With the new election cycle coming up, it might be useful for you to note some of the techniques of propaganda.
What are the techniques of propaganda?
- Glittering Generalities
- Transfer
- Name calling
- Card Stacking
- Testimonials
- Plain Folks
- Band Wagon
Want to understand what they mean? Watch this video from 1950. Now, when you see propaganda, you can start to be immune to it. You’ll recognize glittering generalities, testimonials, and band wagon.
I would say get out the vote, for sure, but ask yourself, will the values I hold dear be upheld by the person I help get elected? Or will their loyalties be with those who have far more money than me?
On October 6th, 2011, people will occupy Freedom Square in Washington DC, until their demands are met.
What are their demands?
1. Corporatism– firmly establish that money is not speech, corporations are not people, only people have Constitutional rights, end corporate influence over the political process, protect people and the environment from damage by corporations.
2. Wars and Militarism – end wars and occupations, end private for-profit military contractors, reduce the national security state and end the weapons export industry. War crimes, crimes against humanity and crimes against peace must be addressed and those responsible held accountable under international law.
3. Human Rights – end exploitation of people in the US and abroad, end discrimination in all forms, equal civil rights and due process for all people.
4. Worker Rights and jobs – all working-age people have the right to safe, just, non-discriminatory and dignified working conditions, a sustainable living wage, paid leave and economic protection.
5. Government – all processes of the three branches of government should be accountable to international law, transparent and follow the rule of law, people have the right to participate in decisions which affect them.
6. Elections – all citizens 18 and older have the right to vote without barriers, all candidates have the right to be heard and to run and all votes should be counted.
7. Criminal justice and prisons –end private for-profit prisons, adopt evidence-based drug policy, prisoners have the right to humane and just conditions with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
8. Healthcare – create a national, universal and publicly financed comprehensive health system.
9. Education – all people have the right to a high quality, publicly-funded and broad education from pre-school through vocational training or university.
10. Housing – all people have the right to affordable and safe housing.
11. Environment – adopt policies which effectively create a carbon-free energy economy.
12. Finance and the economy – end policies which foster a wealth divide and move to a localized and democratic financial system, reform taxes so that they are progressive and provide goods, monetary gain and services for the people.
13. Media – airwaves and the internet are public goods, require that media be honest, accurate and accountable to the people.
14. Food and water – create systems that protect the land and water, create local and sustainable food networks and practices.
15. Transportation – provide affordable, clean and convenient public transportation and safe spaces for pedestrian and non-automobile travel.
This is not occupy wall street, but a national movement that will hopefully force Congress, the President and the Senate to take action on these issues and acknowledge what the majority of Americans want.
Do these issues reflect what YOU want? Is anything missing?