Seattle Press on Line - Stolen Slogans

Jim Hightower

Jim Hightower

Stolen Slogans

By Jim Hightower

May 23, 2002 -- In the world of crime there are thieves in the streets and thieves in the suites, there are bank robbers and banks that rob, there are muggers, murderers, polluters, and finaglers--all kinds and all levels of crime. But the House Republican leadership, summoning all of its moral outrage and all six of its brain cells, has now singled out one particular crime for national attention [Dragnet Sting]: Slogan Theft.

Yes, GOP leaders have gotten their tights in a twist because, they allege, the dastardly Democrats have stolen one of the Republican's favorite political slogans. The Democrats recently unveiled their 2002 congressional campaign theme: "Securing America's Future for All our Families." This prompted Republican House leader Dick Armey to call a press conference on the Capitol steps, where he harrumphed and harangued, accusing the Democrats of committing a sloganeering heist. Working himself into a froth, Armey growled, "We were securing America's future long before they stumbled onto this rhetorical--what should I say?--hijacking."

Of course, the real hijacking is of the American people's political power, with both parties selling control of our democratic process to the Big Money interests, then trying to appease us with vacuous slogans that have all the substance of a soap ad, minus the sincerity.

Instead of standing on principle or exciting us with bold ideas, the parties have become experts at soothing, smoothing, schmoozing sloganeering. Said slogans are carefully polled, subjected to focus groups, and phrase-tested to be inoffensive, middle-of-the-road, and mildly hallucinogenic. "Compassionate Conservatism," said George W. in the 2000 presidential race. "Pragmatic Idealism," said Al Gore. "Huh?" said the majority of America's eligible voters, who voted for neither of them.

This is Jim Hightower saying ... If the only thing the two parties have to fight about is the ownership of sappy slogans ... America is in a heap of hurt.

Jim Hightower's column appears courtesy of Alternet.

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Chris Barker	Jul 09, 2002	Auburn WA	System Engineer
“But the House Republican leadership, summoning all of its moral outrage and all six of its brain cells….” * * * * This is represents the most used, and probably the longest-running, (5 or 6 decades at least) of the Democrat slogans; the accusation that Republicans are stupid. In the context of a debate, it is called an “ad hominem” argument, attacking the person instead of the subject of the debate. Even if the opposition is actually stupid, saying so has no bearing on the truth or falseness of the subject of the debate. In a serious debate, the only time the “ad hominem” argument show up is when a debater can’t come up with any real argument. * * * * On the other hand, Democrats have been so good with slogans for so long, I have begun to suspect this particular one is not an “ad hominem” argument. I think it is actually a slogan custom-designed for people Democrats consider to be stupid. There are people out there who don’t know enough about history, law, current events or politics to compose, or remember, complicated arguments for or against key issues, but are comfortable calling people “stupid.” They don’t know the history of the “separation of church and state,” but they can remember “dumb.” It’s great marketing. Something for everyone. Filling the needs of the consumer on every level. Why do Republicans think people should own guns? Because they are morons. I hope it’s not true. I hope Democrats have more respect for people than that. But I really think they don't.


chase	Oct 09, 2003	omena	school
i think that is a good artical i think it just awsome you know you wrot it right