Discover PS.org's Framing and Tactical Assault Projects!
10/31/05 :: By Tom Ball
Political Cortex Launches
Categories :: Misc
3... 2... 1... Blastoff! Months in the making. Blood. Sweat. Tears. But now we’re here and we are ready to ROCK! Check out PoliticalCortex.com!! But who are we? We’re Devilstower, Carnacki, Sdf, Bill Hare, Drew Johnston, mcjoan, SusanG, Bob Kendall,...
08/22/05 :: By Tom Ball
Come Join Us at Political Cortex!
Categories :: Misc
The time is fast approaching when 'evolution' and 'intelligent design' join forces to create the newest incarnation of progressive political community blogging.
In September, those who brought you PoliticalStrategy.org will be teaming up with some of your favorite writers from the pages of DailyKos to bring you PoliticalCortex.com!
Joining the members of PS.org will be DKos Diarists: Al Rogers, Georgia10, SusanG, mcjoan, Pounder, Hermod, Frederick Clarkson, ColdFusion04, and NYBri.
07/05/05 :: By Tom Ball
This Time It's Personal: Paper Brings Iraq Bloodshed to US Towns
Categories :: Iraq
Today, the Palm Beach Post is displaying a map of the US showing the concentration of US Soldiers killed in Iraq. It focuses on the number killed within each US town and provides a key that tells which towns/cities have been most heavily hit.
05/04/05 :: By Tom Ball
US Military Budget Will Match Rest of World in 1 Year
Categories :: Military
In only 12 months, the the amount of our tax dollars dedicated to the US Military will match the aggregate military budgets of the worlds other 191 countries. That implies a military expenditure of nearly a TRILLION US dollars -- including budgets for Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the 'standard' military budget.
05/03/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Shift the Burdon of Proof to Your Opponent
Categories :: Tactics
Make an assertion, promote your opinion, or provide your interpretation. Before your opponent can question your motive, strength of argument, or basis for your assertions, call for them to prove you wrong. Place the burden of proof for your assumptions on your opponent. Don't let up until they concede that they can't prove you wrong. At that point, proclaim victory. That's what Bush does.
04/28/05 :: By Tom Ball
Top 10 Bush Foul-ups that Made North Korea a Nuclear Threat
Categories :: Reference
The vastness of Bush foul-ups is absolutely mind-melting. In fact, If I were somehow able to comprehend, document, and post every single Bush foul-up, I would no doubt test the limits of bandwidth and storage on all of the internets. The theme is no different when it comes to Bush’s foul-ups with North Korea. Unfortunately, these particular foul-ups have helped nurture a two-bit, crackpot dictator into a nuke-wielding catalyst for Armageddon.
Here are the Top 10 Bush 'foul-ups' that brought North Korea from isolated tin-pot dictatorship to global nuclear threat.
04/21/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Ask Questions that Suggest the “Correct Answer”
Categories :: Tactics
Summary: Create a context that favors your views. Pose general values questions that lead to obvious answers. Use these answers to convince respondents and listeners to move toward more specific topics with a bias toward your preferred view. Associate any negative aspects of the topic to the opposition while presenting the positive aspects with yourself or allied entities.
04/19/05 :: By Tom Ball
Joseph Ratzinger New Pope, Ballots Burned, No exit Polls!!
Categories :: Religion
Remain vigilant as the Bush Administration spins the new Catholic Leader as a stalwart icon of Bush's neoconservative agenda citing their shared (I hate to use the term, but...) "Culture of Life". And remember this about Pope John Paul II:
04/14/05 :: By Tom Ball
A Pornographic Celebration of Death
Categories :: Religion
"Yeah," Bernie said, ramming a cookie into his mouth, "that's the difference between you and me. I think. I think the Pope fought everything Bush stands for with all his might -- he publicly called on world leaders, especially those on the UN Security Council, to thwart Bush's resolution on Iraq and to ward off the destruction he knew the Bush administration was planning. He even sent Cardinal Pio Laghi, a friend of Poppy's, as his special envoy to plead with Bush not to invade Iraq, but Bush told him it would all be over in the wink of an eye. Just trust me, Bush says. I think," Bernie continued, "as does investigative journalist Wayne Madsen, that the Pope, if not convinced, was at least fearful that Bush was the anti-Christ warned about in The Revelation.
04/12/05 :: By Tom Ball
Your Daily Fix From Around the Web
Categories :: Misc
A handfull of today's 'Must Reads' from around the web, including excerpts, links...and perhaps a comment or two.
04/11/05 :: By Tom Ball
Your Daily Fix From Around the Web
Categories :: Misc
A handfull of today's 'Must Reads' from around the web, including excerpts, links...and perhaps a comment or two.
04/07/05 :: By Tom Ball
Today's Must Read Stories From Around the Web
Categories :: Misc
A handfull of today's 'Must Reads' from around the web, including excerpts, links...and perhaps a comment or two.
04/07/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz "Straight Talk": The Environment: A Cleaner, Safer, Healthier America
Categories :: Framing 101
Once again, we are presenting in an online, readable format for the first time in the history of the web... Frank Luntz "Straight Talk" pp. 131-146 (Environment). So let's take a look at Frank's insight on the linguistic workings of the environment, how the republicans (were) shooting themselves in the feet and how they plan to eliminate their "environmental credibility gap".
