This website is a member of Liberty Alliance, which has been named as an company.

Preaching at “Progressives” – Effective?

Facebook Sharing
in JMM articles / by / on January 31, 2013 at 4:21 pm

In working to communicate ideas and thinking related to the superior value of individual liberty and free-market economics — founding principles which have enabled America’s greatness — it is easy to become arrogant and self-righteous when we encounter resistance or competing ideologies.

We try hard to communicate logic, truth, common sense, and rational principles so that hopefully those who do not understand will change their views. Otherwise, we are simply “preaching to the choir”. And, trust me, I am one who can and does often fall into this trap… so this relates to my own thinking and action, as well. When we are passionate, we can get carried away.

Yet, is this effective? As I examine my own thinking I must from time-to-time ask myself, “To whom am I speaking? Why? What is my objective? And, am I effective? Am I being arrogant myself?” In thinking about this today, a few thoughts came to mind.

First, arrogant people, by definition, never/rarely see their own inadequacies (including ourselves when we become arrogant) and most often only see what they perceive, in their subjective thinking, to be inadequacies in others. This can just as easily be us, as it could be someone else. Being “right” does not preclude arrogance.

Second, arrogance produces subjective thinking. Subjective thinking produces flawed logic.

Third, when one is arrogant and subjective, the last thing that works in communicating to them is telling them what to think, that they are wrong, or that they “don’t get it”. Usually, this simply works to further entrench their thinking. This is why I often check my tone and work to share information vs. tell others they are wrong. My closest friends and family help to catch me when I fall into an arrogance trap, myself.

From my experience, I believe we can only appeal to arrogance in others — anywhere in life — through tolerance, patience, and long-suffering, and providing a good, confident but humble example.

Only through time and testing will an arrogant person change (one who lives in a predominantly arrogant state of mind)… if at all. Many never do. However, any flawed logic, therefore, will not be changed by showing the arrogant, in this case the “progressive” “left”… logical ideas and thinking.

To underline, arrogance is usually evolved into humility, only through disaster and testing. Disaster can be personal, organizational, or national, in scope. Disaster brings many to humility. Some, however, become even more arrogant and focus on blame and hatred of others for the disaster or tragedy that has befallen them.

When disaster does produce humility — in an individual, organization, or nation — a person is then able to think objectively… considering all facts, absent blame, hatred, or focus on others. In other words, humility produces objective thinking, which is able then to produce logical thought.

Yet, until one experiences disaster and advanced testing (failure, pain, loss, coming to a point of being “helpless and hopeless”), which produces pain greater than the perceived benefit or value of using the arrogant flawed logic, their thinking (and the “lefts” in this case) generally will not change.

So, what is the solution?

First, we want to be very careful that we do not become arrogant ourselves — often self-righteousness is the sneakiest arrogance — and thus make our message of logic, reason, and principled thinking, hard to hear or accept and ineffective. Or worse, hypocritical.

Second, we want to be sure we are authentically humble, with confidence in principles and that good prevails, but realizing we have what we have, and are who we are only by the Grace of God, and can lose whatever we have in a moment. As such, we really have no right to condemn others when we ourselves are imperfect. In other words, make sure we are confident in our principles, but not arrogant in applying or communicating them. Share truth, but don’t attack others.

Third, we want, I believe, to make sure we are patient and focus on our own actions — being producers of value, and helping others through our example and leadership.

Finally, in my view, when we are doing 1-3, we then can be confident in our future and the outcome.

The caveat. Clearly, sometimes in life and history, however, we are driven to fight when arrogance becomes systemic evil. Systems of arrogant ideology, such as collectivism, historically have driven free-peoples to defend themselves and their way of life. We hope and pray we never arrive there… however, if and when that time ever comes, by the Grace of God go we. Until then, it is best that we act in alignment with principles of individual liberty and respect for other’s views, like them or not. However, this does not mean we do not fight where and when appropriate.

As far as errant laws… and attempts to encroach on our natural rights and liberties (such as self defense and owning the tools necessary to this task — firearms, for one) we must fight in the courts and at the ballot-box, as well as in the battlefield of ideas — wherever possible.

However, the aforementioned still applies in terms of “where we are coming from”, and our “approach”. If we are authentic in sharing principles of truth and individual liberty, not from a position of blame, superiority, or arrogance ourselves, we can be effective. If we are patient with those who, in their arrogance, cannot see, we can make a difference.

In closing, many who are arrogant today have been educated to be. They have been indoctrinated to be. Many feel they are doing “the right thing”. We have (the State and through our own distraction and self-focus) — through many forces too detailed to discuss here — created an arrogant, self-centered, and biased generation — but most do not see this in themselves. This is the genius of “progressive” evil.

All said, let’s show the way by first being humble ourselves, and simply sharing truth.

D.M. Chaney (C) 2012 “Notes on Liberty”

Facebook Sharing
Tags: , ,
You may also be interested in ...

About the author: David M. Chaney

 

David is CEO and Senior Consulting/Coaching Partner of Role1, based in the Silicon Valley, CA. David is passionate about supporting CEOs, business owners, executives and professionals to continually achieve and sustain next levels of performance faster than their competition. David has worked in the Silicon Valley for over 30 years as a business owner, executive, CEO, consultant, executive coach and educator for start-up to global enterprises, such as, Cisco Systems, Fujitsu, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Microsoft, Oracle, Xilinx, and many others.

In 2011, David founded CEOs for Liberty, a private membership-only group for CEOs, business owners, and executives with a mission to enhance and protect American business exceptionalism. David founded CFL given his concerns over what was happening to liberties and freedoms in America. David believes individual liberty, free-market economics, the sanctity of private property, and America's founding principles, practices, and values are core components of America's business success -- and that they must be preserved for America's future survival and business leadership to continue.

If you are a CEO, business owner, or executive who believes in American Exceptionalism, built by our unique foundational liberties and freedoms here in America, you can contact David at info@ceosforliberty.org for more information. Also, please follow CEOs for Liberty on Facebook, and share your story at facebook.com/WhyWeBuildIt.

Read more articles by .

 
Posting Policy
We have no tolerance for comments containing violence, racism, vulgarity, profanity, all caps, or discourteous behavior. Thank you for partnering with us to maintain a courteous and useful public environment where we can engage in reasonable discourse. Read more.
  • Patriot

    Sometimes, easier said than done! :)

    Sometimes even the patience of job doesn’t seem to help any.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Yes, very much easier said than done. For sure. This is where faith comes in. Keep up the fight! Note at the end, I refer to there is a time to fight. We are all fighting in our own way. Yet, we want to always do this from a position-of-strength… not arrogance. Thanks for your comment.

  • festus

    New rule #1…never ever refer to the socialist left as “progressives”…this word is to sway the dimmer voters…its should always be THE SOCIALIST LEFT or the secular socialists or the utopian socialists…so they don’t like it….boo hoo…do we like the various nasty names we are called simply because we want less gov-meant/lower taxes/moral values.

    Okay? Do we all get this? Pleasing the socialist left is NOT what we do…we debate/expose/defeat them…stop playing their word games!!!

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thanks for your input, Festus.

