Soccer Mom: Unplugged

raves, rants, reviews and recounts of life in middle America

2006/10/19

Fear Mongering?

@ 08:32 PM (25 months, 27 days ago)

Okay.  I'll say it.  This new GOP web ad is over the top.  Not because it is untrue.  But because most Americans have no idea who we're up against.  In spite of themselves, most Americans don't believe that otherwise sane people would blow themselves into a million pieces just because they hate us that much.  Most Americans are convinced that we can talk this out.  That we can make policy adjustments or make some sort of political payoff that will end the IEDs and put a stop to the beheadings.

It's the optimistic spirit of Americans.  Even in an age darkened by feigned cynicism such as ours, Americans are optimistic enough to believe that the enemy is us - and thereby we can control it.  Americans don't know true pessimism.  Less than 10% of Americans know what it's like to go to bed hungry. Most complain because they have too much to eat.  For all of our media imposed fears, most Americans really aren't afraid to go out alone. Or after dark.  We're shocked by the stories of young coeds murdered after drinking alone in a bar in the wee hours.  Shocked because thousands more coeds are doing it all the time and then returning to the dorms to sleep it off.  We don't know the fear that comes from seeing a bus disintegrate in front of us and a cloud of pink mist fill the air as what used to be flesh lands all around. 

We have a million people in military uniforms and 300 million Americans.  You do the math.  How many people do you think really comprehend the threat?

My prediction is that this ad will backfire because people don't want to believe we're at war.  Many want to pretend it's politics.  Others want to believe the threat is small and confined.  No one wants to believe the danger is real.

Comment(s) »

  1. Okay so I had to watch the thing 3 times before I realilzed what it was. The ticking time bomb is just stupid. I hated it. The fact is, that we all tune out that. It would have been more effective just to have clips of just the statements that they highlighted should have been heard. Loudly! But instead, we hear ticking, and then clicking as we change the channel. I wish that Americans knew just how close the real danger is. So no, the ad is not effective. It is a waste of taxpayer money. It was a waste of time.

    Comment by Verity— 2006/10/20 @ 06:53 AM — (Reply)

  2. Your whole RePEDOcan party is a waste of time. Why don't you traitors do the right thing for once and vote Democrat?

    RePEDOcans are to busy chasing little boys around the Page's dorm to find Osama.

    Comment by admin4— 2006/10/20 @ 07:22 PM — (Reply)

  3. Guess the dems killed all the female secretaries...

    Comment by Cate— 2006/10/20 @ 07:26 PM — (Reply)

  4. admin4 the only way I would vote democrat is if zell miller or a similar candidate was running, haven't found one yet.

    Comment by elmers brother— 2006/10/21 @ 12:53 AM — (Reply)

  5. and all the interns

    Comment by elmers brother— 2006/10/21 @ 12:54 AM — (Reply)

  6. The "how many Republicans are gay" or "pedophiles" strategy is not a substitute for weakness on terrorism, national security, and the economy. The Dems certainly make it easier to hold your nose and vote Republican. - the ever wise Mr. Beamish

    Comment by elmers brother— 2006/10/21 @ 07:22 AM — (Reply)

  7. Well said, EB.

    When the only thing they have to offer is a platform of "Those guys suck!" What choice do we really have? :lol::lol::lol:

    Voting for the Dems these days is akin to being a 15 year old again - you're just a rebel without a clue - no meaningful agenda just antiestablishmentarian because they want to rebel.

    Comment by Cate— 2006/10/21 @ 08:46 AM — (Reply)

  8. have you seen the excuses they have come up with in case the election doesn't go well? Check my blog.

    Comment by Elmers Brother— 2006/10/21 @ 08:48 AM — (Reply)

  9. Hey there, EB,

    Voting for the Dems these days is akin to being a 15 year old again - you're just a rebel without a clue - no meaningful agenda just antiestablishmentarian because they want to rebel.


    And, so... by extension, does that mean that voting for Republicans is akin to being an 8 year old with a "My parents can do no wrong" mentality?

    I'll take the 7 extra years of maturity. :wink:

    By the way, what message are the Republicans sending lately, other than 'Those Democrats suck, and watch out for the bogie-man beneath your bed!! It could be Osama! Lord knows we haven't found him yet!"

    Comment by Michael— 2006/10/23 @ 08:40 AM — (Reply)

  10. :roll:Actually, being a republican is like finally reaching adulthood and realizing your parents were right all along... :lol:

    the Gop isn't supposed to be offering much in the midterm - they already won on their agenda 2 years ago. Winning the midterms is up to the challenger. The GOP platform is awesome. Now if we can get a little more application of the principles therein...:roll:

    Comment by Cate— 2006/10/23 @ 09:43 AM — (Reply)

  11. well I don't know about your age analogy you'll have to ask Cate about that since she used it but

    I'm not real happy with the Republicans either. They have to give me more of a reason than the fear that Nancy Pelosi will be speaker of the house. I don't think the meme that Repubs are pedophiles nor the Nancy Pelosi scare mongering endears me to either. Nor do I think social conservatives are going to jump over to the Dems in droves. We're just going to hold our nose and vote.

    Comment by Elmers Brother— 2006/10/23 @ 09:32 AM — (Reply)

  12. but we have gotten quite a few al queda leaders.

    Comment by Elmers Brother— 2006/10/23 @ 09:33 AM — (Reply)

  13. Cate...

    Actually, being a republican is like finally reaching adulthood and realizing your parents were right all along...


    Well, I've reached adulthood, and my dad, with whom I would have the most fervent political debates from age 11 on, is coming around to my point of view. What's that say??? :lol:

    Well, one thing it says is that 'universal health care' was a good idea 30 years ago, and remains so... *duck*

    Comment by — 2006/10/23 @ 11:30 AM — (Reply)



  14. What's that say???


    It says he may need to go in for a checkup... :lol:

    Comment by Cate— 2006/10/23 @ 12:49 PM — (Reply)

  15. alzheimers?

    Comment by Elmers Brother— 2006/10/23 @ 01:36 PM — (Reply)

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