'Manufactured Crisis': James Simpson Exposes the Left’s War to Destroy America (Exclusive Interview)

RAIR Foundation USA was honored to conduct an exclusive interview with author and speaker James Simpson about his latest book, Manufactured Crisis: The War to End America. Simpson, a prominent voice in exposing the dangers of Marxism and communism, has dedicated his career to detailing how leftist strategies are systematically dismantling the foundations of Western society. This new book delves into the left’s calculated use of crises to reshape America and the West, drawing on historical tactics and contemporary examples.

A Crisis by Design

Simpson discusses the core argument of his book, contending that the political left deliberately creates or intensifies crises to gain and maintain power. As Simpson put it, “They’ll create a crisis and then claim their solution is the answer.” This tactic, he explained, has roots going back over a century, originating with the revolutionary strategies of Vladimir Lenin. Simpson quoted Lenin’s approach: “Exaggerate and exacerbate existing crises, and if they don’t exist, create them.”

Simpson pointed to a notable example of this strategy: the work of Richard Cloward and Frances Fox Piven, two Columbia University professors in the 1960s. They developed what Simpson describes as a “crisis strategy,” explicitly designed to overload public welfare systems. By encouraging mass participation in welfare programs, the goal was to overwhelm the system, leading to its collapse and forcing the implementation of radical socialist reforms.

To support his point, Simpson cited a 1966 article by Cloward and Piven in The Nation, in which they openly advocated using organized protests and demonstrations to disrupt societal institutions. According to Simpson, this strategy has since been adapted and applied to a wide range of areas, including immigration policies, voting systems, and housing initiatives.

Simpson argued that these tactics are not about solving problems but exploiting them to create chaos. By doing so, the left is able to position itself as the solution to the very crises it manufactures, further consolidating its power. This deliberate manipulation, he believes, lies at the heart of many of the societal challenges facing the United States today.

Historical Applications of Crisis Strategy

Simpson explained how Cloward and Piven’s “crisis strategy” was put into action, with one of the most striking examples being the near-bankruptcy of New York City in 1975. By encouraging mass enrollment in welfare programs, the city’s resources were overwhelmed, pushing it to the brink of financial collapse.

Their influence didn’t stop there. Simpson highlighted how Wade Rathke, a follower of Cloward and Piven, founded ACORN (the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now). ACORN became notorious for its voter registration campaigns, which Simpson described as often riddled with fraud. This, he argued, exemplified how the “crisis strategy” was used to manipulate democratic systems for political gain.

Simpson also drew a connection between ACORN and former President Barack Obama. “Obama bragged that he worked with ACORN for most of his adult life,” Simpson shared. He pointed out that, as a young attorney, Obama was part of the legal team that sued Illinois’ Republican governor for refusing to enforce the National Voter Registration Act, commonly known as the “Motor Voter” law.

Through these examples, Simpson illustrated how Cloward and Piven’s ideas have been adapted to influence not only welfare systems but also voting and other critical areas of governance. According to Simpson, these tactics are a deliberate effort to disrupt and destabilize society, creating opportunities for those behind the strategy to consolidate power.

Weaponizing Immigration

Simpson identified immigration as a key element in the left’s strategic playbook. He traced this approach back to the 1965 Immigration and Nationality Act, which he described as a transformative piece of legislation that shifted U.S. immigration policy from merit-based entry to a more open-door approach. According to Simpson, the act, partially drafted by members of the California Communist Party, opened the floodgates for mass immigration. This shift was compounded by the 1980 Refugee Act, which broadened the definition of refugee status, making it easier for individuals from politically unstable regions to enter the U.S.

Simpson argued that the consequences of these policies are clear. “We now have millions of people pouring across our southern border,” he said, highlighting the strain this influx places on schools, local services, and law enforcement. He also dismissed the claim that illegal immigrants commit fewer crimes than native-born citizens, stating, “If we had no illegal immigration, there would be no illegal immigrant crime.”

Economic Sabotage and the 2008 Crisis

Simpson explored how leftist policies played a significant role in triggering the 2008 subprime mortgage crisis. He pointed to programs initiated under the Clinton administration that pressured banks to provide home loans to borrowers who did not meet traditional credit qualifications. “The banks were threatened by Janet Reno’s Department of Justice while the government-sponsored enterprises, like Fannie Mae, guaranteed those risky loans,” Simpson explained.

These policies, Simpson argued, led to a financial collapse of historic proportions. He described the crisis as a textbook example of a manufactured disaster, one that shifted blame onto others while giving political leaders an opportunity to consolidate power and push their agenda.

Solutions and a Path Forward

While Simpson’s book paints a grim picture of the challenges facing America, he also offers a message of hope. In the final chapter, “What Is to Be Done,” Simpson outlines practical steps to combat the left’s strategies. “People always ask, ‘What can we do?’” Simpson said. “There’s no magic pill. It requires effort on many fronts.” His proposed solutions range from implementing electoral reforms to fostering grassroots activism, all aimed at reversing the systematic erosion of American values.

Simpson cautioned against complacency, urging individuals to view electoral victories as an opportunity to act—not the end of the fight. “Electing someone like Donald Trump gives us time to act, but it’s not a solution by itself,” he warned. “If we fail to leverage that time, the next leftist administration will be even more destructive.”

Simpson urges readers to take action, both individually and as a community, to protect their freedoms and help shape a better future for the nation.

Must Read

James Simpson’s Manufactured Crisis: The War to End America is more than a book; it’s a wake-up call. As he succinctly put it, “The left exploits our greatest strengths — freedom, fairness, and compassion — as weaknesses.” Simpson believes Americans can reclaim their nation by understanding their tactics and implementing effective countermeasures.

The book is a must-read for anyone seeking to understand the chaos unfolding in the United States and across the West. Its insights provide not just a diagnosis but a call to arms for those determined to preserve liberty and justice for future generations.