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A Transition In Political Thought

By: wonkish1 (Diary)  |  December 19th, 2010 at 10:43 AM  | 

RESIZE: AAA

The Backstory

I was very different about how I approached politics many years ago. And that manifested itself in two basic desires keep myself informed about the big issues and share that information with others.

Surprisingly, this outlook culminated in about 2005 territory thinking that I was a political failure and almost completely got me out of the game entirely. The fact was that at that time while I was able to keep myself informed, I couldn’t get others to even want to engage in political debate with me. Many had grown sick of talking about it. Others didn’t want to budge. Other’s still didn’t care. I started to ask myself what was the point to spending much time keeping up with the news. I mean it wasn’t really going to change my vote and it wasn’t going to really impact whether or not I chose to volunteer. And apparently all that time spent reading the news wasn’t allowing me to have really any impact on my fellow man.

So, one by one I stopped listening to Rush as much, stopped listening to talk radio in general as much, I watched Fox News less and less than before, I read political blogs less than before. I had moved to largely the bare minimum, just enough to keep me informed “enough”. I thought I wasn’t ever going to return.

A Change In Events

So there I was minding my own business. And like always political conversations get started by others. Most of which, I just kind of downplayed my end of things believing that I wasn’t going to have much of an impact on things. But after doing that for a while, I finally “bit into” a few and actually earnestly participated. Something weird happened. One gentlemen in particular that in all intensive purposes was pretty progressive in nature switched sides(all though not completely). He switched to a libertarian(a serious improvement and started saying that he was planning on for the first time voting GOP. “Huh, maybe I shouldn’t be completely out of the game, I thought.”

Then, I started making a bunch of off the cuff predictions of how particular things were going to play out politically well in advance. Another strange thing happened, practically every single one of those predictions(a lot of which nobody was making) came true. And so I sat down and started thinking.

A Change In Thought

I started thinking maybe, I should be involved in politics, but I was just going about it the wrong way before. Maybe I should sit down and think about what would make me more effective.

A New Operative Is Born

First: I developed a ferocious appetite for the news nobody else is getting. I started scanning blogs, developing strategies for using News aggregators like Google news, started scanning through publications on Townhall.com, started searching and finding speeches of those not so much in the political limelight, and developed a thing for the “latest news from the political grapevine” on Fox. Anywhere and everywhere news that nobody else was getting I wanted it.

Second: I developed a ferocious desire to get the regular news faster, simpler, and more efficient. I wasn’t ever going to be left bored listening or reading about something that wasn’t, well, new to me. I have developed 3 staples of my efficient news(and always looking for better) Drudge Report, realclearpolitics, and the memeorandum river (http://www.memeorandum.com/river).  While I still listen to Rush when I’m in my car for example, I choose instead to use his website and read the transcripts on things I find interesting or would like some opinion on. Anything to get the news faster, better, and more efficient.

Third: I developed an insatiable appetite for details on policy. What works, what doesn’t, what moves us in the right direction of freedom. I delved into tax policy, bureaucracy policy(I coined it as the study of how to shrink bureaucracy with the least resistance), Health policy, pensions, social policy, trade policy, even environmental policy(to figure out how to counter this left wing assault). I read books, watched documentaries, and tried to learn from anybody that unique insight on any topic out there. Anything that would stack the knowledge deck against any would be liberal, progressive, or even moderate challenger.

Fourth: I started developing an appetite for reading and doing heavy thinking about the arts of persuasion, framing, discussion, argument, logic, etc. Anything that could make me more effective and better at getting a point across or moving some lefty in the direction I wanted.

Five: I started spending a lot of time thinking and reading about campaign theory, and theory a movements. What are creative ways to get you’re message across and how to develop enthusiasm. What are the necessary conditions for which movements can occur.

The result of this change from someone that just got the news and spread the news to someone that learns and talks about ideas, solutions, information, etc. has been huge. When people used to see talking politics with me was an uncomfortable argument they now see it as interesting and stimulating. Instead of before when I always felt like I was beating my head against the wall, I increasingly feel more liberated, calmer, and happier in my political dealings.

Now I don’t offer this story to you in any sense to draw attention to me or anything like that. This is a story for those that question whether all the time is worth it; whether they should give up because they aren’t making the impact they sought out to make; if they are asking themselves what is the point? If any of those thoughts have entered into your head, I hope this story is an inspiration for you.

COMMENTS

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  • Wayne

    Many of us have had the same story to tell.

    The economic downturn affected my political awakening, though much of my thoughts are aligned with yours, events drove my path and continue to.

    Success is better when attempting to communicate one’s political views by framing the discussion in a series of questions and allowing others to formulate their own conclusions based on facts other than feelings. It allows the seed of change in there paradigm to take root in fertile ground.

