The Democratic Message: Put the American People First

[Orangepeel]

As we all know, the republican party, aided by the media, is successfully hammering home the meme that the Democratic party has no “message.”

Partly, of course, that’s just a lie. We are not just “anti-republican and anti-bush.” There are a lot of things that the Democratic party stands for. But part of it is our party’s fault, because, for a variety of reasons, our side does not play the talking point and sound bite game nearly as well as the other side.

In my non-unique opinion, we need a simple, proactive message that highlights our strengths compared to the republicans. A “slogan” if you will, that wraps up our policies in a nice neat media friendly bow.

My humble attempt at this is “Put the American People First.” It sounds a bit isolationist, but I think it works well as an umbrella under which specific policies can be placed and is something that will resound with the public. Specifically, I think the Democratic Party should advocate:

1. Economic Policies that Put the American People First
• Health Care Reform
• Incentives for entrepreneurship and job growth
• Policies that discourage outsourcing
• Protecting the future by paying down the national debt
• Policies that side with working families and small business owners over big corporate interests

2. Governing Policies that Put the American People First
• Honest and responsible government
• Appointments made on merit, not cronyism
• A commitment to protect individual privacy rights

3. National Security Policies that Put the American People First
• Strengthen and protect national intelligence
• Deal with terrorism by focusing on terrorists and repairing relationships with allies
• Bring the National Guard home to deal with national emergencies
• Reduce the number of troops in Iraq
• No elective wars

There may be better ways to organize issues, and, of course, not all of the issues may get universal agreement. But my point is that we need one proactive, overarching idea (I hate to compare it to “contract with America” but I’m going to anyway), that can be broken down into smaller, more specific pieces.

[Burma Jones]

1. I can agree with all of this......

I like it.

[Orangepeel]

9. thanks!

:thumbsup:

[Upfront]

2. Like it.

Good plan and it is the way to go.

[Orangepeel]

12. thanks!

:thumbsup:

[MadHound]

3. Nice message friend, I would like to see it broadcast.

Better yet, I would like to see the Democrats act on it. Pious mouthings only go so far, now is the time for actions. But sadly it still looks like the corporate controlled Dems will continue to look out for the interests of their masters, Big Business, and the rest of us can go to hell for all they care.

[Orangepeel]

11. as you can tell, I still have hope!

we need a "fingers crossed" smilie

[MadHound]

15. That's great, sadly I've been through the wars for thirty plus years

And have become quite cynical as the years wore on, and despite my best efforts, and the best efforts of people I loved and admired, the party continued to pull ever rightward, and finally under Clinton became an out and out plaything for Corporate America.

I have very little hope left, and that is mainly the hope of the people abandoning both major parties, or a general revolt in order to sweep them out of power. It broke my heart to watch as a so called Democrat sold the American people down the rive with such travesties as NAFTA, welfare reform and many others. It still breaks my heart every time I see Congressional Dems refusing to fight or be any sort of opposition party, marching in lockstep with the 'Pugs over issues such as the Patriot Act and the IWR.

But it is refreshing to see the fighting spirit of the Dems stirring a bit recently. Hopefully they will build on that, and return to the fine party they once were. We'll see.

[Armstead]

61. I feel similarly, but won't t give up hope

What is so frustrating is that the debates that are now considered "new" are exactly the positions the Democratic Party should have had all along.

"Free Trade" as it is currently defined is such a blatant lie. It is the exact opposite of what it is claimed to be. It's not freedom of trade. Instead it is an attempt to put intrnational straightjackets on intrnational trade to remove national sovergnty and place the entire planet under the rules of free market fascism.

Likewise on so many issues.

But I cling to the hope that there really is a turnaround among the Democrats.....My mantra is "better late than never."

[Loonman]

4. That looks excellent

Now why haven't our esteemed elected representatives in the House and Senate come up with something this good?

[Orangepeel]

13. thanks!

:thumbsup:

[MissMarple]

5. I like it. I posted this on the Pilosi thread.

Americans deserve leadership that cares about the well being of Americans. Not a leadership that cares only for corporate cronies and total world domination.

The Democratic Party cares about the well being of all Americans.
A strong middle class is necessary for national prosperity and national security.

I really believe that.

[Orangepeel]

7. thanks!

Where is the Pilosi thread?

[MissMarple]

10. Here, but it's pretty short.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=132x2240159

[Orangepeel]

14. we all have the same idea

we just need to find the best way to package it for press and public consumption

[npincus]

6. How about "Americans First"

shorten it a bit

[Orangepeel]

8. my first draft was "America First"

but I thought it might sound too close to the ridiculous "blame america first" label that neocons throw at us. But maybe not. Short is good.

