Projection – a favorite tactic of enemies of liberty

Projection is a all-too-common psychological “defense mechanism.” It involves attributing one’s (supposedly undesirable) desirable actions, traits, feelings, or impulses to other people. For instance, someone who is dishonest might accuse others of being dishonest, thereby shifting attention away from their own dishonesty.

In American politics, and in business, we see examples of this on a daily basis. Often in the headline. Consider one this week:

The University of Virginia, famously established by libertarian and President Thomas Jefferson, has been pressured by the US DOJ (Pam Bondi’s gang) and their president has resigned to settle the legal action, which challenged the University’s decision to NOT terminate its DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: or as we prefer: DIE: Double-dealing, Instigation, and Exclusion) programs.

So a bunch of the professors have published an open letter, according to Raw Story. The letter in part states: “We are alarmed by the attempted use of government power to impose an ideological agenda on an institution with a proud, 206-year tradition of liberty in thought and expression,” the letter reads in part.

In our eyes, this is a classic example of projection. DEI is itself nothing but an ideological agenda which is in direct opposition to the claim of a “tradition of liberty in thought and expression.” And it is, at least indirectly and often directly, imposed by government at various levels. (Especially given the obvious if ignored fact that the University of Virginia is itself a government body and agency – a government-run, tax-funded institution.)

As we near the annual commemoration of the Thirteen States secession from the British Empire, it is important to remember that it is not just a “king” whose actions triggered that secession in 1776. Much of the blame lies with Parliament – both Lords and Commons. King George III was more than just a figurehead, but he was not an absolute monarch. Likewise, the actions of British governors and military commanders on this side of the Atlantic also bear much responsibility.

In the same way, the regents of the University of Virginia hold their offices by action of the executive and legislative branches of the government of the Commonwealth of Virginia. And the institution is funded by both federal and state money, Money taken from taxpayers with at least the threat of force behind the exactations. An academic leadership that in turn has selected and institigated and supported the faculty and staff which have taught and promoted values which are antitheical to ideals of freedom, liberty, and those things necessary to let those things flourish.

So it comes as no shock that the hundred professors would project their own well-rewarded motives, desires, and actions onto the current regime in DC, and even to their political opponents in general. Feel free to visit the website of Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression for many examples of that on a daily basis.

We dare say that projection is a sin that as many Republicans practice as any Democrat: conservatives and neo-conservatives as much as Woke liberals. It is no surprise that enemies of liberty would find this a useful tactic, especially when attacking people who advocate for and practice liberty. (And actions that do so, even a tiny bit.)

In the entire business of our God-given right to defend ourselves (and therefore the recognized right to keep and bear arms), opponents have long projected their fears about themselves broadly to apply to anyone who opposes so-called universal disarmament. Because they fear their own inability to control their anger and know (or think) that when they lose their temper they will whip out a gun (if they are allowed to have one) and empty it into the object of their anger. Will not anyone (or everyone) with a gun react that way? Or so they “reason” in their own fearful minds.

Whenever we hear or read claims by politicians, the media, or academia (yes, and even business) accusing their opponents of evil motives and even conspiracy to steal away property, liberty, and lives, we have to question these. Are they simply projecting their own motives?

And of course, it is a personality fault – and sin – that we must avoid ourselves.

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