Hammers and Sickles Coming Soon to a Town Near You

 Fr. John A. Perricone discusses the alarming shift in American attitudes towards socialism and communism, particularly among young people. He argues that this change is deeply rooted in failures of the education system and warns of a societal decline influenced by Marxist ideologies.

1. Ignorance of Historical Context:

Many young Americans do not understand the negative historical impacts of communism, including the brutalities associated with it.

Nearly 38% of Americans under 30 believe socialism is preferable to capitalism, reflecting widespread ignorance.

2. Politicians Advocating Socialism:

A rise in socialist politicians indicates a dangerous shift in political ideology, with some advocates promoting abolishing essential government structures.

This ideological stance resonates particularly with younger voters, drawing parallels with historical revolutionary movements.

3. Educational Failures:

The roots of this ideological shift trace back over a century, with figures like John Dewey promoting educational reforms that prioritize social activism over classical education.

Progressive educational reforms have eroded the intellectual foundations that once defined American education, resulting in a generation disconnected from traditional values.

4. Consequences of Educational Shifts:

The gradual introduction of Marxist principles into the educational sphere has gone largely unnoticed by the public, allowing for unchecked growth of these ideologies.

Historical events, such as the treason trial of Alger Hiss, highlight the dangers of ideological infiltration into American institutions.

5. Recent Warnings from Academia:

Scholars like Dr. Allan Bloom have expressed concerns about the implications of these educational shifts, predicting declines in cultural and civilizational standards.

Recent Congressional hearings unveiled the extent to which institutions like the Smithsonian have adopted Marxist ideologies, shocking many Americans.

6. Response from the Catholic Church:

Fr. Perricone laments the Catholic Church's lack of resistance to prevailing leftist ideologies in educational settings.

Despite historical significance, many Catholic educational institutions now propagate Marxist ideas, failing to counteract these trends.

7. The Role of Leadership:

There is a call for robust leadership from the Catholic Church to reclaim its influential role against the encroaching Marxist narratives.

The current landscape requires a renaissance of spiritual and intellectual guidance reminiscent of past influential figures within the Church.

8. Cultural and Civilizational Crisis:

There is a need for urgency in addressing these ideological threats to preserve Western civilization.

The unchecked rise of such ideologies could lead to severe cultural and societal consequences, reinforcing the call for awareness and action.

Fr. Perricone's piece serves as a stark warning that the ideological battle within American society is dire. The pervasive influence of Marxist ideologies, particularly among the youth, poses a significant threat to the foundational elements of civilization. The Catholic Church and other institutions must awaken to this reality and actively resist these growing trends to prevent further cultural decline.

https://crisismagazine.com/opinion/hammers-and-sickles-coming-soon-to-a-town-near-you