WRITE OF CENTER
The writings of Sun Tzu, the ancient Chinese military strategist, are more than 25 centuries old. A notable aphorism attributed to him states: “Attack is the secret of defense; defense is the planning of an attack.” In 1799, George Washington wrote that “Offensive operations are the surest, if not the only means of defense.”
I first heard this saying from my college football coach; his aggressive style of defense was aimed directly at our opponents’ weaknesses. Even on defense, we attacked on every play, to produce turnovers, tackles for loss, and superior field position. I played defense and had a blast.
I studied the same approach during officer training in the U.S. Air Force, and then at IBM management training. It is timeless. It even applies to political strategy.
As we approach this year’s midterm elections, let’s remember Sun Tzu’s approach. Let’s take the offensive.
Let’s warn voters that if we lose the House, Democrats will try yet again to impeach President Trump. This ridiculous stunt is a waste of time and bad for our country. Two-thirds of the Senate will not vote to convict the president. Plus, voters are sick and tired of bitter, nasty politics.
Let’s tell voters about our work to eliminate the inflation surge that Biden caused with his reckless spending. The job isn’t done, and Republicans know how to eliminate fraud and waste. Re-elect our GOP leaders and they will finish the job.
Let’s remind voters that Republicans are the party of “ drill, baby, drill,” a policy that has dramatically increased production and given us energy independence. Under GOP leadership, America no longer must buy oil from nations who hate us and chant “Death to America” daily. Texas has led America to becoming a net energy exporter. This is a tremendous strategic advantage for our nation.
Let’s remind voters that Republicans passed the largest tax cut in American history just last year. It passed Congress without a single Democrat vote. The GOP believes that taxpayers should keep more of their hard-earned money and decide for themselves how to spend it.
Let’s remind voters that Biden nominated a U.S. Supreme Court justice who said in her Senate testimony that she was unable to provide a definition for the word “woman.” Despite questions from two Republican senators, she was unable or unwilling. And she serves as a Supreme Court justice today.
Let’s remind voters that the GOP believes in secure borders. We believe that lawbreaking is illegal and that criminal illegal aliens should be deported.
Let’s remind voters that the GOP does not support providing taxpayer-funded benefits to illegal immigrants. We believe these benefits should only be for U.S. citizens.
Let’s remind voters that Republicans never supported the “Defund the Police” movement. We are the law-and-order party; we support our police officers. We believe that criminals should be put in jail, and that is how to reduce crime on our streets.
Let’s remind voters that Republicans believe in election integrity. We support strong voter ID requirements, and rock-solid systems to accurately count the votes. We want every voter to have a fair chance to cast a ballot, be assured that only eligible voters can vote, and know that the results will be accurately counted.
Let’s remind voters that Republicans continue to work hard at removing the scourge of DEI (diversity, equity and inclusion) policies from our society. We believe that every American should have a fair opportunity to pursue their success and happiness without government programs to tip the scales against any individual.
In the Republican party, we believe much of the above is just plain common sense. We want a limited role for government in our lives. We want the government to defend the country against our enemies, deliver the mail, fix the roads, and defend our rights under the Constitution.
We don’t want the government to provide an answer to every problem. In fact, our great Republican President Reagan said, “The nine most terrifying words in the English language are ‘I’m from the government, and I’m here to help.’” We Republicans want the government to get the basics right and then get the heck out of our lives and wallets. Remember that when you vote.
Scott S. Kramer is former Chairman of the Kendall County Republican Party.