03/31/05 :: By Tom Ball
Why Democrats Lose and Republicans Win
Categories :: Progressive Strategy
We're trying to build a progressive political infrastructure. It'll happen but it'll take time and money. Even so, we've come a long way since Bush first took the White House. Now we have Air America Radio, Center for American Progress, RockRidge Institute, George Soros and other sugar daddies, Howard Dean, the Progressive Political Web, and most importantly, the understanding that the long-term infrastructure is something that must be built, and maintained. And yesterday, Bill Bradley gave it to us straight in the NY Times.
03/30/05 :: By Tom Ball
STOP Using THEIR Frame: "Culture of Life"
Categories :: Framing - Republicans
Do NOT use their frame or their language. Do not use the phrase "Culture of Life" even when attempting to counter their frame or disprove its legitimacy. Instead, REFRAME the issue to reflect positively on our position or truthfully on their position -- an action that also favors our position. Our frame for them in this case should be: "Culture of Opportunism" -- a realistic assessment of their actions that puts us on the offense and reveals their culture of exploitive self-preservation
03/29/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: "Allow" People to Come to the "Correct" Conclusion
Categories :: Tactics
Ask questions that "allow" listeners to come to the "correct" conclusion all by themselves. The "correct" conclusion being the one that you deem to be "correct". In writing, speeches and general statements of opinion, this tactic is very effective. When directing such questions to a particular person, the effective execution becomes a bit trickier.
03/25/05 :: By Tom Ball
Dino DNA, Evolution, Cloning, and Right-Wing Discomboobery
Categories :: Science
Despite overwhelming evidence and commonsense, they deny anything that wasn't jotted down by someone in the bible -- they deny global warming, scoff at evolution, dismiss the benefits of stem cell research and generally yearn for the glory days of the twelfth century. Now there's something new for them to tie their panties in a knot: Cloned Dinosaurs
03/25/05 :: By Tom Ball
Bobby Fischer, Chess Master, Wanted 'Dead or Alive'
Categories :: Terrorism
The "War on Terror" has apparently been so successful that our terror-targeting super powers are now free to train themselves on a new, more hideous evil than ever before -- good chess players...no, no...REALLY good chess players. In fact, maybe the best ever. This is no joke people. my sources suggest that the the color-coded terror alert was heightened on at least 3 occassions due to the possibility of... IMMINENT CHESS.
03/25/05 :: By Tom Ball
Pollsters Simply Cannot Protect Bush Enough
Categories :: Polling
By making a few reasonable assumptions, we are able to get a rough idea of where Bush’s REAL approval rating is -- simply derive the approval rating for the independents, (something that was not given but can be derived from the available information) and change the weightings to a more realistic level of 33% for each political affiliation Dem/Rep/Ind. With that, we see that Bush’s approval rating of only 34.8%!
03/24/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Use Language That Implies Your Opponent has Done Things Far Worse than What has Been Proven
Categories :: Tactics
Tactic: In essence, you must use language that implies that your opponent is guilty of improprieties we have yet to imagine. This encourages listeners to not only indict your opponent in their own mind, but also to convict them of yet-to-be-proven, perhaps even imaginary crimes. This ensures that the opponent remains sour in the listeners' minds for untold periods of time making it much more difficult for your opponent to recover and regain credibility sufficient to attack you or your agenda in the future.
03/23/05 :: By Tom Ball
FRAMING: "Take Back America" - 4-Part Series - Introduction
Categories :: Framing - Foundation
This series will present arguments and actions to reestablish progressives' rightful place in America. Each section will add to a logical progression of ideas that result in the natural implementation of progressive values by establishing American government as a 'progressive' government held accountable to the standards of a 'Progressive Nation'.
03/18/05 :: By Tom Ball
Luntz Defends the Republican Playbook
Categories :: Framing 101
When the Frank Luntz Republican Playbook made its way to the blogosphere, there was not even a peep out of the mainstream media. Now that might change, and all thanks to none other than Frank Luntz himself.
03/17/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Appeal to the Listeners' Deepest Fears
Categories :: Tactics
Instill fear. Connect that fear to your opponent's position; remind them that, with him, there is no hope. Provide specific, simple and clear instructions regarding the actions that should be taken to find relief. Fear distracts and motivates the frightened to seek relief from that fear.
03/14/05 :: By Tom Ball
Bob Fertik and BlogCall.org Revolutionizing American Media Structure
Categories :: Media
The calls serve as both an organizing power for progressive blog investigations/exposes and a tool for relationship-building with members of the mainstream media. Particularly impressive is the blistering speed at which Bob has transformed his idea into a functioning, effective, powerful tool to promote a populist media, not through unending whining and complaints, but rather through action and sheer force of mind and will. And now the MSM has taken notice. On the cover of today’s New York Times Business Section is a feature article on the creation and functioning of BlogCall.org. Congratulations Bob!
03/09/05 :: By Tom Ball
Was Saddam's Capture a Hollywood Production?
Categories :: Iraq :: Lies :: Propaganda/Spin
We've all come across the type who still believe that man's landing on the moon was just a production of good old American cinematography. Ironically, these same people are the ones who would sacrifice their dignity to fawn over recent works of Bush propaganda. You can bet they were gaga over the manner in which Saddam was captured -- how appropriate it was that he had to be dragged from his vermin infested, rat hole... like the cowardly filth that he is. To others however, the 'capture' seemed just a bit too perfect in its symbolism -- as though the entire thing had been a staged event, perhaps even requiring signed 'affidavits of loyalty' to behold.
03/06/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART X "APPENDIX: THE 14 WORDS NEVER TO USE"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the tenth and final installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank warns conservatives of the 14 words they should never, ever use -- and then graciously provides 'proper' alternatives.
