A word can take on a new meaning that might surprise you. For instance, because of GOP missteps and the Left's use of negative propaganda, the word "conservative" has been demonized and redefined. All you have to do is say the word "conservative" and many Americans, especially Black Americans, instantly think you're talking about a person that is evil, untrustworthy, out of touch and a racist.
I can't bear giving him any credit but, love him or hate him, Saul Alinsky, in his book Rules for Radicals, was absolutely right when he wrote: "He who controls the language controls the masses." Let's be honest. The Left has succeeded in controlling the language, so much so that the word "conservative" is synonymous with racism. Because of Leftist propaganda and no effective Conservative counterresponse, the word "conservative" conjures up hate, hostility and opposition. This is where Marxist-Liberals are playing chess and Conservatives are playing checkers. Conservatives are being out maneuvered ─ always two or three steps behind. What's more, many Americans mentally shut down and shift to attack mode when they think someone is a Conservative — never giving the conservative point of view any serious thought.
Over the past 12 years, during my nationwide travels, I have made the case that Conservatives are discredited before they speak, and they should stop using the word "conservative" to politically identify themselves. You'll be pleased to know the late Rush Limbaugh, the Godfather of Conservative Talk Radio, agrees with me. During the third hour of his show on November 28, 2018, Rush commented:
"… I don't like having to say this but being honest with you and with myself is paramount. And I can tell you … if conservatism and liberalism are brands, the Left has succeeded in destroying the brand of conservatism. So, pushing conservatism is not the answer."
Rush concluded by saying, "… I would suggest to you, when you're out and about and if you run into an occasion where you have the opportunity to talk politics … do not use the word "conservative." Do everything else, but don't call yourself that, don't promote it, don't reference it. I think you're going to find if we do this that, you're going to have far more people agree with your solutions that will disagree if you don't identify yourself … as a conservative."
Conservatives need to completely change the way they think about their current political identity. Change is not something to be dreaded. Instead, it is something that should be embraced ─ for without change, this world would never improve or advance. If Conservatives are serious about defeating Marxism and preserving the blessing of liberty, they must stop doing the things they already know don't work, i.e. identifying themselves as Conservatives. It is time to put into action a moniker that has proven to be effective ─ Frederick Douglass Republican (FDR).
The "FDR Engagement Strategy" is not a gimmick. It is a divinely inspired persuasive messaging model ─ designed for the sole purpose of empowering Conservatives with the confidence, knowledge and skills to ignite America's passion for liberty and trump the race card. The powerful effect of the engagement strategy does not rest upon the FDR moniker. Instead, it is the articulation of Douglass' life-empowering values, which you must convey, following your FDR affirmation.
It bears repeating: Marxist-Liberals have no answer for Frederick Douglass' liberty message, and they never will.
A former member of President Trump's Coalition Advisory Board, KCarl Smith is the President and CEO of KCarl Consulting Group, empowering freedom advocates with the confidence, knowledge and skills to trump the race card. His column appears every Thursday in 1819 News. To contact KCarl or request him for a speaking engagement go to http://kcarlinc.com/bookingsandfees . The views and opinions expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the policy or position of 1819 News. To comment, please send an email with your name and contact information to Commentary@1819News.com .
