More on Tactics of Power

Upon reporting to grandpa about my thoughts he just grinned then continued discussing his ideas of the rules of power.

“ Boy, remember that some of these rules that we are discussing are rules of argument while others are tactical rules of behavior. There needs to be an understanding in this regard for the rules of argument will be used as a means to justify behavior.

There are many out there that will use these rules unwittingly in hopes of winning others to their viewpoint. What they do not realize is that by using them, they do not help their own cause nor do they help the person they are trying to win over to their cause. They only help the cause of that radical who may share that belief.

Rule # 6
A good tactic is one that your people enjoy.

Now, if you look at this rule you’ll see just how scary it is. It is declaring that whatever that radical does he does so because he enjoys what he is doing whether it be in argument or deed. If it be by ridicule then he enjoys demeaning others. If it be of violence then he should enjoy the destruction he causes.

This is what makes hatred such a potent feeling within us along with the recognition of the need to have control over that feeling. For it is hatred of something that leads us to want to destroy it. It is hatred of something that will be the cause of the feeling of enjoyment as we destroy it.

Rule # 7
A tactic that drags on too long becomes a drag.

A radical explanation does a better job of explaining this one. “Man can sustain
militant interest in any issue for only a limited time, after which it becomes a ritualistic commitment.”

What caught my eye at this explanation is the use of the word militant. It speaks volumes about the attitude of a radical must possess as he seeks change.

Rule # 8
Keep the pressure on, with different tactics and actions, and utilize all events of the period for your purpose.

The idea behind this is a simple one. As long as the pressure is on the enemy he must defend his position and that means you are not subject to defend yours, thus resulting in a win with a totally indefensible position. It is using the process of elimination to lead people to accept your position over your opponent’s position rather than winning them over by the value of your position.

Rule # 9
The threat is usually more terrifying than the thing itself.

Roosevelt explained this tactic the best when he said that fear was the only thing we needed to be afraid of. For it is the threat that plays upon our minds and our minds can be very imaginative when contemplating the threat. Self-survival is a very strong drive within us. It is the threat that leads to appeasement.

So, boy, as you can see it is not so much as designating who is a radical by what he seeks but it is far more important to understand him by how he intends to fulfill his dreams of grandeur. That means understanding the way his mind works if you wish to keep your way of life and not fall prey to his. Politics can do much to help a society but power in the wrong hands can be the downfall of society also.”

“ Is there more, grandpa?”

He just grinned and nodded.