Do You Speak Radical Right?

The following, by Deborah Gang, with credit to George Lakoff and his Ten Word Philosophy for Progressives, summarizes some of the basic philosophical differences between progressives and conservatives.  Use these to target your conversational messages more effectively.

The Radical Right believes: Smaller government is always better.
We believe: Effective government can reduce social inequality and the phrase "smaller government" is right-wing code for eliminating social programs.

The Radical Right believes: Lower taxes are always better.
We believe: Smart taxes can help build a better future for all Americans – economically, educationally and environmentally.

The Radical Right believes: The Department of Defense and the new anti-terrorism agencies can never be too large.
We believe: A good-enough defense can be a strong defense and still allow resources for health     care, a safe environment and quality care for our veterans.               

The Radical Right believes: Free markets must be unregulated no matter what the cost to society.
We believe: Markets need to be constructed for the broadest possible prosperity and must provide reasonable protections against unscrupulous financial predators.

The Radical Right believes: It is their right to define correct family values and to exploit the concept of values for political gain.
We believe: Progressives live by the best of both family values and community values, with mutual responsibility required by both individuals and groups.

This article appears in the January 2012 newsletter.