May 12, 2024
Understanding the Left
By: Ski Ingram
First, let me say that I believe in American exceptionalism. I believe that this nation was ordained by God to be an example to other nations and a light to the world. America was built on the lofty principle that “all men are created equal,” and their rights come from God not from man. This was an entirely new concept in 1776.
I believe the Pledge of Allegiance is an outward expression of our love of country. If you believe that America is an exceptional country and was ordained by God, then why would you not pledge your allegiance to it? The pledge states: “I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America, and to the republic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all.” By reciting the Pledge, we are acknowledging that America is a country founded on principles given to us by God and that all men, women, and children are equal in the eyes of the law.
I do not believe those on the Left (not the liberals, but the extreme Left) love America. Many Americans believe the Biden administration is working to fundamentally change America thus destroying America as we know it. We wonder why this is happening without understanding how it is being done. The evidence is clear to me, the Left is following Saul Alinsky’s “Rules for Radicals.” Below are a few of those rules.
Rule #1, “Power is not only what you have, but what the enemy thinks you have.” Power is derived from two main sources – money and people. “Have-Nots” must build power from flesh and blood.
It’s time to choose the right and let the consequences follow. Sometimes we are afraid to speak up when we see something we disapprove of because we do not want to be ridiculed, or we feel it will do no good in our lopsided world. It’s time to be bold, be unafraid and proud of what we believe. Make no excuses. The opposition is never afraid to voice their thoughts or opinions. They believe they are in control, well, they are not. Remember, they are not the boss of you.
Rule #5. “Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.” There is no defense. It’s irrational. It’s infuriating. It also works as a key pressure point to force the enemy into concessions.
We are not enemies just because we disagree on something. There are many things I hear from the Left that I do not understand. I’m sure they feel the same way about those of us on the Right. I’d love to be able to talk to someone on the Left without being belittled or accused of being a homophobe, a sexist, a nationalist, or a Nazi. I have even been called unpatriotic because I refused to get a Covid shot. How do we build a bridge to span both sides if we can’t or are afraid to talk to each another?
Rule #9 “The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.” Imagination and ego can dream up many more consequences than any activist.
We must word harder to bring people to our side and unite the nation. We must not let them use their scare tactics against us. We must use every weapon in our arsenal to combat the perceived threats of the Left. People must be educated so that their imagination cannot be used against them.
Rule #10. “The major premise for tactics is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition.” And
Rule #12. “The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative.” Never let the enemy score points because you’re caught without a solution to the problem.
We must resist the Left’s attempt to silence us. We must not be afraid to voice our opinions. If we believe America is an exceptional nation, then we must insist that our view be heard. We must also be prepared to explain why we believe what we do. Refuse to let others define what you believe, what you like or dislike. John Wayne said something that I have tried my best to live by. He said, “Be courteous even when provoked and don’t ever start a fight, but if one starts, finish it.” I am not advising people to physically fight with anyone, I am saying we must fight with our words and ideas the best we know how.
Rule #13. “Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.” Cut off the support network and isolate the target from sympathy. Go after people and not institutions; people hurt faster than institutions.
The Left has succeeded in doing this with their attack on Donald Trump. We as believers in America and “the republic for which it stands” must do our best to prevent the Left from succeeding in this effort. American democracy depends on it.
America is at a tipping point. The Left wants to fundamentally change America. The Right wants its citizens to be governed by our Constitution. Thomas Paine has given us words that apply even today. “Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered.” “These are the times that try men’s souls.” “The summer soldier and the sunshine patriot will, in this crisis, shrink from the service of their country; but he that stands by it now, deserves the love and thanks of man and woman.”
Every American needs to pay attention and decide for themselves who they will support in the November elections. Will you choose freedom or tyranny? That may be one of the most important decisions of your life.
Ski Ingram is a life member of Lester Keate Post 90 of the American Legion in St. George, Utah. He now lives in Gilbert, Arizona. He is a combat veteran and is a life member of six different veteran’s organizations as well as the NRA. He can be reached at Ski@Skiingram.com or www.Skiingram.com.
