By Scott Nesler
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Civil discourse does not come easy. Many obstacles get in the way. Sabotaging another's idea all too often requires little effort. George Lakoff described the concept of framing in his book, Don't think of an Elephant. The idea is to gain popular favor by naming a complex / controversial argument to one's benefit. George Orwell described the practice as doublespeak in his classic novel 1984. |
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Socialized medicine is an example frame placed on a United States bill which poorly attempts to reform healthcare coverage in the United States. This blog entry is not to resolve healthcare or provide support to one partisan side of this issue. The blog is to point out the evil in this doublespeak practice. There are many individuals to provide insight into the United States healthcare issues other than doublespeaking congressmen or journalist. If anyone is interested I can write a couple examples, but I suggest each of you have your own. In a discussion with an uninsured friend the expression "socialized medicine" was used. "What are you talking about, socialized medicine", I asked. "Do you know what socialism is", I continued. The indirect answer was no. I then went on to describe the linear transformation of the social economical models of Fascism, Capitalism, Socialism, and Communism. I explained the fundamental difference being the distribution of power between government and corporations and none of the economics models have ever looked favorable on the population, democracy, or the individual. I then went on to question, "how many public hospitals can you name within a 300 mile radius of your community". The answer was none. I then asked, "how many could you name 25 years ago." Wood River and Alton Memorial was the response. I also mentioned that St. Louis had a handful 25 years ago. I don't see the correlation of a community hospital and socialism, but I would say the corporate take over of hospital systems can be described as monopolization. Monopoly is a term more attributed to Capitalism than Socialism. My point in this discussion is to clarify a doublespeak tactic having little to do with an individual's well being. NOTE: For your's, mine, and the community's benefit we should work together. This idea is incomplete and may not jive with your beliefs. I suggest we collaboratively work together to express a thought more representive to our point of view. |
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