[CrispyQ]

29. I like "American People"

becasue it excludes American corporations. Granted, most people wouldn't think of that, but you can bet the corporate powers that be will notice that we are specifically stating people, not corporations!

[MissMarple]

34. I think we are part of the "bubble up" as in when things bubble up

to the top from the grass roots. Mixed metaphors aside, sometimes it really works. Then the guys closer to the top take it and develop it. That way they can be better assured that when we have leaders step forward they are actually leading an invested following.

Or something like that. Anyhoo, I hope they are listening, because there are lots of good ideas here, and I like yours a lot.

[Nay]

16. An excellent slogan. Very easy to remember and understand,

and lots of very good policies can be listed under it. I'd like to see it on every Dem flyer, policy paper, ad, etc.

[Boo Boo]

17. "My humble attempt at this is 'Put the American People First.'"

Well ya better hurry up and trademark it before Pat Buchanan does. Actually, he used the more common form in a recent screed: "Put America and Americans first," but he's not the first person I've heard say it. Pretty sure I heard Clark say it at some point, maybe Kerry too, but it's all a blur to me now.

Anyway, it's a good slogan.

[Orangepeel]

21. as I think about it

I've got a nagging feeling that Pat Buchanan did use "America First" some years ago, which is why I thought originally that it sounded a bit isolationist.

But the important thing, here, I think, is the "people" part.

I wouldn't be surprised if Clark and Kerry each said something similar at one time or another. It sounds like something a Democrat should say. Anyone in the Democratic party who wants to lift anything in my OP wholesale has my permission to do so!

[C_U_L8R]

18. People First !

that sums us up nicely....
and is the true difference
between us and that other party
of crooks cronies and corporate
interests (not to mention war,
debt, intolerance and racism)

[Carolab]

19. "America first" sounds a little bit too chauvinistic for my taste.

Isn't that what imperialism is about?

I like "People--Not Politics".

[Carolab]

20. Or how about

Democracy: It's What's For Dinner!

[Orangepeel]

24. American people first

I agree that "people" is the important part. I like "people -- not politics" but I'm not sure it will sit well with the public because they'll know that it is politics. Just my opinion, of course.

[Carolab]

55. Oh, never mind...the NJ Republicans used it! UGH! n/t

http://www.senatenj.com/people-not-politics.html

[melissinha]

63. Yeah but does it really fit the identity of their party

the answer is no. The American people respond very well to slogans.... the American people know that Democrats put people first and not republicans.... so the fact that the NJ Republicans used when their platform and roll call votes say otherwise does not mean that the democratic party whose traditions, legacy, and agenda are in line with this slogan shouldn't use it..


I say the whole "better" slogan is just sophmoric and resonates like negative campaigning...

[Carolab]

85. They used "People--Not Politics"--see the link.

They didn't use "American people first" or even "People first"--AFAIK

[sarcasmo]

22. Where do I get my bumper sticker.

“Put the American People First.”

[Orangepeel]

27. heh! maybe I'll open a cafepress shop

thanks for the complement!

[sarcasmo]

28. Make sure you post the bumper stick here on D/U.

[sarcasmo]

30. Make them the D/U colors ans send me a few for my Dem friends.

[sarcasmo]

32. Is it OK if I email Wesley Clark's site with your idea?

[mzmolly]

23. Marvelous idea! Perfect!

I Love it!

[Orangepeel]

25. thanks!

:thumbsup:

[blm]

26. I think it's simply excellent.

Send it to every Dem Senator and in congress.

[Orangepeel]

37. thanks!

I'd love somebody (or hell, the whole party) to use this or something like it.

[Little Star]

31. I love the concept

now tell our leaders. Hey Gov. Dean................

[Orangepeel]

39. thanks!

I think it kinda sounds like Dean, if I do say so myself

[Little Star]

40. Did you send this on to Dean?

Its real good, you should.

[Orangepeel]

43. thanks!

I emailed it to the DNC, for whatever that will do. It would be great if it helps.

[mcscajun]

33. Don't keep this quiet. Send it to Clark, Dean, Kerry, Pelosi, whoever.

Let them know ... let them use it.

Or hell, You Run On It. :)

[sarcasmo]

35. I already emailed this to Clark

[quiet.american]

36. Hate to say it, but I don't like it.

Reason being, we're already perceived around the world as "putting the American people first" at the expense of causing tremendous suffering for millions of people.

