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SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 11:59 AM Feb 2016

Sanders offers a new narrative. No more confining discussions to the right wing frames.

Last edited Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:36 PM - Edit history (1)

About ten years ago a book was published that detailed the 40 right wing think tanks funded by a billion dollars each year. The goal of these organizations is to limit the range of topics that get broadcast to the world and frame how these topics are to be understood.

Many of the talking heads have been trained in these places and they have been very effective in directing the way Americans think about issues. Climate change is a very good example. Many here can see through the confusion spread about this issue but still are not able to do the same with so many other issues.

No we can't is true for those living in the right wing world. There are many wise people that quietly offer rational solutions to many of the problems that we face. It is time to listen to these voices. It is time to elevate a different and rational approach to our problems.

Sanders offers us a chance to take a fresh look at the world around us. Sanders offers us a chance to explore new possibilities in the way we deal with our challenges.

Sanders offers us a chance to Change the Narrative.

Take the chance - accept the challenge - join the movement that can Change the Narrative.

82 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
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Sanders offers a new narrative. No more confining discussions to the right wing frames. (Original Post) SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 OP
Change the Narrative- #1 where is the Federal minimum wage raise? Sunlei Feb 2016 #1
judged by the way its animals are treated SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #2
Seems to me that Clinton supporters don't want change, or are terrified by the thought of rhett o rick Feb 2016 #3
The frightening part is that they do not embrace the landslide of enthusiasm. SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #5
The choice is stark, keep living under corporate rule under Hillary and watch things get worse, or Dustlawyer Feb 2016 #15
supposed to believe that she is the one SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #18
"The choice is stark, keep living under corporate rule under Hillary and watch things get worse, or rhett o rick Feb 2016 #19
It's the perfect quote! Enthusiast Feb 2016 #66
+10,000 nt Live and Learn Feb 2016 #25
Then Using Wall Street Money to Pay Off Hacks Like Huerta To RIG The System! CorporatistNation Feb 2016 #72
What is it about workers banding together to protect workinclasszero Feb 2016 #76
The movement is just gaining momentum. It's tough for the People to fight Citizens United, the rhett o rick Feb 2016 #81
No they are comfortable with what they've got Rosa Luxemburg Feb 2016 #28
and the comfortable fear change GreatGazoo Feb 2016 #33
that's very true Rosa Luxemburg Feb 2016 #36
I'm sorry but you're wrong azurnoir Feb 2016 #42
this is very recognizable to me dana_b Feb 2016 #47
Yes. Manifestor_of_Light Feb 2016 #73
cynically vote the likes of Ronald Reagan SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #51
Many Clinton supporters are socially liberal middle and upper-middle class people... Odin2005 Feb 2016 #54
+1 redruddyred Feb 2016 #63
Yes I agree, and many Clinton supporters are just awed by the power of the rich. rhett o rick Feb 2016 #64
To expect anything different would be an error. It would be naive to think they would be jtuck004 Feb 2016 #79
Recommended / FlatBaroque Feb 2016 #4
I am with you Jenny_92808 Feb 2016 #6
^^THIS^^ farleftlib Feb 2016 #7
When We Stand Together - No Citizen Need Settle For The Lesser Of Two Corporate Evils - Go Bernie Go cantbeserious Feb 2016 #8
No Citizen Need Settle SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #9
In the sixties, the people were on a roll. Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Medicare! mountain grammy Feb 2016 #10
one example SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #13
That's one of the MOST progressive things about the Sanders campaign......... socialist_n_TN Feb 2016 #11
If that sad day does come... SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #14
Yeppers that's the key. Does the ....... socialist_n_TN Feb 2016 #16
Richard Wolf SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #17
Yes, if we supporters do not listen to him and continue the jwirr Feb 2016 #21
My Socialist and Communist comrades constantly disparage Sanders' faux KingCharlemagne Feb 2016 #24
The Leninists completely misunderstand what "social revolution" in the Marxist sense is. Odin2005 Feb 2016 #55
I tend to agree davidpdx Feb 2016 #77
Well Said! 2banon Feb 2016 #12
Conservatism Is Horrible For Our Nation - How About That Frame scottie55 Feb 2016 #20
Very well stated!!! raindaddy Feb 2016 #22
Many Many Thanks SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #23
+10,000 nt Live and Learn Feb 2016 #26
Our biggest obstacle is the corporate media. TIME TO PANIC Feb 2016 #27
The speed in which the memes of the day are refuted by the power of the net... SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #30
Look how fast we managed to shut Capehart down. frylock Feb 2016 #32
A thing of beauty SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #35
That's one of the things that worries me about the TPP. TIME TO PANIC Feb 2016 #37
I've often thought about that. Enthusiast Feb 2016 #68
We were really close to losing it back in 2014. TIME TO PANIC Feb 2016 #69
More people need to understand about Bernie. Enthusiast Feb 2016 #70
Absolutely. n/t TIME TO PANIC Feb 2016 #71
+1,00000000000000000! Duval Feb 2016 #39
Yes the M$M, DNC and more. appalachiablue Feb 2016 #59
Anyone outside that frame is a unicorn rancher whatchamacallit Feb 2016 #29
a unicorn rancher with a magic staff SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #34
But but but the tea partiers won't let us. frylock Feb 2016 #31
Thoughtcrime in an endless war world. MasonDreams Feb 2016 #38
...and they not even going at full steam yet. Wait until we get closer to the election. avaistheone1 Feb 2016 #49
Very important! H2O Man Feb 2016 #40
Kicked and recommended. Uncle Joe Feb 2016 #41
Kick and recommend, and great replies as well Populist_Prole Feb 2016 #43
Beautiful!! dana_b Feb 2016 #44
Many Many Thanks SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #45
You are correct sir. Nail on the Head. MasonDreams Feb 2016 #46
How is life on the Rez? SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #48
I love the way Jenny_92808 Feb 2016 #56
I am touched MasonDreams Feb 2016 #60
What government makes people happy? What government is good for business? kristopher Feb 2016 #50
America is number one... SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #52
Bernie is blowing up the Reagainist narrative of the last 36 years. Odin2005 Feb 2016 #53
As Bernie says Milliesmom Feb 2016 #57
K&R. JDPriestly Feb 2016 #58
More people need to stop watching TV passiveporcupine Feb 2016 #61
Link and Freespeach offer some things SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #62
K&R! This post deserves hundreds of recommendations! Enthusiast Feb 2016 #65
Many Many Thanks SoLeftIAmRight Feb 2016 #67
K&R! myrna minx Feb 2016 #74
Change the narrative! Betty Karlson Feb 2016 #75
A-freaking-men. This is a huge part of why Sanders is so important. Fast Walker 52 Feb 2016 #78
Trickeration colsohlibgal Feb 2016 #80
Great post. I want to use your last sentence. rhett o rick Feb 2016 #82
 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
3. Seems to me that Clinton supporters don't want change, or are terrified by the thought of
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 12:10 PM
Feb 2016

