OPINION: Republican optimism vs. left wing radical rules

In the dynamic realm of Idaho Republican politics, conservatives confront a critical decision: to embrace President Ronald Reagan's uplifting optimism or to continue deploying the divisive strategies of an obscure leftist union leader, Saul Alinsky. Unfortunately, Alinsky’s radical views have gained favor with a few prominent Republicans who use Alinsky’s methods locally. 

President Reagan's unwavering optimism was central to his leadership. He championed the inherent goodness and unlimited potential of the American people, advocating for freedom, opportunity and unity. Traditional Republican groups, like North Idaho Republicans, reflect this optimistic outlook, endeavoring to construct a broad coalition of Republican conservatism that welcomes all who share these principles.

In contrast, leftist Saul Alinsky advocated a confrontational, divisive approach to political activism. Alinsky's methods of disruption and confrontation clash with Reagan's message of unity and hope.

In 1971, Alinsky’s most famous work, "Rules for Radicals," outlined tactics for challenging power and effecting social change. Alinsky's methods often involved confrontation and disruption, aiming to provoke systemic change by mobilizing grassroots support. 

While controversial, Alinsky’s ideas have had a lasting impact on leaders like César Chávez, President Barack Obama, and most notably, Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, who wrote a college thesis on Alinsky. 

As a side note, Alinsky dedicated the book to Lucifer. Alinsky proclaimed that Lucifer “was the first radical known to man” who “rebelled against the establishment and did it so effectively that at least he won his own kingdom.”

Brent Regan, chairman of the Idaho Freedom Foundation and the Kootenai County Republican Central Committee, frequently references Alinsky or directly deploys his Rules in a unique way. Brent’s reliance on this leftist playbook as a Republican influencer is perplexing and defies Conservative logic.

By adopting Alinsky’s approach as a model, it's no surprise that traditional Republicans feel marginalized or that Kootenai County is politically divided. Alinsky’s goal in cultivating turmoil was to attain and retain political power, similar to Brent. 

One rule Alinsky taught followers was to “pick a target, freeze it, personalize it, and polarize it.” We see this tactic at its worst locally with recent ugly nonpartisan political races for school board, libraries and city councils. Targets are viciously attacked and polarized through social media and newspaper columns, deterring qualified candidates from running.

Republicans must weigh the benefits of aligning with either President Reagan's optimism or the consequences of aligning with Alinsky's radical divisiveness. 

As local Republicans, we possess the capacity to shape the trajectory of our party and our community. Embracing a positive, constructive approach presents opportunities to find common ground and pursue individual freedom. 

Conversely, Alinsky's views exacerbate polarization, sowing discord in our community. Alinsky’s tactics when carried out to the extreme harm taxpayers in the form of big legal bills or increased insurance rates like we are seeing here in Kootenai County. We risk our public institutions when KCRCC’s “highly rated and vetted” elected officials engage in these radical tactics to retain power. 

As Republicans, if we really believe the Left’s radical playbook is the wrong approach for our country, why is the playbook used by Republicans so often? Is it any wonder we are now more politically divided than ever before in North Idaho?

President Reagan viewed adversaries as potential allies. He recognized that true strength derives from unity, not division — a lesson Brent's groups would do well to acknowledge. As President Reagan aptly stated, “There are no constraints on the human mind, no walls around the human spirit, no barriers to our progress except those we ourselves erect.” 

If you align with the principles championed by Ronald Reagan rather than those advocated by Saul Alinsky, we invite you to join North Idaho Republicans, a group dedicated to upholding traditional Conservative values and promoting policies that prioritize individual freedom, limited government and economic prosperity.

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Christa Hazel is a former KCRCC precinct committeewoman, former school board trustee and a member of the North Idaho Republicans.