Saul Alinsky and the Devil

[hardblue.livejournal.com]

One particularly pervasive theme in conservative criticism of Alinsky is a faulty claim that he dedicated Rules for Radicals to "Lucifer." He actually dedicated it to his wife Irene, but began the book with a series of quotes, including one attributed to himself: "Lest we forget at least an over-the-shoulder acknowledgment to the very first radical: from all our legends, mythology, and history (and who is to know where mythology leaves off and history begins — or which is which), the first radical known to man who rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that he at least won his own kingdom — Lucifer."

-- Dylan Matthews, "Who is Saul Alinsky, and why does the right hate him so much?" at Vox

Comments

[hindustar.livejournal.com]

I had only heard of him in passing, and until now had not really learned much about him. I took this opportunity to read up on him. I also found this article that I think is sort of wonderful.

http://www.americanthinker.com/blog/2014/10/alinsky_tactics_disrupt_the_blind_state_of_white_st_louis_.html

[hardblue.livejournal.com]

Heh, yeah, that's the first time I heard of a 'fart-in'. It's creative, I guess, taking Gandhi to new levels. ;)

[dexeron.livejournal.com]

People on the right like the scream about Alinsky, and throw around his name (and Rules for Radicals) as if association is somehow... bad? Somehow they've decided that being a "radical" is evil - unless it's being a radical like Clive Bundy. Somehow "Alinsky" tactics are evil - unless it's the kind of mudslinging that they routinely do against Obama.

It's the usual "OMG someone doesn't agree with us and actually might have made points that might help his side. ATTACK ATTACK ATTACK!"

[hardblue.livejournal.com]

It is as though the interests of the poor and minorities are illegitimate.

[lafinjack.livejournal.com]

Best way to to distract attention away from yourself is to adopt their playbook.

[weswilson]

I never even heard of him till I got accused of worshiping him and using his tactics in public debate.... repeatedly... and even now, I haven't read anything from him.

[hardblue.livejournal.com]

I wonder what was it you said that was supposed to be so Alinsky-esque. I suspect that the name has been bastardized to mean anything liberal and which doesn't worship property rights.

[weswilson]

Usually it had to do with me finding hypocrisies in the individuals claiming moral certainty. That whole "Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it" thing.

[telemann.livejournal.com]

Yeah, the same here, Wes.
I never ever heard of the man, until I Melvin started yelling about him.