The Left’s flawed claim That “All Resistance is Righteous”

Recently, a troubling mantra has gained traction among certain political circles: “all resistance is righteous.” This slogan, often championed by far-left voices, suggests that any form of opposition to authority is inherently justified. However, this notion is not only deeply flawed but also poses a grave threat to the fabric of civil society. Unlike the healthy practice of questioning authority, which encourages critical thinking and accountability, blanket endorsements of resistance undermine the foundational principles of order and justice that define the United States.

Questioning Authority Versus Blanket Resistance

Questioning authority has long been a cornerstone of American democracy. It fosters debate, innovation, and reform without descending into anarchy. The Framers of the Constitution envisioned a system where citizens could challenge laws through established channels, such as petitions, elections, and the courts. In contrast, declaring all resistance righteous implies that defiance, regardless of context or consequences, is morally superior. This mindset ignores the potential for chaos, as it encourages individuals to bypass legal processes in favor of unilateral action. History shows that such unbridled opposition can lead to violence, division, and the erosion of public trust, turning peaceful discourse into destructive conflict.

The United States is a Nation of Laws

At its core, the United States is a nation governed by laws, not by whims or ideologies. The Constitution establishes this through the Supremacy Clause in Article VI, which declares that the Constitution and federal laws made pursuant to it are the “supreme Law of the Land,” binding on all states and overriding conflicting state provisions. This clause ensures uniformity and prevents states from undermining federal authority, promoting stability across the nation. Compliance with these laws is essential for maintaining order, as resistance without legal recourse creates discord rather than harmony. The rule of law demands that all persons, institutions, and entities are accountable to publicly promulgated, equally enforced, and independently adjudicated laws. When individuals or groups flout this principle, they invite anarchy, jeopardizing the peace that laws are designed to protect.

Legal Precedents Reinforcing Order

Legal precedents reinforce the dangers of indiscriminate resistance. In Walker v. City of Birmingham (1967), the Supreme Court upheld the convictions of civil rights marchers who defied a state court injunction against parading without a permit, even though the underlying ordinance was later deemed unconstitutional. The Court emphasized that challenges to unjust laws must occur through proper judicial processes, not through outright disobedience, which could lead to societal breakdown. Justice Potter Stewart, writing for the majority, noted that allowing defiance of court orders would “permit defiance of the law and the courts with impunity.” This ruling underscores that not all resistance is righteous; it must align with constitutional mechanisms to preserve order.

Similarly, in Cooper v. Aaron (1958), the Supreme Court unanimously affirmed that state officials, including legislators, are bound by its interpretations of the Constitution, rejecting attempts by Arkansas to nullify the desegregation mandate from Brown v. Board of Education. The Court invoked the Supremacy Clause and Marbury v. Madison (1803), which established judicial review, to declare that no state can wage war against the Constitution without violating oaths to uphold it. These cases illustrate that resistance outside legal bounds threatens the rule of law, a principle the Court has described as integral to American government, ensuring equal justice and protecting minorities from majority overreach.

The Hypocrisy of Proponents

The irony of this “all resistance is righteous” ethos is stark when considering its proponents. Many trace their ideological roots to the 1960s counterculture, which championed love, peace, and harmony through movements like the anti-war protests and civil rights advocacy. Figures from that era, such as those inspired by Martin Luther King Jr., often emphasized nonviolent civil disobedience but within a framework that respected ultimate legal resolution. Today, the same ideological descendants promote resistance that borders on disruption, a far cry from the harmony they once idealized. This hypocrisy reveals a selective application of principles, where resistance serves political ends rather than societal good.

The claim that “all resistance is righteous” is a dangerous fallacy that erodes the rule of law essential to our Republic. By citing constitutional provisions like the Supremacy Clause and precedents such as Walker and Cooper, we see that true progress comes from lawful challenge, not unchecked defiance. As a society, we must reject this flawed narrative to preserve the order and unity that have sustained us. Only then can we uphold the promise of a nation where laws protect all, fostering genuine peace over perilous chaos.

Michael J Badagliacco, “MJB”

Michael is a father of five, grandfather of three, U.S. Air Force Veteran, international recording artist, Editor-in-Chief of the Colorado DOGE Report and USA Liberty Report, a Citizen of Montrose, CO, passionate about Montrose, Colorado, the United States of America, Freedom, Liberty and the founders’ genius in crafting the Constitution.