Alex Kanakis

Having studied political philosophy under several disciples of Leo Strauss, and having had subsequent run-ins with these same folks, I've come to see the need to distance myself from the way many of Strauss's teachings have been hijacked by the neocons and religious-right fanatics.

Their paternalistic and cynical view of how governments should exercise power is undermining our Constitutional democracy in a big way. For instance, the little Jesus boy and Struassian abomination, Ralph Reed, has stated many times publicly, it's not important what people think about you, only that you operate quietly in the background and achieve your goals by any means necessary.

This insidious power grab has been going on 24/7 since Reagan took office. And it will take a lot of effort to counter. But more and more and little by little, progressives are speaking out in a coherent, unified voice against the kind of intolerant, undemocratic power grab espoused by Reed and his ilk.

I'm just trying to do my little part. How about you?