      I often use “collectivist” to best describe the larger movement. In this case I am referring to the self-labeled “progressive” movement to identify who are against us… at least against those of us who are anti-collectivists, who love, as noted, individual liberty, free-market economics and our founding principles.

      “Progressivism” is a sub-set, self-labeled movement of collectivism (socialism, fascism, communism). The reason progressive is placed in “quotes”, is well, due to the fact they are really, regressive. Collectivism is regressive, not progressive. This is their double-speak, and agree.

      I call a spade a spade and do not play word games. These are accurate descriptions of the movement.

      Finally, the real power movement globally and in the U.S. is not socialist, it is a hybrid, capitalism-corporatism/socialism, i.e. global fascism.

      Staying humble and confident, is the main point. Arrogance never defeats anyone but self. Focusing on minor issues with fellow warriors is also wasteful.

  • http://pulse.yahoo.com/_NLORN6B3ZNGCAJTFHWWFUUEY4Q jong

    When I was going to University in Grand Rapids there was a son of a very liberal Unitarian Minister and to was very liberal. I on the other hand was the son of a Lutheran Minister and very very Conservative. I found very early on that the only way to beat these people was to out logic them because they do not deal with facts. The other way is to take the rug from out from under them which is much more fun.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thanks for your comment. You know, one key thought is that, in addition to defeating their movements and ideologies — which will be represented by the fact we are moving towards our founding principles, individual liberty, and free-market economics, vs. away from — is to also change hearts and minds, as well, along the way of those who are supporters of these movements and ideologies. Otherwise, per the article, we are simply “singing to the choir”. Fun, but not of much real value. We can win at both — and I do win the latter in the goal of moving towards the former — if we are the examples of leadership and responsible free-people we wish them to become. We cannot win by arrogantly or self-righteously attacking them. Now, if as noted in the article we are in the battlefield of ideas and legislation, we clearly are always fighting with logic, reason, facts, etc. And, if necessary, we repel the forces of collectivism, as needed, over time. Thanks again!

  • D. H. King

    David: This an absolutely excellent essay, filled with thought provokers. You are to be commended for this well thought out piece of writing. I can guarantee you that I plan to read it again, and perhaps again.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thank you, D.H. It is very hard for most to navigate this period in our history. Yet, we are always fighting the arrogance of evil. If we become arrogant ourselves — and self-righteous arrogance can be the worst — we defeat ourselves, not the enemies of liberty. Keep up the fight!

  • http://www.facebook.com/dorothy.bowermanfleischhauer Dorothy Bowerman Fleischhauer

    It’s true, you catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      True, very true! And, in some ways, it is simply about staying in “truth”. When we do this, and do it with proper motives… we always are winning, even if it appears we are losing. Thanks for your comment.

  • foxxybey

    But talking to a brick wall doesn’t make any sense, of course the left doesn’t have any of that either.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Agree… talking to an arrogant, subjective person to share founding principles, is challenging, at best. However, what does make sense is (1) being aligned ourselves with the right principles of self-leadership, self-responsibility, and having the humility to understand our blessings, and (2) sharing truth. It is not up to us to decide when others will listen, hear, and understand. It is simply ours to be in the right, and to share what is right. This is what makes sense to those who truly wish to make a difference and impact others to reverse our current condition, restore and rebuild America. Thanks for your comment Foxxybey.

      • foxxybey

        Thank you David Chaney, it’s good to get a comment that doesn’t condemn me. God Bless Friend:

        • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

          You are welcome. Not sure I understand the condemnation part? ;) Have a great weekend.

          • foxxybey

            The condemnation part is when I mention God, a lot of people get up set over it and usually condemn me for bringing Him up, oh well I still thank you for your kind comment and hope you had a good and blessed weekend Friend:

          • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

            Ahh. Thank you. It is funny about “conservatives”. We preach Liberty, but want to control others. Can you spell, “arrogance”. :) Enjoy your weekend!

          • foxxybey

            David I agree that RINO’s have caved and like to control others but, real conseratives want less government, less taxes which are wasted to begin with, and for people to be less dependent on government and help themselves to get a head and live free as the Constitution says. I see marxist on the left and I disagree with the RINO’s and don’t see any good coming to America soon, we have rejected the God that helped us become a nation have kicked Him out of the public square and make up our own rules which change daily. We have had warnings but, people are blind to them and live as they want, bringing in immoral behavior as normal and right, killing more babies by the minute and not with guns. I see no good out come no matter who is in charge. God Bless David and you have a good week end also, your family and friends included:

          • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

            Agree with much of what you’ve said here, Foxxybey. This is where faith and work comes in. Our founders didn’t know the outcome. They simply acted in faith, and executed with confidence and humility. We must do no different. TGIF!

          • foxxybey

            David; My faith in the country would be better if I hadn’t lived over 7 decades and seen this country go from bad to worse. Stores were closed on Sundays and people went to church with their children, now some spend all day at the stores. God was in the schools and didn’t need guards or metal detectors and no mass shootings. God was taken out of the public square and now we have good being called evil and evil being called good. Took down the Ten Commandments and now people don’t have a clue as to what is right and wrong. We have had warnings and yet people want to be blind so they can be gods and decide what is right or wrong for them. God won’t let this ride and will judge this nation unless it turns around and soon. Anyhow that is the reason I see little hope, the atheist have been winning and believers have been turning away from God. God Bless Friend:

          • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

            Well said, Foxxy. Well said. We always have hope, if we have faith. However, if there is no pivot of the humble and righteous, the nation will not have the capacity for prosperity, and will lead itself into disaster. That is where we are headed, for sure. Here is a related graphic and article I wrote about the cycle of “Prosperity or Disaster”. Have a wonderful Saturday, keep your shoulder to the wheel, for as many decades as possible. Given I am a fighter and stubborn, yes, it’s true, ;) , I always have a tough time with this one, but, “Let go, and let God.” My Achilles heel. Here is that article…