change. They want to continue the current culture of Big Money (Citizens United) that controls our government. They seem to have put Democratic Principles on hold with the sad thought process that we must do anything to win and then we can go back to our principles.

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
5. The frightening part is that they do not embrace the landslide of enthusiasm.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 12:18 PM
Feb 2016

A good leader would be able use this energy. Hillary can not even work with her own party - how in the hell will she be able to work with the other party?

The answer to that quest might be the most frighting thing of all.

Dustlawyer

(10,493 posts)
15. The choice is stark, keep living under corporate rule under Hillary and watch things get worse, or
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:03 PM
Feb 2016

go with Bernie and fight TPTB to regain our Representative Democracy!

How can we be surprised, or worse, in denial, that our politicians are bought off when we allow legalized bribery to put them in power in the first place? TPTB usually control who the candidates are that we vote on. They are above the law and do not even get investigated. The Pentagon cannot even be audited despite their admission that they "lost trillions of dollars," all the while asking for even more money!

Hillary and Bill became rich giving speeches to their Wall Street banking friends and received a yuuuuge war chest of hundreds of millions of dollars, yet we are supposed to believe that she is the one to reform them.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
19. "The choice is stark, keep living under corporate rule under Hillary and watch things get worse, or
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:17 PM
Feb 2016

Last edited Sun Feb 21, 2016, 11:10 AM - Edit history (2)

"The choice is stark, keep living under corporate rule under Hillary and watch things get worse, or go with Bernie and fight TPTB to regain our Representative Democracy!"