03/06/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART IX "AN ENERGY POLICY FOR THE 2lst CENTURY"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the ninth installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank leads the crusade for nuclear energy and drilling in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR).
03/04/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART VIII "LAWSUIT ABUSE REFORM: A COMMONSENSE APPROACH"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the eighth installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank reveals the truth about those filthy 'Public Protection Attorneys' and explains the delicate nature of convincing the public that big business should run wild and free of the restraints imposed by 'ethics' and 'law'.
03/03/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART VII "SOCIAL SECURITY = RETIREMENT SECURITY" (Part a)
Categories :: Framing 101
In the seventh installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank invests 31 pages of prime space teaching the proper way to reshape the public's perception of Social Security -- taking particular aim at the elderly’s current propensity to separate that nasty, ever-so-hated 'government' from their beloved Social Security. To gain favor for Republican's Social Security dismantlement, says Luntz, the two must become synonymous.
03/02/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART VI "TAX RELIEF & SIMPLIFICATION"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the sixth installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank explains that Republicans don't want tax 'reform', they want tax 'simplification'. Here's why it matters.
03/01/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART V "THE BUDGET: ENDING WASTEFUL WASHINGTON SPENDING"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the fifth installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank insists that the budget problems be blamed on 'Wasteful government spending'... no, not the tax cuts to the most wealthy Americans or the quarter billion burned in a war of Bush betrayal. The deficits are all about those ever-so-reviled social programs. This sets the stage for 'Starving the beast'.
03/01/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART IV "INTERNATIONAL TRADE: PROMOTING AMERICA’S COMPETITIVENESS"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the fourth installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank reveals his thoughts on 'leveling the international playing field' so our apparently hapless businesses can finally compete in the global marketplace. (Last I knew, our 11 trillion dollar economy dwarfed its next closest international competitor. Maybe Luntz knows something we don't?)
02/28/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART III "GROWTH, PROSPERITY, & RESTORE ENERGY and ECONOMIC SECURITY"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the third installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank tells us how to, among other things, frame 'lawsuits' (never mentioned without the word frivolous preceding it) as a primary driver for the horrific loss of jobs over the course of Bush's reign in the White House.
02/26/05 :: By Tom Ball
Frank Luntz Republican Playbook -- Searchable Text-Version: PART II "SETTING THE CONTEXT AND TONE"
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
In the second installment of the text version of the Luntz Republican playbook, Frank tells us how to establish the ever-important context and tone for our messages.
02/25/05 :: By Tom Ball
Introducing a Searchable, Easily Accessed, Text-Version of the Frank Luntz Republican Playbook
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Reference :: Republicans
So the Frank Luntz Republican Playbook is in our hands and everybody wants to peel through the pages to discover the inner workings of the right-wing propaganda machine.
Unfortunately, you currently have to battle debilitating file downloads and software requirements to read it.
Fortunately, we are here to help make your life easier -- to access, to search, to read and to excerpt the GOP’s strategic tome. As a part of our 'Framing Project', over the following days, we are creating a text version of the currently available image document. It will be completely searchable -- and browser accessible in a handful of posts organized and permanently referenced on our main 'Framing Project' page.
02/23/05 :: By Tom Ball
Luntz Must Be Livid: Holy Grail of Republican Frames Discovered
Categories :: Framing 101
The GOP 'Framing' Bible has been found! Download it and read it for yourself. Analysis will be forthcoming.
02/23/05 :: By Tom Ball
Framing: How Bush Has Stuck a Wedge in the Heart of Europe to Spark Internal Conflict and Debase Franco-German Power
Categories :: Foreign Policy :: Framing - Foreign Policy
FRAME: If a European is asked whether he opposes or supports the United States over Iraq, the vast majority will say they are opposed. However, if you ask them: "Do you prefer to live in an integrated Europe dominated by France and Germany, or would you prefer to maintain a degree of independence by aligning with the United States on security issues?" then you would most likely receive a very different answer.
02/18/05 :: By Tom Ball
Why Do Conservatives Hate Their Children?
Categories :: Conservatives :: Environment
We all know that at least some conservatives aren't idiots. They know full well that global warming is a reality. Yet that does absolutely nothing to prevent them from renouncing it as some left-wing fairy tale.
They only care about their right to pump as much pollution as possible into the atmosphere without the constraints of regulation... cause God forbid we spend one Goddamn penny from the GOP coffers to prevent the ultimate destruction of our planet.
02/17/05 :: By Tom Ball
“Enemy Combatant” Negroponte will be the Nation’s First Intelligence Chief.
Categories :: Bush Administration :: Iran Contra
Most people remember Negroponte as the facilitator of Reagan-approved atrocities in Honduras and proud Iran-Contra criminal. I know, it's hard to believe, but one of Bush's appointments might not actually meet the high standards we would like to believe the US Government sets for its officials. In fact, he and his buddies, Caspar Weinberger, Elliot Abrams, Robert McFarlane, John Poindexter, Otto Reich, George Bush Sr., Ronald Reagan, and Oliver North committed acts that, outside conservative circles, spur outrage and disbelief.
02/16/05 :: By Tom Ball
Framing Tactic: Respond with 'Value-Based' Answers
Categories :: Framing 101
Regardless of the framing of a question, give your answer as a statement of your position -- one that you want everyone to hear. Do not play into the questioner's traps by dignifying their heavily spun questions. By directly addressing the question, you will lose and a framing opportunity will be lost.