            http://janmorganmedia.com/2012/11/prosperity-or-disaster-we-need-to-choose/

          • foxxybey

            It has always been tough for me David, grew up in foster homes and then my brother and I were raised by my grandmother and everyone blames us for breaking up her marriage of 50 years. I was always small, in high school I was 4’11″ when I graduated but always fought and played all sports on the varsity at this height. Went into the Marine Corps and when I got out of boot camp was 5’7″ of mean machine. Boxed in the Corps and did well, the guy that beat me out went to the Olimpic’s and won the Gold metal in our weight division. Played Foot ball in the airwing and division, played basket on a team that won the far east championship, captain of a volley ball team, the only enlisted man on the team and we won the far east championship. So always felt there wasn’t anything I couldn’t do and would fight at the drop of a hat. When I got off active duty, was a bouncer in more then one bar. After I got saved at about 46 years old, God put me in a taxi as a evangelist yet, I had to be tough or get robbed as I usually worked the bad parts of town, yet saw many people saved and that made it all worth it. Because of my youngest daughter being a pilot and then a manager of a major airline I got to travel all over the world for free. All over Europe, Asia, Canada, south america, Africa. Middle east and have a jacket with all the flags of the countries I’ve been too and running out of space, LOL Worked Head of Security for the MMA cage fights worked a Chuck Norris show as a blood man and about 75 cage fights and never had but one fight. A delagate from my state to the 04 Republican National Convention in New York as a cab driver, had a talk show 5 days a week on a local station and watched as this nation started to fall apart with liberial ideas that called evil good and good evil, watched God taken out of everything and less people coming to believe in Him. When I retired I moved into a elderly hight rise and the manager tried for 7 years to get me kicked out for my beliefs, well he got fired and I’m still here, LOL. Having grown up fighting it has been hard for me to have a mild spirit but, God has reformed me quite a bit and showed me the only reason I am here is because He looked out for me. Once got caught in the middle of a gun battle and jumped out of my cab with a tire iron and told about 10 guys with guns that I was tired of brothers killing brothers and nobody was going to die tonight, they all packed up their guns and left, the cops asked why they would do that seeing they had guns and had already shot one guy behind his right ear. I told the cops I had them out numbered and was serious, I think God allowed them to see my angels that looked after me. The cops thought I was crazy, LOL. In Indonesia had about 15 islamist who were going to kill me and I prayed and said God my Marine Training can’t handle this and hadn’t seen a cop anywhere while I was there and out of no wear a huge cop came up to me in line and asked if I had a passport, gave it to him and he went to the front of the line and had it stamped and told me to come sit with him, wow were the islamist mad. I asked him if I was indanger and he said no, you were dead. God saved me once again. Well I didn’t even get a good start on all that has happened but, must admit I have a hard time with my temper and keeping myself under control at all times but, with the help of God I’m getting better. Hope I didn’t bore you, have a good Saturday, enjoy the Super Bowl tomorrow and have a good life friend, you family and friends. God Bless and may many turn back to Him before it is too late:

          • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

            Thank you so much for your story. I am very humbled to hear of each story and how life impacts us all. I want to re-read and comment more later.

            A few thoughts on the on-going battle for American liberty and for truth based on what I am hearing from you:

            First, strength comes from understanding what is truly valuable in life (and eternity) and standing up for it. As such, the greatest strength comes from understanding our Creator and that He alone is the source of our strength. When we get that, our human strength, our human courage, our fighting skills, our weaponry, is rendered mute. The slingshot was effective against Goliath.

            Our mission is but to be prepared, planned, and then patient. Too often we think we are in control… where we will be the x-factor that decides the contest. Yet, if we know anything about timing, we know that we could be the best prepared foot soldier in the world, master of all fighting skills and weaponry. Yet, if we come up against a superior force… a tank.. all of that is for naught.

            So, my plea to anti-collectivists, to loyal American patriots, is to focus on themselves. Starting with attitudinal preparation… starting with humility to realize the outcome of the battle is not up to us. Starting with the right mental-attitude before they step in the ring each day. The outcome of the fight in the ring is not up to us. God’s got the outcome. We’ve got the preparation, planning, and patience. Our actions, aligned with this humility, is the strongest temporal force possible.

            Yet, as you can read in some responses and thinking; the American conservative often points out the faults of the enemy, and focuses there, without first being willing to look at their own faults. In this arrogance, they defeat themselves before they start.

            Of course, this is not everyone… but one can see the difficulty many have with what I am sharing. If they get the basic principle, they would say, “David, thank you… I do need to remember to have the right attitude… always, in peace or in war… and to remember to be humble as I can lose anything I have at any time. I can come up against a superior force and lose at any time. Without God’s intervention, I am lost. And, that the best way for me to be effective is to simply share truth, and those ready for it will receive it. THEN, I am worthy to fight anything BEYOND this. Until I am aligned myself, by being humble in what I ALREADY have, I am simply arrogantly judging others and will, as a result, lose objectivity in seeing my own faults, seeing the faults in our own party, our own platform. And, until I see our own faults, stop attacking others, and simply focus on sharing truth, real change will not occur.”

            Now, one doesn’t need to “say” this exactly, or even the same thing. However, the basic acknowledgement that this is the right principle and what we need to do to truly win. They would seek to understand how the greatest of leaders had the qualities of confidence WITH humility. They would seek to understand this concept.

            Yet, many push back creatively — and I knew this would be the outcome for many “conservatives” as I see their self-righteous arrogance on a daily basis (being a preacher’s kid, I grew up being exposed to the inner workings of the church… in that I witnessed the ugliest side of humanity, the self-righteous). This self-righteousness, focuses on “if the enemy will change or not” as a determinant of their attitude and behavior. Some advocate using the strategies of the enemy as they believe those strategies are more effective. Yet, good should never be defined by evil.

            Thank you so much for your detailed thoughts and your fight. Never for a minute doubt that your singular effort to be an island in this human-viewpoint driven morass is absolutely necessary and key in recovering and rebuilding American individual liberty and founding principles.

            Each individual contributes to the “salt of the earth”, the pivot, that only God knows is sufficient to enable a nation to remain in prosperity, or in disaster.

            Semper Fi, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service for our country and liberty.

          • foxxybey

            A great and well thought out comment, thanks for your insight. God Bless Friend:

  • Susan

    Children (since John Dewey) are being conditioned and brainwashed with extensive curricula steeped in Marxist ideology and “feelings’ and “associations” of the BF Skinner-type–to destroy Logic and Reason. “Feelings” dictate everything. WF Buckley, Jr. put it in writing “God and Man at Yale” in 1951. Sugar Keynes—the sodomite/pederast, who took over Harvard in early 1900′s and became the socialist/progressive god–a Fabian Socialist, along with Dewey, to corrupt and destroy the minds of the masses by using schools and hiring hard core Marxists, like Dr. Counts and Dr. Ruggs to write textbooks in the 30′s, and you “wonder” WHY it is hard to present “Logic” to these warped minds? JS Mill stated this would happen with government schooling—they will make slaves for the state. It is hard to change “Worldview” when drummed into little children when their foundation is filled with nonsense such as twisted and warped lies like Heather has two Mommies and there is “Pride” in sodomy. And with pictures in Kindergarden of the pederasty, Harvey Milk—and we celebrate Vice? Good Luck. You need a miracle, not just humility, et. al. We have to get early education BACK and government OUT! Then, ONLY, will Logic and Classical thinking once again be the foundation of our children.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thanks for your comment, Susan.

      Good to see you mention Dewey, etc. Few are aware. Also, the NEA formed in mid 1800s (its predecessor). Has grown massively since and we know it drives the “progressive” agenda across America’s schools. Agree with your points on this.

      Speaking of higher-ed, you may also be aware of Cecil Rhodes impact upon American university level education and development of globalists for roles in U.S. and other governments. If not, research his Rhodes Scholarship via the Rhodes Foundation. Agree regarding what this movement has done to our children via State education — write about it often.

      With regards to our future and “good luck”, I don’t put much faith in luck. As such, related to “not just humility”, note the use of the word, “confidence” in the article.

      Humility plus confidence. Not, humility plus cowardice. Not humility alone. Not wishful thinking. Not luck. Humility, plus confidence in our ability to create solutions, regardless the enemy or the challenges, is the only way we are able to develop solutions and create sustainable prosperity.

      As far as miracles… yes, we need miracles to live each moment and God does a fairly good job of keeping us alive minute-to-minute as display of “miracle enough”. And, it will be a literal and figurative miracle to reverse our course. The rest, however, is up to us to do the work. And, as always, it needs to start with “us”, not “them”. Hard to swallow? Sure.

