Reply #15: Exactly why I said that. Read what you wrote.

[mattclearing]

"1. We believe in LOW taxes as possible-but will not burden our future"

This is a response to Republican accusations that we raise taxes.

"2. we SUPPORT our troops AND will never let down against real terrorism or any threats to our security...never !!"

A response to their accusations that we don't support the troops and are weak on national security.

"3. we are pro-choice and refuse to return to back alley abortions"

This is true, and fine. However, I think this issue is overrated. They use it to call us baby-killers. This is kind of responsive as a result. Framing the debate would require us to call them baby killers for bombing civilians in Iraq. Then they would have to say something to refute it.

"4. We strongly believe in a balanced budget"

Because they spent all the taxes we collected and sank us into this ridiculous debt. We used to promise programs, but we can't do that anymore, thanks to them. Another response.

"5.We strongly support pro-stem cell reasearch and will only use pre=discarded frozen cells."

Another fringe issue not unlike abortion. They use it to call us baby-killers, we respond by saying stuff like this.

"6. We respect the right to bear arms but not allow felons to acquire them"

Because they love their guns. Another response to them calling us gun taker-awayers. :)

"7. We respect the rights of all americans incl.glt rights and no one group OF ANY KIND should have special rights."

You can spell it out. Gay Lesbian and Transgender. No group of any kind should have special rights? This is fine, but the way it's said is off, and makes it sound responsive. Try "Fairness and Equality for all, including Gay, Lesbian, and Transgender people." If you can't stomach spelling it out, then chances are you are not proud of standing up for these people's rights, or are meek about it. People hate meekness when they vote. And what about the B? Are bi-sexuals not worth standing up for?

"8. Social Security is for ALL AMERICANS and has helped prevent people from going into poverty and should not be touched."

Fine, but take out the should not be touched. I would say, "Social Security is America's safety net, and must be preserved." Keep it positive. Saying it shouldn't be touched is a response to those who would touch it.

"9. "FAMILY VALUES" include respect for human rights , care about the poor and the environment."

Do I even have to explain that this is responsive? Family values should either be taken over by us by explaining Kerry's message that family values means valuing families, or abandoned altogether. Family values is a cheap bullshit play on words. There is no such thing as family values.

I'm all for statements of principle, but this is all based on Republican words, phrases, and stigma. We need new words, phrases, and stigma.