DONALD THE GREAT?

I have a tendency to see things, whenever possible or profitable, in a philosophical way. This provides unique criteria. Philosophy here means a consistent and persistent set of values and goals.

One subject of interest is the Conservative Movement, sometimes---but not often---expressed by and in the National Republican Party. The party has the advantages of being in agreement with the majority of the public. This broadly includes foreign policy, the economy, and social values. Yet the party seldom takes advantage of their advantages. The future is likely to be the same.

My explanation follows. For as long as there has been a formal Conservative movement it has predicted disaster. The endless deficit spending, the increase in entitlements, the failure to pass on traditional values, illegal immigration, failing schools, etc, all (or each) will prove fatal for America. However, America keeps functioning, and gets richer. Liberal states do not go bankrupt. People live better. After decades of predicted doom the Conservative should doubt if his fundamental vision is valid.

I offer a lesson from ancient history. Alexander the Great made a tactical mistake and his army was surrounded by enemy tribes. The tribes decided to maintain the trap and wait for Alexander to starve. Alexander led his army out. The enemy took their places to repulse his attack. But there was none. His army gave the impression that they were training for some future action, but was unwilling to fight. They repeated the same action many times, until the enemy no longer responded became they were convinced that there would be no battle. Then Alexander attacked and defeated them.

Alexander may have “cried wolf,” but changed the ending of the fable. He wanted a lack of credibility. As head of his Party President Trump may be imitating Alexander. He seems ready to “attack,” but then withdraws, changes his policy, seems to forget, etc. Perhaps his goal is to act in such a way as to disarm his opponents, and then attack. Such a strategy may work.

Or he may play the part of a true Conservative, and be all talk and no action.