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Conservatives As Revolutionaries: How To Fight When You’re An Alien In Your Own Land
The Federalist ^ | October 29, 2021 | Christopher Bedford

Posted on 10/29/2021 8:37:19 AM PDT by Kaslin

Today, the left is better at revolutionary ideas, in part because they’re willing to be revolutionary in their thinking and in their governing.


The story of the past 100-plus years is the story of the rout of American conservatism — and the near complete and total takeover of the country and its Commanding Heights by a cadre of highly intelligent, determined, and ruthless individuals.

How did the century begin? The left started from a humble base: a few people here and there, but certainly not dominating the levers of society. They were scattered about entertainment and Congress, and only truly formidable in the union halls and universities.

One hundred years later, it’s all over. The old “rebels” now control Hollywood and Silicon Valley and sports and television and the American Medical Association and both houses of Congress and Wall Street and the White House and the Boy Scouts and your child’s elementary and the bathrooms they use. Oh, and they still have the big unions and nearly all the universities, too.

So how did they do it? How did all their rage against the machine become the machine? How did they win the Second American Revolution? It’s worth understanding how they won the second if we’ll have any hope to win the third.

The first thing we need to do when figuring out the conservative revolution is to understand this: We may have been good at it once — when men like John Adams, James Madison, and John Jay strode the earth — but no longer.

Today, the left is better at revolutionary ideas, in part because they’re willing to be revolutionary in their thinking and in their governing. Notice they don’t tinker around the edges quite the same way we do. Read a left-wing publication like Vox or Mother Jones or The Washington Post, and they’re bursting with a whole list of things they want done to ensure the left gets what it wants in the years to come.

To them, there’s no barrier too difficult to remove; no norm too sacred to violate. If the U.S. Senate stands in the way, just abolish the filibuster. Electoral College causing you heartburn? Come up with a clever go-around to negate it!

Conservatives actually believe in the Constitution and tradition so we aren’t willing to go these distances to get what we want. That’s fine — it’s what sets us apart from the lesser beasts. But conservatives also have to escape from their self-imposed paralysis. “Too bad, we tried, time to go post a meme on Facebook owning the libs then feel sad when Facebook bans it.”

Seriously: How many times have you heard “it’s the law of the land” delivered as some unassailable reason that thousands of years of Western tradition rooted in God’s laws ought simply to be abandoned?

We can’t afford the political assumption that nothing that’s been done can be undone. We need to look around us — at the systems and institutions of the United States in 2021 — and realize that in our current state, precious little of this is worth conserving at all.

Large aspects of our power structures are cancerous, but from time to time and place to place, we have the ability to change that. We live in a representative democracy, and when we hold the levers of power, we are able to act without being shackled by the mistakes of the generations that lost the Second American Revolution.

How to go about this is a broad and serious discussion, but here’s another idea: Take away the left’s privileges and their immunities — the different protections and power perches they’ve carved for themselves over the years.

These privileges and immunities are not self-evident rights by God, and they are not inalienable. They, like much of the rot in our society, are the product of policies from our executive, legislatures, and courts, extended at a time when we may have been feeling more generous, maybe more trusting — and certainly less rebellious.

For example: Why are we funneling more than $45 billion every year to colleges and universities in the form of federal student loans? Think about how the system works: We’ve given colleges a stranglehold on access to the upper tiers of the economy. There are people who succeed without a college diploma, but for far too many, it’s a functional necessity.

So colleges have been cashing in, raising tuition 5, 6, 8 percent a year — and the federal government dutifully ponies up every time. We pony up by automatically giving massive student loans to every student who asks for one.

Who benefits from those loans? In the short run, it’s not the students, it’s the schools. But the schools have no responsibility for that loan being paid back — that responsibility is the student’s alone. By the way, if a student drops out or his career doesn’t pan out, he can’t discharge those loans in bankruptcy.

Young people get crushed while colleges get a boom time that never ends: limitless federal dollars they can use to fund fat administrator salaries and tenured professors of anti-American studies. We don’t need to accept this. There’s nothing in the Constitution that says colleges need limitless federal support. Conservatives can, and should, demand a better system.

At a minimum, a good start would be making colleges co-sign every loan taken out for a student to attend. If a student doesn’t succeed enough to pay off his student loans, then the college should be on the hook; they sold a bill of goods and didn’t deliver.

But we can dream bigger. Our public colleges and our public K-12 systems have massive diversity, inclusion, and equity bureaucracies. We all know what those really are: sinecures for the woke; ransom that we pay to the barbarians hoping they will spare our village for another day.

As Rudyard Kipling wrote, however, paying tribute only means more will be demanded in the future. The diversity tumor only grows — unless we tear it out.

