Replacing GWOT with GSAVE?
Over on AlterNet, there’s a great analysis by George Lakoff of the recent decision by the Bush administration to stop talking about the “global war on terror” and start using the term “global struggle against violent extremism” instead.
The war frame is all-consuming. It takes focus away from other problems, from everyday troubles, from jobs, education, health care, a failing economy. It justifies the spending of huge sums, and sending raw recruits into battle with inadequate equipment. It justifies the deaths of tens of thousands of innocent civilians. It justifies torture, military tribunals, and no due process. It justifies scaring people, with yellow, orange, and red alerts. But, while it was politically useful, the war frame never fit the reality of terrorism. It was successful at consolidating power, but counterproductive in dealing with the real threat.
If you’re not familiar with Lakoff’s interesting theories about framing and how it applies to politics, I highly recommend his book Don’t Think of an Elephant: Know Your Values and Frame the Debate–The Essential Guide for Progressives. His ideas certainly changed the way I look at political discourse.
[via Buzzflash]
