being the RNC’s solution for the massive trouble we are in. We object to taking the time and trouble to have a meeting about something so stupid when we face much bigger, much more important issues.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 7:08 PM
I’d prefer they use their “extraordinary special session” to formulate a set of policies of their own, maybe even some kind of workable game plan, rather than formalizing a label for the Dems’ policies.
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 7:09 PM
as do I califcon
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 7:09 PM
If that’s true, that everybody knows, how can it possibly be “stupid” to simply acknowledge the fact?
2+2=4, and everybody knows it, but is it stupid to point it out to those that don’t already know? And you must realize that most American’s are not aware that our nations present course is hard over into Socialism. Sure, “we” know it, but we’re not your average American. Your average American pays virtually no mind to politics at all.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:10 PM
Uh … ok. You want the RNC to muster the troops and fight the enemy but you don’t want to waste anytime on identifying the enemy.
Got it.
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 7:11 PM
Because, as was pointed out above, the GOP does not have the msm functioning as a propaganda arm and the GOP is already widely perceived as the “haters” and obstructionists and name-calling is only going to cement that perception.
I don’t think it’s stupid, I think it’s beyond stupid. Goes right over into self-mutilation.
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 7:13 PM
Did you attend any of the Tea Parties? The word “socialism” was a common denominator of what most of the people attending objected to. A lot of the people I ran into there were not GOP Party regulars either, but just regular Americans fed up with the run-away spending.
Again, the GOP is a minority in Congress with no real power to change anything. The RNC can either echo the anger expressed by grass-roots and Tea Parties or pass meaningless “policy papers” or “listening tours” that noone cares about.
Norwegian on May 13, 2009 at 7:14 PM
Yes. Obama has big ears is the truth. Passing a resolution to that effect is stupid.
radiofreevillage on May 13, 2009 at 7:14 PM
HM.
blatantblue on May 13, 2009 at 7:14 PM
New plan for RNC. Convene special emergency session to formulate plans and policies to fight the ___________.
In keeping with the requests of our members we will not waste any time naming the _________.
Let’s proceed:
The _________ policies have stifled our productivity and burdened the taxpayer. The _________ plan to raise taxes is a key element in the _________ agenda.
and on and on …
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Ed and AP do a better job at Hot Air in their commentaries than the RNC does in promoting economic conservatism. Many of the Hot Air posters even do a better job. Elected Republicans have not recently had the best record on fiscal conservatism.
How can rebranding the Demostrats help make the Republicans be more fiscally responsible? This RNC strategy still seems more about fund raising than getting anything done.
Loxodonta on May 13, 2009 at 7:16 PM
I think it’s worth point out that this is one of the dumbest things I’ve read on this site. I mean, just take a step back for a second and read what you’re writing. Wow.
crr6 on May 13, 2009 at 7:16 PM
Dude(ette). I’m giving up in this thread. These people can’t see the forest for the trees.
The fear of short-term political hardship is stronger in some than is the fear of existence, the latter of which is at stake. I think that some people are still telling themselves that the Obama Administration is a bad dream and that they will awaken soon–that way they don’t have to accept the long-term implications and effects of the socialism perpetrated by the president and his party. That way they can fret more about “looking stupid” than about what socialism has in store for us–the same thing it has had everywhere it has been tried: equal poverty and oppression for all.
baldilocks on May 13, 2009 at 7:17 PM
To clarify what I am trying to get across, I worry that they are just grandstanding, and doing a stunt, when there are real issues that they could be dealing with. I hope I am mistaken. Hope that makes sense.
coyoterex on May 13, 2009 at 7:18 PM
fear of existence=survival instinct
baldilocks on May 13, 2009 at 7:19 PM
See my 7:17 comment.
baldilocks on May 13, 2009 at 7:19 PM
Proving that those that would listen, already know. If the RNC had simply just started calling these policies what they are – socialism – that would be one thing. But to have a meeting! To announce the meeting to the press and the libs so they can be all over this thing before it even happens?
Stupid doesn’t begin to identify this idea. As I said, I’ve got $100 that says what will happen next – and it won’t be pretty. It certainly won’t help anyone pay their mortgage, get a job, feed their family, turn around what the Dems are doing, stop the bailouts, stop government take over of business, etc.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 7:20 PM
I’m in agreement with that. The GOP is in desperate need of reformation not simple re-branding. But I also think that this measure will weaken the neo-statists within the GOP regardless. How are they going to justify running to the MSM to promote their big-government programs when they’ll be confronted with accusations of hypocrisy?
That’s why I don’t think the neo-statists are behind this, it harms their cause. This is a broadside in the battle for the soul of the party, I hope, and should, at least, help lead to a reformation.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:22 PM
Well, see, that’s a problem for me as well. A bunch of ineffective RINOs trying to co-opt a grass-roots label to make themselves appear relevant.