That says it very well. If you don't mind I plan on using that quote.

I wanted to add another quote from another poster:

"Take the chance - accept the challenge - join the movement that can Change the Narrative. "

CorporatistNation

(2,546 posts)
72. Then Using Wall Street Money to Pay Off Hacks Like Huerta To RIG The System!
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 02:29 AM
Feb 2016
http://www.democraticunderground.com/12511292568#post5

Above is Delores Huerta Foundation Receiving $100k from Clinton Foundation in 2010

See pdf page 34... There it is! http://990s.foundationcenter.org/990pf_pdf_archive/300/300048438/300048438_201012_990PF.pdf

Hillbots could care less how CORRUPT are the Clintons... pitiful

How much did those Union bosses get paid under the table to rig the casino shit today?
 

workinclasszero

(28,270 posts)
76. What is it about workers banding together to protect
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 08:32 AM
Feb 2016

Themselves from ruthless capitalism that Bernie fans hate?

How much did those Union bosses get paid under the table to rig the casino shit today?


I can see now why the Koch bros were praising Bernie the other day. They hate unions too.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
81. The movement is just gaining momentum. It's tough for the People to fight Citizens United, the
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 11:04 AM
Feb 2016

Clinton-Corp-Media, and the domination of Big Money. Some seem to be comfortable with the status quo and afraid to make the rich mad. They know in their hearts that Clinton/Goldman-Sachs don't care about the 50,000,000 living in poverty but only care about amassing more money and power.

Another poster here said it best:

"The choice is stark, keep living under corporate rule under Hillary and watch things get worse, or go with Bernie and fight TPTB to regain our Representative Democracy!"

Don't support the corrupt culture that has devastated the middle and working classes.

GreatGazoo

(3,937 posts)
33. and the comfortable fear change
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:00 PM
Feb 2016

but the truth is change is coming anyway.

As Craig Keilberger said "Even the decision to do nothing changes the future."

azurnoir

(45,850 posts)
42. I'm sorry but you're wrong
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:17 PM
Feb 2016

the fiirst thing you have to understand is that there are 2 very distinct groups of boomers -the early ones which would encompass the Clintons and the later ones those of us in our 50's to very early 60's and we were the first to effed by the earlier ones - those of us who graduated high school as the oil embargo and Watergate raged saw our futures swept away wholesale and saw our elder siblings cynically vote the likes of Ronald Reagan into office seems they figured out that sharing the powwer and wealth may just mean sharing their power and wealth -can't have that now-can we

dana_b

(11,546 posts)
47. this is very recognizable to me
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:42 PM
Feb 2016

I'm the baby and I'm part of Gen X but my sister and brother are those later boomers who graduated when Nixon resigned, etc. They are not like the older boomers. They are more like me, tbh. They are a bit jaded, realistic yet they still want things to change. They really like Bernie's message and even my Republican sister is wising up - she's voting for him! Yay!! I'm still convincing my brother that he can win but I think if Bernie wins a few more primaries/caucuses, he will believe. They are sick of the power and wealth grab in this country. They didn't have things handed to them. When Reagan was governor here in California he made sure that free college went away, right before it would have helped my siblings. Then we had that disastrous prop 13 by Jarvis/Gann (filthy Repubs!) that killed our schools and other public works projects. Anyway, you see where I'm going. They differ then the older boomers. I find them more open minded in their social views and realistic and yes, pragmatic, in their financial and political views.

 

Manifestor_of_Light

(21,046 posts)
73. Yes.
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 02:38 AM
Feb 2016

I'm a younger boomer. My husband is an older boomer. We are 9 years apart in age. But I knew what was going on in the 60s as a kid because I watched the TV news with my parents and they talked about politics and we went to a lot of Democratic functions just for fun and something to do.

We are both for Bernie.

Since I started working summers in the 1970s, we both feel like we have been spinning our wheels and going nowhere with our jobs for 35 years --since Reagan was elected President. TPTB started cracking down on all those dirty hippie protesters against the Vietnam War. And cracking down economically.