Also, as someone else touched on, it sounds a bit nationalist.

I do like your bullet points, though.

[Orangepeel]

38. that's okay. can't please everybody

I'm glad you like the bullets. They need a unifying theme, though, and "put the American people first" is one that I think American voters will respond to. Because, well, it's about them. We care about you. We'll put your interests first (not those of big corporations or the Saudi royal family).

I'm hoping that people around the world will be more interested in how US policy affects them, rather than campaign slogans, given that they can't vote.

[quiet.american]

74. True, you can't please everybody. :) n/t

[melissinha]

64. ah but the rest of the world

would like the Democrats' version of "American People first" if that means that we will end the imperialistic campaign we are on right now.... they KNOW that if democrats take the focus off of imperialism and put it into its own people, the world will be a safer place. I KNOW that many people in South America don't like us because of Bush and will be happy if we get rid of his party. I'm from Brazil and I KNOW that they would gladly support us with any slogan.

[applegrove]

41. Looks great!!

:woohoo:

[Orangepeel]

50. thanks!

:thumbsup:

[Orangepeel]

42. Duh! I should have put election reform in here

It should be a bullet point under "governing policies that put the American people first"

[ebal]

44. Mexicans Second, American People First!

USA! USA! USA!

[Orangepeel]

46. yep,

the American people before big corporations, the American people before an intrusive and dishonest government, and yes, the American people and their interests before others. For example, why are we spending billions of dollars in a failed attempt to democratize Iraq, when we have people in the United States who don't have health care?

[Gloria]

45. My article 9/11/03-The Democratic Message: Looking Back to Find the Future

I keep saying, why reinvent the wheel? See my Buzzflash article on the Democratic message prior to the LAST election!!!! With the jpeg of the little card that was handed out in Nov. 1992 a couple of days before the election at the final Clinton Rally at the Meadowlands in NJ....l

http://www.zianet.com/insightanalytical/DemMessage91103.htm and in the Buzzflash Media Watch archives

A Media Watch Special Report......... September 11, 2003

THE DEMOCRATIC MESSAGE IN 2004: LOOKING BACK TO FIND THE FUTURE

by Gloria R. Lalumia



On August 11, 2003, Former Texas Governor Ann Richards paid a visit to Larry King; a caller asked the following question:



CALLER: We all know that Democratic candidates are reduced to basically soundbytes and ridicule in the media. How can Democrats force attention back to the fact that whether it's the problems with the economy, national security, utility and industrial deregulation are the products of failed regressive Republican Party policies…



RICHARDS: Once our nominee is chosen, the opportunity for getting the message out there is going to be much easier than it is now. Because there's so many candidates it just kind of becomes a clutter. But once that nominee is chosen the biggest problem the Democrats are going to have is choosing a single message and not being all over the place. Because of the Bush record on the economy, on medical care, on education, we have such a wealth of stuff that we can use, that I'm afraid that we're going to get too splayed out and there isn't going to be a concise message. Do you understand? KING: You would make it a one-issue campaign?

RICHARDS: Well, no, you don't do that, but you try to select an issue so that it can encompass more than one or two things and consistently drive that message home.

MORE

[Gloria]

47. PS--CLINTON did this in 1992!!! Which is what I went back to, complete

with his slogan...

[Orangepeel]

49. was "put American people first" his slogan

I thought it was "it's the economy, stupid" or "don't stop thinking about tomorrow" (well, at least that was his song)

But anyway, time to dust it off!

[Gloria]

51. I think there were a few used at various times....

The song was the theme song used at events, etc.; the "economy stupid" was Carville's war room slogan....

[Orangepeel]

52. well, the DNC needs to take it off the shelf

if it worked once...

besides, what are republicans going to say in response? "Do you want to return to the policies of the Clinton administration?" I think most people will say, "hell, yes!"

[Gloria]

53. When you see that the current slogan about "America can do better"

is basically a retread from the 2004 Kerry campaign, going back to 1991 doesn't sound bad at all!

Besides, ironically....out of touch Bush I lost against that message--and it also do any Repug running after Bush II, I bet!!!

[melissinha]

65. that slogan is negative campaiging

It doesn't resonate as a well crafted postivive slogan that exemplifies our party.

[Orangepeel]

48. I sure wish the party had listened to you!

the world might not be in this fix now.

