VALUES MATTER
Strategic Morally Grounded Communication
Training & RESEARCH
The Seal of the United States of America
E Pluribus Unum was the de facto motto of the United States until 1956 when it was changed to "In God We Trust" in an effort that was part of the Cold War with the Soviet Union.
E Pluribus Unum (Out of many, one) vs. In God We Trust (used in GOP branding
+ GOP efforts to turn us into a so-called "Christian" nation)
The seal, adopted by the Founding Fathers in the 1700s, prominently features "E Pluribus Unum," which I interpret it as "Strength in Unity" and "Strength in Diversity."
E Pluribus Unum
(Out of Many, One)
Who decides?
The HUMAN RIGHTS CAMPAIGN logo
CAN
A
LOGO
MAKE
A
DIFFERENCE?
Do these symbols represent our values?
DEMS NEED TO CONSTANTLY BRAND AN OVERARCHING MORAL WORLDVIEW
"It is that fundamental belief that I am my brother's keeper,
I am my sister's keeper that we need to restore in America."
Barack Obama
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If you were drafting your own Overarching Moral Worldview (OMW),
what language could you borrow from President Obama's speeches?
How do we do this responsibly, in a way that builds trust, and perhaps most importantly, how do we do this in a way that not only protects but also expands a sense of freedom? How do we do this in a way that actually makes a difference? How do we do this while branding our key values? How do we do this while defining our opponent’s values? Ans how do we do all this while conveying a positive vision for America?
It’s a choice between two fundamentally different visions for America, two sets of values, one takes you back and the other takes you forward. We don't turn back. We leave nobody behind. We keep moving forward. We are all about values and moving this country forward. The cause is still to form a more perfect union and not to go back to failed policies of the past.
We’re all on this together and we will get through this. We don't stash money in the Cayman Islands like Romney to avoid paying taxes. That's their “you-are-on-your-own” mentality and radical individualism. But that’s not what we do. That’s not who we are. When times are tough, we stand up for each other and we get through tough times. We believe in investing in our people to have a strong middle class.
This country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, when everyone does their fair share, when everyone plays by the same rules. If you want a country of shared prosperity and shared responsibility – a we're-all-in-this-together society, vote for Barack Obama and Tim Kaine on Tuesday Nov. 6. As the president said, we do exceptional things working together.
Unlike the other side, Dems believe in investing in education, building roads, infrastructure and innovation. Obama laid a foundation for a better future and job creation and we need to continue our long road to recovery. We are building this econ on a stronger foundation.
But we also believe in something called citizenship (and shared responsibility)-- a word at the very heart of our founding, at the very essence of our democracy; the idea that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another, and to future generations.
America works best when we work together. // When we do well in life, we don't shut the door down behind us. // People want a fair shot and for everyone to play by the same rules.
The tragedy of September 11, 2001, also reawakened a spirit of national unity and service. Our nation has always been at its best when we come together to support one another, as in the dark days following those terrible attacks. Since then, our Commonwealth and country have seen days of sorrow and joy, but we have never lost the unique sense of American optimism that our best days are still ahead of us.
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"We can restore an economy where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share,
and everyone plays by the same set of rules."
--President Obama's 2012 State of the Union address
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Moving people from a “me-only” mindset or mental framework to a “me-and-us” mindset.
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forward together . . . (NC's Moral Monday's Movement . . . NAACP's Rev. William Barber II, PhD)
"We the People of the United States...." -U.S. Constitution
We must honor our Founding Fathers’ commitment to a free, open and mutually responsible society.
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After knowing our values well, we need to adopt and write an overarching moral vision that is concise and can fit into a concise yet inspiring elevator speech.
Could we write an OMW
in the shape of a mathematical equation?