I was in the later group of 70s so-called hippies, but I always took baths and never dropped out of college or became a goof-off.

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
51. cynically vote the likes of Ronald Reagan
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:52 PM
Feb 2016

this event solidified my political position

Good people turned there backs on Carter's conservative message of living a sustainable life.
He warned of the wars for oil and foretold the current crisis.

Reagun removed the solar panels from the White House and I saw stupidity and doom.

Odin2005

(53,521 posts)
54. Many Clinton supporters are socially liberal middle and upper-middle class people...
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 04:15 PM
Feb 2016

...in the big cities and suburbs who are comfortable with what they have economically and are more concerned with the social and cultural backwardness of the GOP. Many of these people look down upon working class people, especially poor white working class people and are horrified by Bernie appealing to these people because working class whites have been demonized as the source of all prejudice and bigotry (never mind the fact that many of these better-off people are in reality "benevolent racists&quot .

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
64. Yes I agree, and many Clinton supporters are just awed by the power of the rich.
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 12:59 AM
Feb 2016

Willing to give up their freedoms and liberties to worship at the alter of money, power and greed.

 

jtuck004

(15,882 posts)
79. To expect anything different would be an error. It would be naive to think they would be
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 10:46 AM
Feb 2016

any other way.

Funny people, these supporters of President Sanders. Complain about the blinders of Mrs. Clinton's supporters, yet thought they could join an existing org and have less opponents.

Hearts don't change.

 

Jenny_92808

(1,342 posts)
6. I am with you
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 12:26 PM
Feb 2016

Sanders gets it and believes it and is authentic and I am there with him. Sanders is correct in his analysis.

 

farleftlib

(2,125 posts)
7. ^^THIS^^
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 12:30 PM
Feb 2016

The dems have allowed this for decades. It's so important that we reframe the debate. Bernie is 1 billion per cent correct to bring this up.
K & R

mountain grammy

(26,571 posts)
10. In the sixties, the people were on a roll. Civil Rights, Voting Rights, Medicare!
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 12:51 PM
Feb 2016

Big business got nervous and put on the brakes in the 70's (the Powell Memo, etc.,) preparing the people for the great turn around in the 1980 election. Any and all progress since then has been two steps forward, one and a half back.
It's been over 40 fucking years! It's the people's turn again!

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
13. one example
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 12:58 PM
Feb 2016

The Economist magazine during the late 70's and early 80's published many articles about "Steady-state Economics". They express a view that we should manage our limited resources with a view of the future. There was intellectual discussions on systems that would halt mindless growth.

It was a different world. Far too many do not understand the profound changes that have been forced on the thinking of the American people.

socialist_n_TN

(11,481 posts)
11. That's one of the MOST progressive things about the Sanders campaign.........
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 12:55 PM
Feb 2016

Changing that narrative. It even opens things up for even more radical and revolutionary ideas about organizing society. I honestly thought that was the main motive for Bernie running in the first place. It's been nice seeing his support rise for the last year and seeing how the discussion has already widened out into the general consciousness though.

One thing that I'm prepared for though is for the attempt at sweeping these mildly social democratic ideas under the rug just as soon as HRC clinches the nomination.

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
14. If that sad day does come...
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:02 PM
Feb 2016

The door has been opened. Many have come in from the dark. The push will continue if We the People refuse to settle.

socialist_n_TN

(11,481 posts)
16. Yeppers that's the key. Does the .......
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:06 PM
Feb 2016

movement continue after Bernie or does it ALLOW itself to be swept back under the rug. Because it's going to take militant action to bring about even mild social democratic changes. I don't want to stop at social democracy, I want the means of production in democratic workers hands.

jwirr

(39,215 posts)
21. Yes, if we supporters do not listen to him and continue the
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:38 PM
Feb 2016

revolution regardless of the outcome of the race then it will have a tough time changing anything.

However, things are already starting to change and that is a good sign. I think we may have fear on our side for a change.

The very idea that Bernie is doing so well is putting fear into the hearts of the 1% and their corporations. That is all it took for FDR to make the progress that he did after the Great Depression. If we win just maybe we can accomplish much of what we want. Just maybe the 1% and the corporations will see the hand writing on the wall.