[NVMojo]

54. Excellent message! I'm taking it to my next Party meeting to your credit!

[shayes51]

56. Good post. I'm printing and taking to my Democratic Task Force meeting.

[deutsey]

57. "Democratic" and "Message" are two words I haven't seen together

in a while. They sound nice together, as does your plan.

:thumbsup:

[FizzFuzz]

58. It would be so cool to see this go from an idea on DU to the actual Dem

platform.

You sum up the progressive message, and the points we all need gov't to get back on track with perfectly.

Progressive Democracy is Humanitarianism.

:applause:

[For PaisAn]

59. Perfect

"Put the American People First"
It's concise, true and the best way to let the American people know what we stand for.

[For PaisAn]

60. "A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JOE REPUBLICAN"

Joe gets up at 6 a.m. and fills his coffeepot with water to prepare his morning coffee. The water is clean and good because some tree-hugging liberal fought for minimum water-quality standards. With his first swallow of water, he takes his daily medication. His medications are safe to take because some stupid commie liberal fought to ensure their safety and that they work as advertised.

All but $10 of his medications are paid for by his employer's medical plan because some liberal union workers fought their employers for paid medical insurance - now Joe gets it too.

He prepares his morning breakfast, bacon and eggs. Joe's bacon is safe to eat because some girly-man liberal fought for laws to regulate the meat packing industry.

In the morning shower, Joe reaches for his shampoo. His bottle is properly labeled with each ingredient and its amount in the total contents because some crybaby liberal fought for his right to know what he was putting on his body and how much it contained.

...snip...

read the rest here:
http://www.changeforamerica.com/community/node/view/1342

[melissinha]

62. exemplifies our party very well, better than "we can do better"

which is sophmoric..... "Put the American People first" is both patriotic and exemplifies the tradition, legacy and platform of the Democratic party.....

its against corporatism
for social programs
pro-labor
anti Patriot Act

Bravo, this is absolutely the best slogan I have heard yet.... besides all the Dem's slogans have been lame....


We should at least work through DU to get this slogan out there... and when it catches on the party will have no choice but to adopt it.... I think Deano might like it very much.

[Vinca]

66. One word orangepeel68: BRILLIANT!

Email this to Howard Dean ASAP!

[Orangepeel]

76. thanks! I sent it to the DNC.

Gloria (later in the thread), mentions that Clinton used a similar slogan in '92, so it shouldn't be news to them. If that's so, I hope they go back to what worked!

[PATRICK]

67. More method than message

I think we have seen some good message and tactics, even if not all that is required from our point of view. The letter asking Bush not to pardon Libby was a pre-emptive masterstroke that shows they do know where this is going and will act. It broke through the CNN sound bites like a knife.

BUT- slipping some light into the GOP noise machine, keeping on message and keeping the message out there is by sheer quantity outweighed by GOP talking points. Though they have less bits of truth in their propaganda than ever, the sheer dominance of message presentation(propagation) is still bent far to their side. It is THAT fact even more than the failings of the message itself that is making life so difficult for Dems.

Sure you can line up message failings starting from party divisions, disgruntled establishment failures vs. Dean and a new wave, disastrous DLC appeasement and collaborationist corporatism added to their penchant to attack progressives more than the GOP, independent and over rich honest voices whose diversity means to some extent dissipation of message, caution and awe before the meltdown of demonic conservatism, a dupe-like inability to get with the present and the program where it is often crime not issues that bury reason in crises

Remember. Clinton said he was amazed the people got it under the barrage of the media campaign against him. Well, they "get it" the same way now. Enough to know the GOP is to blame and reject the lies but not enough to cleanse the murk and the poisons from the system. Despite support for Clinton the scandal and continued effect of media dominance on did carry enough media poison to cripple Gore away from what would have been an indisputable victory. The people are left angry but still deflected neatly away from many important truths and especially from the Democrats.

Modest politeness toward arrogant hostile or incompetent corporate media has never been enough. The best "messages" in the world appear once and are more noted for the sheer cacophony of relentless GOP smears on that message or the silence of the memory hole.

By all means get the party as a party on track for the most obvious an necessary truths. Then take the media by storm and keep going and going, not seeking to be an alternate to the evil twin, but the real Democratic party in a now phonied up kleptocracy. This is not a suggestion but an absolute requirement. Easing back into shattered myths, posing among the ruins until the next dictator chooses to roll back in, is no more an option than victory in Iraq. Institutionally they have seized all the powers and seats. Even a victory of sorts will be shallow unless the pendulum swings back far enough to reverse the beachhead of criminality and fatal regression. Or it will get worse, enough so that whatever the DLC fears about rocking the boat will come to pass in catastrophic fashion.

