---
title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: If my targets seem to skew “left,” it is…"
description: "\"“If my targets seem to skew “left,” it is for a reason. The left makes huge claims about government and its capabilities. Those who manage the governme..."
image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7fa/james-o-keefe-80170_goals_if-my-targets-seem-to-skew-left-it-is-fo_2306059.jpg"
---

#  If my targets seem to skew “left,” it is for a reason. The…

![“If my targets seem to skew “left,” it is for a reason. The left makes huge claims about government and its capabilities. Those who manage the government and other publicly funded social services all too often persuade themselves of their virtuousness, even if their virtue is subsidized with other…” quote by James O'Keefe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7fa/james-o-keefe-80170_goals_if-my-targets-seem-to-skew-left-it-is-fo_2306059.jpg)   [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7fa/james-o-keefe-80170_goals_if-my-targets-seem-to-skew-left-it-is-fo_2306059.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/7fa/james-o-keefe-80170_goals_if-my-targets-seem-to-skew-left-it-is-fo_2306059.jpg)

> ““If my targets seem to skew “left,” it is for a reason. The left makes huge claims about government and its capabilities. Those who manage the government and other publicly funded social services all too often persuade themselves of their virtuousness, even if their virtue is subsidized with other people’s money. Given their idealism, they refuse to cast judgment on their mission and tolerate almost no judgment from others.””

[James O'Keefe](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/james-o-keefe/)

## About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The quote warns that left‑leaning policymakers often claim moral superiority while being funded by taxpayers, leading to unchecked idealism and lack of accountability.

**In simple terms:** Left‑wing policies may be idealistic but lack scrutiny.

Key Takeaway

Question for and and demand accountability.

Themes

politics government ideology accountability idealism

Mood

critical skeptical

Type

analytical political

When to use this quote

- budget planning
- public administration
- nonprofit oversight
- media criticism

Key Concepts

public policy moral hazard bias subsidy

Questions to Reflect On

- How can citizens ensure oversight of publicly funded programs?
- What mechanisms prevent moral licensing in government?

A Different Perspective

Idealistic claims can mask inefficiencies and self‑interest.

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[Claims Government](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/claims-government-2281805/) [Goals](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/goals/) [Left](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/left/) [Left Makes](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/left-makes-4478183/) [Left Reason](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/left-reason-442333/) [Politics](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/politics/) [Reason Left](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/reason-left-813862/)

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