 

KingCharlemagne

(7,908 posts)
24. My Socialist and Communist comrades constantly disparage Sanders' faux
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:46 PM
Feb 2016

socialism and argue that his principal function will be to shepherd progressives to support the unabashed capitalist Hillary. No matter that I point out that Sanders could get the nomination. In their minds, Hillary's endorsement of Sanders would only further demonstrate that Sanders is no friend of the proletariat!

Still scratching my head about how to counter that line. The good news, I suppose, is that true leftist sectarianism is alive and well.

Odin2005

(53,521 posts)
55. The Leninists completely misunderstand what "social revolution" in the Marxist sense is.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 04:32 PM
Feb 2016

If you look at the shift from an feudal to a capitalist society it took centuries of mostly local struggles, it wasn't just the French Revolution (which might not even have happened if Louis XVI has been a more competent leader) and the Napoleonic Wars. I think too many people on the Left have developed an almost messianic view of "The Revolution" derived from secularized Judeo-Christian apocalyptic sentiment and also with the popular romantic left-wing narrative of the French Revolution.

Social Revolution is a long, messy process, not some singular event.

davidpdx

(22,000 posts)
77. I tend to agree
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 08:34 AM
Feb 2016

If Sanders loses she won't adopt many of his ideas. She'll run on her own platform and we'll be told we have no choice in the matter. The only good thing she will do is appoint SCOTUS replacements if she gets elected. Campaign finance reform will fall dead and she'll start fundraising for 2020.

I keep hearing from Clinton supporters (both on and off DU) that a greater level of excitement for her will happen once she is nominated. I very much doubt it that is going to happen.

 

scottie55

(1,400 posts)
20. Conservatism Is Horrible For Our Nation - How About That Frame
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:18 PM
Feb 2016

To make a list of all the things "conservatives" support would make one sick.

Conservatism is horrible.

Push that frame down their 1% loving throats.

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
23. Many Many Thanks
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:45 PM
Feb 2016

It is a rare thread supporting Sanders that is not bashed.

This one must have hit home even there.

TIME TO PANIC

(1,894 posts)
27. Our biggest obstacle is the corporate media.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:53 PM
Feb 2016

We need to wage an all out war against the corporate media. This includes cutting the chord.

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
30. The speed in which the memes of the day are refuted by the power of the net...
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:55 PM
Feb 2016

brings hope that corporate media will be put in it's place.

TIME TO PANIC

(1,894 posts)
37. That's one of the things that worries me about the TPP.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:07 PM
Feb 2016

We can't lose net neutrality. The net is Bernie's lifeline, and it's the one thing preventing complete fascism, in my opinion.

Enthusiast

(50,983 posts)
68. I've often thought about that.
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 01:18 AM
Feb 2016

What results would we expect if they cut off a free internet? I think there would be a spontaneous uprising. Democracy would be over because the entire remaining non internet media is nothing but propaganda.

I also see a clear effort by the opposition to influence popular culture. They understand that is their weakness.

TIME TO PANIC

(1,894 posts)
69. We were really close to losing it back in 2014.
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 01:37 AM
Feb 2016

Thom wheeler FCC chairman (former lobbyist) thankfully caved due to public pressure. I'm afraid it's going to be an ongoing battle until we get rid of the revolving door.

Enthusiast

(50,983 posts)
70. More people need to understand about Bernie.
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 01:54 AM
Feb 2016

Understanding about Bernie, we win. Then we can work against the revolving door.

whatchamacallit

(15,558 posts)
29. Anyone outside that frame is a unicorn rancher
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 01:55 PM
Feb 2016

We need a president that can color inside the lines! Or something.

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
34. a unicorn rancher with a magic staff
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:01 PM
Feb 2016

The fight against Sanders has been so silly. The well paid and well trained talking heads had better come up with better stuff than "a unicorn rancher with a magic staff".

Change is pressing hard against their firewalls.

MasonDreams

(756 posts)
38. Thoughtcrime in an endless war world.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:08 PM
Feb 2016

Be afraid, be very afraid. All for hillary because she's not even close to as bad as trump.
Don't forget to fear, constantly. Fear what we tell you to fear. Freeze up with fear of foriegn terror!

