[OneWingedShark]

The left has power because a majority of Americans are in tacit agreement with their ethics or their goals. Change the hearts and minds of the majority, and the left will lose power.

No, the left is in power because of something I've termed Appeal to Self-Authority which is ingrained in the people from a young age via the public-school system.

Appeal to Self-Authority:

1. People in authority would not be there if they were not good.
2. Therefore, their position of authority is proof of their goodness.
3. Because of this goodness, the power an authority uses is good.
4. Therefore, to disagree with [or disobey] an authority is proof of your evilness.
5. Implicit: I am an authority; to contradict me is evil, no matter the situation.

Take a real look at how the authorities behave when you ask them to explain themselves, especially if it is something that is plainly outside what is lawful. (For example, in my home-state of New Mexico the State Constitution prohibits laws that would abridge the right of the citizen to keep and bear arms for security and self-defense, yet there is a state statute prohibiting firearms on University property — when asked about this authorities hem and haw or try to point you in another direction.)

[ecomcon]

Tacit and Implicit are next door neighbors. I think your Appeal to Self Authority holds true if we are describing the thinking of those in power. It is a modified appeal to authority fallacy. It is one of the roots of tyranny that is fed by pride.

The People, that is, a majority of the People, have given power to the left because they are in tacit agreement with the left. Even though they will deny it when asked.

The People will say they are conservative, but act otherwise.
They say they are pro family, but act otherwise.
They say they are Christians, but act otherwise.

15 “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves. 16 By their fruit you will recognize them. Do people pick grapes from thornbushes, or figs from thistles? 17 Likewise, every good tree bears good fruit, but a bad tree bears bad fruit. 18 A good tree cannot bear bad fruit, and a bad tree cannot bear good fruit. 19 Every tree that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. 20 Thus, by their fruit you will recognize them.

The People are corrupt and stiff necked. They deny it, but the fruit is not good.