How much criticism is allowable?

20250521

The American left’s unwillingness to acknowledge their own mistakes and shortcomings has been a critical flaw. Covering up for Biden’s crimes and mental incapacity will hurt them for a long time to come.

I note that I have had a similar reluctance to criticize people on the right. The Democrats had made such a big deal out of an affair that would not have fazed one of their own to drive Nixon from office, and with the “hanging chad” incident in Bush’s 2000 election, among a vast number of other things, that I may have been too generous in giving the GOP a pass. It has been easy to conclude, as Marco Rubio quipped yesterday to Maryland’s Chris von Hollen, “Well, first of all, your regret for voting for me confirms I’m doing a good job.”

There is no doubt in my mind that the better candidate won in 2024. However, I am disappointed that he seems to be waffling on Ukraine. He has said that Putin is “tapping him along,” but seems not to have the will to stop it. He needs to be resolute with regard to sanctions.

That said, I note that Ukraine seems to be using significantly more HIMARS and F16 air power this year. The fact that we have lost three F16s, but they keep flying sorties, is an indication, that Trump has allowed us to receive enough to be useful. Also that Ukraine has had what it takes to somewhat neutralize Russian air defenses. Trump is not discouraging our NATO allies from giving us support. I would like to see more, but we should be glad for what we are getting. Which nobody else seems willing to admit.

The barrage of negative press from the left would seem to benefit Trump. Nothing he does can disappoint them any more than they are already resolved to be disappointed. It gives him room to maneuver. I wish there were more evidence that he is using that room wisely.

Most important in my mind is that neither Trump nor the Democrats are willing to deal with the impending financial collapse. Nor are the Europeans or Japanese. The Wall Street types call the recent runup “the most unloved rally in market history.” I have to agree. I cannot see it ending well. Trump is in a box. He certainly knows what should be done with government finances, but politically it cannot be done. As Charles Hugh Smith says in the link above, politicians of our generation have been far too generous with voters of our generation, the biggest voting block in history. Like all presidents of the last few decades, Trump just has to hope that the collapse does not happen on his watch.

Eddie and I had a talk over breakfast about the fertility clinic bombing. The nihilistic, anti-fertility, misanthropic streak running throughout Western society is getting broader. I’m reinforcing the notion that his generation will be the one to bring humanity through a major bottleneck as the systems built since the Industrial Revolution collapse around them.

The best outcome for our family may be for the war to drag out until the west and Russia are further into collapse, the point at which nobody has the strength left to impose a New World Order on Ukraine and we can simply be left alone. It is certainly nothing one should hope for, but one must remain aware of perverse outcomes, unintended consequences and silver linings.

Meanwhile I’m feeling more confident about the driving test. I’ve watched all the videos and will get back with Dima next week to see if I can follow instructions to a T. Zoriana’s school is down to six paying students. It appears likely to collapse next year. I visited the Waldorf school associated with Marianna’s Waldorf kindergarten. I liked the people, and it is only a 25 minute walk, crossing only two busy streets. Oksana and I have asked for an admissions interview.

That’s the news from Lake WeBeGone, where the strong man is enjoying bicycling to kindergarten with Marianna most days. Getting there takes about half an hour whether by train, bus or bicycle, so she gets her choice every morning. Parking and road networks being what they are, driving will only be a bit quicker. But I’ll be happy when it becomes an alternative.

Graham