Of Angst and Liberty
Peggy Noonan is anxious. She writes a feature column once a week for the Wall Street Journal. Ms. Noonan has written several books, has been a respected pundit of American politics, and was once a speech writer for the Reagan White House. Lately, she’s been writing regularly of Trump’s foibles and overreaching (A Republic, but Can We Keep It?).
It’s no secret he uses his executive power to pardon shady characters, tear down the East Wing, harangue our allies, aggressively threaten our enemies. There is nothing subtle about Donald Trump or his presidency. He relishes constantly pushing the boundaries of executive power, daring Congress to deny his seemingly daily expansions of presidential authority. His modus operandi appears to be “I’m gonna keep pushing and extending my reach until someone makes me stop.”
But, that’s always been Donald Trump’s personality. His negotiation tactics have always been outrageous – ask for the moon, be aggressive, act like his way is the only way; bluff, posture, bluster, then settle for something less, presumably getting close to what he was after all along. Why this comes as a shock to most people surprises and, frankly, amuses me. That said, the man has an intolerably egotistical persona. He is difficult to watch, much less listen to.
Still, some of his accomplishments have been notable and positive for the country. Hopefully a way forward for peace in Gaza, establishing order at our southern border, and concessions with China and others to ostensibly create a more equitable atmosphere for trade. But, how he manages these things (and others) is sometimes worrisome. A man with nearly unbridled ambition, he has no qualms consorting with just about anyone who has the potential to further either his personal or political opportunities. Well, honestly it’s hard to distinguish one from the other.
Peggy worries he may become a threat to our Republic. I have to say he is stretching the fabric of the separation of powers, of the way things have always been done, of respecting the roles others play in the jab and parry world of politics, compromise and accomplishment. He wants all the credit.
Still, it’s refreshing to me at least, to see someone who’s not afraid to speak and act decisively, to say audacious things, to exaggerate for the sake of getting people’s attention to the importance of dealing with certain problems. I don’t like the man. I never have. But, say what you will of his methods, he has been fairly effective in promoting and enacting his agenda. Oh for his successor to also be effective. One thing for sure, the next President will be different.
I have faith in the Constitution, the separation of powers, Congress and our Judiciary. For one, the Donald won’t run for a third term. He can’t. Reportedly he has finally openly acknowledged that. His time will end and we will have another election to elect someone who is, hopefully, vastly different. I have faith we will find someone better suited to the job than either of the last two Presidents. I believe Biden and Trump do not represent a trend. They’ve been an aberration. That’s all I’m willing to give them credit for.
God help us if they weren’t. Then, as Peggy fears, our Republic really might be in trouble.