      I agree that we also need to “get early education back”. It is a huge battle but we must be up to the task. Objective thinking from a position-of-strength, will help us to accomplish this and other equally important tasks.

      Here is a relevant recent post regarding education, FYI, with some interesting links below. Thanks again for your thoughtful comments.

      ———————————————————————-

      on Dumbing Down – DOE and NEA “Progressive” Style

      Pay attention teachers, administrators, and students alike… okay, well, that includes most of us at one point in time… so, unless one doesn’t mind their children (or themselves) receiving a virtual frontal lobotomy, read on…

      The NEA (National Education Association) and the DOE (Department of Education) have been noted many times in my posts and articles related to their key role in the “progressive” (collectivist: socialist, fascist, communist, etc.) attacks upon American education, values, and, essentially, our way of life (and any developed global nation’s way of life).

      Some may label this the stuff of paranoia or “conspiracy theory” — and as a result, will not read, view, or, well, think… further about it. Well, one can bring another to water, but cannot change the fact they will remain “deniers” of plain fact, in plain sight.

      However, if one truly wants to lift the blinds over their eyes to see what is happening to them, their children, their communities, their cities, states, and nation, one must well, lift. The following will be interesting viewing and reading for those willing to lift the veil and see.

      In addition to the many resources listed over the last few years, here is a brief video (1) from an insider whistle blower, Charlotte Iserbyt, former Senior Policy Advisor in the Office of Educational Research and Improvement (OERI), U.S. Department of Education, who was directly involved in manipulating town and city councils, school boards, and other, to accept the many “progressive” programs designed to break American educators and students down, and to enable the electorate we see today.

      Unable to think critically (see post earlier today wrt “Death of Logic and Reason”, as one small related development of this over-arching strategy)(2), unable to understand cause and effect, and unable to distinguish ad hominem attack from logical argument, many Americans and students of the last 50 years are unable to differentiate the relative value of mud vs. gold.

      Here also is Charlotte’s book, “Deliberate Dumbing Down of America” (3), for serious administrators and other individuals interested in the clear trail of evidence and related facts.

      Get on a school board, challenge the status-quo as teachers and administrators, and as parents, home school or private educate, as possible. For others, educate yourselves and parallel your children’s education to help them develop their critical thinking, logic, reasoning, and rhetoric skills, to ensure they learn and are not conditioned (2).

      Charlotte Iserbyt notes that the Benjamin Bloom, the noted behavioral psychologist who is the author of “Bloom’s Taxonomy”, the de-facto guide to educational objectives studied by every teacher and a key driver of the “progressive” attack on American thinking and education said, “the purpose of education is to change the thoughts, actions, and feelings of students” (from what they are taught at home to what the State has decided them to think, do, and feel). And, that “good teaching is challenging a student’s fixed beliefs”.

      If this doesn’t wake one up to the reasons for our impending national disaster, for the decline of our economic leadership standing in the world, and for our society’s seemingly overnight acceptance (not majority but clear large voting mass; in last election 30% of voters under age 30 see collectivism, socialism as a viable alternative) of the concepts of collectivism as superior to individual freedom, free-market economics, and limited government, I don’t believe anything will.

      D.M. Chaney (C) 2013 “Notes on Liberty”

      1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DDyDtYy2I0M&feature=share

      2 https://www.facebook.com/david.chaney/posts/10151469185814673?notif_t=like)

      3 http://www.amazon.com/deliberate-dumbing-down-america-Chronological/dp/0966707109

      • Susan

        Big fan of Iserbyt and B.K. Eakman and John Taylor Gatto! I read Bloom’s book, “Closing of the American Mind” which alerted me to this Postmodernism/Leftism which is destroying Christian Ethics, education, and is actually removing Natural Law Theory from our Constitution, which is the underlying principle of that document and our Jurisprudence. Natural Law is where Common Sense originates (Right Reason) which brings me to the great St. Thomas Aquinas (my idol).

        I agree with the importance of humility (since I love Christian Theology)–Pride is so destructive. And also, “cowardice” is equally destructive—- (Pastor Bonhoeffer) “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act.”

        Talking about “humility” I highly recommend the book, “St. Thomas Aquinas” by G.K Chesterton. Aquinas was extremely humble—but, he was NEVER silent when people were spouting error. (courage). I also would recommend C.S. Lewis’s “Abolition of Man”—which talks about how Virtue is being destroyed in the schools of England. Remember, that from Socrates until John Dewey–Western Civilization considered that education was only for “teaching Virtue”. Without Virtue, they all understood that civil societies would collapse. (Wisdom is a Virtue and Justice is the Queen of Virtues). The Cultural Marxists knew to collapse Virtue in the schools (Lukacs/sex education) would collapse Western Civilization and Christianity which they knew needed to be destroyed to enslave us. Collectivization could not happen without destroying ‘individualism’ which comes only from Christianity–That Dignity and Worth is easiest to destroy by sexualizing little children and normalizing “group think” like Jerry Brown is doing today by promoting Vice (and destroying Western Civ’s concept of Virtue).

        • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

          Excellent, Susan. Thank you.

        • http://www.facebook.com/david.munns.5 David Munns

          You should be writing books Susan.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.munns.5 David Munns

      My exact sentiment Susan. Well stated. The be tolerant, patient, feel good policy has brought us to this place; how shall it now deliver us from evil?!

      • Susan

        “Tolerance” , just like “Equality”, can be good, or extremely evil. When you tolerate “evil” like the “Good Germans” during Hitler’s reign, then it is hardly a virtue. When you erase individuality (quality) from the human beings, to force this termite society of drones—it is evil and has to erase individual freedom. Equality under the Law is the only “good” equality. No one is equal to any other person, except in dignity—which all Leftism removes by denying Natural Laws. Leftism removes dignity of the individual—the opposite of Christian Ethics.

      • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

        We must not, as noted in several comments in thread, mistake genuine humility and confidence in truth and founding principles, for tolerance. We cannot tolerate, nor be patient with, nor emote about, encroachments upon our liberties, inalienable rights, and our Constitutional framework.

        Humility is not synonymous with tolerance of evil.

        Moses was humble, and yet was the strongest of leaders and did not tolerate slavery. He led the Israelites out of bondage.

        George Washington got on his knees and humbled himself before God, prior to defeating the British.

        What they recognized, and all great leaders of liberty in history, is that God is the only delivery from evil.

        As such, if we humble ourselves, and yet act in confidence in our execution in life, business and governance aligned with founding principles, we will prevail. Act in arrogance, and we will fail. It’s that simple.

  • John A

    As much as I would like to see the methodology of overcoming liberal arrogance Chaney describes, I just don’t see it happening. As conservatives, we can do all the things Chaney says to do in order to get our point across to counteract the progressive mindset and hopefully change some minds of liberals. That will be a arduous task to accomplish.

    I recall reading about a study that I think was done at the University of Washington several years ago by psychologists and political scientists. The study made a link to a genetic variant that suggests Liberal and Conservative thinking may be influenced by DNA of the human body.

