Mike Friedel’s Post

“To save America the first imperative is to remove from power the ideologues of both parties who have nearly killed our country. In his final chapter, Buchanan lays out ideas to prevent the end of America. He calls for a bottom-up review of all of America’s Cold War commitments, a ten-point program to secure America’s borders, ideas to halt the erosion of our national sovereignty and restore our manufacturing preeminence and economic independence, and a formula for finding the way to a cold peace in the culture wars. Buchanan offers a radical but necessary program, for neither party is addressing the real crisis of America -- whether we survive as one nation and people, or disintegrate into what Theodore Roosevelt called a “tangle of squabbling nationalities” and not a nation at all. IN THIS EYE-OPENING BOOK, PAT BUCHANAN REVEALS THE PERILOUS PATH OUR NATION HAS TAKEN:”

What was the American Civil War Really About? The American Civil War brought catastrophic costs to our nation and wrought serious internal changes. In addition to the staggering loss of life, the war erased billions of dollars of wealth and disrupted conventional patterns of life. However, these descriptions miss the most fundamental significance of the war - that it preserved the nation so that democracies could defend themselves against internal instability. Want to learn more? Register now! https://ow.ly/2tAS50R2KW7

Whither the “City Upon a Hill”? Donald Trump, America First, and American Exceptionalism - PDF: https://lnkd.in/g6g-mJmu In order to understand Donald Trump’s “America First” agenda, we must examine the master narrative that underpins it. Trump breaks with all modern presidents not just because he challenges the postwar “liberal international order,” but because he rejects its underlying master narrative — American exceptionalism. America First relies instead on the narrative of Jacksonian nationalism. What makes America great, according to this narrative, is not a diverse nation unified in its adherence to certain liberal ideals, but rather ethnocultural homogeneity, material wealth, and military prowess. In this view, the United States is unexceptional, and therefore has no mission to pursue abroad. By shedding light on this alternative master narrative, we can better understand Trump’s presidency, his grand strategy, and why a return to the status quo ante after Trump is unlikely.

We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States; that they are Absolved from all Allegiance to the British Crown, and that all political connection between them and the State of Great Britain, is and ought to be totally dissolved; and that as Free and Independent States, they have full Power to levy War, conclude Peace, contract Alliances, establish Commerce, and to do all other Acts and Things which Independent States may of right do. And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor. https://lnkd.in/eUPhVS_d

On September 11, 2001, the United States faced one of the darkest moments in its history. The attacks on the World Trade Center, the Pentagon, and the heroic stand of those aboard Flight 93 shook the nation to its core. Yet, out of that darkness, the enduring spirit of America shone through with unwavering strength, resilience, and unity. In the face of terror, countless brave souls—firefighters, police officers, and ordinary citizens—answered the call without hesitation, embodying the courage and selflessness that define the American character. Across the nation, flags were raised higher, voices spoke louder in unity, and communities stood together with a shared resolve to rebuild, to remember, and to never forget. September 11 will always remind us of the profound sacrifices made and the undying spirit that unites all Americans. It is a day that underscores the ideals of freedom and democracy that the nation stands for, and the unbreakable will of a people who rise stronger from every challenge. Today, we honor the fallen, salute the heroes, and pledge to carry forward the values that make America a beacon of hope and liberty.

White Supremacy, Terrorism, and the Failure of Reconstruction in the United States - https://lnkd.in/gVM_UmEg || PDF: https://lnkd.in/gPBQ7u5i Reconstruction was one of the most tumultuous periods in U.S. history, replete with astounding political progress for the formerly enslaved, a heretofore unprecedented federal government role in peacetime, and horriªc violence. This section details several of the most important events of this period, including passage of the Reconstruction Acts and the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments to the Constitution. Subsections examine the economic collapse in the South, progress in voting by the formerly enslaved, violence by white supremacist groups and the federal government response, and the events that soured Northern white public opinion o n Reconstruction and led to its end.

Lord Nicholas Soames at our 1st Annual Churchill Lecture: “… the Thatcher-Reagan Era was the rekindling of the substance of the transatlantic relationship. Their ideological beliefs were both similar. Both had an intuitive gift that is rarely given to statesmen to see beyond the squares of the chessboard and sense the shifting tenor of the times…” Watch or read his full remarks here: https://buff.ly/4eqzDh4

PLEASE ignore the MAGA messaging. This is a pathetic attempt to sway the election in Trump's/Putin's favor. Stick to the plan. Ignore the Pro-Trump messaging and vote like your Country depends on it for Kamala Harris and Waltz! #NeverVoteTrump #NeverVoteRepublican #VoteHarrisWaltz2024 #VoteHarris2024

A new book argues that the U.S. Civil War must be understood in continental terms—and is part of a far broader story of the unmaking and remaking of North America writ large, from Mexican dissolution to Canadian confederation, and far beyond. My review/essay for The Bulwark:

It may be that only fear of a new war can restore an appreciation for federalism. America simply cannot survive without it. The fundamental diversity of American peoples demands it—and we have no other option. Read the full article here: https://loom.ly/zXiJ1P4