The newspapers were filled with stories on Friday about the World Trade Center memorial. It seems that the cost estimates for the Memorial have nearly doubled to $1 Billion; that is, Billion with a B. Mayor Bloomberg is unhappy. According

Does such a majority even exist? I’m not so sure, although you have documented evidence of this majority on your blog. The fact remains that ALL of the major institutions in this country — big business, government, media, academia — tilt left. Each of these institutions actively promotes “multiculturalism,” even as our national culture continues to crumble. (Big business has completely embraced bilingualism, for example.) They all oppose meaningful immigration reform. They all support the continued expansion of the welfare state in one form or another. And it simply doesn’t matter that a majority of Americans, supposedly, view things differently and would prefer a different set of outcomes.

The Republican ascendancy has been a HUGE disappointment. All of the meaningful gains were made by Ronald Reagan two decades ago (reducing taxes and strengthening the military). Nothing significant has been achieved since. Where is our society affirmatively moving in a more conservative direction, on any major issue? On what parameter have we shown any substantial improvement? I don’t see it. Yes, we have had some “victories” here and there (Supreme Court appointments, tax cuts, welfare “reform”), but the general direction of our society remains in a decidedly non-conservative direction. How can this be doubted?

I am frequently criticized by readers of my articles for being too negative — but other than winning some elections (see Larwyn), what have conservatives accomplished? Sure, I’m glad for conservative talk radio (but it’s mostly preaching to the choir) and Fox News (which still attracts a fraction of the audience share that ABC, CBS, and NBC receive). And yes, Republicans are *better* than Democrats, and we must elect Republicans no matter how disillusioned we are with the President’s and Congress’ failure to achieve anything of lasting importance these past 6 years.

But talk of the Left’s demise — let alone the death of big government liberalism — is greatly exaggerated. Liberals still control this country, and effectively hamstring conservatives who try to challenge this control. And then there are the Republicans who get co-opted by the liberals, and help promote their agenda. Despicable.

Lastly, as you have pointed out repeatedly, on the most important life-and-death issue of the day — the fight against terrorism and militant Islam — the country is half-serious at best. President Bush (who supposedly is a “warmonger”) is clearly fighting a “liberal” war: minimize casualties and collateral damage, try to “win the hearts and minds” of the enemy, engage in massive infrastructure and welfare programs among the enemy population — even before they have been defeated, etc. He won’t even name the true enemy in this conflict. Hint: it’s not just a handful of terrorists.

True, the Democrats would not have fought this war at all. They have become completely red or yellow, depending on how you look at it.

But the days of fighting to achieve total victory, of crushing the enemy, and killing millions of the enemy’s young men (which is the only way to “win” an existential war) are long gone. It’s been said many times before — there is no way our society could fight World War Two today. Our country back in the 1930s and 1940s was far from perfect, but it possessed a degree of courage, commitment, stamina, and patriotism that simply no longer exists. If we don’t regain these qualities very soon, I truly fear the result will be tragedy, both for us and the rest of the civilized world.

Thanks for linking to another of our greats tonight, Gerard’s post is not to be missed. I am going to drop
a few of your paragraphs and link off at American Digest now.
I’d get so much more done if I could just stop this sleeping nonsense.
God Bless