[Askel5]

You're mistaken if you believe the Soviets and China didn't understand and avail themselves of Gramsci's "destruction from within" strategies ... particularly the eroding of faith, tradition and all other strongholds of the COMMON SENSE necessary to keep individuals vigilant and nations strong.

[cicero's_son]

No, askel5, you misunderstand me.

I realize that the soviets used Gramscian tactics against us to great effect. My point was merely that the early leadership of the Internationale did not see the power of Gramscianism. They banged tables, promised war and destruction, and generally confronted us head on.

If they had chosen a pure Gramscian tack from the outset, I believe far more damage might have been done.

[cicero's_son]

The other thing that troubles me about this approach is the possibility that Gramscianism is intrinsically corrupting.

It has the feel of a dark art to me, and I wonder if anyone can really employ it without being contaminated. I have never been able to reach a conclusion about this.

Some have argued that it is morally neutral; are chemical weapons "morally neutral?"