Buy into it if you want to . . . I’d prefer to see a national ad campaign depicting the horrors of socialized medicine, and not on Rush, on prime time tv.
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 7:22 PM
I hear ya. Methinks I’ll call it a day myself.
hang in there …
darwin on May 13, 2009 at 7:24 PM
Um, what resolution could the RNC pass that WOULD do those things?
Again, I don’t see where the RNC explicitly needs to pass a resolution to refer to the Democrats as socialists, but I seen nothing wrong with anyone referring to them as the same. If their actions = socialism, then that’s exactly what they are – and exactly what we should refer to them as.
There is nothing wrong with telling the truth about your political opponents. On the other hand, there is everything wrong with failing to do so, particularly when you look at the damage their socialist policies will do if fully implemented.
thirteen28 on May 13, 2009 at 7:25 PM
Instead of the RNC “officially” changing the name it uses for Democrats, why can’t they run ads about the dangers of the Democrats’ policies, educate the public with ads, and also promote smaller government and fiscally conservative solutions?
Which is more effective? Calling the Democrats a name, or pointing out the real dangers of their policies?
Loxodonta on May 13, 2009 at 7:27 PM
There’s a civil war going on within the GOP right now to force them to do something. As it is, the party elitists are fine going along with Obama and many of them probably even voted for the guy. The base is going to have to force their hand or turn them out. If this effort is a part of the process of forcing their hand, trying to make them do something, would you feel any different about it?
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:27 PM
It is overdue. The Democratic Party is a Socialist Party. They need to call it like it is, then explain why it is, what it means, how it has failed throughout history and how it will destroy America.
Star20 on May 13, 2009 at 7:28 PM
Well said, and I think that even applies to liberal Republicans.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:30 PM
That would be great. Rather see some real red meat than continual crumbs tossed to the base to keep them quiet.
coyoterex on May 13, 2009 at 7:31 PM
And what better way is there to accomplish that task than to tell them? :)
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:32 PM
Allah thinks this is stupid – I think it’s genius!
I would have gone a step farther – and re-branded the Democrats the “Terrorist’s Rights Party”.
But Socialist will do just fine thank you.
HondaV65 on May 13, 2009 at 7:33 PM
Research.
ThinkView. Act.DarkCurrent on May 13, 2009 at 7:34 PM
Heh.
jgapinoy on May 13, 2009 at 7:35 PM
The RNC is not and trying to play that stupid game will only backfire.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 7:05 PM
That claim has been made several times in this thread and so far not a single example of how it could possibly backfire has been provided. Could you provide one?
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:36 PM
How could it blow up in their faces?
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:38 PM
Just because there are lots of things to doesn’t change the fact that you’ve got to start somewhere. The first thing the party needs to do is decide on a course. Are they going to be the socialist-lite party or are they going to offer a clear choice?
Until that conflict is resolved the GOP won’t be able to make much progress on anything, and if this helps resolve that conflict than what possible harm could it cause?
To answer my own question, it will harm the neo-statist socialists that are trying to maintain control of the party.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:45 PM
Floating Rock: You bet, I’d be glad to. Remember the “party of ‘no’”? Perfect example of the Democrats beating the GOP. The MSN will point out how stupid it is to pass a resolution rebranding another party. The little O minions will be all over the net with the mantra that we don’t want to help the country, we just want to call names. Mark my words, it will happen if the RNC continues on this course. I have no doubt about it. Again, I point out that the Liberals are very good at this game because they have no scruples. What they say doesn’t have to be the truth, it simply has to be repeated enough to make it a mantra for their no-thinking, “stand by your man” no matter what, base.
Do you not see the difference between the two bases besides policies? One fights with everything available, truth and fairness be damned. The other fights with facts and their leaders get all mealy mouthed when they are shouted down. They won’t (and I don’t think they should) fight dirty.
The RNC needs to offer legislation that will be a good alternative. Yes, it will never see the light of day, but they can take that to the base and the MSN and make it very clear that they have and continue to offer solutions to the current problems.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 7:48 PM
By making them look ridiculous.
- OMG, you’re socialist! Everywhere socialism tried, it failed!!11 People live in poverty!!11 Bread lines!11
- No, you silly man. People in Denmark don’t live in poverty. And they have free healthcare.
Note: I’m not endorsing this point of view. I’m saying this is how it’s going to be played.
radiofreevillage on May 13, 2009 at 7:52 PM
Now THAT’S stupid! One is an accurate label of the Democrats economic policies and ideology and the other a personal insult.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:55 PM
If socialism is so great, why is our standard of living so much higher in the US? Why are our incomes so much higher? Why are we more productive? Why is our health care so superior? And how can all this possibly be true when Denmark wouldn’t even exist had we not liberated them from their enemies and protected them for all of these decades, at our expense?