There is no reason a single publicly funded school in a red state should have a diversity bureaucracy. Get rid of them; we have the power to act. The left won’t like it: I can already hear the howls of execration. But so what?

For a moment, think like you’re fighting for the survival of your country: Their disingenuous, shrieking street theater doesn’t matter in a state where citizens disagree with them, and which has chosen its politicians accordingly.

So let’s look to the courts next. The right has been so fixated on overturning Roe v. Wade for so many decades that it’s easy to forget how many other bad precedents are out there.

Why, for example, do we still have racial discrimination in school admissions and government hiring when it plainly violates the U.S. Constitution? Because of bad court rulings — rulings that could be overturned if we made it a priority to select judges who do that.

Or how about this: If the University of Texas Austin wants to discriminate, then break their board and reconstitute it. The governor of Texas can do that; he doesn’t even need to wait for Ron DeSantis to go first.

Here’s another ruling that deserves a second look: New York Times v. Sullivan. That was a banger of a case where the Times libeled the leaders of a local police department.

That wasn’t even in dispute: The Times printed damaging lies about them. But the Supreme Court ruled that because the police leaders were public figures, the standard for libeling them was almost impossibly high to meet.

You know what? That standard might have worked when we had a broadly bipartisan media that wanted to hold government accountable without being sued into oblivion for any mistake, but today we have hired creeps who lie with impunity to push the left’s agenda.

How about corporations? They haven’t had the best interests of the American people in mind in a very long time. In fact, nearly every single terrible move this country has made for the past 30 years has originated in a boardroom. So why are we protecting them?

Would our corporate executives act differently toward their colleagues, clients, and shareholders if they were responsible to more than just an ever-shifting stock market? Or if their own personal wealth and cars and car elevators were on the line?

Right now, top Wall Street bankers aren’t personally on the hook for massive losses (even when they receive a huge taxpayer bailout) because we’ve chosen to make the law that way. It used to be different, and we could go back to the old way at any time.

There are things worth conserving in this country: religion and the family, for example, even in their tattered states. But we need to think differently about the institutions that have been weaponized against us — and we need to break them.

Once we understand how we got here, we’ll realize this hypothesis isn’t so scandalous. What is scandalous is our leaders’ refusal to know what time it is.

In the early 1960s, as the radicals raged and the liberals watched, the late great M. Stanton Evans wrote an article for Young Americans for Freedom’s college-aged magazine, The New Guard. In it, he asked, “can conservatives be revolutionary?” Sixty years ago, he thought this was the correct way to think.

Today, it’s the only way.


TOPICS: Culture/Society; Editorial
KEYWORDS: 2022election; 2024election; americanrevolution; election2022; election2024; fsla; gregabbot; nytimesvssullivan; rondesantis; wallstreet
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1 posted on 10/29/2021 8:37:19 AM PDT by Kaslin
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To: Kaslin
Yesterday, I watched the excellent--even magnificent--1930 film of Erich Maria Remarque's All Quiet on the Western Front, directed by Lewis Milestone, with Lew Aryes in an unforgettable performance as Paul, the young man who volunteers to go to war only to discover all its horrors and how he had been misled by the general propaganda and mass brainwashing sweeping through Germany at the outbreak of World War I, especially his Professor, who shamed and induced his students into volunteering.

What struck me most was the similarities between the Professor and American educators today, from kindergarten through universities.

The Professor, who appears in the beginning and the end of the movie, spews out propaganda to his students, oblivious--and indifferent--to its mendacity (just as American educators do today), inciting them to action which will prove destructive and self-destructive. The young men, his students, excited by his indoctrination, rush to volunteer for the war!

In the end, when Paul returns to his classroom, in military uniform, sickened by the horrors of war and aware of the truth about it and the truth of how he and his friends had been misled, the Professor expects Paul to join his propaganda. When Paul speaks the truth about the horrors of war, the Professor is outraged and flabbergasted and tries to silence Paul. The Professor's brainwashed students stand and shout accusations of treason at Paul, calling him a traitor. Realising that none of them will accept truth, Paul leaves.

How alike are the German schools just before World War I and the US schools of 2021!

The German schools precipitated the horrors of World War I, the Nazi Regime, and World War II.

What horrors are today's benighted American Professors precipitating?

They're not alone. The entire USA and foreign lands also are barraged by their destructive, mendacious, sick and depraved propaganda, from the news media, celebrities, politicians of course, and ubiquitous sources.

Fortunately, my children and grandchildren have resisted it.

Pray for America's children and all people throughout the world, that they will resist the evil and prevent unimaginable horrors that will result from it if it is not resisted.

