Blog Credo

The whole aim of practical politics is to keep the populace alarmed (and hence clamorous to be led to safety) by menacing it with an endless series of hobgoblins, all of them imaginary.

H.L. Mencken

Monday, June 3, 2019

The Special Relationship

Throughout the 19th century, the United States and United Kingdom had a fractious relationship.  Partly a remnant of the Revolution and the War of 1812, it also had something to do with pacifying Irish voters.

As the 20th century dawned, Britain made a conscious effort to woo America as a counterweight to Germany (thus giving an example of extremely fortuitous long range planning), coming to a head under Winston Churchill's uniquely favorable standing among Americans.  Since the end of World War II, Britain has seen itself as intricately tied to America, like an older cousin who has seen its relative outgrow them.

All of which makes this spectacle rather upsetting.  Even more so, the MAGAts will still insist that Trump is feared and respect around the world. Dictators laugh at him behind his back and our staunchest allies are left to gape in despair and launch blimps in protest.

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