02/16/05 :: By Tom Ball
Iran and Syria in 'Common Front' Makes it Easier for Administration to Attack Both Nations
Categories :: Foreign Policy
Iran and Syria are working to ease the work of the Administration and their neoconservative brethren by offering themselves as a 2-for-1 package. Invade one and the other comes as a bonus at only twice the price -- quite a bargain in the administration’s efforts to 'reshape' the Middle East.
02/16/05 :: By Tom Ball
BREAKING NEWS: Iran Blast Thought to be Fired from Unknown Aircraft
Categories :: Breaking News
An unknown aircraft fired a missile on Wednesday in a deserted area near the southern city of Dailam in the province of Bushehr where Iran has a nuclear power plant, Iranian state television said.
02/15/05 :: By Tom Ball
America Loves Traditional Progressive Values
Categories :: Propaganda/Spin
Let's see, Hillary performs significantly better than Kerry, handily stowing her victim in the electoral trunk -- and yet, Hillary is perceived as being nontrivially more liberal than Kerry. How does that synch with the assertion that liberalism is 'out of touch with mainstream America'?
02/14/05 :: By Tom Ball
They Fear Dean -- and So They Should
Categories :: Dean, Howard
To me it sounds like they are afraid of him. And I don’t mean that they are afraid because of his media-induced status as a ‘loose cannon’ or a ‘polarizing figure’. I think they’re afraid because they know deep down inside that a paradigm shift has just occurred in the Democratic Party.
Let the Republicans mock. That’s the best they can do. Let them replay the ‘scream’. That’s all they have. Let them tag him a (gasp!) Libruuuul. Who cares.
They know that Dean brings two things to the Democrats that the right has feared for decades:
02/12/05 :: By Tom Ball
New 9/11 Commission Findings and the Top 19 Ways Bush and the Republicans Benefited from the Attack
Categories :: Bush Administration :: Republicans
From here, I will take the baton and run with the question of 'who benefits?' The question has been posed, pondered and answered many times before, but never quite so completely as this. And I present this so that everyone can see just how many ways Bush and his cabal have benefited from the ultimate devastation in New York, Pennsylvania and DC...
02/11/05 :: By Tom Ball
Gallup Overweights Poll with Republicans -- AGAIN
Categories :: Polling
Here we go again.
The other day, Gallup released a poll showing a spike in Bush's approval ratings to 57%, up 6 points from 51% three weeks ago. Gallup speculated that the Iraqi elections were the impetus for the spike, but our friend, Steve Soto over at The Left Coaster was quick to spot the true source of the spike.
Apparently, the Gallup organization is fond of Republicans -- after all, they found it appropriate to overload them (by 9%) in their latest Bush poll.
02/10/05 :: By Tom Ball
Is the Democratic Leadership Strong-Arming Democrats into Submission?
Categories :: Democrats
Now I believe in tolerance and encourage a diversity of opinions. However, there is a time for cooperation and there is a time to stand firm as an opposition party. Under the current conditions, I fully encourage the Democratic leadership to take one out of the Republican playbook and stand firm as the progressive opposition to a radical, right-wing administration and legislature.
02/10/05 :: By Tom Ball
Gannon Scandal Breaks Wide Open
Categories :: Media
The most interesting thing about this, is that the effort to expose Gannon as a no-talent, non-credentialed, family-value-hypocrite, pseudo-propagandist, GOP insert with access to the highest levels of the White House -- even while using a fake name, was perpetuated, not only by the progressive bloggers, but also by the commenters and diarists. It was a testament to the successes that can be achieved and the justice that can be wrought when the political left works together intelligently and aggressively.
02/09/05 :: By Tom Ball
Lessons From War Games
Categories :: Philosophy
General Van Riper, in summing up the lesson learned from this quarter-billion dollar fiasco, also encapsulated, either by purpose or coincidence, the world in which we live under the oppressive ignorance of a Bush regime:
"Nothing was learned from this... A culture not willing to think hard and test itself does not augur well for the future."
02/08/05 :: By Tom Ball
Top 20 Indications that Bush Invades Iran -- Soon!
Categories :: Bush Administration :: Foreign Policy
Number 1) Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice said that U.S. Attack on Iran are 'simply not on the agenda at this point'.
And by that, she of course meant that Iran IS on the agenda and it always has been -- right along with Iraq.
Check out the 0ther 19 events that point to an imminent Bush invasion of Iran.
02/07/05 :: By Tom Ball
Was Bush Prophesized in the Book of Revelations?
Categories :: Religion
People have been speculating on the emergence of an antichrist ever since there was a Christ. In similar fashion, people have been speculating the end of the world ever since people began to comprehend what 'the world' was.
So toss these two happy thoughts together and you get an uplifting prophecy from the book of Revelations that says the 'Antichrist' will appear, and he will mark the end of time.
Fortunately for us, the bible has a prophecy-hit-percentage of exactly ZERO .
02/04/05 :: By Tom Ball
Google Bomb 'Social Security'
Categories :: Activism
Put this link in your posts, on your blogs, everywhere you can. Plaster the internet with it. We want every person Googling for information on Social Security to be directed to www.thereisnocrisis.com: Social Security Go here for more on the...
02/04/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Describe your Opponent with 'Words of Weakness'
Categories :: Tactics
Use words to describe the opponent (regardless of their true behavior) that exude WEAKNESS.
Do not use words that could be construed as strong in the 'Strict Father' model of morality. This refers specifically to many words that progressives perceive as 100% negative: Mean, heartless, insensitive, dictatorial, hateful, angry, evil, stubborn, ogre, egotistical, harsh.
02/03/05 :: By Tom Ball
Framing: Primer for a Progressive Revolution -- Part IV: Strategic and Slippery Slope Inititiatives
Categories :: Framing 101
Think strategically! Think long-term!
