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Cosmic Kitten

(3,498 posts)
10. Yep, it's just opinion
Mon Dec 1, 2014, 11:27 PM
Dec 2014

It seems obvious that the term "reform" is overused.
Most major issues facing the US has a "solution" that
includes the term "reform".

banking Reform
education Reform
Campaign finance Reform
Healthcare Reform
Reform reform reform etc
The term has become the elevator music
of political change, but of course "reform" never happens.

As to research, no.
But there are people worth looking at regarding word choice
George Lakoff is all about issue framing.
Is "reform", "renewal", or "re-invention" more inspiring?
Does Frank Luntz use the term "reform"?
Sometimes, but take this example:
NEVER SAY: Tax Reform
INSTEAD SAY: Tax Simplification

The point being, depending on who this group is addressing
using wonky or politically laden terms makes average people glaze over.
Even people who are familiar with "reform"
should be aware with how frequently the term "reform" is applied...
and reflect on how infrequently "reform" actually occurs.

Lastly, not to be offensive, but using words which are so milquetoast
such as reform, caucus, wing, etc is kinda lazy thinking.
The problems on the table require serious, inspired consideration.
There is really little room for thinking "inside the box".
The "Populist-Reform-Party-Caucus-Wing" is not inspired thinking.
Branding of the group should reflect the mindset anticipated
as necessary to address those concerns.
Just some opinion

ON EDIT: "Reform" has a negative connotative resonance.
It puts the brand in the position of trying to "fix" a problem.
Whereas, renewal, re-invention or similar words can have a positive connotation.

Recommendations

0 members have recommended this reply (displayed in chronological order):

I don't mind the "Party" tag, Kermitt Gribble Nov 2014 #1
My objection remains: I want a name that invokes PRINCIPLES not Personalities. scarletwoman Nov 2014 #3
I appreciate getting an explantion of what went down with the initial "naming" poll. scarletwoman Nov 2014 #2
Did all the hosts agree to these three choices? rhett o rick Nov 2014 #4
Each of our three hosts has signed off on the current list demwing Nov 2014 #5
Ok, I'm in. rhett o rick Nov 2014 #6
I like the last choice. F4lconF16 Dec 2014 #7
Reform is a tired, too often used term Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #8
I appreciate your opinion demwing Dec 2014 #9
Yep, it's just opinion Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #10
Could we maybe call it the New Deal Wing of the Dem Party? I know how angry the Third Way sabrina 1 Dec 2014 #11
Thats what is confusing? Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #12
Let me cut to the chase demwing Dec 2014 #13
Unfortunately, NO. I can't see where this is going Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #14
The point of the group is to end the takeover of the Dem Party by Corporate sabrina 1 Dec 2014 #15
I am on your side, ok. Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #16
I think we agree. What this group is trying to do is to figure out to get that balance sabrina 1 Dec 2014 #17
Yes, your points deserve a thread of their own. Cosmic Kitten Dec 2014 #18
Your last sentence reminded me of a scene in Michael Moore's 'Capitalism, A Love Story'. sabrina 1 Dec 2014 #19
Great post. Those among us that support HRC and the Third Way are afraid rhett o rick Dec 2014 #21
Honestly, as much as I believe FDR was the best Prez ever, Zorra Dec 2014 #20
Teddy Roosevelt jeepers Dec 2014 #22
I agree demwing Dec 2014 #23
It would make a good slogan jeepers Dec 2014 #24
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