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 7:59 PM
So we should forgo referring to them as socialists, truth of the matter be damned, for fear of what the MSM and Obama’s minions will do? Are you serious?
It’s like Eisenhower saying we shouldn’t invade Normandy because the Germans will shoot back and will even kill some people.
Jeezus, no freakin’ wonder we are losing so bad, too many like yourself are afraid to fight back if it means we will face some resistance from the opposition.
The RNC doesn’t offer legislation, that’s the job for members of congress. The job of the RNC is to paint in broad brush strokes and outline general themes about what the party stands for – and against as well. Accurately characterizing our political opponents is part of that.
And while it doesn’t need a resolution to be voted on, nobody should be afraid of referring to the Democrats as socialists, because their actions since they’ve taken full control of DC clearly illustrate that that’s exactly what they are.
thirteen28 on May 13, 2009 at 8:00 PM
But, FR, who exactly do you think is looking to the RNC to define the Dem’s policies for them? They might as well call a special session to officially declare that the sky is blue or that pizza is yummy, at least the ridicule that follows would be less virulent.
califcon on May 13, 2009 at 8:00 PM
I’ve heard it, but I’m not aware of how Republicans were beaten with it. If that’s true I guess it’s time for a new party, huh? Because the Republicans must be kaput.
Seriously though, before long the GOP will be able to answer, “you’re darned right we’re the party of ‘no’! We’re the party of ‘NO SOCIALISM!’”
They’ll have to explain how it’s stupid, right? How will they explain that socialism isn’t socialism without transparently lying about it, thus placing themselves in a precarious position? You yourself, and others on your side, are the ones that claimed everybody already knows they’re socialists, right? So how do you explain the contradiction?
And we can explain how, if the shoe fits, they should wear it. The fact is that a significant minority of them will embrace the label, “Sure I’m a socialist, so what?”, while others will deny it outright, and then when many on their own side contradicts them on the point, some of them will scratch their heads and rethink their political affiliation altogether. Let’s sow some dissension in their ranks for once.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 8:10 PM
After capitalists regain control of the GOP, they should re-brand it the Republican Capitalist Party.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 8:12 PM
So now you’re saying that calling the Democrats “Socialists”, which you’ve acknowledged is the truth, is “fighting dirty”? That’s totally nonsensical. Next you’ll be talking about “hope and change”.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 8:14 PM
In other words: our economy is so much more powerful than theirs per capita that even with the enormous burden we’ve undertaken for over half a century to preserve Denmark and the rest of Europe’s security, our capitalist economy and standard of living is STILL far more powerful than their socialist economies.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 8:21 PM
Do you read? Did I say that? Didn’t I say the opposite? Didn’t I say over and over that this has to do with making this matter “important” enough for a meeting. Special meetings should be for solutions, not name calling. Announcing it ahead of time makes it name calling; calling it “rebranding” when one doesn’t “brand” anyone but themselves it also stupid. Leave the pettiness for times when things are not so serious.
The country is in a HURT! We NEED Solutions!
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 8:21 PM
If this is the best the Republicans can come up with then we are all screwed.
SoulGlo on May 13, 2009 at 8:24 PM
I give up. Floating Rock your head appears to be as hard as a rock or you are purposely missing what I am saying.
Yes, indeed the GOP was beaten down (badly I might add) with “the party of no” while the Democrats were busy passing the stimulus package. McCain and a couple others tried beating that back with their own purposed stimulus package but unfortunately the Democrats were able to recapture the limelight with the defections of the 3 RINOS. The GOP didn’t beat their drum hard enough or long enough – another difference between the two parties.
katablog.com on May 13, 2009 at 8:25 PM
Why stop at “Socialist”? Their ideals are communistic, after all.
long_cat on May 13, 2009 at 8:30 PM
When you control language, you control the way people think. Language in the hands of of an experienced propagandist is a tool for world transformation. That’s what the left is all about. They’re good at it.
But I don’t want to be part of a party that engages in propaganda/branding at the expense of the truth. Let’s not get started down that road. Better to be able to recognize when we’re being played and call B.S.
dingbat on May 13, 2009 at 8:31 PM
What you’re saying is simply difficult to comprehend. You’ve said that, sure, it’s true the Democrats are socialists, but saying so is “name calling”, and “fighting dirty”. You’ve said that the MSM will use this resolution against the Republican party by “point[ing] out how stupid it is”, which would reveal the MSM’s lies to the entire nation if your prior statement, that everybody already already knows the Democrats are socialists is true. And if your prior statement is false and the entire nation doesn’t already know the Democrats are Socialists, pointing it out and explaining to them why it’s so would certainly be beneficial.
FloatingRock on May 13, 2009 at 8:38 PM
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