In the final chapter of our basic framing primer, we'll take a look at the techniques used to bring it all together -- multiple-issue strategic initiatives and slippery slope initiatives.
02/02/05 :: By Tom Ball
Punditocracy Annoints Dean as DNC Chair
Categories :: Democrats
Although the vote for DNC chair is still days away, the pundits have already called the race for Dean -- and they're never wrong. Right?
02/02/05 :: By Tom Ball
Framing: Primer for a Progressive Revolution -- Part II: The Nurturant Parent Vs. the Strict Father
Categories :: Framing 101
To effectively frame the issues and the world around us, we must first understand how conservatives and progressives are different. To truly understand these differences, it's important that we digest them on a deeply intuitive, emotional and intellectual level. George Lakoff’s metaphor of the 'Nation as Family' will provide such insight.
Introducing the 'Nurturant Parent' and 'Strict Father': Lakoff simplifies the contrast between progressive and conservative world views by presenting each as a style of parenting. This flows within a much broader metaphor that equates the nation to family -- suggesting that 'progressive thought' is that of the 'Nurturant Parent' while conservative thought is that of the 'Strict Father'. Where each has the following characteristics:
02/01/05 :: By Tom Ball
Framing: Primer for a Progressive Revolution -- Part I Philosophy and Rational for Framing
Categories :: Framing 101
It will bring those unfamiliar with the concept of framing into the loop. It will also serve as a kick-off to the "The Political Strategy Framing Project" -- a project that will, over time, present framing suggestions and tutorials on every issue covered in contemporary politics.
02/01/05 :: By Tom Ball
The Framing Project
Categories :: Framing 101
Announcing the launch of the PoliticalStrategy.org "Framing Project".
The project will be an ongoing effort to provide a 'handbook' of framing suggestions. It will bring those unfamiliar with the concept of framing into the loop. It will also provide framing rationales and talking points on every issue covered in contemporary politics.
01/31/05 :: By Tom Ball
It's Official. Bush is a Racist: Flashing the Race Card to Destroy Social Security
Categories :: Framing 101 :: Race :: Social Security
Closeted bigots have become versed in traversing the bumpy bigoted landscape, furthering their ideals while claiming tolerance and proclaiming their love for diversity. Thus, they are often difficult to expose outright. We must therefore watch their "walk" vs. their "talk". Don't expect to find Bush using the "N" word or berating gays openly. What you will easily find, however, is a record of civil rights atrocities and staunch support for admitted bigots. Indeed, until Trent Lott spilled the beans regarding his racist beliefs, accusations of contemporary GOP racism was often poo-pooed as left-wing rhetoric with little evidence (i.e. signed confessions).
01/31/05 :: By Tom Ball
Keeping Track of Bush Payola Propaganda Puppets
Categories :: Propaganda/Spin
Okay, okay. I guess we have to start keeping track of these asses. So far, the Bush Payola Propaganda Puppets include -- but I’m sure are not limited to:
01/28/05 :: By Tom Ball
Making Headway to a Progressive Infrastructure
Categories :: Progressive Strategy
It was not long, however, that the scofflaw blossomed into a full-fledged felon, persistently skirting the standards of decency and morality. It was then, and only then, that the Democrats recognized that the felon was not alone. In fact it was but a single element within a highly organized gang of societal usurpers -- a gang that perpetrated crimes without punishment or accountability.
And then one day it happened. The felonious crew stole the presidency of the united states of America. From then, their power only grew. The Democrats were hopeless, powerless...hapless.
Until yet again a day arrived that the tides would begin to turn.
01/26/05 :: By Tom Ball
Could Ted Turner Become a New Progressive Sugar Daddy?
Categories :: Progressive Strategy
Earlier this month, a group of politically progressive billionaires -- including George Soros, Herb and Marion Sandler, and Peter Lewis pledged millions to the long-term construction of a critically needed progressive intellectual infrastructure of think tanks and other institutions. With a little luck, we may have another billionaire jumping on board very soon.
01/26/05 :: By Tom Ball
36 US Soldiers Dead
Categories :: Iraq
The latest poll shows that support for war in Iraq hit a new low of 39% while most people no longer back the administration's basis for invading. Now these 39% have something new to contemplate with the death of 36 American soldiers yesterday.
01/25/05 :: By Tom Ball
Koufax Award Nominations are Posted
Categories :: Misc
Well, some of them are anyway...and, as with any nominee, we are not shy -- but we are humble -- about asking you to click over to Wampum and vote for your favorites in the progressive political blogsphere.
01/20/05 :: By Tom Ball
How could Bush not make Condi his Secretary of State?
Categories :: Rice, Condoleezza
Just look at all of these things that she's done for her big lummox of a boss and you too will understand.
01/19/05 :: By Tom Ball
The Enemy We Face in the War for Social Security Preservation
Categories :: Social Security
Most of the attention on this cultural 'war of the worlds' has been understandably focused on the Bush Administration as the primary assailant of the integrity and sanctity of Social Security -- arguably the most successful social program in the history of the United States of America. What often goes overlooked are the power players that thrive at the beast's underbelly. These are the movers that shape public opinion and work as an integral component of the GOP’s framing machine. Thus, we introduce you to a broader scope of the opposition:
01/18/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Outnumber Your Opponent
Categories :: Tactics
Setup: Here you are. Face to face with the opposition and grossly outmatched. Their arguments are more persuasive. Their delivery is more coherent. Their presence is more charismatic and their face is more attractive. For God sake, what do you do? Short answer: Bail out till you can get some reinforcements. Although this is not always possible, given the opportunity to do so, delay a debate to such a time that you are likely to have a vocal ally present.
