Do You Play Chess?

The only game I like is chess. When time allows (and not as often as we should), we take down the good chessboard and play a round with the kids. I think that chess teaches just about every life lesson and concept of strategy that can be taught.

In watching these protests in New York, I'm reminded of a very critical moment in chess that often occurs.

You think you're winning. Your opponent has lost critical pieces and you're advancing deep into his territory. You have him on the ropes. Why isn't he more upset?

Then, out of nowhere, BAM, checkmate. You lose. What you weren't aware of is that for the last 4 moves, he has been closing in on you. Three moves ago you had a few options, two moves ago you had a couple of options, and one move ago you had a single option. NOW you have NO option. You have lost the game.

That's where we are right now. The progressives who want to turn America into a totalitarian state have us. We think we're winning because people are marching in the streets and in a peaceful revolt waving signs that (occasionally) we agree with. Their leftist puppet dictator is losing in polls to a 3-days-dead roadkill cat. The banks are falling apart. We THINK we're winning.

Meanwhile, our opponent is staring at us across the table with the faint hint of a smile on his face.

I'm not trying to be defeatist here. We have some options left ... but they are largely individual options. Pick your personal battlefield. Prepare for your private Waco. We are largely protected in that they can't reel all of us in ... only some of us. Those who are small enough to slip through the net may yet escape. Those who can remain independent and can avoid their baited hooks may yet remain free.