Return-Path: <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Received: from literacy (localhost [127.0.0.1]) by literacy.nifl.gov (8.10.2/8.10.2) with SMTP id hBNHXxm06067; Tue, 23 Dec 2003 12:33:59 -0500 (EST) Date: Tue, 23 Dec 2003 12:33:59 -0500 (EST) Message-Id: <000701c3c978$44d6eb60$130101c8@workstation1> Errors-To: listowner@literacy.nifl.gov Reply-To: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Originator: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Sender: nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov Precedence: bulk From: "George Demetrion" <george.demetrion@lvgh.org> To: Multiple recipients of list <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:2634] Re: Can EFF be squared with moderately conservative principles X-Listprocessor-Version: 6.0c -- ListProcessor by Anastasios Kotsikonas X-Mailer: Microsoft Outlook Express 6.00.2800.1158 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 7bit Content-Type: text/plain; Status: O Content-Length: 3821 Lines: 84 Andrea, Thanks, Your point is well taken on asking others to weigh in here. I think that's critical. On some of your specific comments: In terms of being squared; I'm speaking here in terms of core principles, the 8 that I laid out. That, obviously would depend on a political climate that fostered a degree of trust and a willingness to cross some ideological and political boundaries and a willingness to loosen up a bit on purity of doctrine, whether on the left or the right. Whether that is likely in fact at this time is another matter, but whether or the extent to which one has an open mind about it, is a contributing factor in itself. In terms of code words, your point is well taken. There is a wide range of code words pervasive in the political culture. In part, it depends on whether one is using the term family values or "family values," if you see the difference there. In terms if specifics, the common lineage for squaring EFF with family values would be the Parent/Family Role Map. Consider the core definition: "Effective family members contribute to building and maintaining a strong family system that promotes growth and development." This core definition is supported by the Broad Areas of Responsibilities (BAR), those being: * Promote Family Members' Growth and Development * Meet family Needs and Responsibilities Strengthen the Family System Then fill those in with the Key Activities for each BAR, all of which is intended to enhance the core definition. No doubt the interpretation of these various components could be subject to particular political and ideological explanation or even rationalization, though that's my point. That is, my point is that the core framework, in principle, can be appropriated from a moderate conservative or a moderate progressive framework based on the core values of EFF itself. Whether the political climate is receptive to such middle ground exploration is another matter and a critical one. I simply raise the point, which I have not seem publicly articulated before, that in principle, EFF can be squared with conservative as well as progressive principles because they reflect the ethos of the American dream of an inclusive democratic political culture as defined within the framework of a market economy. Whether that ideal is a worthy one to be nurtured or experimented with is a critical matter in itself; my point being that EFF squares with this ideal. Therefore, when one looks closely at the EFF framework, its vision and its many components, it is evident that it is squarable within the context of a broad political spectrum. Whether it actually squares with it is another story. George Demetrion ----- Original Message ----- From: <AWilder106@aol.com> To: "Multiple recipients of list" <nifl-4eff@literacy.nifl.gov> Sent: Tuesday, December 23, 2003 11:14 AM Subject: [NIFL-4EFF:2633] Re: Can EFF be squared with moderately conservative principles > Dear George, > > Squared? The difficulty with your argument is that you are making linguistic matches across a political spectrum without being specific about the behaviors the words represent. As an example, not sure how it connects to EFF, but maybe you can explain--family values. I believe this is usually taken as a code word for a two parent male and female coupled fmaily with children. I have read a ton of NIFL listserv emails, and this is not what emerges--there is quite a variety out there of family relationships. > > Are you searching for a political case to make? I'm not sure the labels will get much traction when people with purse strings look below the surface. I wonder what others think. > > By the way, I like what I know of EFF, maybe you just need to sand down your argument, get down to what the unvarnished wood looks like. > > Andrea
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