(Aiming at the Greater Good Wisely + Moving Forward Together Responsibly ) ×
[implies empathy, universalism, celebrating diversity, addressing social + gender inequality]
Moral Strength + Public Trust, Faith + Wisdom
[implies “knowledge is power,” among other things]
=
Inclusive Prosperity + Stronger Families —--- ALL families+
(Increased Freedom + Increased Shared Responsibility)
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. . . build an economy that works for ALL, not just the lucky few
. . . use these Obama terms: “fair shot,” “fair share,” “same set of rules”
. . . bedrock American values, values, values
( forward together . . . “We the People of the United States….” -U.S. Constitution)
. . . VERSUS . . . You’re-On-Your-Own (YoYo) mentality ( <– but . . . It’s not what we do. It’s not who we are.)
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Center for American Progress:
PROGRESSIVE IDEAS FOR A STRONG, JUST, AND FREE AMERICA
https://www.americanprogress.org/about/mission/
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DNC website, Dec. 2014:
Democrats believe that we’re greater together than we are on our own—that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, when everyone does their fair share, when everyone plays by the same rules. Our party, led by President Obama, is focused on building an economy that lasts—an economy that lifts up all Americans.
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FROM THE DNC WEBSITE 2012:
Democrats believe that we’re greater together than we are on our own—that this country succeeds when everyone gets a fair shot, when everyone does their fair share, when everyone plays by the same rules. Our party, led by President Obama, is focused on building an economy that lasts—an economy that lifts up all Americans.
(That’s why Democrats are working to advance issues like job creation, education, health care, and clean energy—and you’ll find all the information you need on these important issues right here on Democrats.org.)
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OLD – 2005-6 (?):
Dems believe in/are committed to keeping our nation safe and to expanding opportunity for every American, emphasizing economic security, promoting strong economic growth, affordable health care for all Americans, retirement security, honest government, and civil rights.
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Dems believe in a Stronger America (protection), an Inclusive Prosperity, a Better Future (econ. development), Effective Government, Mutual Responsibility (Individual freedom/against a morally intrusive govt.)
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We’re-All-In-This-Together!
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LAKOFF:
“We are for using the commonwealth for the common good so that individuals will be free
to pursue their own personal goals.”
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NYU Prof. Jeff FELDMAN (his "overarching moral vision" from 2005):
“We believe in prosperity and opportunity, strong communities, healthy families and great schools, investing in our future, and leading the world by example.”
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FELDMAN:
Like a sea tide, we rise & fall together in good & bad times. “America is strong when we stand together. America is weak when we are forced to stand alone/apart.”
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“We believe that we are all in this together and in shared responsibility; in a more fair society with equal opportunity for all, where everyone gets a fair shot, everyone does their fair share, when everyone plays by the same rules,
which leads to social and economic justice.
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We believe in hope and positive change, and in strengthening the foundation for a better future. We believe in investing in our people to have a strong and secure middle class and small businesses. We believe in healthy and secure communities that promote economic growth, ethical business and a more caring society. We believe in responsible and caring family values, as well as in the dignity of every human being, from birth to death.
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We reject the “you-are-on-your-own” mentality of radical individualism that leads to economic inequality and corporate greed. We believe in values that help us move forward, not backward. This country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another, and to future generations. We believe that things like unfair budgets promoting economic inequality, irresponsible gun policies, a war on women, environmental health and truthfulness with the American people represent huge moral issues for our country.”
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For the past decade or so, morality has been ultra narrowly framed to mean ONLY sexual morality. Here’s was my effort in 2004 to help redefine moral values:
A livable wage is a moral value (m/v). Exorbitant executive salaries are immoral. Reducing promised retirement wages is immoral. Affordable health care is a m/v. A decent education is a m/v. A healthy enviro. is a m/v. Sustainable development and energy conservation reflect m/v’s. A debt-free future for our children is a m/v. A common sense foreign policy is a m/v. Believing in capital punishment and war as a last resort reflect m/v’s. Torture and deception are immoral. A budget is a moral document. Pentagon contractor waste, fraud, abuse in war time is immoral.
We face a corporate moral crisis aided by the GOP.
( MORAL VALUE: m/v )
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Very Old DNC goals:
Stronger America (protection)
Broad Prosperity (Inclusive Prosperity)
Better Future (econ. devepment)
Effective Government
Mutual Responsibility (Individual freedom/against a morally intrusive govt.)