    • wonkish1

      Out there. And its called Socratic Method. Like so many other things that would produce similar results, if only 10% more of the GOP base got good at Socratic Method the rate at which the country moved to the right would be accelerated at least 10 fold.

      • JSobieski

        so it is unlikely to be imitated.

        I have been repeatedly labelled “passive aggressive” for engaging in series of questions.

        I absolutely agree with you however, that in bringing independents to conservatism (and even some liberals), the socratic method is usually the most effective way to proceed.

        • Jack_Savage

          So when my kids asked why they couldn’t have ice cream, a thousand times in a thousand different ways, I should have viewed it more kindly for it was merely their use of the Socratic method.

          If I poke a stick in your eye repeatedly I can call it an eye test, but that doesn’t mean that’s what it really is.

          Carry on.

          • wonkish1

            The Socratic Method. Socratic Method doesn’t repeat a particular question in different ways, it is a series of different questions.

            I would analogize it is if questions were occurring in a boxing ring. What you are describing a repetition of jabs over and over again. And Socratic Method was the act of moving around throwing different punches and combo’s, etc.

            I know that isn’t a very good analogy, but for a lack of better ones it will do.

            I would point out though there are a lot of other tools that are pretty powerful. Framing is usually pretty powerful(especially when you’re talking to larger audiences).

          • JSobieski

            Or maybe it was an implicit diagnosis of some more subtle psychological malody. In any case, the comment was not directed towards you, it was directed to the “hater”.

            Socratic method doesn’t work if the person never answers any of the questions. It requires good faith on both sides.

          • wonkish1

            Also like anything else though it isn’t a simple matter of do you practice it or not. Like practically everything you can be better at it or not very good.

            When it comes to a liberal, a very forceful question may result in no answer or a dodge. But if you’re really good you can slowly ease them into answering tougher and tougher questions by starting out in what is considered friendly territory.

            That said I have estimated that about 10-15% of the population(while still possibly convertible) isn’t even close to worth the time involved. Many people will look at the percentage as low, trust me it isn’t. 85-90% of the American public is at least not completely close minded. There are pretty productive ways to work on the unbelievably vast majority of Americans.

          • aesthete

            in both discovering my personal political philosophy, and in stimulating thought among others. Challenging premises using that method is particularly useful, IMO.

          • Scope

            an exercise in someone asking question after question, until they eventually get the unsuspecting person to agree to something they may have not agreed to before the loaded questions after questions. The left uses this tactic over and over again. It is nothing more than mind control. The conservatives don’t need the endless debate, such as with the moral questions, that never seem to get answered, because the moral relativists never run out of questions, circumstances and ideas. How much of the American population has even entered the ongoing, endless debate that some want to engage in, over and over again? Unless or until you have a fully engaged population, which ain’t anywhere near the majority, just how many people do you think you can snag with Socratic debate. The Libs have had that control forever, and, the Republicans, trying to do it one voter at a time are dreaming. Propaganda works well. It would be wise for the Republicans to take on a national propaganda message about how the country was founded, and how it was meant to work. Question after question does nothing more than to bore the person being questioned, over and over again. It is a bad methodology, and, will lose our country before we even have the ability to turn it back on course.

          • aesthete
          • wonkish1

            First, that isn’t Socratic Method. If you’re actually talented at it you usually are walking someone down a path they don’t realize they are on. And they do so willingly.

            Second, it is most definitely not endless debate. In most cases, someone skilled at Socratic Method can achieve some finality in discussions with other folks that most political arguments could never do.

            Third, it would never be a good idea for only 1 outreach program to exist. Folks trying to work on people one by one doesn’t impact any national campaigns or anything like that. They are all but mutually exclusive.

            Fourth, Socratic Method is a system that can be used on any topic known to man, the fact that you seem to equate it with moral relativism points to me that you have some misunderstandings of what it is.

            Lastly, Socratic Method is one tool. That is it. It is a very, very useful one, but there are also a lot of other very useful tools out there. So don’t pinpoint me as someone that thinks that we should all use it and its the be all and end all. I do support that more people learn how to use it, but I also support that more people learn how to use a lot of other tools, too.

          • http://westforwestwing2012.com heartlander

            It ONLY works if BOTH participants are acting IN GOOD FAITH, i.e., they are both committed in getting to the TRUTH.

            Again, see how a master does it in Peter Kreeft’s “The Best Things in Life” and “The Unaborted Socrates.”

          • Jack_Savage

            I do not believe you have a visceral hatred of Sarah Palin. At all. I do not believe you are passive aggressive. At all. I was trying to point out that slandering a decent person – get it? Slander (passive aggressive / she’s a quitter) a decent person (J Sobieski / Sarah Palin) – is a poor way to have a discussion, and that until two individuals come to some sort of agreement on the character of the candidate they discuss, further discussion is useless.