    For many years, it was assumed the political leanings of an individual came from
    the way he was raised, by the people he associated with and the part of the country he lives. If a person was perceived as a blithering liberal, it was assumed he was raised in a house full of blithering liberals. And conversely, the same could be said about conservatives or because of the particular college he went to.

    But, psychologists and political scientists began to wonder what really shaped the mindsets of peoples political views. They began to think there must be a genetic component that influences peoples political identities.

    Their theory suggests that in choosing a political point of view involves the individual thinking about the issues. For instance, will more lax immigration policies put the United States at a greater risk? Or will stringent gun control laws lower the murder rate?

    Researchers suggest our political tendencies are similar to people being left-handed or right-handed in that they are more prone to use one hand over another. This doesn’t suggest that one can’t switch, it’s just not an easy thing to teach. After all, did you once see teachers trying to teach lefties how to write with their right hands. It just didn’t work too well, did it?

    Now this is not to suggest that genes dictate how people think. We know the environment plays a crucial role. And, it doesn’t mean each of us have a gene that says we are Republican or a Democrat. Researchers who do feel there is a genetic link to our political views feel there are probably several hundred genes that influence how we perceive the world around us, including politics.

    In a nut shell, I think trying to argue conservative views with a liberal and vice versa will be a struggle in futility. The apparent gene pool of this nation seems to be more liberal than conservative and if DNA does in fact does play a part in political views, we’re on the losing team if we can’t persuade conservatives who didn’t vote last time to get out and exercise their civic duty. I think persuading conservatives who didn’t vote in November 2012 to vote in November 2014 and 2016 will be our key to winning the White House again. As much as I hate to say it, I don’t think we are going to change most of the liberals’ minds at all.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thanks for your comment, John.

      I agree with your statement “I don’t think we are going to change most of the liberal’s minds at all”.

      To clarify, I am not proposing a methodology to “overcome liberal arrogance”. I am proposing that we overcome our own arrogance and operate — in our lives and in our sharing of our beliefs with others — with integrity, humility, and confidence. Not arrogance.

      If we each seek truth, know truth, and share truth, and we do so with the right attitudes, we will be able to impact others to the best of our potential within our spheres of influence.

      If we approach others understanding this, we have an opportunity to share facts and information that will enable those who are truly seeking to develop a different view and make their own choices from a position of strength.

      As you essentially note, many choose overall ideological alignment based upon issues of concern to them. I have seen this trend, as well. When we share information and our thinking related to these issues, doing so in humility and confidence has a greater chance of impacting their ultimate decision, vs. doing so in arrogance.

      Finally, in addition, when we share information and views with others of generally similar ideology, principles, and beliefs, it is also important we operate with these same principles in mind. In fact, it is best we do so with anyone in our lives, as leaders, partners, spouses, parents, etc. During the past election cycle we saw many in the “conservative” camp viciously and arrogantly attacking each other, name-calling, etc. This clearly was not effective.

      Thanks again for your comments.

      • John A

        Thank for your nice response. In affirming your logic, I think reasonable individuals would make an effort to understand differing the views by the sharing of information and seeking the truth. Your thoughts here seem to be right on target from a reasonable man’s perspective. However, I do take issue with some for the following reason(s).

        We must keep in mind there are those where reasonableness, logic and truth don’t matter. Instead insanity, unreasonableness, ruthlessness and narrow mindedness and ignorance seem to rule the day with so many. That’s is what conservatives are up against in presenting their political position. One can not fight fanaticism from a logical and truthful point of view. We have seen this happen throughout history; whether it was Adolph Hitler, Mussolini, Stalin, Castro, Pol Pot, Chavez, Ortega, Lenin, Obama and others. We have seen simple messages being conveyed by each over and over to the masses to bring them under the fold. Each as made hollow and empty promises to the people. We forget the power of a great orator exerts over the people with flowery words, phrases and mantras.

        If we don’t study history and learn from it, then we are bound to make the exact same mistakes. That is why so much of the curriculum in schools nowadays center around history being rewritten. It allows for the easier control of people.

        There has been a large orchestrated effort from the left to change the very fabric of our society. This has made it difficult to share information and views with others of generally similar ideology, principles, and beliefs because the truth has been slowly and methodically bastardized over the years.

        I think this has impacted the conservative camp since there are many who know what happened in the past and those who think they know. And as you indicated about conservatives attacking each other, this may be one of the underlying causes for those internal differences: some just don’t know the past nor do they really care. They have their own agenda that is being followed based on many half truths and lies. They don’t know the true history.

        Consequently, it is difficult to overcome ignorance and apathy even within our own ranks. The seeds of half truths and lies have been planted in our psyche for many years. This is all being accomplished by the slow and methodical drum beat of the progressives. It’s all done by design. And we are now seeing the harvest being reaped by them even among our fellow “conservatives”.

        It seems as though conservatives have become their own worse enemies by design of the progressives. And when information is controlled by them in the schools and media, it makes it difficult to keep focused on “true conservatism” and what it really means.

        • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

          Thanks, John and you are welcome.

          First, to your comment, “One can not fight fanaticism from a logical and truthful point of view.”

          What other point-of-view would one take to win? Illogical? Lies?

          The strongest never change their principles simply because they are surrounded by evil. In fact, they fight it more effectively than any other, by resting in their principles, and fighting with clear headed reason, logic, and power.

          Here is what I said that is relevant in the article to fighting systemic evil of the leaders you note:

          “The caveat. Clearly, sometimes in life and history, however, we are driven to fight when arrogance becomes systemic evil. Systems of arrogant ideology, such as collectivism, historically have driven free-peoples to defend themselves and their way of life. We hope and pray we never arrive there… however, if and when that time ever comes, by the Grace of God go we. Until then, it is best that we act in alignment with principles of individual liberty and respect for other’s views, like them or not. However, this does not mean we do not fight where and when appropriate.

          As far as errant laws… and attempts to encroach on our natural rights and liberties (such as self defense and owning the tools necessary to this task — firearms, for one) we must fight in the courts and at the ballot-box, as well as in the battlefield of ideas — wherever possible.

          However, the aforementioned still applies in terms of “where we are coming from”, and our “approach”. If we are authentic in sharing principles of truth and individual liberty, not from a position of blame, superiority, or arrogance ourselves, we can be effective. If we are patient with those who, in their arrogance, cannot see, we can make a difference.”

          >> Secondly, here is what I responded to another above with regards to the misconceptions of humility and confidence as being weak:

          “I’m glad you brought this up. Humility has nothing to do with being weak. Humility does not mean tolerance of evil, it is the exact opposite. It simply means that in battling evil, one is recognizing Who will truly win the battle. In arrogance, we think it is us, we can win it, we are right, etc. In this, be blind ourselves to truth, to facts, to logic, to reason, and to the ability to understand our true challenges and enemy.

          In humility, we realize it is God who will win it, He is right, the principles are right, and we are to simply put our shoulders to the wheel to fight the battle that God has already won for us, aligned with same.

          One can be in “another’s face”, as Jesus was in throwing out the money changers from the Temple. Or, as Moses was in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The key is not to be operating from a mindset or position of arrogance (which makes one blind to their own weaknesses, and which makes on vulnerable, by definition, against any enemy). George Washington humbled himself before God in recognizing, through prayer, that God would lead the founders to victory, and so forth.

