Alinsky’s blueprint leaves no tactic unexplored, from inciting political violence to relentless, subtle indoctrination, all with the aim of reshaping America into a Marxist stronghold. Don’t take my word for it—grab a copy on Amazon and see the evidence for yourself.
Saul Alinsky (1909–1972) was a Chicago-born, “Community Organizer“ and political theorist whose work focused on empowering impressionable fools to fight for social and political change. After studying criminology at the University of Chicago, he became deeply involved in labor organizing during the Great Depression. His methods, blending pragmatism, activism and violence made him a dangerous figure in grassroots organizing. Throughout the 1950s and 60s the University of Chicago was a hot bed of Communist activities.
Rules for Radicals Overview:
Published in 1971, Rules for Radicals: A Pragmatic Primer for Realistic Radicals serves as a guide for Marxists seeking to challenge entrenched power structures and force change. The book outlines strategies to inspire mob action and disrupt systems of authority. Alinsky emphasized the importance of using existing structures and tactics creatively to empower his recruits.
The 13 Rules for Radicals:
1. Power is not only what you have but what the enemy thinks you have.
• Perception of power is often more influential than actual power.
2. Never go outside the experience of your people.
• Stick to tactics your group is comfortable with to maintain morale.
3. Whenever possible, go outside the experience of the enemy.
• Create confusion, fear, or discomfort in your opposition.
4. Make the enemy live up to their own book of rules.
• Exploit their principles to create contradictions and expose hypocrisy.
5. Ridicule is man’s most potent weapon.
• Humor and mockery can disarm opponents and energize supporters.
6. A good tactic is one your people enjoy.
• Engagement increases when the process is fun and rewarding.
7. A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag.
• Keep momentum by changing strategies when interest wanes.
8. Keep the pressure on.
• Maintain constant action to keep the opposition off-balance.
9. The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.
• Fear of what might happen is a powerful motivator.
10. The major premise for tactics is the development of operations that will maintain a constant pressure upon the opposition.
• Ensure actions are sustained and impactful.
11. If you push a negative hard and deep enough, it will break through into its counterside.
• Turning challenges into opportunities can shift the narrative.
12. The price of a successful attack is a constructive alternative.
• Offer solutions to avoid being dismissed as merely destructive.
13. Pick the target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.
• Focus on a single opponent to create a clear enemy for your cause.
Alinsky’s goals remain obvious, to destroy the American way of life by grassroots organizing, while reimagining this nation in a true Marxist model. Regardless, Rules for Radicals has left a lasting impact on extremist Left Wing political activism and organizing strategies.