01/16/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactical Assault Project
Categories :: Tactics
Announcing the launch of the PoliticalStrategy.org "Tactical Assault Project". The project will be an ongoing effort to provide a 'handbook' of political tactics being used -- and for use -- in the ongoing battle for political and ideological superiority.
01/12/05 :: By Tom Ball
If Only Bush Were as Accountable as CBS
Categories :: Bush Administration
In fact, of the 92 or so high level resignations and Dismissals that plagued the Bush Administration over the first 4 years, only three of them had any air of 'punishment' for incompetence. And even they were not publicly admonished for failure -- lest the administration itself appear to be the failure that we all know it to be.
01/12/05 :: By Tom Ball
Bush Sets Historic Landmark: Largest US Trade Deficit Ever
Categories :: Economy
More inflation? Higher rates? Secretary Snow forgot to address these issues. More worrisome, Republicans will likely use this data as 'evidence' that high wages in the US are stifling consumer demand for domestic made goods in favor of cheaper goods from abroad (Read: Wal-Mart and China).
01/12/05 :: By Tom Ball
Howard Dean for DNC Chair
Categories :: Dean, Howard :: Democrats
With a sense of great pride and unmitigated confidence, I endorse Howard Dean for DNC Chair. The reasons are many but easily summarized: In 2004 "Anyone But Bush" motivated me, but Howard Dean Inspired me. Back in the infancy of 2003 as I was innocently flipping through some channels, I came upon a man speaking. I paused...then put down the remote. He was inspiring. I immediately identified with him and his message…and for the first time ever felt a sort of ideological bond with a person I had never met. That man was Howard Dean.
01/11/05 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Link 'Good' Words to 'Good' Sources, 'Bad' Words to 'Bad' Sources
Categories :: Tactics
This tactic helps us to determine what people find when they search for 'Miserable Failure' or any other search term. The question is, will they see the "Biography of George W. Bush" or the "Michael Moore Website" (Currently number 2 and obviously the right's answer to the "Bush - Miserable Failure" campaign) shining boldly in the top spot? So, if you own a blog or other website, be very selective and strategic in choosing the words that you use to link to other sites. En masse, it is an incredibly powerful tool that helps shape what millions of people find in their quest for truth!
01/11/05 :: By Tom Ball
Crybaby NY Post Whines About Moore 'Ballot Stuffing'
Categories :: Media
The wingers of our great nation are understandably shaken by Michael Moore's heavily deserved People's Choice award. But standard winger fare dictates that they let nothing pass without attempting a destructive blow to its reputation, character, livelihood, etc.
01/11/05 :: By Tom Ball
How to Fox-Proof Your Cable Box
Categories :: Activism
A phenomenal idea and a bargain at only $8.95. What a relief it will be to protect my children’s' innocent eyes from the perversity of O'Reilly's evil mug!
01/10/05 :: By Tom Ball
Destroying the Myth of Bush's Support from ‘New Europe’: Why Did Some European Leaders Support Bush Despite Public Outrage?
Categories :: Foreign Policy :: Lies
It is both European geopolitics and a built-in fear of French-German domination that stimulates some European leaders to support Bush, not the laughable "Bush-moral-clarity" nonsense promoted by conservative mouthpieces. Simply put, the leaders of these nations are betting that their constituents cast their votes in the next elections not with Iraq on their minds, but rather with a mindset focused on the future of Europe and their country's position of influence and sovereignty within it.
01/07/05 :: By Tom Ball
Are There Any Limits to the Propaganda of Goebbels W. Bush?
Categories :: Bush Administration :: Propaganda/Spin
Remember the question that I asked at the end of my last post on Bush Propaganda? Well, the answer is... we haven't even begun to see the extent to which this administration will go when it comes to asserting their agenda. And why should we? They committed atrocities beyond compare in their first term and the American electorate gave them a free pass. I don't blame the Republicans one bit for relentlessly pursuing their agenda.
01/07/05 :: By Tom Ball
Bush Draft (Part II)
Categories :: Bush-Cheney 2004 :: Lies :: Military :: Outrages
During the 2004 campaign, the Bush troglodytes were fond of asserting, "The only people I've ever heard suggest a draft are the Democrats." -- obviously implying that it was actually the Dems who sought to send your children to their death in various irrelevant foreign lands. Well duh! Of course the Republicans aren't going to admit what they're really intending to do. Hasn't anyone been paying attention for the last four years? Sure enough, with the military heinously overstretched and the situation in Iraq in a deterioration freefall, the Repuglinuts have vamped up their efforts -- shifting into phase two of their 'shaft 'em with the draft' campaign for global domination.
01/07/05 :: By Tom Ball
GAO Says Bush Administration Broke Law with 'Covert Propaganda'
Categories :: Criminal Acts :: Propaganda/Spin
Who in their wildest crackpot imagination (prior to Bush’s takeover of the White House) would think that the US would be found in criminal violation of producing and distributing propaganda within our borders? Sure, during war you have Psych-Ops dumping this crap on the opposition and other foreign targets...but within our borders...on a domestic topic.
01/06/05 :: By Tom Ball
Barbara Boxer is My Hero
Categories :: Democracy
Wait...what's that I'm feeling?... could it be...it is....it's pride. The Democrats finally took a stand at a criticla moment in history...or at least a couple of them did. I'll take that for now.