Don't worry about the hot winter in the Arctic.

Please don't think about "foreign dangerous ideas" like
The New Deal and The Great Society. That "four eyes"
President on Mt. Rushmore, whatever you do don't don't
Remember the TRUSTBUSTER

 

avaistheone1

(14,626 posts)
49. ...and they not even going at full steam yet. Wait until we get closer to the election.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:47 PM
Feb 2016

MORE fear!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


dana_b

(11,546 posts)
44. Beautiful!!
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:26 PM
Feb 2016

And you're so right about these think tanks. How frustrating it must be to them that they spend their billions of dollars and along comes this guy who just starts laying it all out there and telling it like it is - and people are responding VERY positively to it?! He is saying that we can do these things IF we all work at it and IF we get the money out and IF we get the right people into office. It's such a simple message but it's honest.

 

SoLeftIAmRight

(4,883 posts)
45. Many Many Thanks
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:37 PM
Feb 2016

So very many people know that change must come. The many great ideas that are never presented to the American people offer hope and solutions that will give us a better and more sustainable world.

All movements need a voice. Bernie has stepped forward and offered his. It will be our job to make known to all that a better way of living is possible.

MasonDreams

(756 posts)
46. You are correct sir. Nail on the Head.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:39 PM
Feb 2016

Change the Narrative, Change the world

I feel the earth move, under my feet.
I feel the sky tumbling down tumbling down

I feel this Bern.

kristopher

(29,798 posts)
50. What government makes people happy? What government is good for business?
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 02:51 PM
Feb 2016
Research source cited below:
http://www.oecdbetterlifeindex.org/topics/life-satisfaction/
Life Satisfaction


Background
Measuring feelings can be very subjective, but is nonetheless a useful complement to more objective data when comparing quality of life across countries. Subjective data can provide a personal evaluation of an individual’s health, education, income, personal fulfilment and social conditions. Surveys, in particular, are used to measure life satisfaction and happiness.


Life satisfaction
Life satisfaction measures how people evaluate their life as a whole rather than their current feelings. When asked to rate their general satisfaction with life on a scale from 0 to 10, people across the OECD gave it a 6.6 grade. Life satisfaction is not evenly shared across the OECD however. Some countries – Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Portugal and Turkey – have a relatively low level of overall life satisfaction, with average scores of less than 5.6. At the other end of the scale, scores reach 7.5 in Denmark, Iceland and Switzerland. There is almost no difference in life satisfaction levels between men and women across OECD countries. However, when looking at people’s education level, there is a clear difference: whereas people who have only completed primary education across OECD countries have a life satisfaction level of 5.9, this score reaches 7 for people with tertiary education....

Details by country...



Monday, May 11, 2009
World's Happiest Countries? Social Democracies
by
Craig Brown
A new report released by the Organization for Economic Co-Operation and Development (OECD) shows that happiness levels are highest in northern European countries.

Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands rated at the top of the list, ranking first, second and third, respectively.

The US? As expected, the United States failed to make the top 10 but ranked among the highest for obesity and child poverty. Americans spend less than half the amount of time eating as the French, but have three times the obesity rate. “This tells us something about slow food, I think,” Simon Chappele, editor of the report said in an interview with NPR.

The report also showed the United States has the lowest mean age for women when they first gave birth, at 25.1 years old.
http://www.commondreams.org/further/2009/05/11/worlds-happiest-countries-social-democracies


These Are The Happiest Countries In The World
06/05/2015

Denmark’s residents are the most satisfied with their lives, according to the Better Life Index released Monday. According to the study, published annually by the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), the United States failed to crack the top 10 for the fifth consecutive year.

The Better Life Index rates the 34 OECD member nations, as well as Brazil and the Russian Federation, on 22 variables that contribute to overall well-being, including income, education, housing, health, and life satisfaction. 24/7 Wall St. reviewed the 10 countries with the highest life satisfaction score.

A healthy job market is one of the most important factors contributing to higher life evaluations. Employment rates — the percentage of the working-age population that is employed — were higher in each of the 10 countries with the highest life satisfaction score than the average employment rate for the countries reviewed.

