Rep. Lujan Seeking “Decoder” Entries for Translating Republican Lingo

Rep. Ben Ray Lujan is working on a “Decoder Dictionary” to help decipher Republican policy catchphrases, according to the Daily Kos website.

The Democratic congressman from Santa Fe first broached the subject in early April during a floor speech on the Republican budget proposal. His press secretary,  Andrew Stoddard, tells me this morning that Lujan pursued the idea after a blogger heard the speech and encouraged the congressman to come up with more. Lujan agreed.

“Republicans … won’t come right out and tell the American people that they want to give tax breaks to millionaires and billionaires on the backs of working families,” Lujan wrote on Daily Kos today. “In an effort to disguise their extreme agenda they have adopted talking points that might sound good, but require a closer look.  For example when they say “Premium Support System,” what they really mean are vouchers and privatization.  When they say “Pro-growth changes to the tax code” they mean more tax cuts for millionaires and billionaires. Help me turn the spotlight on the Republicans rhetoric and the reality of their agenda.  Share your favorite examples from the Republican dictionary and their true meaning and together we’ll help spread the word.”

So far, at least 20 Daily Kos readers have chimed in.

Lujan’s speech in April provides examples of the kinds of translations he’s looking for. He’s agreed to read on the floor some of those submission that are appropriate, “although he promises to personally enjoy allcomments, even those that might make his mother blush,” writes Daily Kos contributor The Fat Lady Sings.

Here’s Lujan on the “Republican dictionary” during his April floor speech:

Let’s talk about the Republican Dictionary.

“Premium Support System:” When they talk about premium support systems, they mean vouchers and privatization.

“Pro-growth Changes to the Tax Code:” When they talk about pro-growth changes…in fact, when they talk about anythingthat’s going to change the tax code, they mean more cuts to millionaires and billionaires.
Lujan seems to be enjoying the decoder contributions, and hopes for more. Meanwhile, I’m thinking Republicans might have some decoding ideas of their own.