sonora2sonoma

Hey, Republicans!

After listening to a radio talk show discussion this morning about recent Republican electoral losses in the California State Legislature, I have some observations:

As I see you scramble to account for your electoral losses in the last election, just like you did the last time this happened, messaging keeps coming up as a prime suspect. “Messaging is the problem,” you say. “We need to change our messaging,” as if you think that repackaging will fix the problem. I’ve got news for you! If you define success as the demonstrable conveyance of a message to its recipients, there is absolutely nothing wrong with your messaging.

One need only consider two of your signature legislative priorities to discern your message. Both the recent tax cuts for the rich and your persistent attempts to overturn the Affordable Care Act make it perfectly clear what your message is: You only care about the wealthy, the connected and the enfranchised! What is communicated is that you use your power to protect the interests of these people at the expense of everyone else.

When seen in this light, it’s no mystery why your message was rejected!

Merely changing the delivery system won’t fix your problems because it’s not the messaging that’s confounding your efforts, it’s the message itself! If you want to remain relevant in today’s world, with its changing demographics, you need a new message that addresses the needs of the majority of your constituents—not just the wealthy and powerful.

The reason you got stung in the election is because your campaign was based on lies disguised to create the impression that you stand for things that, in reality, you oppose. If you want the support of those who have rejected your message, change your message.

But you won’t succeed in this effort through message change alone; real change requires action! If you want the appearance of inclusivity, you need to become more inclusive. If you want to be perceived as caring about peoples’ needs, you first need to actually care about them; words mean nothing unless they’re accompanied by actions.

The Affordable Care Act is a popular program because it helps those who need help; stop trying to take this away from the people who need it the most! While the economy continues to improve, wages have been stagnant for decades; support tax changes that benefit the middle class and the poor, not the rich! It isn’t that complicated!

Tim Konrad