          In reality, one is most effective against any enemy — either in debate or war, coming from a position of confidence with humility. Humility yields the greatest strength.

          One challenge we conservatives face is this misconception — that humility and respect means weakness. Although many perceive those who act in arrogance to be strong, they are actually perceiving a vulnerable, weak person.

          Conservative’s weakness, and why in fact we lost and will continue to lose, is just this — arrogance.

          “As illustrated in the person of Moses, who leads the nation of Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and to the ‘Promised Land’, humility is a sign of Godly strength and purpose, not weakness. Of this great leader, the Bible states, ‘For Moses was a man exceeding meek above all men that dwelt upon earth.’ ” (Numbers 12:3).

          Moses was not only one of the strongest leaders of all human history, he was one of three in biblical history who was called a “Friend of God”. (David, Abraham, Moses).

          Let’s understand that our greatest strength is humbling ourselves to the Creator of the universe, objectively understanding our weaknesses and reasons for failure, and fight the good fight. We will ONLY truly win a sustainable victory for Liberty and Freedom, if we do this.”

          Finally, I hear generally where you’re coming from, John. I disagree that changing our values from that of logic, reason, truth and humility, will lead us to victory at any time.

          • John A

            When you asked “What other point-of-view would one take to win? Illogical? Lies? ” The logical and correct answer would be NO to both the illogical and lies. I understand and agree with what you say. It’s just that I think the facts have been changed substantially over the years by those in power. Many these days don’t know the real logic and truth. There seems to be a lack of “discernment” on the behalf of many in telling the differences between truth,half truths and lies. That seems to be the crux of the problem. To fight fire with fire with illogical reasoning and lies would only compound the problem. I do not suggest that or condone their use. I do believe arrogance plays a significant role in the demise of the conservative movement.

            God tells those of us who believe to be discerning and not to be arrogant. But, the sad truth of the matter is that many don’t believe in Him or his word. And that is just another nail driven into the coffin of this great land. God tells us in his Word this will happen and to prepare for those days when the end is near. I honestly believe those days are near given the current state of affairs in today’s world.

            With that in mind, I guess the issues we discuss here today are only temporal and don’t matter much in the end since believers will be taken home before everything breaks loose. Then let the games begin where the situation will only worsen before it gets better. But, I think this is another discussion for another day.

            To me, we are pretty much of the same mindset The only difference is we are looking at the same thing from from different vantage points on the playing field; which in turn gives us two differing opinions.

            Best Regards!

          • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

            Thanks again for your thoughtful input.

            I agree, generally same mindset.

            The main point is that we should never change our alignment with the right principles, regardless what we perceive to be the advantages of the enemy — in peacetime or in war.

            Aligning with truth, reason, logic, and foundational principles is the only option for those who want to be truly victorious.

            You note, “It’s just that I think the facts have been changed substantially over the years by those in power. Many these days don’t know the real logic and truth. There seems to be a lack of “discernment” on the behalf of many in telling the differences between truth,half truths and lies. That seems to be the crux of the problem.”

            Yes. And, America may fall as a result, as there may not be a strong enough “pivot” of citizens who are grounded in foundational principles and values, just as happened to Rome.

            Our own national arrogance — on the right and the left — may leave us no option but to fall — if we do not rebound and take true individual and national leadership back from the brink.

            Thank you, and I always believe it “matters”. So, keep up the fight as it is not for us to determine the outcome, but to “put our shoulders to the wheel”. This, we can and will do. TGIF!

        • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

          By the way, John, other than what I noted in my previous response to your response, I agree with much of what you say.

          “If we don’t study history and learn from it, then we are bound to make the exact same mistakes. That is why so much of the curriculum in schools nowadays center around history being rewritten. It allows for the easier control of people.”

          Absolutely. TGIF and Go Niners! :)

  • http://twitter.com/johnnyangel10 JohnnyAngel Advocacy

    The answer to the title question is yes, if done with genuine concern and logic. If this attempt to help those closest to us can be done in this manner,by a loved one,then this might be accomplished immediately. Otherwise, the school of liberal ‘sleight of hand’ politics will not be recognized by hardcore libtards. Possibly,as with changed liberals as they grow older and wiser,ala David Horowitz,then this also becomes possible. On the whole, NO,progtards cannot be changed.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thanks for your comments, Johnny.

      In my view, the answer is, “no”. In my 30 years plus of experience working with the best and the brightest minds here in the Silicon Valley (technology), I have never seen where preaching at someone is effective in enabling someone to change their views.

      From my perspective, “genuine concern and logic” does not align with “preaching at” someone. Unless, of course, one has elected to go to church and has chosen to be preached at by a preacher. Even here, the best preachers and teachers carry on a dialog with the audience, vs. preaching at them.

      Humble and confident leaders — the best leaders — do not speak at, they communicate with, others. They respect the person, and use logic and reason to provide the other with another way of viewing the same issue, vs. attacking them, name calling, labeling or putting them in a corner.

      In fact, one of the most effective ways of helping others to change their own views is by using the “Socratic method”. Notice the title was a question, rather than a statement. It invites dialog.

      Most important, is your point of “concern and logic”. I agree that if we come from a position of humility and confidence, vs. arrogance (only seeing their faults without looking at our own) to the communication, to the sharing of our ideas in social networks, to the communicating of our beliefs with friends, family, and business colleagues, we have the best possible chance of enabling others to see another view, and then to make their own decisions from a better position of strength. This is all we are able to do. The old, “bring a horse to water…” comes to mind.

      By the way, name-calling — such as “libtards” or during the election even among “conservatives”, “paultards”, etc. — which is very popular within pure ideological bases… almost always insures someone of that persuasion will not change their views. So, from a starting point you have created a self-fulfilling prophecy. My recommendation is that we stay away from this and simply refer to the issue at hand, our facts, our logic, as you say, “with genuine concern”.

      Finally, I believe people can change their views. I have seen a number of them change. I have personally been awakened over the last few years — since around 2006-7 — when I saw what was going on with regards to “global warming”, the “security and prosperity partnership”, “illegal immigration reform”, and so forth. By doing my own research, listening to others, and seeking truth, I have changed my views on several key issue areas. I know others who have changed from dyed-in-the-wool “progressive” views, to that of fiscal and even social “conservatives” or to a “libertarian” view. The key is they have become “anti-collectivist”.

      If others cannot be changed, let’s all stop this nonsense and go back to golfing. Leaders lead change. We need leaders to help America change back to our founding principles. Let’s do it!

  • http://www.facebook.com/guy.faulkes Guy Faulkes

    I understand and would normally agree with this. UNFORTUNATELY we are in the situation we are in specifically because we (conservatives, those who wish to CONSERVE the Republic) have traditionally been tolerant, humble, logical, and calm while the progressives (who wish to progress past free-market capitalism and to a socialist state) have CLAIMED to be tolerant, humble, logical and calm but IN FACT have been intolerant, arrogant, passionately forceful, and twisting logic into false arguments. They have been argumentative and have NOT respected our inalienable Rights as granted to us by our Creator! No… we have been too kind for too long… The time has come to respond to their totally flawed emotion-laden logic with the same “in-your-face” attitude that we’ve been confronted with for decades and decades. I am tired of the flawed emotion-laden pseudo-logic winning the day and destroying our freedoms. I am tired of these Marxist/Socialists being allowed to claim the high road while routinely being the intolerant thugs that they truly are behind the scenes. No More… Enough is Enough!

