Learning by example

Article

Throw Away the New Playbook

Summary

Jonah Goldberg writing in the National Review argues that Pres. Trump needs to start adhering to tried and true political practices to have a successful presidency.

Quote

"The simple fact is that new playbooks, like new ideas, are as a statistical matter more likely to be wrong than right (there are literally an infinite number of “ideas”; there is a very finite number of good, practical ideas). The essence of conservatism is to respect practices, customs, norms, and values that have survived the brutal acid of trial and error. “What is conservatism?” Lincoln asked. “Is it not the adherence to the old and tried against the new and untried?”"

Understanding

Goldberg suggests that political systems are like weather systems in that both are aggregations of specific acts of nature or self-interest accumulated into a pervasive, indifferent force.  Both the Left and the Right are delusional to think that, in the case of the Left, a high-minded intellectual principle will change reality; or, in the case of the Right, a businessman can cut a deal that will alter nature.

Perhaps the cold, hard reality of his administration's struggles will cause Pres. Trump to re-evaluate his approach and improve his ability to govern. Blindly defending him doesn't help him get there, nor does heated opposition.

The country needs reasonable debate now more than ever.