2 posted on 10/29/2021 8:46:57 AM PDT by Savage Beast (God-knowing saints see the Lord in everything--not in imagination, but realisation. --Yogananda)
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To: Kaslin

Valid Points imho


3 posted on 10/29/2021 8:47:25 AM PDT by no-to-illegals ( The enemy has US surrounded. God’s speed FRiends)
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To: Kaslin

[[ Today, the left is better at revolutionary ideas, in part because they’re willing to be revolutionary in their thinking and in their governing]]

But primarily because they own everything, from cops, to big business, to social media, to main stream media, to courts, to domestic terrorist groups like blm and antifa, which they use to beat the crap out of znyone that stands in the lefts way, end even to the Supreme Court, despite being in the minority there technically. It is so bad lopsided in their favor that even our Supreme Court was afraid to rule objectively about something as serious as election fraud for fear of blm burning down more of America in their racists riots,


4 posted on 10/29/2021 8:50:17 AM PDT by Bob434
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To: Savage Beast

If you get the chance try and read or watch the companion
work,Erich Maria Remarque’s “The Road Back”.

In which Paul survives the war along with some of his
comrades and has to deal with the aftermath both political,
physical and psychological, Even the PTSD of war dogs is
covered.

Everyone knows about “All Quiet” but most have not read
the mirror work.

Enjoy.


5 posted on 10/29/2021 8:54:56 AM PDT by tet68 ( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
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To: Kaslin
It is my observation that conservatives aren't inclined to do anything that would reverse the rot that has taken over our society. They blog the hell out of everything, but rarely lift a finger in protest in any physical form. I doubt they even contact their representatives. To make matters worse, they tend to be inflexibly opinionated to the point where cooperation amongst them is just impossible.

Sad, but true.

6 posted on 10/29/2021 8:57:06 AM PDT by GingisK
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To: Bob434

They own everything because conservatives saw what was going on, and then bitch-blogged about it. Then they move on to the next topic on the forum. Conservatives almost never pushed back in any meaningful way.


7 posted on 10/29/2021 8:58:58 AM PDT by GingisK
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To: Kaslin

Bookmark


8 posted on 10/29/2021 9:00:36 AM PDT by Southside_Chicago_Republican (The more I learn about people, the more I like my dog. )
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To: Savage Beast
There are things worth conserving in this country: religion and the family, for example, even in their tattered states. But we need to think differently about the institutions that have been weaponized against us — and we need to break them.

Its too late for change via persuasion, logic or pleas to the Constitution. The left has grabbed control of all levels of government, and most social institutions. As we can see, the ONLY way the Left can push their agenda is through continued massive debt spending, in printed, fiat money they control, and using that to buy-off their supporters and cronies. By the ever increasing fiscal numbers we see, it is clear that even this is facing diminishing utility.

So bankruptcy is coming anyway, and its best if conservatives accept it, and get ahead of it. This is also the only way way Fed.gov and state governments will be reformed - when they have no choice, akin to the Soviet Union in 1991. It will be ugly, but what will be left is what the Constitution intended - local rule, less government and freedom of civil society to set its own course. Conservatives need to encourage the bankruptcy of Fed.gov

RINOs in DC are still working with the deep-state and uniparty to keep the bloated progressive structure from crumbling. The DNC proposes $2.5 Trillion in corrupt "stimulus" and the GOP reaction is to propose a mere $1 Trillion. Nonsense.

As the article points out, it is indeed a revolutionary way of thinking for conservatives.

9 posted on 10/29/2021 9:15:29 AM PDT by PGR88
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To: GingisK

AActually, almost 500 conservatives have been tar g etted y the fbi and many thrown into solitary confinement for standing up for what was right. Many more do far more that blog or post to forums. They are out in their communities, going to rallies, doing protests that often ,ead to them being arrested when they try to defend themselves against the violence of the left, etc etc etc.


10 posted on 10/29/2021 9:20:39 AM PDT by Bob434
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To: GingisK

Also, conservatives have been trying to fight the e,edtion fraud against massive odds, and are being denied their day in court because corrupt courts are in on the steal because the left own everything. It’s not fair to claim conservatives do nothing. Even getting word out on blogs helps motivate people to get more invo,involved,, even if al. They can do pyysically is to vote and donate to candidates who can try to. Make difference


11 posted on 10/29/2021 9:24:40 AM PDT by Bob434
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To: Kaslin

Conservatives need to use the power of our wallets - need to stop spending our money and defund the left:

- Buy American Made only as much as you
- Buy Local preferably from conservative businesses
- Pay cash (starve the data collectors)
- Move you money, retirement, 401K money out of Blackrock & Vanguard Funds - they hate you and keep investing billions in your enemies (I moved a ton out just recently - found other funds that had virtually the same holdings in their funds, took about 1 hour).
- Block every left wing company’s ads on Twitter & Facebook.
- Stop using Google unless absolutely necessary.

