Peter, I've enjoyed many of your articles, and have learned a lot from you because of your scholarship. But I totally disagree with this diatribe against the president. Laws that were previously ignored are being upheld. Persecution of Christians and Jews by the federal government has been stopped. Criminals are being held accountable. More sensible energy policies are being put in place. And those are just a few examples - I could mention many more.
But you could hardly argue with my 1st two points and would have to agree with them, would you not? As for the 3rd, perhaps you disagree with the new energy policies?
Not defending Trump at all, but part of the explanation is that half of Americans see his antics as less bad than the alternative. And the alternative is the cronyism and dysfunction of the Democrats.
Mr. Osnos, I believe you have answered your own question in this essay. You mentioned, "The U.S. role in the world was intended to ensure security and democratic norms...". The problem with this approach is that you start pouring from an empty cup.
You become deeply immersed in these so called self-appointed responsibilities that you begin to neglect your own needs, lose your identity and forget why you committed in the first place. Look no further than the European union and their not so subtle expectation of America to shoulder their security needs.
On a micro-level we have all been there. Shouldering the responsibility of everyone at home, work or social circles till you burn out. America, as I grew up experiencing with Canada is becoming so "politically correct" that objective thinking and reality are out the door. So here comes Trump, seemingly being a little selfish because he noticed his country deserves more credit than they get. You cannot pour from an empty cup, Peter.
How about you invite 30 people (OR whatever number you like) to write essays on SOLUTIONS AND GET THEM PUBLISHED IN PRINT AND/OR ONLINE. Set a limit for length and badger your wide range of wriiters to offer their ideas. Many good ideas floating on the Substacks of the day are read and lost....We really need to hear from middle roaders and republicans who will honestly explain why they are not happy. I believe it not only November 2026 but with every state wide election there is. I just read the Mother Jones piece on California deciding to behave economically like a nation and not a state. which it can do as one party owns the legislature and the governor's mansion.
Peter, I've enjoyed many of your articles, and have learned a lot from you because of your scholarship. But I totally disagree with this diatribe against the president. Laws that were previously ignored are being upheld. Persecution of Christians and Jews by the federal government has been stopped. Criminals are being held accountable. More sensible energy policies are being put in place. And those are just a few examples - I could mention many more.
Thanks Al. Given the comment, your perspective is very different from mine. But we are both better off with a dialogue.
But you could hardly argue with my 1st two points and would have to agree with them, would you not? As for the 3rd, perhaps you disagree with the new energy policies?
Not defending Trump at all, but part of the explanation is that half of Americans see his antics as less bad than the alternative. And the alternative is the cronyism and dysfunction of the Democrats.
That's right. Can you imagine where we'd be if Kamala had been elected?
Mr. Osnos, I believe you have answered your own question in this essay. You mentioned, "The U.S. role in the world was intended to ensure security and democratic norms...". The problem with this approach is that you start pouring from an empty cup.
You become deeply immersed in these so called self-appointed responsibilities that you begin to neglect your own needs, lose your identity and forget why you committed in the first place. Look no further than the European union and their not so subtle expectation of America to shoulder their security needs.
On a micro-level we have all been there. Shouldering the responsibility of everyone at home, work or social circles till you burn out. America, as I grew up experiencing with Canada is becoming so "politically correct" that objective thinking and reality are out the door. So here comes Trump, seemingly being a little selfish because he noticed his country deserves more credit than they get. You cannot pour from an empty cup, Peter.
Fight, fight, fight....to recover our democracy! Right you are! Bravo!
Spot on...thanks for this...now it is up to the rest of us.
Well described comparison.
How about you invite 30 people (OR whatever number you like) to write essays on SOLUTIONS AND GET THEM PUBLISHED IN PRINT AND/OR ONLINE. Set a limit for length and badger your wide range of wriiters to offer their ideas. Many good ideas floating on the Substacks of the day are read and lost....We really need to hear from middle roaders and republicans who will honestly explain why they are not happy. I believe it not only November 2026 but with every state wide election there is. I just read the Mother Jones piece on California deciding to behave economically like a nation and not a state. which it can do as one party owns the legislature and the governor's mansion.