My first impressions of Accelerated Churchillian Development (ACD) - #TCOT

“We lost that age group by 2-1 margin, if we don’t change that we’re going to be in big trouble.”

I didn’t get the chance to tune into the first meeting yesterday, because I didn’t receive all of the right information in time. I wasn’t the only one so I don’t think you singled me out just because I have liberal views…so, I forgive you. I’m glad you recorded it, because I learned a great deal.

The meeting started off pretty rocky and someone was incessantly breathing into their microphone throughout the entire session. Don’t worry, after a few minutes I learned to tune it out.

“Conservatism, Collaboration, Constructive dialogue, Community.” Michael P. Leahy started off introducing the principles of TCOT for ACD.

“We’re focusing on Constructive dialogue – power of ideas that will be persuasive, because most liberals are conservative and just haven’t been properly educated.” He and Ellen Paxton then illustrated the import of ACD’s first overview session.

My first opinions came rushing out through my fingertips onto the keyboard: I feel the same way about my friends who are conservative, too. I don’t necessarily think that it is liberal youths who are ignorant. It’s all of us. How can we be as experience as you if we’ve only been around half as long as you? That being said, your plan may effective for those youths whose ontological views are parallel with yours, but it won’t be true for those whose experiences are drastically differently than yours.

This first session reminded me a lot of what I would imagine Plato would teach his students. There is one truth and anyone else who is out there and believes differently is evil or too ignorant. Dialogue will help you show them the way.

Paxton and Leahy reminded everyone that “we all know the problem,” it’s ignorant youths. They continued on to caution that if their methods weren’t realized then the problem was only going to get worst, because “the culture is changing and indoctrinating this age group into liberalism or even socialism.” I agree. The culture is changing. Change for this country has always proven to be advantageous. It is especially for a black woman like myself and I hope it continues to change. So, I think it is a great thing for you to alter your rhetorical methods, because as I don’t understand the logistics of any Republicans thought process so far.

Another problem that was highlighted in during ACD was that most teachers are Liberals and are not properly educating our children. I don’t think I have to point out the fallaciousness in this argument, but I do want to point out that I don’t know any Liberal citizens who don’t want more funding for our children in order to provide these teachers with the proper resources. ACD also goes on to mention something along the lines of “Kids and teachers lack critical thinking skills”….??? Ouch! Well, I pride myself on my critical thinking skills. In fact, that’s why I am a Communication major. I don’t see any inherent connection between a skilled critical-thinker and someone with conservative political views. Especially, when you continually assert that you need to educate them on ‘the truth.’ Why do you need to critically analyze just one truth? If there is only one truth then there is no need for analysis!

I had to throw this quote was too funny not insert > “Technological companies are dominated by liberals.” I guess that explains the slow start of conference???? Lol. Okay, I’m done poking fun now…

A couple of times throughout ACD there was reference to Republican’s intellectual superiority. The first mention I believe was Leahy warning his listener’s not to show it off, because it’s not humble. Leahy said “Instead, don’t get mad that our culture has failed them. Just teach them.”

I think the greatest failure of the Republican view point is their failure to understand that it is a view point and not an intellect. It is something your experiences and your peer's experiences have helped to co-create. You fail to understand that there really isn’t ‘one truth.’ There are valid reasons for others’ positions.

ACD also went over the first impressions that Republicans often give Liberals. Some of them were angry and close-minded. I never associated any Republicans as angry. In fact, a lot more liberal democrats are a great deal more passionate in their rhetoric and come off angrier than I’ve ever seen a conservative republican. I don’t necessarily see a pattern in personality; just a sort of elitist atmosphere about the majority.

One listener mentioned that a great problem with the youth is that they rarely get a chance to have their thoughts validated; they “never had dialogue before.” You hit it right on the target with engaging with your audience. When you ask what I think, then we are now moving past your “intellectual superiority” and acknowledging that my beliefs have relevance. That my beliefs come from a reality. This will be monumental if everyone understood this.

“Do not start off by insulting a liberal” - You hit it on the nose there Leahy, lol. Like I mentioned first off…most people that call themselves Liberals are very passionate and for good reason. You cannot approach them like your realities and experiences are any better than theirs, just because it works for you. It’s arrogant and frankly doesn’t add growth for you or your public.
While, I don’t agree on much of…or any of your views, I think you have a pretty good program here. There is great content in this conference. Although, a few flaws.

May I make another suggestion? Calling someone A Liberal…sounds so derogatory. I am a liberal , but “Hi, my name is Tifanei”…comes before that. You are already on the wrong foot if you don’t understand that my political views are only a portion of my being (just as they are only a portion of you). Address your public as: Tifanei has liberal views or Tifanei associates herself with the Democratic party. It’s positive language and it will get you further.
I find it very amusing how you put me and any of my like-minded friends in a box. Maybe you should work on that too?

Thanks for allowing me to tune in. I tried to be helpful even within my critical approach. You have good content and I think that you may be progressive here, but you have a few rocks to kick out of your way first. Good Luck.

This blog was in response to:
Accelerated Churchillian Development
Top Conservatives on Twitter
Michael Patrick Leahy and Ellen Paxton as instructors.