A reader sent us a useful description of propaganda techniques:
“How to Identify Propaganda Techniques”
(So many parallels to the “reform agenda”.)
1
Look for the use of “glittering” generalities in the form of catchphrases, sweeping and vague statements. Slogans using positive and uplifting concepts such as love, honor, family, peace and freedom are often the tools used by propagandists because they appeal to the masses .
2
Watch for the use of symbols that are attached to authority or things most people respect. The Nazi swastika is an example of a symbol used to elicit an emotional response from the public such as, intimidation or fear. A respectful symbol, such as the American flag is used during the Pledge of Allegiance to unify people’s patriotism, reinforce their belief in God and loyalty to the country. This is the transference technique used to appeal to people’s emotions and get them on the propagandists’ bandwagon.
3
Be alert to name-calling. Propagandists will often make negative statements against groups or institutions they are attempting to denounce rather than positively tout the merits of their own proposals and concepts.
4
Be leery of testimonials by those who might garner respect from the public. Testimonials may be presented by a person who really doesn’t have the authority to gauge the value of the product or concept being presented, but is respected in the community. The “expert” may also have a vested interest in backing the propagandists’ agenda.
5
Be on the lookout for “plain folks.” Propagandists will often use spokesmen who claim to be from humble beginnings to gain the respect and trust of the crowd.
6
Watch for suggestions that if you’re not on board with the concept or product being hyped, you will be left out. Propagandists try to get followers on the “bandwagon” to avoid feelings of isolation and loneliness.
7
Be alert to strong, one-sided facts that support the propagandists’ case. “Card-stacking” is the most difficult propaganda technique to identify, GMU points out. The propagandists will stack the cards in their favor, only using facts and arguments that support their agenda, ignoring evidence that contradicts or invalidates their point of view.
How to Identify Propaganda Techniques | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_10061890_identify-propaganda-techniques.html#ixzz27d7iJU8k
Diane Ravitch's blog 
Sounds like much of the political scene in America
Read some books like Walter Lippmann’s “Liberty and the News” and “Public Opinion” and Bernays’s books “Propaganda” and “Public Relations” and you’ll see that propaganda has been a mainstay of American politics and life since WWI. Also check out Noam Chomsky’s “Manufacturing Consent”.
And if one has no belief in god, would the flag remain a respectful symbol or an attempt to get people on the religious bandwagon?
Very helpful comments. I think you’ll notice that the effect of all of these tactics is to get the subject to think emotionally, not rationally. So, the propagandist will try to demonize the choice they want you to reject and laud the choice they want you to make. Regarding the latter, note how they couch their descriptions in a sort of “everything to everybody” vagueness that allows you to insert your own desires and not the real details that are intentionally left out. Obama was excellent at this in 2008.
The list should be familiar to middle school students:
Persuasion in Print – Grade Eight
Vocabulary:
– bias
– bait and switch
– bandwagon
– emotional word repetition
– glittering generalities
– persuasive techniques
– propaganda
– testimonial
– stereotype
– transfer
Two questions:
– Does it survive transition to Common Core?
– Does it integrate with social studies standards/lessons on propaganda?
Sounds equally applicable to the reform crowd and the anti-reform crowd.
Boh political parties are experts at this and the party who wins is the best at manipulating by propaganda.