I do not have a 10-point plan or a formula for reversing our

"I do not have a 10-point plan or a formula for reversing our accelerating slide into tyranny. But any fool can see what doesn't work and what has no chance of success." These words by Tom Tancredo reflect a stark realism and clarity in the face of a world that often seems to be slipping toward oppression and failure. Tancredo acknowledges that while he does not have the perfect blueprint to reverse the inevitable, there is value in recognizing the truths that are already evident—the systems that have failed, the approaches that have been tried and found wanting. The wisdom in his words calls us to understand that sometimes, the first step toward change is not to create new solutions, but to recognize the failure of current ones and act accordingly.

This idea finds deep roots in ancient wisdom. In Plato’s Republic, the philosopher Socrates outlines a vision of society governed by wisdom, virtue, and rationality. Yet even in his ideal society, there is the recognition that many forms of government—those not grounded in wisdom—inevitably fail. The tyranny of the unjust ruler, as described in Plato’s writings, arises when those in power forsake the virtues of justice and wisdom for self-interest and tyranny. Socrates, like Tancredo, understood that the first step in addressing corruption is acknowledging its existence, rather than clinging to outdated or flawed systems that no longer work. In this sense, the ancient philosopher’s insight parallels Tancredo’s — the truth of what doesn’t work is often more obvious than we care to admit.

Similarly, in ancient Rome, the Republic faced a gradual decline as the political system became increasingly corrupt and disconnected from its original ideals. Figures like Cicero lamented the rise of tyranny and the erosion of the values that once held the republic together. Cicero’s speeches against the erosion of the republic’s foundations were fueled by a deep awareness that many of the problems that plagued Rome were not new, but the result of failures that had been allowed to accumulate over time. Like Tancredo, Cicero did not have an immediate solution to the political chaos, but he understood that the first necessary step was awareness—the willingness to see failure for what it was and to speak out against the tyrannical forces at play.

One modern example that echoes Tancredo’s sentiment is the life of Winston Churchill during the early years of World War II. Churchill, in the face of growing Nazi tyranny and the weakness of Britain’s political establishment, spoke out forcefully about the dangers that lay ahead. Though he did not have all the answers, Churchill’s greatest gift was his clarity of vision. He understood that appeasement and weakness were not the answer, and he had the courage to confront the failure of the previous strategies. His words and leadership eventually turned the tide against Nazi tyranny, not through a perfect formula, but through a clear recognition of what would not work and a willingness to act decisively.

Tancredo’s reflection on the lack of success in many current systems reminds us that there is wisdom in recognizing the limitations of our efforts. The clear sight to understand what doesn’t work is often the first step toward crafting more effective solutions. It is not always about having a complete plan or a 10-point blueprint but about having the courage to face uncomfortable truths and the wisdom to change course when the path is leading to destruction. This idea is echoed throughout history, from the ancient world to the present, as societies that fail to acknowledge their flaws inevitably fall into tyranny and decline.

The lesson here is one of self-awareness and adaptability. Tancredo’s words remind us that sometimes, the most effective action we can take is to recognize when something is not working and move away from it. Whether in politics, business, or our personal lives, we often fall into the trap of continuing down a path because it is familiar or because we feel the need to find a perfect solution. But real progress comes when we have the courage to admit failure, learn from it, and redirect our efforts in a more productive direction.

In our own lives, we must ask ourselves: What systems, beliefs, or paths are we clinging to, even though they are no longer serving us? Just as Tancredo suggests, it is essential to recognize when something is not working, to face the truth of our failures, and to pivot toward something better. In recognizing failure, we free ourselves from the burden of continuing down a path of ineffective action, allowing us to take the first steps toward real change. Like Churchill, Cicero, and Socrates, let us embrace the clarity of recognizing what doesn’t work and boldly seek new ways forward, knowing that sometimes, the first step to success is simply letting go of the old.