Kerby Anderson

How do crazy and destructive ideas become mainstream in America? Victor Davis Hanson explains the process in a recent commentary. The first step begins with left-leaning researchers in elite universities. It may be a warning about the scorching planet or the need for radical sex-reassignment surgeries.

The next step is the media springing into action to persuade a skeptical public. It castigates any doubters as “conspiracy theorists” who spread “disinformation” or “misinformation.”

Third, liberal foundations begin funding more “research” to “prove” that the partisan “experts” should not be ignored. Group think and mob mentality prevail as once unthinkable radical ideas become commonplace.

Fourth, liberal officials equate well-funded activism and performance-art, street performance, with grassroots support. Later they are stunned to discover that most Americans don’t want open borders or men participating in women’s sports.

Fifth, once the delusions are fixed, government and other institutions ignore public opinion. They begin passing absurd laws and protocols. Reliable energy plants are shut down, and money is funneled in other directions. Schools and public offices must install “gender neutral” bathrooms.

In the sixth state, we arrive at what might be called the “Emperor Has No Clothes.” It’s a wake-up call for Americans. They begin to ask why they must pay so much more for electricity. They notice the crime rate going up. They wonder why politicians who warned of rising sea levels have homes on the beach.

Although many of these destructive ideas are being promoted, many are shriveling up and will be tossed into the garbage bin of history.