01/06/05 :: By Tom Ball
A Day of Reckoning for Democrats and Democracy
Categories :: Democracy
To make this day a potential pivot point in the history of our nation, we must have at least one senator sign on with the House Democrats to contest the electoral vote. Just one -- an accomplishment the Democrats failed to muster in the debacle of 2000. In many ways today is a day for reckoning for the Democrats and democracy. Will the Democrats find their spine and restore their dignity? Will the American electoral process be reborn with integrity? Will the electoral crimes, irregularities, frauds and manipulations gain the exposure and priority that they deserve?
01/05/05 :: By Tom Ball
ACTION ALERT: Boxer May sign on as Critical Senate Component to the Contesting of the 2004 Electoral Vote
Categories :: Activism :: Democracy
Clearly, the bottom line here seems to be Barbara Boxer. Does she have what it takes to be a true leader willing to stand for what she believes in. Or will she too cow to the 'delicacies' of her perceived political future?
01/04/05 :: By Tom Ball
Stem Cell Therapy Helps Monkeys with Parkinson's
Categories :: Science
Who knows. If the Bush Administration wasn't devastating our nation's progress in medical science, perhaps our own scientists would have made this breakthrough years ago. Remember, they're the 'pro-life' party...but only if you're not born yet -- then you can go 'Cheney' yourself.
01/03/05 :: By Tom Ball
Christian Right Vs. Christian Left: Conversations with Conservatives
Categories :: Conservatives :: Framing 101 :: Religion
On the left, religion is met with a feeling of nurturance, tolerance and compassion. This is reflected in the lefts immediate reaction to the global disaster -- helping those in need in any way possible -- focusing on those most vulnerable.
On the right, religion is a vehicle of punishment, intolerance, and constant judgment as well as a convenient tool for rationalizing inhumane behavior. This is symbolized by the following conversation (paraphrased to account for imperfect memory):
01/01/05 :: By Tom Ball
Happy New Year 2005!!!
Categories :: Misc
May 2005 be the best year yet and the least of those to come!
12/30/04 :: By Tom Ball
Is North Korea About to Crumble?
Categories :: Foreign Policy
Constantly dashed from the spotlight only to reemerge as an ever-growing global calamity-in-waiting, North Korea is showing chilling signs of an imminent sovereign disaster.
12/29/04 :: By Tom Ball
Thank God Bush is Back in the White House!
Categories :: George W. Bush
60 million people voted to return Bush to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue:
Why?
12/28/04 :: By Tom Ball
Rumsfeld's Freudian Slip: "shot down the plane over Pennsylvania."
Categories :: Bush Administration :: Lies :: Rumsfeld, Donald
I've learned long ago that any 'conspiracy theories' relating to this administration are never beyond reason. Anyone familiar with the American Enterprise Institute and the project for a New American Century knows full well that what would be considered 'conspiracy theory' by the average stable-minded American is platform policy for established insiders of the Neoconservative movement.
12/20/04 :: By Tom Ball
Sensationalize Opponent's Bad News and Your Good News
Categories :: Tactics
Here's a tactic where having a few dedicated, partisan media outlets comes in handy. Nevertheless, even sans such advantages, the tactic can be used quite effectively if the user is of a sufficiently significant profile. But do not be afraid to use it in your everyday dealings with the political opposition. Every little bit helps.
12/20/04 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Poo-Poo Your Opponent's Rhetoric
Categories :: Tactics
One of the many tactics that have been perfected by the Republicans -- and one that has infuriated a media-less, voiceless left -- is the brazen dismissal of their opponents arguments, accusations, complaints, and rhetoric. It is the first line of defense in every arena. It is the initial slap-down designed to stun and disorient the opponent, while simultaneously framing the rhetoric as some that is best left ignored.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball
Gary Webb's Death Confirmed as Suicide From TWO Gunshot Wounds to the Head
Categories :: Intelligence/CIA :: Iran Contra
Without entering into the grim details, such a phenomenon is possible. However, when you add other elements to the equation. Things like the Contras and Contra-loving administrations such as Bush senior's at the time. Multiply that by the fact that Bush was VP during Iran-Contra and that Bush senior was also a prior CIA Chief... well... all of a sudden lots of other things become possible.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball
Bush Foreign Policy in Seven Square Inches
Categories :: Foreign Policy
Although I'm sure that this description of Bush's foreign policy supercedes the administration's extended version in terms of both insight and sophistication, I will still refer to it as the best 'summary' of the neocon achievements I've seen to date.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball
Chimp Suckers Chump on Missile Defense
Categories :: Foreign Policy :: Military
I have to hand it to Bush's handlers though. First they (try to) have other nations fork out the billions necessary to fund the floundering development of the MDS. Then, once viable, the U.S. places its missiles on dozens of new lands. Global domination made simple... and funded by your local sovereign (for now) chumps.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball
Rumsfeld Offends Neocons: Is That Possible?
Categories :: Rumsfeld, Donald
It seems that Donald Rumsfeld has developed the uncannily rare talent of promoting neoconservatism while simultaneously repulsing the neocons.
12/17/04 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Conduct Questionable Behavior in the Name of the US and Label Those Who Criticize that Behavior as Un-American
Categories :: Tactics
I've seen it a million times. The GOP does something absolutely detestable (much of it was done under Reagan and Bush Sr.) and when a patriotic American calls these traitors on their un-American activities, those being called (i.e. the GOP) blame those who point out the truth as "anti-American". I know, it sounds like a pitiful, desperate attempt to dig themselves out of a hole. Unfortunately, people seem more likely to take the side of the McCarthyite GOP in such instances. There is little doubt that such tactics cow people into speaking for (or at least refrain from speaking against) the GOP's distorted position.