[Orangepeel]

70. what makes message and method mutually exclusive?

the party needs both.

Having a message that is proactive and positively framed (we're better than them because of such and such) rather than reactive and negatively framed (they are worse than us because of such and such) is not weak and it is not equivalent to rolling over. Note that the words "positive" and "negative" in regard to framing DO NOT in this context refer to "say only nice things" and "say only bad things." I am by no means suggesting that we refrain from pointing out that the republican party is bad for the country and the world. I'm suggesting that we also need to explain why we are good for the country and the world.

If the Democratic party is have any kind of victory in '06 and '08 (and at this point, I wouldn't turn my nose up at a victory "of sorts"), we have to get more people to vote for us than voted for us in '00 and '02 and '04 (enough so that republican antics, be they traditional dirty tricks, "hardball" politics or outright fraud, depending on one's beliefs, can't overcome the difference). To do that, we have to tell people why they should vote for us.

I know that many progressives are loathe to use ideas and analogies from marketing to describe how votes should be won because they believe that the political process should be above that. However, as the other side certainly isn't above anything, I will risk using such an analogy.

Imagine an ad campaign for "Brand X" that starts and ends with why the customer shouldn't buy "Brand Y." Such a campaign isn't likely to be very effective. First, every other ad the customer sees is from Brand Y and dramatically announces that the customer must buy Brand Y or die. Second, consumers have the option of choosing a third brand alternative or simply staying home and not buying any brand of the product at all.

Of course, the ad campaign by itself won't be enough. In addition to telling the customer what Brand X will do for them, it helps to have a better product (we do), distribute it more effectively (we don't), and have a price that is affordable (or at least, convince the consumer that even if it may seem higher in the short term, it will save them money in the future).

[PATRICK]

87. Both absolutely

The weakness of one usually is intimately related to weakness of the other. Any genuine image or message presentation will contain its own power as it is passionately and professionally disseminated. It is not either or since neither a great method nor a smart message really exist on their own and accomplish what is needed.

Like throwing masses of voters against tweaked rigging, the likely tactics are probably going to be imperfect, not as clear or united as they should be. Success may come anyway without the clarity of informing the citizenry and purging the poison of slant and lies. What remains to be down will present an ongoing danger and a longer, painful process of getting on track. During which bitter days a return to fantasy GOP hate and empty words may slip in once more. To make the Cons as radioactive as Thatcher's Conservatives must also be a goal and unblocking the roads to peace and progress that will win the populace in a rock solid fashion. How to get results when the truculent corporatist media and all the Bush stooges are still in place and the Dems naively let them off the hook?

It seems, as strong as the message is, the party is not enthusiastic enough about a true revolution in American politics and participation or in the proper response to the extreme violation of the landscape.

This is not to take away from the great contributions of this poster and other citizens giving excellent advice to a DLC dulled party brain trust.

[4_TN_TITANS]

68. A nice general plan of action.... n/t

[mermaid]

69. Good Start!

Now, there has been a tagline running around to the effect of "America CAN Do Better!" which seems to be the campaign slogan.

I, frankly, like yours better. "PUT THE AMERICAN PEOPLE FIRST!!"

About damn time someone gave a shit about the common man once again!

I have been un and under-employed for two freaking years now, and no one gives a shit. I'm tired of living hand-to-mouth in a rotten fucking Bush economy that favors big business over people, and gives Corporate America a license to steal working Americans blind!

[stubtoe]

71. I like a good, bulleted list.

From list --> plan and from plan --> action.

[aquart]

72. Honest, OPEN, and responsible government.

And I would include huge incentives for solar power or any other energy conservation conversions and/or innovations.

[Orangepeel]

73. sure!

an energy policy that looks to the future (and thus relies less on foreign oil) is a perfect example of a policy that puts the American people first.

[Uncle Joe]

75. I think this is a well thought out general plan,

I would only suggest adding the environment to your national security outline.

[Orangepeel]

79. good idea. thanks!

:thumbsup:

[cpamomfromtexas]

77. CALL IT A COMPACT OR A PLEDGE WITH THE CITIZENS OF AMERICA

One thing we cannot forget. Our nation was founded on the notion that government was of, by, and FOR (IMAGINE THAT) the people- the citizens, not corporate behemoths with no loyalty to anything but their true god-MONEY.

