Unless they’re the equivalent of an alien organism out of a science fiction film, not subject to any of the normal limitations of government, economics, or military might, the death of a leader in power for almost forty years and a trillion in damage will have an effect. As we continue to celebrate America’s 250th… Continue reading No, Iran isn’t the same as before and they’re certainly not stronger
Tag: george washington
America at 250, confessions of a late blooming patriot on the principles and personalities that founded the greatest country in the world
It wasn’t until college when I was transformed by a James Madison quote, a timeless statement of truth, the equivalent of political poetry, illuminating something deep inside the heart of us all: If men were angels, no government would be necessary. I’ll confess: I wasn’t exactly a patriot early in life. A born cynic, probably… Continue reading America at 250, confessions of a late blooming patriot on the principles and personalities that founded the greatest country in the world
NATO just turned 77, but is it going down in the Strait of Hormuz?
As France joins forces with Russia and China at the United Nations, and makes a deal with Iran, supporters of the NATO alliance argue that it is a purely defensive affair. In that case, what purpose does it serve in the modern world? In one of the ironies that seem to increasingly define the modern… Continue reading NATO just turned 77, but is it going down in the Strait of Hormuz?
Iran: A crucial lesson from Lord of the Rings
Given the choice between pursuing wholesale regime change or making a deal that can be improved in the future, I’d take my chances with the deal and hope that like Sauron in Lord of the Rings, Iran’s evil can be diminished such that it will never rise again even if it can’t be destroyed. “For… Continue reading Iran: A crucial lesson from Lord of the Rings
Iran: As Trump switches into deal making mode, did everyone forget that we’ve been at war for more than three weeks?
Last week, they claimed killing any enemy’s leadership only prolongs a war. On Monday, they claimed the President lied about engaging in talks with Iran. On Tuesday, they insisted we should not have talks at all, pretending Iran is the same now as it was before the war. On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that… Continue reading Iran: As Trump switches into deal making mode, did everyone forget that we’ve been at war for more than three weeks?
Iran: One thing is clear, we better hope we’re never in a war with a real global power because half the country would surrender in a week
From the Revolutionary War to World War II, setbacks have been a reality, but perhaps never before has the United States dominated so objectively compared to the naysaying of detractors who are content to repeat Iranian propaganda and prefer to praise the Iranian regime. George Washington has the dubious distinction of having lost more battles… Continue reading Iran: One thing is clear, we better hope we’re never in a war with a real global power because half the country would surrender in a week
Trump’s State of the Union and the two things that might matter in the days ahead
While this speech, nor any speech, is likely to be remembered in an age of short attention spans, the President did two things that could matter by tying his policies to individual people and positioning the Democrats as anti-American rather than merely anti-Trump. On Tuesday night, President Donald Trump delivered an effective if not truly… Continue reading Trump’s State of the Union and the two things that might matter in the days ahead
I am a Thanksgiving turkey and I live to die for your holiday meal
Chickens? Pigs? Cows? They get slaughtered all year for any old meal, but not me. I’m special and I serve a higher purpose, so forget the various controversies surrounding the holiday over the centuries and belly up to the table. I am a Thanksgiving turkey. You might find me roasted, smoked, or fried at the… Continue reading I am a Thanksgiving turkey and I live to die for your holiday meal
Thomas Jefferson and why power trumps principle in politics
For a man who prided himself on principle, communicating our Founding ethos those better than anyone else, Jefferson had a habit of discarding them when convenient. Was he a liar, a hypocrite, a fraud, or simply a political genius? Thomas Jefferson has long been acknowledged as one of the most eloquent communicators of our Founding… Continue reading Thomas Jefferson and why power trumps principle in politics
Patton, the man, the movie, and the “they just don’t write ‘em like that anymore” phenomenon
Somehow, a mere 25 years after Patton’s death Hollywood managed to create a big budget masterpiece that unflinchingly and unapologetically tells his story. Rather than moralize or criticize, the film immerses the viewer in the unique combination of madness, genius, grit, and determination that drove one of America’s greatest generals. In one sense, legendary general… Continue reading Patton, the man, the movie, and the “they just don’t write ‘em like that anymore” phenomenon