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thanks for your comment, Guy.

      I’m glad you brought this up. Humility has nothing to do with being weak. Humility does not mean tolerance of evil, it is the exact opposite. It simply means that in battling evil, one is recognizing Who will truly win the battle. In arrogance, we think it is us, we can win it, we are right, etc. In this, be blind ourselves to truth, to facts, to logic, to reason, and to the ability to understand our true challenges and enemy.

      In humility, we realize it is God who will win it, He is right, the principles are right, and we are to simply put our shoulders to the wheel to fight the battle that God has already won for us, aligned with same.

      One can be in “another’s face”, as Jesus was in throwing out the money changers from the Temple. Or, as Moses was in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. The key is not to be operating from a mindset or position of arrogance (which makes one blind to their own weaknesses, and which makes on vulnerable, by definition, against any enemy). George Washington humbled himself before God in recognizing, through prayer, that God would lead the founders to victory, and so forth.

      In reality, one is most effective against any enemy — either in debate or war, coming from a position of confidence with humility. Humility yields the greatest strength.

      One challenge we conservatives face is this misconception — that humility and respect means weakness. Although many perceive those who act in arrogance to be strong, they are actually perceiving a vulnerable, weak person.

      Conservative’s weakness, and why in fact we lost and will continue to lose, is just this — arrogance.

      “As illustrated in the person of Moses, who leads the nation of Hebrews out of slavery in Egypt and to the ‘Promised Land’, humility is a sign of Godly strength and purpose, not weakness. Of this great leader, the Bible states, ‘For Moses was a man exceeding meek above all men that dwelt upon earth.’ ” (Numbers 12:3).

      Moses was not only one of the strongest leaders of all human history, he was one of three in biblical history who was called a “Friend of God”. (David, Abraham, Moses).

      Let’s understand that our greatest strength is humbling ourselves to the Creator of the universe, objectively understanding our weaknesses and reasons for failure, and fight the good fight. We will ONLY truly win a sustainable victory for Liberty and Freedom, if we do this.

      Thanks again for your comments and passion for liberty. Keep up the fight!

  • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

    A few thoughts to add to the article given a few conversations and dialog in comments thus far…

    And, as always, thank you for your sincere comments, thanks, and inputs. It is always great to discuss these important issues with fellow conservatives. Okay, a few thoughts:

    1. Don’t Try to “Change” Collectivists

    Some may interpret the headlines of my article or a few thoughts there as I may be recommending that we try to confront “progressives” (collectivists) to “change their views”. I DO NOT recommend this view. Clearly, recommending that WE try to change anyone, regardless the issue, is futile, much less to set out and try to change a dyed-in-the-wool, collectivist. In fact, when WE set out to try to “change others”, this in and of itself is arrogant. Rather, if we share our views with others in a factual, honest, humble and confident way, if THEY desire THEY will change themselves. That is Liberty, folks. Practice what we preach. And, I agree with some that most will not change. This is true of ANY change in life. As a CEO/executive coach for many years, I understand the degree to which humans change — even the best. However, regardless anyone’s reaction to the truth we share, we should strive to be aligned with truth and founding principles, ourselves, in our communication of same. If we can do this, our example is often the best message and we have the greatest opportunity, then, to enable those who ARE seeking — even if only a few — to understand our views so they may change in their own time and way.

    2. Don’t Communicate if Not Comfortable with Opposing Views

    Some have said they cannot stand communicating with collectivists. I feel you and sometimes it is hard for me, as well. I am not recommending that we attempt communications with anyone with whom we are not individually comfortable communicating. Also, if one is uncomfortable communicating the ideas of individual liberty, free-market economics, limited government, self-responsibility… founding principles, and one cannot do this without attacking, name-calling, and generally communicating in anger and blame, then one should not communicate. There IS a time to fight, an there are different ways of fighting. The battlefield of ideas, if won, saves possibly millions of lives and this is where we still need to fight today.

    3. If Communicate Publicly, Communicate Wisely

    If we choose to openly communicate in public, such as write posts on Facebook, speaking at social engagements, or, in general, communicate where there are those of many differing views, it is important — if we truly want to make a real difference, and, as noted above, impact those who ARE seeking vs. simply making ourselves feel better — to speak with humility AND confidence. Not passive communications. Not weak. Not overly tolerant, etc. And yes, confronting their ideology head on. I believe our communicating from a position of confidence and humility, not arrogance and self-righteousness, is what will truly enable others — the seekers — to think differently, and change IF THIS IS POSSIBLE AT ALL.

    4. Most Will Not Change

    Yes, many arrogant (of any ideology), as I note in the article, will never change their stripes. However, the key here is that it is not up to us to make that decision as to who we are going to change (common sense), rather to simply put our shoulder to the wheel and share truth. We never know what someone is truly thinking. Some, who have battled me the most furiously in these conversations, were the ones who were seeking the most. They are starving for truth. They have seen deceit and lies from BOTH sides of the aisle, from “left” and “right”. The do not trust. And yes, there does come a time when words are not enough, when laws are not enough, when our system of government is not enough. Yet, we are not there yet. We may be close. At that time, we will also be confident and humble in executing any plans required to eradicate evil, as necessary. Until then, it is simply up to us to share truth (in a way it can be received) and be prepared to defend liberty.

    In my experience, I know those who have changed their views. The reason? Many are learning for the first time — principles of liberty, free-market economics, and true founding principles. Our State educational system (NEA/DOE) has dumbed down our society from all perspectives, including diluting or eliminating any rich understanding of our history and founding principles. In short, many have been lied to and have not had a compelling reason in their lives to search out truth. Today, moreso than at any other time in our recent history, there are many seekers. Things aren’t adding up and they feel it and want answers. Therefore, when they hear truth, some are reasonable and say, “You know, I’ve never heard this.” They research, and they change their views. There are numerous examples. Roger Simon, P.J. Media CEO, is one. There are others.

    5. Who Made Us God?

    To assume we “know” that others will not change and our broad use of these generalizations, is one of the greatest examples of arrogance, and is completely useless as a strategy at any time. We are essentially saying, “We get it. They don’t. We’re in the club. They’re not.” We do not know who, or when. Let God handle the change. We are messengers only.

    6. This is a Conservative Challenge

    Herein lies a big challenge for “conservatives” today — and one of the reasons I felt it necessary to write this article, above. I knew it would not necessarily be popular with many self-righteous conservatives — those who end up name calling and attacking other conservatives rather than sharing ideas and thought, and respecting the others’ rights — in liberty — to their own views. This was a big challenge in the election even among ourselves — establishment GOP, to “Tea Partiers”, to “Libertarians”, etc. — I’ll call us as a group… necessary to win the next election and to turn America around — the “Anti-Collectivists”. By the way, the “XYZTard” thing has to go. It is arrogant and childish. It is especially destructive within our own camp.