12/16/04 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Lampoon Your Opponent
Categories :: Tactics
Lampoon the opposition, but don't offend the world. The objective is to lure the middle-of-the-roaders into your camp, not drive them into your opponent's.
12/15/04 :: By Tom Ball
Jenna Bush to Fight for the Teachers' Unions?
Categories :: Education :: Tactics
In the tradition of Laura, daughter Jenna Bush has applied for a teaching position at a public charter school in Washington DC. Isn't that nice? How does this fit into the grand scheme of the Karl Rove vision?
12/15/04 :: By Tom Ball
Lieberman Rejects Bush
Categories :: Bush Administration
This is a hopeful sign. Perhaps Lieberman has seen the light. Perhaps he understands the consequences of accepting a position as Homeland Security chief under the auspices of the Rove machine.
12/14/04 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Destroy the Messenger
Categories :: Tactics
When accused, berated or maligned, attack the messengers. It doesn't matter if they're are accurate or not, just attack. Attack their credibility. Attack their character. Attack their ideology. Attack their sources. Attack their associations. Just attack. If you take the bait and start debating the veracity or even the necessity of the message content itself, you risk highlighting the content of the message -- and thus risk harm upon yourself. The idea is to avoid a confrontation on an issue that will most likely damage your credibility and/or reputation.
12/13/04 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Set them up to Knock Them Down - Joe Lieberman and the Democrats are Suckers
Categories :: Tactics
Is Joe Lieberman blind or is he just a total moron? And what about John Corzine expressing such excitement about a Lieberman appointment as Homeland Security Chief? Have they been living in a cave?
12/13/04 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Never Concede an Inch to the Opposition
Categories :: Tactics
In an age where Democratic concession to Republican demands has become standard practice, it is critical that we review and put into practice the godfather of all political tactics -- one at which Republicans are adept. It purveys power, decisiveness, and confidence -- and it is one that progressives must add to our arsenal if we ever hope to retake our rightful position as the accurate and dominant political representative of traditional "American Values".
12/13/04 :: By Tom Ball
Defy the Oppressor: Force Works
Categories :: Philosophy :: Progressive Strategy
Today, Michael Moore distributed an extremely powerful letter written by a woman who has spent years working as an advocate for victims of domestic abuse. She sites the numerous, eye-opening parallels between battered women and the current state of the political left in America. In turn, she provides an inspiring rally cry to downtrodden progressives. The letter is worth reading in it's entirety, but I have highlighted some critical portions below.
12/10/04 :: By Tom Ball
Tactic: Claim that Certain Facts are Evidence for the Opposite of What They Actually Support
Categories :: Tactics
In other words, when something exists -- a piece of evidence -- that supports your opponent's view, claim that it actually supports your view, NOT theirs.
12/10/04 :: By Tom Ball
Rumsfeld Lies to troops After Demeaning Them
Categories :: Iraq :: Lies :: Rumsfeld, Donald
After demeaning troops the other day with a condescending order that they 'just deal with' the current lack of armor in Iraq, Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld followed up by asserting that vehicle armor manufacturers were being exhorted to crank up production.
Apparently that was a lie.
12/09/04 :: By Tom Ball
One Small Step For Air America Radio. One Giant Leap For the Progressive Agenda
Categories :: Media
There are bright spots out there -- and Air America is one of them. Still a relative fledgling in the talk-radio world, the network has garnered a legitimate following in over 40 markets nationwide as well as a sizable and loyal following on the internet. The great news today is that the progressive media pioneer has secured further funding for its venture and resigned popular hosts Al Franken and Randi Rhodes.
12/09/04 :: By Tom Ball
Ex-CIA Officer Says Agency Retaliated After he Refuses to Falsify Iraq WMD Report
Categories :: Iraq
Believe it or not, there is a legitimate purpose to the CIA -- to gather intelligence on potential threats abroad to the national security of the United States of America. Very simple. Very clear. At no point in the CIA Charter is there mention of a function regarding the manufacture of propaganda. This is a special 'Road to Fascism' clause added and empowered by the Bush administration.
12/09/04 :: By Tom Ball
ACTION ALERT: Make "Fahrenheit 911" The Winner of the People's Choice Awards!
Categories :: Activism
"Fahrenheit 9/11" has been nominated for the People's Choice Awards as the American public's "Favorite Film of the Year." This is a golden opportunity to make our voices heard. You see, we can vote for the movie we want to win. Giving F911 the nod would create a firestorm of renewed media coverage and once again place the incompetence and dereliction of duty performed by George W. Bush and his band of thieves back in the nation's headlines.
12/08/04 :: By Tom Ball
New Alliance Strengthens Right-Wing Media
Categories :: Media
In a copulation-fest fit to churn the stomach, right-wing radio powerhouse, Clear Channel Communications has agreed to make Fox News its primary news source.
12/08/04 :: By Tom Ball
Rumsfeld to Troops: "Deal with It!"
Categories :: Rumsfeld, Donald
Is there any wonder why Republican Senator John McCain refused to endorse the reappointment of Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld? In a Q&A with troops about to face combat, Rumsfeld demeaned our troops, asserting that their concerns regarding insufficient armor are petty and should 'just be dealt with'.
12/08/04 :: By Tom Ball
Ukraine Opposition Yushchenko Confirmed Poisoned
Categories :: Elections
Medical experts have confirmed that Viktor Yushchenko, Ukraine’s opposition leader, was poisoned in an attempt on his life during election campaignin | 
