When Al Gore lectured to the Oscar viewing audience, "This is not a political issue. It's a moral issue," and Melissa pleaded, "None of us is Red or Blue. We're all GREEN," I heard the sound of a million remotes clicking across the fruited plain. What these guys need, I thought to myself, is a consultation with right wing media genius
Frank Luntz. Frank's first memo might look something like this:
From the desk of Frank Luntz:RECOMMENDATIONS:
I. Iconography:
OUT:
A picture paints a thousand words. The American public is not motivated by images that appeal to the "conscience." Nothing says, "hmmm, some of last night's chicken nuggets would be great right about now; think I'll go look in the fridge," like footage of a glacier melting.
Needed: A new icon. Suggestion: Avid sportsman, rugged individualist, Indian fighter and
avowed conservationist Teddy Roosevelt. IN :
Discontinue the use of depressing terms like "morals" and "responsibility." "Challenge" is good. The word "Stewardship" should replace "Environmentalism," and where appropriate, "Creation" should be used as opposed to "the Earth," "Mother Earth", "Gaia," or anything that sounds like witchcraft.
"Green" is another turnoff. It's a weak, neutral color, and is too closely associated with a certain effeminate singing frog. It's widely known that "It isn't easy being green" is code for "It isn't easy being gay."
And by all means avoid the term "Global Warming." If absolutely necessary, use "Climate Change"
TM
III. It's the Narrative, Stupid!
Rough Outline for PSA:
Music: fife and drums "Over two hundred years ago, our forefathers shook off the yoke of domination from overseas."
Today, we are fighting a new American Revolution. We are engaged in a battle for Independence from...... (music: fife and drums fade into horror film score)
Foreign Oil
America can no longer afford to be dependent on her enemies for her source of power.During the Cold War, we struggled against the Soviet campaign for world domination, and we won. Now we are engaged in a quest for Energy Security, and we will win this battle as well.
(Now for the climax . Your proposal to use the Space Race to introduce the idea of the
War for Energy Security TM. , is on the right track, but Kennedy didn't get us to the moon - the RUSSIANS did.)
Right now, Japanese automakers are researching ways to phase out petroleum based cars altogether. They are developing faster, more powerful clean-running vehicles and intend to invade U.S. markets with them in the near future. Our forward-thinking rivals know that renewable energy is not only good science but good business. Will we be ready?
(Cut to tractor shot. Music: Western.
The Big Country theme would be great, but expensive. I know this guy out in L.A.--what's his name? Monticello?
Moscatiello? who can score something that sounds just like the original without violating any copyright laws!)
Today, we have joined the battle, from the high tech laboratories of our nation's research centers to America's heartland, where farmers are harvesting grains to produce biofuels such as ethanol.You can be a part of the quest, too. By supporting funding for Energy Security research, and by purchasing Eternal RenewalTM products for your home and business.Reclaim your birthright to dominion over this great Creation. Reach for the Stars.
Help us get there.Before they do.
posted by Lisa #
1:23 PM |
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