Ask The Founders

Regarding the discussion on Trump, and his damaging of "the brand": The discussion centered around the GOP brand. One of the things I like is his damaging of the presidency's brand, because I still think there's too much deference given to the presidency. It really started with Bill Clinton, but Trump continues the tradition.

Regarding RFK: I agree with Rob Long. From what I read about RFK, he had ideals, but he was entirely cynical as a politician, and would do anything to advance those ideals. He was vicious towards his political enemies. I am reminded of Rahm Emanuel's statement of never bring a knife to a gun fight, and of course Emanuel was figuratively referring to politics. RFK was just as cynical.

Regarding MLK: If he had never been martyred, and as the culture became cynical as it did, his extra-marital affairs would have come out. Since he was a Christian minister and based much of his moral authority on that, it would have damaged him. Today if he was still alive as an old man, he would be a target of the #MeToo movement.

I agree with two-thirds of this - specifically the second and third paragraphs. And about two-thirds of the first one: Trump is damaging the Presidency. And we do give two much deference to it. But this nothing to celebrate. It is Congress's fault, primarily, that we give too much deference to the Executive. They ought to grow up, and give us leadership, instead of worrying about being reelected. The country comes first.

However, what Trump is doing, by acting like the loudmouth at the bar, instead of like a President should act, is harming the nation. The Presidency is at the forefront in leading the world, as a free power, whose main interest should be in leading the world to as much glory as can be gained here on Earth. Trump is mainly interested in Trump. And this is why I - and many others - think he is unfit, at the end of the day, to hold the office he now holds.

On another subject: This was a wonderful podcast. The honestly in it was laudable. I am seriously thinking of upgrading my membership. We need Ricochet to grow, because of the valuable things it offers.

How about James Lileks covering something like this in his own state?

With all the students demonstrating demanding their freedoms be taken away, this is a breath of fresh air.

Oh, Peter... that was painful (your early segment on abortion). I think you're applying "malice" incorrectly, and I'd love to argue with you about it. You're wrong on more levels than that. Yes, it's murder.

Perhaps we can discuss this during the Flyover Country segment at the event in DC. ;)

Lileks cuts to the heart of the difficult question: Do you suppose the sum total of Conservatism in the hearts and minds of Americans will be greater or lesser after four years of Trump than it would have been after four years of Clinton?

Lileks: “The sum total will be less.”