“Did He Just Copy Hitler?”: Ted Cruz’s Explosive Take on Marxism Draws Mixed Reactions

Gabriel RomanNov 8, 2023

Minute Read

Senator Ted Cruz has written a book that’s a tinderbox on paper, promising to unpack and combat what he calls the insidious rise of ‘Cultural Marxism’ in the United States. With a lineage tracing back to the cold cell floors of Cuban prisons, Cruz presents a personal narrative that has the public sharply divided. Some hail it as a blueprint for preserving freedom, while others mock it as a misguided and sensational spectacle.

Senator Cruz’s Family Fight for Freedom

Ted’s own father, Rafael Cruz, was a youthful recruit into Fidel Castro’s revolution. This is something that has given Senator Cruz a poignant understanding of communism’s dark reality. “Marxist revolutions start with the young. My father’s own story is a testament to that,” Cruz shared, giving voice to a history that fuels his political convictions.

Rafael Cruz’s Harrowing Ordeal

The story of Rafael is a compelling introduction to his son’s book, “Unwoke: How to Defeat Cultural Marxism in America.” Rafael was a man who experienced firsthand the brutality of Cuban forces. Senator Cruz uses the powerful image of his father “beaten and bloodied on a prison floor” as a stark reminder of the stakes involved in the fight against totalitarian regimes.

The Vulnerability of Youth

Senator Cruz offers a stark warning about the susceptibility of youth to communist ideology, recounting his father’s harrowing experiences. In an interview with Fox News Digital, Cruz said, “They’re naive, they don’t understand how the world works.” He emphasized the ease with which the young can be misled by false promises.

Tracing Marxism’s Spread in the U.S.

In “Unwoke,” Senator Cruz undertakes a sweeping examination of Marxism’s infiltration into the fabric of American life. He argues that its doctrines have subtly influenced crucial sectors such as education, media, and even science. Cruz asserts that Marxism’s reach extends far beyond politics, seeping into the cultural bedrock of American society.

Academia Is the Cradle of Wokeness

Senator Cruz points a finger at academic institutions, especially universities, as the originators of what he terms the ‘woke virus.’ “The universities are where the Marxists got their first foothold,” he explained. He argued that higher education has become a laboratory for ideologies that eventually spread across the country, altering the social and political landscape.

The Marxist Class Conflict

Digging into the annals of ideological conflict, Cruz revisits Karl Marx’s predictions of a societal showdown between the haves and the have-nots. His book contemplates Marx’s belief in a revolutionary upheaval led by the proletariat to redistribute wealth. This classic Marxist narrative sets the stage for the subsequent adaptations Cruz is keen to dissect.

The Transformation of Marxist Thought

In an intricate historical analysis, Cruz outlines how Marxism morphed into the critical legal studies movement. He notes the significant shift from classical Marxism to this modern iteration that views the law as a mechanism for the powerful to control the oppressed. This was a transition he considers pivotal in the ideological evolution that troubles America today.

Crimson Tinted Glasses at Harvard

Senator Cruz casts a critical eye on his alma mater, Harvard University, indicting it as a significant player in the proliferation of Marxist ideology in America. “Harvard became a focal point,” Cruz declared. He suggested that the esteemed institution contributed to a nationwide spread of ideas that he views as fundamentally oppressive.

The Backlash of Brand Activism

Turning to the corporate world, Cruz highlights how certain marketing campaigns that use moralistic messages have backfired. He recounts Bud Light’s and Target’s plummet in popularity and revenue, stating, “They should have focused on serving their customers, not lecturing them.” These examples underscore his belief in the dangers of businesses engaging in ‘woke marketing.’

Unpacking “Cultural Marxism”

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Senator Cruz defines “Cultural Marxism” as a belief system where societal issues are framed as a battle between oppressors and the oppressed. He suggests that this ideology demands government force to rectify these perceived imbalances. “It has seized control of so many of our institutions,” Cruz contends, identifying this as a dire threat to American values.

A Strategy for Resistance

However, Cruz doesn’t just critique – he proposes a counterstrategy. “Each chapter lays out a strategy for fighting back and winning,” he mentions. He calls for a collective pushback against the perceived Marxist tide. This civic action, a kind of boycott, is presented as a viable way to reclaim ideological ground.

Celebrating a Victory for Free Speech

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In the realm of social media, Senator Cruz celebrates Elon Musk’s acquisition of Twitter as a seminal moment for free speech. “It’s the single most important step forward for free speech in modern decades,” Cruz enthuses. He suggested that this move could signal a turning point in the battle for open dialogue in the digital age.

The Shadow of the Great Dragon

China’s growing global influence doesn’t escape Cruz’s critical eye. In the final chapter of his book, he delves into China’s role in bolstering communism globally, including in the U.S. “Understanding China’s role is crucial,” he asserts. He cast the country’s policies and actions as central to the ideological battles waged within America’s borders.

Skepticism Over Senator Cruz’s Motives

Critics of Cruz’s stance on Marxism were quick to voice their concerns over what they see as a broad and often incorrect application of the term “Marxism” by conservatives. One critic highlighted this misunderstanding by saying, “Conservatives seem to label everything they don’t like as Marxist.”

Questioning Cruz’s Expertise on Marxism

Reactions to Cruz’s book were varied, with some expressing outright sarcasm about his qualifications to discuss the subject. “A book on Marxism by Cruz? It’s like expecting a clown to write about brain surgery. Excited to see his ‘insights,’” said one user. There appears to be broader skepticism about the senator’s authority to write on a subject as complex as Marxism, implying that the content might lack depth or accuracy.

Alarming Historical Comparisons

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Critics of Cruz’s book did not hold back in their condemnation, with some even making alarming historical comparisons. One such critic asked, “Did he just copy Hitler?” Though exaggerated, this extreme comparison illustrates the level of concern and disapproval some feel toward the narratives they perceive Cruz to be promoting in his book.

Mobilizing the Voter Base

Amid the criticism, Cruz’s book found resonance with some supporters who saw it as a call to political action. A vocal supporter of Cruz’s message said, “To counter Marxist Communism in the US, vote against every Communist Democrat Party member.” This direct quote reflects a hardline stance, urging a specific and active response at the ballot box.

Doubts About Intellectual Consistency

Some users questioned the intellectual consistency behind his arguments. One user said, “The man who read ‘Green Eggs and Ham’ on the Senate floor is now an authority on Marxist philosophy?” This refers to Cruz’s infamous filibuster in 2013, suggesting that his previous actions in the political arena might undermine the seriousness with which his current work is received.