One of the most influential men in American history is someone you probably have never heard of before. Even though you will not see his face anywhere or hear his name, his ideas have led to some of the most potent and sinister political attacks on conservatism in our time. This man was a major influence on the life and work of President Obama. He was the subject of Hillary Clinton’s senior thesis in college. His legacy lives on today in the media and the progressive left. This mysterious power player’s name is Saul Alinsky. His book Rules for Radicals is still the playbook for leftists today and conservatives would do well to identify the tactics they employ against us.
One of the core tenants of Alinsky’s rules is that “ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.” You do not have to look far to see how ridicule is used in the political arena to minimize and demonize conservatives. Donald Trump is a prime example of this. While the left spends a lot of time criticizing his every move, you may notice that they spend even more of their time mocking him. They certainly do not do this because they are fun-loving people. The reason behind that is Alinsky’s rule. By employing the weapon of ridicule, they give Trump and his ideas the appearance of being laughable and not worth taking seriously. As an added bonus, it makes anyone who agrees with Trump look foolish by association.
Saul Alinsky’s Rules for Radicals is not just a tome from history. It details the strategies liberals use all the time. There is a reason you will never see Alinsky’s books make the claim that the key to winning the hearts and minds of the American people is with better ideas. That is because leftists know they cannot win on that front. Conservatives should not be flustered when the left resorts to meeting facts with laughter. Follow the lead of great conservatives like President Donald Trump and do not allow others to laugh off the facts and logic supporting the firm convictions you hold.
By Phyllis Schlafly:
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