Is what is NOT being said spin? Of course. In the PR world we call it spin, in politics we call it a great plan. It was, or sounded like a great plan when President Clinton proposed using Fannie Mae, the quasi government morgage guarantee company, to help people who would have not been able to receive a loan through normal means. This policy (circa 1999) helped many struggling Americans receive a loan to buy a home, who otherwise would not be able to qualify. Sounds good so far... what is NOT being said is the inevitable cause and effect when government interfears in the free market. Such as Bizillions of dollars loaned to these people who now can't afford the payments. Big mess! So big that I heard this would require a $700 BILLION bailout from the lovely taxpayers (you & me).
Last week we witnessed Barney Frank gabing about the current economic trainwreck caused by President Bush. Not one word from the 'Frankfurter' about this being a Clinton policy to begin with... talk about spin :) One guess who wrote this fine peice of legislation for the Clinton administration.
Times up! Barney Frank. Don't you just love politics.
Last week we witnessed Barney Frank gabing about the current economic trainwreck caused by President Bush. Not one word from the 'Frankfurter' about this being a Clinton policy to begin with... talk about spin :) One guess who wrote this fine peice of legislation for the Clinton administration.
Times up! Barney Frank. Don't you just love politics.
The PR world is always being called out and blamed for spin, but when we look to the governement and disect their proposals the proof is in the pudding. As PR professionals it is our ethical responsibility to stear clear of propaganda because guess what, people will only beleive and trust what you say for so long. But it is our respobsibilty as Americans to inform ourselves so that we can see through this spinning mess. Because I learned as a child if you spin enough inevitably you get sick and pay the price.
2 comments:
This comment, might be a little lengthy, you got me thinking and I enjoying doing research so here ya go Ms. Veryluys....
Though I am not a financial expert, pretty useless when it comes to that, I like the angle that you took with this. All companies/organizations have one thing in common: to communicate a message effectively with a target audience to maintain a positive image with those peoples. But since we are promoting our good qualities, and downplaying the negative ones, can PR professionals, and the profession as a whole, ever overcome the negativity of spin, especially those working in the political and government sector.
If you look back at the history of PR, starting with Berneys was under the impression that public relations could be used to control the masses. The finger can even be pointed at governments for war time propaganda. A recent example can be seen with Alastar Campbell, British "spin-doctor" former press secretary to the Prime Minister, and his production of a documentary on why Britain should go to war with Iraq did very little for his reputation and eventually lead to his resignation because "his high profile fueled criticism that the Government is too concerned with 'spin' rather than substance.
Lynn your words of wisdom can be put to use across the board and in all of our future careers as the PR people, especially with the frequent use of feedback mechanisms and the internet were everyone can publish their content or dissatisfaction with whatever they please. Which is what happened to Campbell, and he eventually stepped down from his position.
I have to say I'm pretty horrified by your comments in general. To write any more would be unprofessional on my part.
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