Debunking the Left's "anti-intellectual" meme: It's all about Alinsky

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Libertarian Mike Farmer at his Bonzai blog expresses his frustration with the tactics used by the Left and some "moderates" against Sarah Palin:

The centrists continue the drumbeat of Palin being anti-intellectual. None of them have produced any evidence, except maybe a quote or two about intellectual snobbery, but that's about the snobbery, not the intellectualism.

[...]

She's reasonably intelligent, seems like a fair, good person, personable, expressive -- she's nothing like the conniving political animal, or the complete dolt portrayed by her detractors.

[...]

What is this incessant need about of moderates and progressives to have all those who oppose them be anti-intellectual?

The answer is in a book -- Rules for Radicals by radical leftist Saul Alinsky.

Alinsky's Rule Number 5:

"Ridicule is man's most potent weapon. It is almost impossible to counterattack ridicule. Also it infuriates the opposition, who then react to your advantage."

Kyle-Anne Shiver explains how to handle the ridicule ploy:

Refuse the temptation to defend yourself; defense takes the bait.

Remain calm and in control of all emotions.

Laugh-off the ridiculer's attempt at goading.

Speak the truth of your own convictions with courage, boldness and forthright frankness.

If, and when, you do change your mind about some issue, then put it out there in candid fashion, outlining the precise reasons behind your change in position.

But never, ever, ever, ever, ever give an inch to the devilish lure of ridicule.

John Hawkins suggests turning Alinsky back on the Alinskyite Left:

"While we conservatives don’t have to stoop quite as low as the left has, we do need to start giving them a taste of their own medicine, if only to make them think twice about the way they’re treating our side."

Since this is war, Michael Naragon advocates using a proven and ancient strategy against the Left's Alinsky methods:

"In the world history classes I teach, my students are required to read the work of Sun Tzu, The Art of War... I believe that these lessons can be applied to our current ideological warfare with the Marxist Left... I believe there are two major themes in the book: deception and intelligence. The commander who possesses skills in both areas will never be defeated. Period. That’s a promise from Sun Tzu."

Which of the three proposed ways of dealing with the Left's use of Alinsky's tactics is best? That may depend on the circumstances. We suggest that Sarah's supporters become familiar with all three. Just remember that one reason Sarah Palin is steadily gaining support from independents is because they have been turned off by the Left's use of riducule against her. Alinsky's followers may have gone to that well too may times, and it's backfiring on them. So using ridicule against them has to be done sparingly, carefully and in only in the right situation. Ronald Reagan was a master of this.  His jabs at liberals were humorous, but never seemed mean-spirited to anyone (except liberals). They were so effective that liberals stopped using the l-word and began calling themselves "progressives."

- JP