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Alinsky vs. Sun Tzu: How ancient strategy can be used against the Liberal Left.
The Constitutional Alamo ^ | 09/19/09 | Michael Naragon

Posted on 09/19/2009 2:33:22 PM PDT by Publius772000

In 2009, Saul Alinsky has been discussed in such a matter-of-fact way that many casual observers have heard of him. The following is a list of Alinsky’s 12 rules for upheaval:

RULE 1: “Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have.” RULE 2: “Never go outside the expertise of your people.” RULE 3: “Whenever possible, go outside the expertise of the enemy.” RULE 4: “Make the enemy live up to its own book of rules.” RULE 5: “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.” RULE 6: “A good tactic is one your people enjoy.” RULE 7: “A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag.” RULE 8: “Keep the pressure on. Never let up.” RULE 9: “The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.” RULE 10: “If you push a negative hard enough, it will push through and become a positive.” RULE 11: “The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative.” RULE 12: “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.”

Of these, Rules 4, 5, 8, and 12 have been used to greatest effect by the Left. In their war against the Constitution and traditional America, they have assailed, in turn, most of the great foundations of our society. They have removed God. They have made abortion mainstream. They have helped the tiny minority of gay and lesbian activists dictate policy to the majority. They have made millions dependent on government through social programs such as Social Security, Medicare, and now federal control of automakers, banks, energy, and health care. Granted, some of these Leftist changes took place long before Alinsky, but his principles have been widely used by the 21st century brand of so-called progressives who look to take the next step.

(Excerpt) Read more at theconstitutionalalamo.com ...


TOPICS: Government; History; Military/Veterans; Politics
KEYWORDS: acorn; alinsky; suntzu; teaparty; theleft
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Much has been made in recent political history of Saul Alinsky and his Rules for Radicals. Bill Clinton reportedly followed Alinsky’s advice. Barack Obama taught a class on using Alinsky principles to keep the nation in chaos. After all, it’s easier to get radical policies enacted during a crisis. However, I assert that there is an older, much more battle-tested set of rules for warfare that are becoming more applicable to politics in the United States as the political arena begins to resemble the Roman Colosseum: The Art of War by Sun-Tzu.

Full article can be found the The Constitutional Alamo.

1 posted on 09/19/2009 2:33:23 PM PDT by Publius772000
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To: Publius772000

We seem to be using the Alinsky tactics with some success recently. However its true that we should be looking for successful tactics wherever we find them.


2 posted on 09/19/2009 2:40:14 PM PDT by cripplecreek (Seniors, the new shovel ready project under socialized medicine.)
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To: Publius772000

This should be required reading for Conservatives and Republicans alike.


3 posted on 09/19/2009 2:46:51 PM PDT by freedumb2003 (Communism comes to America: 1/20/2009. Keep your powder dry, folks. Sic semper tyrannis)
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To: Publius772000

Hillary Clinton’s “hidden” thesis paper was on Saul Alinsky. In particular, she thanked “Mr. Alinsky for providing a topic, sharing his time and offering me a job”.

http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/news/2249577/posts

Here’s the shorthand explanation version of the Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals” and some of his most memorable quotes. Absolutely no reason why some of the successful methods of political warfare should not be used against the people the author was teaching. As a matter of fact, knowing your opponent’s strategy is essential to taking effective countermeasures and defeating the enemy’s tactics.


4 posted on 09/19/2009 2:46:58 PM PDT by CutePuppy (If you don't ask the right questions you may not get the right answers)
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To: Publius772000

Hillary Clinton not only studied directly under Saul Alinsky as his protégé - he actually asked her to take over for him and be his successor. But she refused because his modus operandi was outside of the government (via community organizers), and she wanted to use his tactics from inside the government (via Leftist bureaucrats and direct control of the Executive branch).


5 posted on 09/19/2009 2:48:51 PM PDT by Talisker (When you find a turtle on top of a fence post, you can be damn sure it didn't get there on it's own.)
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To: freedumb2003

know your enemy!


