Reframing taxes
I'm not sure if I buy everything Lakoff is selling. But he makes a point about how Republicans have framed taxes as a burden by focusing on "tax relief". So here's a way to reframe taxation as your dues to live in a decent society.
I'm sure your familiar with the slogan "Freedom isn't free." The implication is that you should be willing to give your life for the freedoms you enjoy and if you don't you need to honor those that do. This is the perfect frame for taxes.
Imagine, people are willing to give their lives for America, but balk at giving 25% of their income. What the fuck?
So here are two variations on this slogan:
Freedom isn't free--pay your taxes
Some gave all, you can give some
Feel free to use these when talking to "minimal government" types.
posted by Ed Keer @ 1/16/2006
2 comments
2 Comments:
Excellent point. Except at the philosophical level it's an argument about what taxes are for. People on the right might be willing to pay for, say, missiles, but not food stamps.
It's true that the right is more willing to pay for missles, but they consistently frame the debate as "tax burden" so if you're talking to the center, you want to highlight why taxes are a good thing.
Still you have to be careful since they paint liberals as "tax and spend". To counter that it is probably good to talk about ROI (return on investment).
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