A New Generation

January 20, 2025, the two oldest men to ever be sworn in as President of the United States were within less than ten feet from each other. Despite their sharing advanced years, one truly represented the determined transition in the culture of governance at the federal level. The other represented an old-guard approach centered around an elite political class. The latter one sat in his chair as the man who was both his predecessor and successor outlined not just the abject failures of the old guard but an aggressive commitment to a change in both direction and method.

The casual observer might have thought the first individual was speaking only about himself and his new political moment in the sun. But they would have missed the true image of what the speaker intends. Election after election we have listened to promises of “change,” sometimes sprinkled with a little “hope” or even “joy”. But the promisers of either party had few changes in mind that would benefit anybody but the government itself.

For the most part, one political party bragged about its deep concern and compassion for “the American people” and how increased spending and administrative power would address every problem, even if they were government-created to begin with.

The other party constantly offered to return to the original constitutional path but enjoyed the growing power of both the administrative state and increasing budgets as much as their counterparts. Mostly, they responded to moments of power with timid answers to deep and fundamental problems. They were unserious and it showed.

This administration is determined to have a lasting effect. The manner of the new president reflects that. It is both aggressive and spirited. But probably the best “tell” is those who he has chosen to be both the face and engine of the new administration. They do not just share the president’s vision, they are young. They embody both the energy, inventiveness and boldness that characterized a growing and developing republic, setting a new standard for human Liberty.

The new president certainly has an ego and a personality that sets him apart in almost any setting. But through his cabinet and other appointments, he shows a consistency for results-oriented individuals who can have impact well beyond this president’s generation. He is intentionally shaping the future well beyond his time.

Despite what all the standard-issued prejudices of those blinded by TDS have to say, these selections are hardly a collection of toadies and butt-kissers who flatter their way to his side. This is a truly “diverse” group of strong individuals who will be around shaping policies and practices for a long time.

But hopefully, not too long. The real test will be if they pass the torch and the mission to others just below them, yet a new set of leaders with the vision to expand Liberty rather than their social status. This is a group not intended to simply implement changes of the moment but to foster a cultural revival of both Liberty and accountability.

That is the promise that these appointees offer. Theirs is not an easy task. Both parties have a self-interested political class that has fought such changes before.

But for the moment this new administration plunges headlong into their task with a freshness and energy that will serve them and us well. That ultimate task is to restore and grow the national personality that brought us from an upstart rebellious collection of colonies to an international power. It is making that American Character the guidepost of our future.