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KPN

(17,458 posts)
4. Accomplishments and societal benefits are far harder to sell than fear, hate and general
Thu Apr 20, 2023, 06:42 PM
Apr 2023

"the world is going to hell".

I don't think the Rs are any better at messaging when it comes to real and specific accomplishments or benefits to society as a whole than Democrats. Talk of "welfare queens", "lazy people living off your dime", "communists controlling your lives", and "economic catastrophe if we don't do something about the massive federal debt" is easy, effortless and plays readily into the goals of privatization, tax reductions (even though predominantly for the wealthy), and white male hegemony. And that's what the Rs are about.

How do we get Americans better informed seems a better, more basic question. One way would be to break up right-wing talk radio's near monopolistic dominance of airwaves. How do we do that? Bringing back the Fairness Doctrine would be a start.

JFK was successful in challenging tax benefits enjoyed by the local conservative radio stations that dominated America's airwaves in the 50s/early 60s. Stations dropped their right-wing talking heads in response. We probably don't have that tool today as radio stations are funded pretty much via advertising revenue. ... But there must be some things short of buying up all the stations that can be done to help remedy this. Frankly, I'm not convinced our party takes this seriously enough. Correct me if I'm wrong -- please!

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