            You took it very personally. I do not blame you. People who think Sarah Palin is a decent person take slander – which you were not really engaged in – from the left or the right very personally. Some of have decided that enough is enough. That’s it. That discussion is wholly separate and distinct from the discussion about whether I feel she should run or not, and my stance on that issue would likely surprise you.

            As for your question, I think that quitting was initially the least bad of two very bad options that the laws of Alaska and the ankle-biters forced upon Sarah Palin. The more I think about it, the more I think it was a brilliant move.

            Carry on.

          • JSobieski

            You also called me a “smearbot”. Your words, not mine, and yes, I am quoting you.

            My compliments of Palin are sincere. You can look back to what I wrote about Palin going back prior to her getting the VP nod in 2008. I first learned about her after her R primary victory for governor, and was a big fan at the time. I really wish Palin hadn’t resigned, and I do think it is her biggest political weakness. Back in Reagan’s day, there were people who were very reluctant to put a divorced man in the White House, but Reagan could honestly answer that the divorce was not of his choice or doing.

            Presidents often face choices between two really bad options.

            Presidents are often subject to meritless and unending charges and investigations.

            Presidents, more so than any governor, are really big targets for things like baseless accusations and ethical smears.

            None of the statements above is particularly controversial, nor are any specific to Palin.

            The idea that I can both discuss Palin’s strengths and weaknesses somehow makes me passive aggressive is a misuse of the term. Most people would call it being an adult.

          • Jack_Savage

            I said those things. Sure did. I had forgotten about “smearbot”, but it is a good one. I’ve used it before, but it was more descriptive in that instance. I did not, however, tell you to go “pack sand”, and I would also like that to be noted.

            Were those comments warranted, or appropriate, or accurate? Not at all. Did they help to advance the discussion? Not at all. Did the fact that you took them very personally probably preclude any meaningful discussion in the future? Probably.

            That was my heavy-handed point, which I will now drop.

          • Jack_Savage

            ” Socratic Method doesn

          • http://westforwestwing2012.com heartlander

            … are the books of Peter Kreeft.

            My personal favorite is “The Unaborted Socrates,” which shows how to get a “pro-choicer” really thinking about some things without pissing him or her off.

            “The Best Things in Life” features Kreeft’s imaginary Socrates questioning two modern college students, and shows a wonderful deconstruction of deconstructionism!

            There are also:
            “Socrates Meets Kant”
            “Socrates Meets Jesus”
            “Socrates Meets Marx”
            “Socrates Meets Hume”
            and other books dealing with, respectively, Descartes, Machiavelli and Sartre.

            All the books just listed are Imaginary dialogues with particular people. Kreeft is a professor of philosophy who specializes in Socratic logic, and he breathes the Socratic method the way I breathe air. He’s also a marvelous wit. These books are profound but delightful — once you start one, you can’t put it down!

            Some other books he has done that relate to the topic are “Philosophy 101 by Socrates,” a kind of introduction to Plato’s Apology,
            and his textbooks, Socratic Logic 2e, Socratic Logic3e and Socratic Logic 3.1e.

            But if you’re looking for real examples of real questions you can ask people, as we’ve been talking about here, you can hardly do better than to pick up one of those books with his imaginary Socrates character!

          • wonkish1

            Do they come in audiobook format by any chance?

            P.S. I just developed my new signature, what do you guys think.

          • Wayne

            Sorry Jack,

            Can’t let you get away with that absurd analogy…

            I’m going to give you the benefit of doubt and assume you’re a conservative…

            Thus, your response was idiotic! Extremist and not thought provoking..

            I don’t have to ask you a serves of questions to get you to understand that…

            Just saying….

      • Donald Ayotte

        Wonkish1

        I worked as a reporter and got tired of always working and writing in AP style format. The first time that I actually commented on a blog was about 18 months ago. After that I became a contributor, writing news events that happened around my state that the news media would not cover. I found that people were quite interested in this new type of media that also was interjected with opinion.
        I find your posting refreshing. Keep up the good work.

  • eastbaylarry

    You mention reading up on various topics that are of interest to me as well as many other ‘newly awakened’ conservatives. Could you list what books you found most valuable and what particular items you found most valuable in each?

  • mikerazar

    for once I am at a loss for any substantive comment. I will only say that I have had many of the same experiences and thoughts, though not so much the discipline to deal with them as shown by Wonkish.

    Thank you Wonkish for joining us a Redstate. You are on my short list of must read members. I look forward to debating with you in the future.

  • wonkish1

    Include different media types as well such as documentaries, audiobooks, etc. And I’ll give you the atypical ones that aren’t mentioned as much.