[oneold1-4u]

78. specific policies

Move #3 to #1 and many other things will fall in line quickly! Stop playing war quickly and the great outflow of economy and money will return to use for giving back to the veterans, elderly and disabled!
That would help to bring back faith to the citizen that there could be an honest and fair form of government. When the people can believe, they will once again be there for the nation and one another!There will always be crooks in every community, city, and politics, but let's not allow them to ever again reign and ruin!

[MsMagnificent]

80. People, not Profits!

--is a 'slogan', if you will, which I have felt should be used to describe the Democratic Party and we Democrats; and specifically the major difference between what we hold dear and what the Republican Party holds dear.

Both of our adages are very close to each other, and (IMO at least) they hit to the heart of what the Democratic Party has historically stood for.

Unfortunately, this has (seemingly) been long forgotten by the scared or apathetic --or both-- great majority of Democratic politicians.
For the most part they duck their heads, say zero of import (except for perhaps lame apologies -- apologies for NOTHING) and have other people try to tell us that we should move over to the Right!

Preposterous!

As if the avarice, lack of ethics and lack of true (merely mouthed) morals wielded by the Right is something the Democrats should or would even consider glomming on to! (and if they did, then it would no longer be the Democratic Party I've known and loved)

I guess the whole key to both these phrases, and to the (perhaps temporarily forgotten but not abandoned!) essence of the Democratic Party, is the one word which supercedes all:

People

[Orangepeel]

84. I agree. It is all about the people

Personally, I like having the "American" in there simply because I think it will appeal to voters and works with deal with the problems at home/economic prosperity at home themes that I personally want harped upon. But you are right, the Democratic party should be about the people.

[calimary]

81. Kickez-vous!

Excellent!

[stevietheman]

82. Alternative: "We won't play you for suckers"

or, for those who like vulgarity: "We won't fuck you over". :)

[Orangepeel]

83. well, that's implied.

:-)

[IndianaGreen]

86. A better slogan: People Before Profits!

What this country needs is an American-flavored version of the Bolivarian Revolution that the people of Venezuela are trying to bring about to their country.

Some progressive communities in the United States are even experimenting with Chavez's Bolivarian Circles, the neighborhood committees in which people can get organized and empowered to get things done.

Venezuela's Path

Tuesday, Nov 08, 2005

By: Michael Albert - ZNet

Toward a New Political System

My first and arguably most personally surprising encounter with the Bolivarian Revolution was at the Ministry for Popular Participation, which was created in accord, I was told, with Chavez's desire "that the people should take power."

I asked the officials we interviewed, "What does that mean, that the people should take power?" After noting thousands of years of "empires obstructing people from participating in politics," all culminating in "the North American empire," the official said the "U.S. has had 200 years of representative government, but in your system people turn over control to others." Instead, in Venezuela, "we humbly are proposing a system where people hold power in a participatory and protagonist democracy. We want a new kind of democracy to attain a new kind of society."

On the wall was a diagram of their aims. It had lots of little circles, then other larger ones in another layer, and so on. The idea, they said, "was to establish numerous local grassroots assemblies or councils of citizens where people could directly express themselves." These local councils would be the foundational components of "a new system of participatory democracy."

The bottom layer of the vision focuses on communities with "common habits and customs," the officials said. "We define them as comprising 200 to 400 families, or 1000 to 2000 people each." One could of course imagine sub units within each local unit, as well, but that wasn't immediately on their agenda, nor was it in their diagram. The local units would in turn send "elected spokespersons" to units another layer up. Units in this second layer would "encompass a broader geographic region," and then from there, "spokespeople would be elected to another layer, and so on," creating a network covering "parishes, municipalities, states, and the whole society."

The participation officials, explaining their diagram and their goal, said the smallest units were meant to become "the decision-making core of the new Venezuelan polity." Chavez and this ministry hoped to have, they said, "3,000 local assemblies in place by the new year." Their goal was to have "enough in place, throughout the country, in 4 or 5 years, to account for 26 million Venezuelans."

http://www.venezuelanalysis.com/articles.php?artno=1598

[Orangepeel]

88. I think "profit" has a positive conotation in the US

so I'm not sure that "people before profits" would really hit the mark. People before big corporations would be better, but doesn't have much of a ring to it.

Also, is it only profits we are putting people before? Personally, I want to put the interests of the people before an instrusive and dishonest government and, I want to imply that we want to fix problems at home before we spend resources and lives in other countries. I'm not advocating cutting off foreign aid or being otherwise isolationist, but I do believe that raising issues such as paying billions of dollars to (supposedly) rebuild Iraqi infrastructure before New Orleans infrastructure will strike a chord with the public.