Conversely, countries with relatively unhealthy job markets had lower life satisfaction scores. Unemployment rates were above 8.5% in seven of the 10 least happy countries, while they were lower than 7% in all but two of the happiest countries.

Healthy labor markets not only help promote job security, but also they can ...

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/06/05/these-are-the-happiest-co_n_7521674.html


Forbes Best countries for Business
http://www.forbes.com/best-countries-for-business/list/#tab verall

Rank Name GDP Growth GDP per Capita Trade Balance/GDP Population
#1 Denmark 1.1% $44,600 6.3% 5.6 M
#2 New Zealand 3.3% $35,300 -3.2% 4.4 M
#3 Norway 2.2% $67,200 9.4% 5.2 M
#4 Ireland 5.2% $51,300 3.7% 4.9 M
#5 Sweden 2.3% $46,200 6.2% 9.8 M
#6 Finland -0.4% $40,700 -1.8% 5.5 M
#7 Canada 2.4% $45,000 -2.1% 35.1 M
#8 Singapore 2.9% $83,100 19.1% 5.7 M
#9 Netherlands 1% $48,000 10.4% 16.9 M
#10 United Kingdom 3% $39,800 -5.9% 64.1 M
#11 Hong Kong 2.5% $55,100 1.9% 7.1 M
#12 Switzerland 1.9% $58,100 7.2% 8.1 M
#13 Iceland 1.8% $44,000 3.6% 0.3 M
#14 Australia 2.7% $46,600 -3% 22.8 M
#15 Belgium 1.1% $43,100 1.6% 11.3 M
#16 Portugal 0.9% $27,100 0.6% 10.8 M
#17 Lithuania 3% $27,300 0.1% 2.9 M
#18 Germany 1.6% $46,200 7.4% 80.9 M
#19 Estonia 2.9% $27,900 0.1% 1.3 M
#20 Slovenia 3% $29,900 6.9% 2 M
#21 Taiwan 3.8% $46,000 12.4% 23.4 M
#22 United States 2.4% $54,400 -2.2% 321.4 M
#23 Japan -0.1% $37,500 0.5% 126.9 M



After I Lived in Norway, America Felt Backward. Here’s Why.
A crash course in social democracy.

By Ann JonesJANUARY 28, 2016
http://www.thenation.com/article/after-i-lived-in-norway-america-felt-backward-heres-why/

Odin2005

(53,521 posts)
53. Bernie is blowing up the Reagainist narrative of the last 36 years.
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 04:08 PM
Feb 2016

In the minds of the Beltway-addled morons that is sacrilege and heresy and Bernie and his supporters must be burned at the stake to appease the holy Free Market.

passiveporcupine

(8,175 posts)
61. More people need to stop watching TV
Sat Feb 20, 2016, 10:27 PM
Feb 2016
There are many wise people that quietly offer rational solutions to many of the problems that we face. It is time to listen to these voices. It is time to elevate a different and rational approach to our problems.


And doing their own research on the internet. The internet has made all kinds of good (and bad) info available to us. It lets us use our critical thinking skills to determine what is right and what is wrong. TV does not give us that option. We are sheep being fed a line when we watch TV.

Enthusiast

(50,983 posts)
65. K&R! This post deserves hundreds of recommendations!
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 01:01 AM
Feb 2016

We desperately need a change in the narrative. The nation and the world need a change in the narrative.

colsohlibgal

(5,275 posts)
80. Trickeration
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 10:53 AM
Feb 2016

So many democrats say they are progressive but in reality that is only true with social issues. Kudos to those types for that, but socially liberal, while really important, does not totally cover for being a corporate democrat otherwise.

Also being an economic populist progressive further helps those marginalized by many.

We know who the economic populist really is in this race. I had to laugh when Hillary said the multi millions she has received from Wall Street would not have any relation to how she acts toward Wall Street. Hard to believe she could say that with a straight face. Or that most followers must believe that....or do not but don't care.

 

rhett o rick

(55,981 posts)
82. Great post. I want to use your last sentence.
Sun Feb 21, 2016, 11:09 AM
Feb 2016

"Take the chance - accept the challenge - join the movement that can Change the Narrative. "

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