    1. Commanding Heights: Battle for the World Economy. PBS documentary largely on economic history and the history of economic thought. What is kind of cool, is that since it starts off in the first episode at the turn of the century and goes to the 1970s and 80s it tends to lull liberals into thinking that it is a more liberal documentary. Well that is totally not true because it only features more liberal big whigs because that is what people believed between 1930 and 1980. The latter 2 episodes are stacked with a who’s who of politics(Thatcher, Gingrich, Milton Friedman, Clinton, Gordon Brown, Lech Walesa, etc. all in unique interviews). If you’re anticipating an entirely conservative documentary don’t watch it, but if you are looking for a documentary that through the use of both left and right figures makes an unbelievably strong case for markets then this is the best documentary out there. And this is also the best tool in my arsenal for folks moderates, liberals, etc. it has a pretty profound ability to move someone to the right, big time.

    2. Screwtape Letters(C.S. Lewis), I don’t read much fiction, but that book was very good at understanding the human dynamics of what goes on in a person’s head. Anybody, looking at the dynamic nature of how people are influenced could very well start at Screwtape Letters.

    3. Economics in One Lesson(Henry Hazlitt). Very good book on economics that is actually very easy to read and widely appreciated. Written more than a half a century ago this book is still extremely relevant today which is no easy feat.

    4. The Rational Optimist(Matt Ridley). A word of caution, if you personally don’t believe in any element of evolution don’t read this book. This one I’ve actually thought about handing out to entire swath’s of all people liberal professor’s because by the time you finish reading or listening to(I got it on Audiobook), the case is as solid as can humanly be. That human nature has an unbelievable capacity to adapt and fix problems as they develop and that markets are almost the exclusive item that solves all of those problems, and are pivotal to understanding human existence all the way back to beginning of homo-sapiens. I will admit though that the book has a tendacy to lay on and lay on information from long off periods of time, and there are several chunks of the book that it will get annoying, but once you finish the book you will be unbelievably glad you did because almost no one is left disagreeing with the thesis of the book. Also, I love the fact that the book leaves the reader very upbeat about the future.

    5. Gingrich Lectures to James Carville’s Tulane Class. You skip the first 24 minutes of Part 1 because Newt doesn’t arrive until then. This is a lecture that provides a good intro to learning about campaign and movement theory. And I should add that this lecture came before the Tea Party had even gotten started. I recommend this because A) the two parts are short relative to reading an entire book so you can decide or not whether you are in fact interested in campaign or movement theory, B) its on youtube so its free and easy to watch, and C) does have a decent amount of very insightful pieces on this subject(in between the standard policy questions the students asked).
    I should point out that this is a lecture that is largely focused on raw political talent regardless of where that talent comes from.
    Links: Part 1 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7jAoI7fhaxk
    Part 2 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eYaPC7XIyyo

    6. The President, The Pope, and The Prime Minister. A book about how these 3 individuals actively worked together to defeat communism and the strategy they put into force. One that is capable of being duplicated today and in the future. In readings like this, you will start to discover that people like Reagan actually operated under a philosophy that essentially is the exact opposite of Saul Alinsky’s Rules For Radicals, but equal in its power(except for Freedom instead of State Power).

    7. Ronald Reagan, Rendezvous with Destiny. Excellent documentary on the man.

    But I can tell you right now, a lot of the best stuff out there is in small papers, speeches, etc. largely coming out of think tanks. Socratic Method and Logic I learned from text books that I don’t even remember the name of. And I read and listen to a lot on other subjects such as marketing, management, etc. that you are able to borrow a lot of concepts from. I didn’t really want to list those on here because then many might be like “why are you posting that?”

    The other thing that I would recommend is to look at everything in a new light. Instead of focusing on what someone like Rush or Glenn Beck says. Also, look at what are they doing that makes them so persuasive. And set out on a quest for the most successful and persuasive campaigners, politicians, pundits, and personalities and instead of just hearing what they are talking about watch how they are presenting it.

  • mikerazar

    You will understand the next half century much better.

  • wonkish1

    nt

  • http://westforwestwing2012.com heartlander

    EVERYBODY in America should read “America Alone.”

    And Steyn is so rib-splitting hilarious that he can present even the grimmest subject in such a way that you actually have fun reading it!

    A HUGELY important book. Best treatment I’ve seen of the subject.

  • JSobieski

    It describes what is likely to most successful espionage operation in the history of the world. Morris Childs was personally awarded in the same 6 month period the highest civilian award of the USSR by the head of the KGB and the highest civilian award of the US by the head of the US.

    Morris Childs suffered his first heart attack before he even started his espionage activities. Morover, he was once a true believer in communism.

    His story should be studied in schools, and there should be a national holiday on his birthday.

    Yet, very few even know his name or what he did.

  • http://www.theprecinctproject.wordpress.com ColdWarrior

    will get to your local Republican Party committee and find out how to become a precinct committeeman there. You are needed INSIDE the Republican Party.

    And take all of your conservative friends with you.

    Thank you.

    ColdWarrior