The extremism of the Left is on full display at the City College of New York. The campus chapter of the Young Democratic Socialists of America is demanding that the ROTC program be kicked off the campus. 

In typical socialist fashion, its demand is couched in class warfare. Posters appearing on campus read, “The Rich Will Never Die For You. Don’t Die For The Rich." 

Thousands of courageous men and women join our military every year. I don’t think any of them are doing it for Bill Gates or George Soros.

This is nothing unusual for the Young Socialists. In the past, it has demanded that the police, the military and white supremacists — as if they are all the same — be disarmed. For some reason, I doubt the group has ever demanded that radical Islamists be disarmed.

A few years ago, you might have laughed off this nuttiness. But polls show that Millennials are embracing socialism. So when the Democratic Socialists call for something, a large number of young Americans will entertain it.

Polls also show that Millennials are the least patriotic generation in history. A glaring lack of pride in the country of their birth will undoubtedly lead some to turn their backs on the very institution that guarantees their freedom.

Abortionists vs. Unions

The media love to highlight divisions on the Right, hoping to demoralize conservatives. But there are plenty of divisions on the Left, which Big Media frequently ignores.

For example, Planned Parenthood is fighting efforts by the Service Employees International Union (SEIU) to organize its workers in Colorado. I won’t bore you with all the details, but the dispute between the two left-wing powerhouses is very unusual.

Planned Parenthood has given hundreds of thousands of dollars to support the SEIU’s political efforts and vice versa. When Planned Parenthood was caught trafficking in aborted baby body parts, the SEIU’s leadership publicly defended the abortion business.

By the way, Planned Parenthood President Cecile Richards is married to a top SEIU executive.

Former chief shop steward-turned-union critic Peter List said, "It is not uncommon for progressive organizations like Planned Parenthood to claim progressive values on the one hand, while acting like 19th-Century bosses when their staffs want to unionize on the other hand.”

I’m curious what the SEIU was fighting for in this case. Is it concerned that the abortionists are overworking their medical staff? Do they need more time off from destroying so many babies? It’s a shame the babies can’t unionize to demand better rights.

Or is the union concerned about workplace safety? Not surprisingly, Planned Parenthood is fighting efforts to require clinic inspections. The Left always wants to regulate businesses, except when it comes to the billion-dollar abortion industry.

Kudos to Paul

Kentucky Sen. Rand Paul surprised many observers Monday when he voted in favor of Mike Pompeo’s nomination to be secretary of state. With Paul’s support, Pompeo narrowly avoided receiving a negative recommendation from the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.

I have my disagreements with Sen. Paul, but he deserves credit for eventually doing the right thing. Perhaps he was moved by our argument. How does a Republican senator rationalize voting for John Kerry to be secretary of state and against Mike Pompeo?

By the way, Kerry became a public figure when he returned from Vietnam and accused his fellow soldiers of war crimes. Pompeo graduated first in his class at West Point and served honorably in the U.S. Army.

Pompeo’s final confirmation vote will take place later this week. While it is likely to be successful, here’s what you need to know.

Hillary Clinton was confirmed to be secretary of state by a vote of 94 to 2. Kerry was confirmed 94 to 3. When Pompeo was confirmed last year as director of the CIA, he got 66 votes. I would be surprised if Pompeo’s receives more than 55 votes this week.

How’s that for a breakdown in civility and bipartisan compromise?

The only explanation for the difference is that the political Left in America believes it is on the rise and otherwise sensible Democrats in the Senate are terrified of the radical base of their own party. Just look at the primary challenge to California Sen. Dianne Feinstein.

Every day from now until Election Day, conservative candidates must call out the extremism of the Left. They must pressure their Democrat opponents every chance they get.

Do Democrats embrace the radicalism of the Women’s March? Most women do not.

Do they support purging ROTC programs from our college campuses? Most Americans have tremendous confidence in our military.

Do they embrace the extremism of abortion on demand? Most Americans do not.

Do they believe in open borders? Most Americans want secure borders.

Do they support racial reparations? Most Americans do not.

There is very little support for the Left’s radical agenda. To prevail this November, conservative candidates must be willing to engage the Left on values issues.