California Budget a Victim of 'Minority Rule'? - George Lakoff

Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2009/08/03/Politics_of_Language_George_Lakoff

George Lakoff proposes a 14-word ballot initiative for California to decide budget and tax issues with a majority vote in the legislature. Lakoff argues that the current two-thirds requirement makes it too easy for the minority party to stall legislation. "We have minority rule by one-third plus one."

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George Lakoff makes plain how the words used by politicians translate to the public's support for various political issues. Language matters - especially when it comes to politics.

A founder of the field of cognitive science, Lakoff takes an in-depth look at the ways in which our brains understand politics, breaking down the politics of language. - Commonwealth Club of California

George P. Lakoff is a professor of linguistics (in particular, cognitive linguistics) at the University of California, Berkeley, where he has taught since 1972.

Although some of his research involves questions traditionally pursued by linguists, such as the conditions under which a certain linguistic construction is grammatically viable, he is most famous for his ideas about the centrality of metaphor to human thinking, political behavior and society.

He is particularly famous for his concept of the "embodied mind" which he has written about in relation to mathematics. In recent years he has applied his work to the realm of politics, and founded a progressive think tank, the Rockridge Institute.

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[funkalunatic]

He's not talking about racial minorities. He's talking about Republicans.

Nobody reading your racist posts believes that you're black.

[Scoforever]

California is fucked.

[letsgoforajoyride]

what..? a professor that doesnt profess their own fucked up liberal ideologies as fact to their sheepish students? i dont believe it..

[califomia]

how can i help??

[wethepeoplefor4]

You may want to look up the words "republic" and "democracy." Also, look up the word "oligarchy." You can have a "democratic-republic" and an "oligarchic-republic."... With big-money interests funding candidates, these interest actually determine who we the people get choose from and vote for in the ballot booth. I call this an "oligarchic-republican" system. Until we get big money out of politics, we will never truly have a "democratic-republic."

[wethepeoplefor4]

You must have bought a million dollar car to completely stop all the spending you listed!

[judyacox]

I agree with Dr. Lakoff. I'm tired of legislation by poll and tired also of a rich, resources-rich state being unable to govern itself.

[danthor999]

I see the State has raised my DMV fees, Lets have a look at how that works at my House. No More Charitable Donations, No More Church Donations, No more Shopping at Stores in Financial trouble, No more going to the Mall, Place no ops on 2 Vehicles, reduce Vehicle Insurance, Remove Phone & use Alternative Free with no taxes, Cancel Cable and use Alternative Free with no taxes. Result is lower taxes for Me !!! Eat Me---Thor

[Zoiros85]

Nothing wrong with the sound.

[socoolbob]

You should hate your computer. Sound is find for me.

[ApocalypticMetalHead]

California. lol The trendsetter becomes the state nobody wants. State government destroyed Cali.