Yesterday's post dealt with negative campaign ads.

Today, let's look at a totally different style:  Wussy campaign catchphrases.

I've been seeing these yard signs that urge voters to vote "NO!" on Proposition 107.  Hear, hear!  say I.  Prop 107 is an amendment to the state constitution, to wit:

ARTICLE XXX. MARRIAGE
TO PRESERVE AND PROTECT MARRIAGE IN THIS STATE, ONLY A UNION BETWEEN ONE MAN AND ONE WOMAN SHALL BE VALID OR RECOGNIZED AS A MARRIAGE BY THIS STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS AND NO LEGAL STATUS FOR UNMARRIED PERSONS SHALL BE CREATED OR RECOGNIZED BY THIS STATE OR ITS POLITICAL SUBDIVISIONS THAT IS SIMILAR TO THAT OF MARRIAGE.

We've already got a law on the books that covers this.  The proponents of this amendment want to avoid any court challenges to the current law by putting it into the state constitution.

Cool.  They've got the right to propose the amendment; I've got the right to vote no on the proposition.  I've also got the right to hope it doesn't pass, and to tell all and sundry so on my blog (vote "No"!).

So what is the catchphrase on the "pro" side?  "Protect marriage!"  A rallying cry to the traditionalists out there.  Bold, strong, straightforward.  I think it's a bunch of hogwash (my marriage doesn't need any protection, thankyewverramuch), but, there it is--the motto is pretty strong.  It's a clarion call, code words that automatically get the blood stirring on a particular side on a particular issue.

On the other side?  What are the opponents of Prop 107 using as their motto on yard signs?

"Takes away healthcare".

Oh, wow.

Y'know, yeah, healthcare is a vital issue to many voters.  It's high on all those "what concerns you the most" survey lists.

But, sheeit.  Folks, can't you come up with something stronger?  Something that actually takes a stand?  How about "Denies civil rights!"  Or "Marriage doesn't need protection!"  Or "Ditch homophobia!"

"Takes away healthcare"--oh, yeah, that makes me want to run right out and stand on the street with a sandwich board proclaiming my support!  I can just imagine the marching songs with "takes away healthcare" as the stirring refrain.  Let's all go to the "takes away healthcare" rally at the square this Saturday!

Hunh.  Just doesn't do it for me.

The No on Prop 107 folks are concentrating on the effects to non-gay, non-married couples.  Politically expedient, oh yes.  Courageous?  Oh, no.

Technorati: Politics, political ads, prop 107