A Review of Bezmenov's lecture
The meaning of "subversion" was first of all defined as "an action, activity, or plan intended to undermine or overthrow a government or other institution." it was then pointed out that subversion has nothing to do with espionage, such as stealing blue prints of defense secrets and then selling them to European entities.
Notable at the time was the KGB. As to espionage, only 10% to 15% of the KGB's money and manpower was spent on espionage. 85% was spent on subversion to destroy the enemy. Subverters were then described not as those who blow up buildings, but as students, diplomats, actors, artists, and journalists.
Pointed out was the impossibility to subvert an enemy that doesn't wish to be subverted, as subversion is only possible when the agent is a responsive target. The U.S. was noted as a target susceptible for subversion,
Categories under which subversion happens
As set forth by Bezmenou: Religion; Education; Social Life; Power Structure; Labor Relations; and Law and Order. As for Education, it takes only 15 – 20 years to educate one generation of students to shape their outlook.
The Concept of Equality
As Bezmenou indicated, “It is impossible to create equality by force. Yet a propaganda system has told us to believe that equality is desirable. Should a criminal be treated the same as a law-abiding person? Should one that comes to this country and immediately takes hand-outs be treated the same as a hard-working American.”
“Democracy is not equality. Democracy is where different people and equal people have a chance to survive and help each other in constant competition and in constant perfection. There is equality in the Soviet Union, but some people are more equal than others.”
Inability to define words
No longer are people sure what is right or wrong; good or bad; or evil or good, often believing there is no division among the terms. Everything is relative and subject to what a person deems the terms to mean. Bezmenou also spoke about church leaders who see violence as good if the justification is social justice.
Much of Bezmenov’s lecture discussion was how subversion could have been nipped in the bud before it took hold in the Soviet Union. Basic is that unlimited power and subversion of power be curbed The enemy must be taken out before it becomes too powerful. Reference was made to a Marxist professor landing a job at a University in CA.
How to keep a society strong?
As to Socialism creeping into this nation, Bezmenou had this to say: "History has shown us that countries in the past with centralized governments have collapsed and disappeared the moment they lost religion." “Ideas are moving society and keeping mankind a society of human beings. Neither exact knowledge, nor the sophisticated knowledge of computers will keep our society from degrading and eventually dying out. For it's not material things that move society and will help it to survive. The answer to ideological subversion is simple: "We don't have to shoot people or aim missiles. We simply must have faith not to be a victim of subversion."