    7. Repeat: Put Your Shoulder to the Wheel

    To emphasize, we often are worried that we will not be able to change others. So, we give up. Yet, it is not for us to determine if we change others. It is for us only to share truth — one way of putting our shoulder to the wheel — and in doing so, share it from a mindset that does not, out of hand before it is even heard, destroy the chances of anyone truly wanting to hear truth, to hear it. We often fail from the moment we open our mouths, in our arrogance, and we create a self-fulfilling prophecy: that they “won’t listen, won’t change, are ignorant, are name #1, name #2.” This shows our own arrogance, not theirs. We must get this or we will fail. There is no greater arrogance than self-righteous arrogance.

    All for now, have a great day and weekend, and I hope we all win personally first, so that we may win in life and in America. And, Go Niners! ;)

  • Mike

    Preaching at progressives is like trying to give medicine to the dead!

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Preaching at anyone, unless one chooses to be in a church being preached at, is likely ineffective.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Charles-Ivie/821714719 Charles Ivie

    When will conservatives realize that liberal-progresivism is a secular religion and its followers are fanatical zealots. It is not possible to use reason with these people because they truly believe that they are in sole possession of the truth and that anyone that disagrees with them is a blasphemer or worse. You can only address these people by first recognizing that their beliefs are at complete variance with reality and they don’t care. They have no economic models that function and their ideology is nothing More than a thinly disguised path to tyrannical power. They prey on the productive by accusing them of theft. The only way to beat them, short of genocide, is to stop all economic aid to their cause. In the absence of other peoples money their cause will wither and die. They can only succeeded if conservatives allow them to do so.

  • http://www.facebook.com/people/Charles-Ivie/821714719 Charles Ivie

    When will conservatives realize that liberal-progresivism is a secular religion and its followers are fanatical zealots. It is not possible to use reason with these people because they truly believe that they are in sole possession of the truth
    and that anyone that disagrees with them is a blasphemer or worse. You
    can only address these people by first recognizing that their beliefs
    are at complete variance with reality and they don’t care. They have no
    economic models that function and their ideology is nothing More than a
    thinly disguised path to tyrannical power. They prey on the productive
    by accusing them of theft. The only way to beat them, short of
    genocide, is to stop all economic aid to their cause. In the absence of
    other peoples money their cause will wither and die. They can only
    succeeded if conservatives allow them to do so.

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      Thanks for your comment, Charles. Agree, it is a secular religion, a global secular religion. The core driver, anti-Christian, anti-God ideology. Collectivism is the driving ideology — global fascism. Redistribution and cronyism is the engine. Thanks.

  • marineh2ominer

    As long as we have hardcore communist indoctrinators in our national indoctrination centers we will continue to fall away from a free and moral society . I don’t see any changes down the road in this so I say our constitutional republic is doomed to fall to communism .

    • http://www.facebook.com/david.chaney David Chaney

      I agree we need to remove the collectivist influences in our government, businesses, and education. The only change we can truly see is in our individual efforts. Together, if we all take this tact, we can prevail. We must stand shoulder-to-shoulder, working in the same direction, and without distraction. We are more likely doomed to global fascism (third way: hybrid socialism/capitalism –> fascism), than communism. This is the road map, in any case. Thanks for the comment and input.

  • Raymond

    AMERICA’S MORAL DAM IS BURSTING

    The moral dam is bursting in American society, as witnessed by the recent national election. Colorado and Washington became the first states to legalize the possession and sale of marijuana for “recreational use,” thus moving the country toward a 24/7 dope/alcohol stupor. (Rapper Snoop Dogg recently said he smokes 81 joints or “blunts” a week and that other musicians and actors that he knows are also avid “weed” smokers.) Marijuana is still illegal under federal law, but a major milestone has been passed, and there can be little doubt that enforcement will decrease dramatically, which is what the American people want. A USA Today poll recently found that 70% of Americans age 30 and older, including baby boomers and beyond, oppose enforcement of existing federal laws against marijuana use.

    Further, three states (Maine, Washington, Maryland) voted to legalize “same sex marriage.” This is the first time that voters have directly approved a homosexual “marriage” law and it is a major milestone. When homosexuality is considered “moral” there can be no absolute basis for morality. Six other states plus the District of Columbia currently allow homosexual “marriage,” but those laws were not passed by referendum. Thirty-nine states prohibit same sex “marriage” either by statute or constitution, but it is highly probable that the U.S. Supreme Court will eventually overturn all such laws on the basis of judicial fiat and liberal activism.

    The moral dam burst is evident in the dramatic change in attitude toward sameSex “marriage” over the past decade. Whereas in 2004, 42% of the citizens approved it, in 2010 that percentage had risen to 53%, and among young people 18-29, a whopping 73% approve (“Attitude Toward Gays Changing Fast,” USA Today, Dec. 6, 2012). In fact, as we have documented in the book What Is the Emerging Church? many so-called “evangelicals” are outspoken in their tolerance of homosexuality.

  • Raymond

    WHY AMERICA’S MORAL DAM IS BURSTING

    The moral dam burst that we are witnessing in America has been a long time in developing. At a fundamental level, it began in the 19th century with theological modernism and Darwinian evolution, in fact, but it was at work dramatically even in the 1950s which is often considered the hay-day of morality and biblical Christianity in modern America. I was growing up then and America was anything but biblically moral, even in the deep South where Baptist churches were on every corner. Independent Baptists barely existed then.

    It was the Southern Baptists who were considered the conservatives of the conservatives, yet they weren’t taking the Bible seriously. There was more a form of godliness than the true reality thereof. Kids typically went through the motions of “trusting Jesus” without a genuine conversion experience and without being true disciples of Christ, and then lived as they pleased and drank as deeply of the oncoming pop culture as they wished. It was even expected that church kids would “sow their wild oats.” The humanistic philosophy was that parents shouldn’t be too “strict or tight-laced.”

    When rock & roll blasted on the scene, there was some resistance by the elders, but it was party time for the church kids and it wasn’t long before the parents were rocking, too! When television and Hollywood foisted their wares on society, the U.S. churches pretty much accepted what was offered, except for the most extreme stuff, walking lock step with the world. They fussed about the moral pollution, but they stayed tuned in, nonetheless, which is a major form of soul-deadening hypocrisy. It was a Santa Claus, Easter Bunny, Disney kind of Christianity.

    A major thing that was missing from “conservative” American Christianity in the 1950s and 1960s was the obedience to biblical separation. In fact, it was publicly and brashly renounced by major “evangelicals.” But when God’s people are the “friends of the world” they are the enemies of Christ (James 4:4), and there is no power and blessing in that path. The deep compromise that flowed from the churches effected the entire nation. For a long, long time, America’s morals have been leavened by the licentious end-time philosophy (2 Timothy 3-4) promoted through the government school system, the pop-entertainment culture, the mainstream news media, judicial activism, and in many other ways.

  • Bruce Feher

    Since “progressives” find that the human race is at fault for all problems, they should set an example and kill themselves. After the last one has then I “promise” I will too. Wanna bet?

  • http://www.facebook.com/richard.dahl777 Richard Dahl

    Hey David – you are just another gutless Big Pussy from Silicon Valley. For years we just said that if we wait long enough and don’t confront our enemies with truth – they will see the error of their ways while in the meantime they pervert our children, take our rights, and communize us. You are a sell out not a class guy.