The Left Uses a 'Progressive Political Vise' to Threaten Citizens Rather Than Politicians
Source: John Tillman. "How The Left Threatens Citizens To Achieve Its Goals." March 6, 2026. thefederalist.com
The Gist
The author argues that the political left has stopped trying to convince politicians and instead threatens regular people who disagree with them. He claims this is a dangerous shift from normal politics where you pressure lawmakers, not citizens.
Conclusion
The progressive left has created a 'Progressive Political Vise' that threatens and punishes ordinary citizens who oppose their agenda, rather than applying traditional political pressure to politicians
Premises
- Conservatives respond to ignorance with education, while progressives respond to obstacles with efforts to eradicate opposition
- The left openly admits to rigging the 2020 election through coordinated efforts to change voting laws and systems
- January 6 participants, Trump supporters, and other dissenters face persecution and legal warfare for challenging progressive policies
- Citizens opposing progressive positions on transgender issues, COVID policies, and other matters face punishment rather than debate
- This represents a shift from the traditional political vise that targeted politicians to one that targets ordinary Americans
- The Progressive Political Vise operates on the assumption that Americans are racist, ignorant, and need government transformation rather than representation
Assumptions
- There is a clear distinction between how conservatives and progressives handle opposition
- The 2020 election involved coordinated manipulation that constitutes 'rigging'
- Legal prosecutions of January 6 participants and Trump constitute persecution rather than legitimate law enforcement
- Government should serve people rather than transform them
- Traditional political pressure on politicians is more legitimate than pressure on citizens