6 posted on 09/19/2009 2:49:36 PM PDT by ronnie raygun (spirit of 1776)
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To: Publius772000

"It's Rahm. He sez don't forget Alinksky RULE 8:
“Keep the pressure on. Keep trying new things to keep the
teabaggers off-balance. As they master one approach, hit 'em
from behind with something new."

7 posted on 09/19/2009 2:50:07 PM PDT by Liz
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To: Publius772000
Excellent post, thanks.
8 posted on 09/19/2009 2:51:33 PM PDT by Upstate NY Guy
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To: Publius772000

GReat article. We need to keep the pressure on and be more creative. James O’Keefe and Hannah nailed them. James also ridculed political correctness with his Lucky Charms video.


9 posted on 09/19/2009 2:51:49 PM PDT by Frantzie (Do we want ACORN running America's healthcare?)
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To: Publius772000

all very interesting, but these sob’s want to turn america into cuba.


10 posted on 09/19/2009 2:54:45 PM PDT by genghis
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To: Publius772000

F’ Alinski,

Close the OODA Loop.


11 posted on 09/19/2009 3:04:57 PM PDT by Dead Dog (Hope is Dope)
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To: Publius772000
From the article:

"If your opponent [has a hot temper], seek to irritate him. If he is taking his ease, give him no rest. If his forces are united, separate them. Attack him where he is unprepared; appear where you are not expected.” (Book I, Verses 22-24)"

It is time to organize, organize, organize and apply the principles given.

12 posted on 09/19/2009 3:29:14 PM PDT by EverOnward
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To: CutePuppy

Exactly so, which is one of Sun Tzu’s principles: know your enemy. This would include the enemy’s tactics, such as Alinsky’s rules.


13 posted on 09/19/2009 3:29:37 PM PDT by Publius772000 (http://theconstitutionalalamo.com)
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To: Publius772000

I don’t think it’s a matter of a particular approach.

The problem is “moderate” conservatives have become meek.

They pretend it’s about dignity - but it’s about being afraid.

Conservatives don’t need a book. They simply need to stop behaving so well.

Get mad. Then STAY MAD.

Pretty simple.


14 posted on 09/19/2009 3:32:24 PM PDT by Cringing Negativism Network (PALIN / BECK 2012.)
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To: EverOnward

The piece was written to encourage precisely that. For those who are fighting the fight, continue with an open eye. For those who have not yet joined the ranks, get involved. Sun Tzu said that our tactics should be like water, ever able to adapt to the situation at hand. We must keep fighting this takeover, but we must do so with the flexibility necessary to avoid defeat. That takes organization and teamwork.


15 posted on 09/19/2009 3:32:44 PM PDT by Publius772000 (http://theconstitutionalalamo.com)
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To: Publius772000

SITREP


16 posted on 09/19/2009 3:36:51 PM PDT by LiteKeeper (When do the impeachment proceedings begin?)
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To: Publius772000

BTTT


17 posted on 09/19/2009 3:50:51 PM PDT by philman_36 (Pride breakfasted with plenty, dined with poverty, and supped with infamy. Benjamin Franklin)
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To: Publius772000

I believe I know how conservatives can turn this around:

The answer is to go after Alinski, directly!! Full court press. Attack, attack, attack.

Make Alinski the issue. Demonize Alinski. Humiliate Alinski. Ridicule Alinski, and never stop.

Drive Alinski to ruin. Madness even. Then those, who support him.

THAT is the answer. :)


18 posted on 09/19/2009 3:54:09 PM PDT by Cringing Negativism Network (PALIN / BECK 2012.)
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To: Publius772000

Just wondering, is Saul Alinsky a pedophile?...

Not accusing. Just asking...


19 posted on 09/19/2009 4:02:34 PM PDT by Cringing Negativism Network (PALIN / BECK 2012.)
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To: Publius772000

Bump for later...


20 posted on 09/19/2009 4:11:57 PM PDT by ExpatGator (Extending logic since 1961.)
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