- Run for local school boards, councils, committees if you can

Feel free to add to this list


12 posted on 10/29/2021 9:35:07 AM PDT by PMAS (Vote with your wallets, there are 80 million of us - No China made, No Amazon)
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To: Kaslin
I would argue that progressives have done a masterful job of damaging the Republican brand, but have been far less successful at ridding society of conservative beliefs. Think of how many Democrats you know who live fundamentally conservative/libertarian lives but equate GOP office-holders with authoritarians and would never vote for one.

The solution is obvious when this is realized. It will take time and money, but their own rigidity of thought can easily be turned against them.

13 posted on 10/29/2021 9:41:28 AM PDT by Mr. Jeeves ([CTRL]-[GALT]-[DELETE])
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To: PMAS

One thing that really gets me is Christmas ornaments made in China.


14 posted on 10/29/2021 9:51:29 AM PDT by Kaslin (Joe Biden, aka president Milk Carton)
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read later bump

looks like a good article


15 posted on 10/29/2021 10:30:25 AM PDT by Kevmo (I’m immune from Covid since I don’t watch TV.🤗)
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To: Kaslin

It’s not just colleges and universities, it’s K-12. The cancer needs to be cut out.


16 posted on 10/29/2021 10:37:03 AM PDT by 1Old Pro (Let's make crime illegal again!)
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To: Kaslin

In other (and less words) Gramsci’s long walk through the institutions worked like a charm for the left.

Also the left has been and is much more committed and passionate to it’s “values” than us on the right. As a result they’ve been able to recruit armies of activists and organizers that can be called at a moments notice to raise hell and cause pain to anyone that stands in their way.

This is a game that two can play, but in order to win it you must be more determined and passionate about your belief system and be ready to do what it takes (no matter the sacrifice) than the other guy.

Waking up every two years and voting and being “good citizens” ain’t going to cut it.

The rules of the game have drastically changed and we better wake up to that fact or our slaughter will only intensify.


17 posted on 10/29/2021 10:53:35 AM PDT by aquila48 (Do not let them make you "care" ! Guilting you is how they control you. )
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To: tet68
I didn't know about The Road Back. I'll read it. Thank you.

Right now I'm trying to download All Quiet so I can read it in German.

I love Remarque.

Today I watched again the scenes, in All Quiet, of the Professor. How he is like today's American "educators," who indoctrinate their students with their propaganda and mendacity!

Watching the Professor in the 1930 movie is like watching today's Professors in American classrooms from kindergarten to college.

My grandson (8th grade) recently said this to me:"My generation is the most cynical generation in American history." I think he's right. We who are honest know why.

There was a time when US teachers endeavoured to teach their students how to think. Today that's the last thing they want them to do (just like the Professor in All Quiet). They endeavour is to indoctrinate them--so that they cannot think for themselves!

Most do not realise what evil they are producing, with their propaganda, mendacity, and indoctrination.

18 posted on 10/29/2021 11:27:26 AM PDT by Savage Beast (God-knowing saints see the Lord in everything--not in imagination, but realisation. --Yogananda)
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To: Savage Beast

The education system has and is de-nationalizing
our youth to the point they no longer see any need
to defend our system of government.

I was lucky enough to come across a set of Remarque
at a flea market many years ago.

What we are seeing now is the culmination of a hundred
years of communist preparation.


19 posted on 10/29/2021 11:37:58 AM PDT by tet68 ( " We would not die in that man's company, that fears his fellowship to die with us...." Henry V.)
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To: Kaslin

John Adams, James Madison, and John Jay were extraordinarily liberal in their time. Some of the other founding fathers were probably more liberal than the majority of the American population today in at least some matters, such as Thomas Jefferson with regard to Christianity.

Conservatism by its nature is docile. It is the only conclusion I can come to that explains how we got to this point. Corporations and Churches were once the standard bearers of conservatism. Now they are almost the opposite. Name one conservative Nobel prize winner, contemporary billionaire, or any high achiever, and I can name 10 who are liberal or leftist. Conservatism is the common person and for people who value systematic order, tradition, and precedent. A high respect for authority is also present. How else can you explain how people who think abortion is the equivalent of murder can obey the same politicians who condone and promote it? It does make sense if you place a high priority on obeying authority. Even higher than life itself. Think about how many of us despise our government, yet still think extraordinarily highly of the military and police that enforce its will.

Don’t get me wrong. I believe in having a government that is as small as it can be, and I am disgusted by social liberalism, including the outright sacramentalization of abortion, homosexuality and CRT. But I have to admit that I am not doing anything to fight it in any meaningful sense. The horror of that realization is that my convictions are derived more from my passive personality, not so much from logical reflection and study of the world.


20 posted on 10/29/2021 12:00:51 PM PDT by Dat
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