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Order Michael Finch’s new book, A Time to Stand: HERE. Prof. Jason Hill calls it “an aesthetic and political tour de force.”
Last week, yet another ginned up scandal was laid at the Trump administration’s door––this one attacking another favorite target of the Dems, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. As usual, one of the Democrat’s favorite press agents, The Washington Post, replete with “unidentified sources,” broke the story. During an attack in the Caribbean on a drug cartel boat, the Def Sec allegedly ordered that no survivors be left alive, which led to a second missile hitting the boat and killing survivors.
In other words, Hegseth’s critics are miffed that our forces didn’t let live murderers of hundreds of thousands of Americans with fentanyl, so they can return to work and transport more drugs to kill more Americans. Or more likely, so they could be rescued and brought back to the U.S., where the oikophobic Dems and Soros- judges would slap them on the wrist and send them back home.
This sorry story, which was quickly debunked, like the similar protests of laws being enforced by ICE against illegal aliens, many of them felons, rapists, and murderers, reminds me of Mark Twain’s caustic satire of Victorian “woke Karens.’’In Tom Sawyer, Twain satirized the “committee of sappy women” who are petitioning the governor to pardon the murderous half-breed Injun Joe: “If he had been Satan himself there would have been plenty of weaklings ready to scribble their names to a pardon petition, and drip a tear on it from their permanent leaky water-works.”
The modern expression of what psychiatrist Dr. Judith Orloff calls “toxic empathy,” is found in political terms, in order to express policy positions and actions that are suicidal in their effect. For example, “toxic empathy” includes protests and interference against officers tracking down criminal illegal aliens, and fabrications of charges and distortions of the law by the Dems, including military brass, attacking Trump and Hegseth. In other words, a partisan political weapon––one as narcissistic as virtue-signaling.
The real question is, how did our war-fighting become hamstrung by idealistic protocols, while the rest of the world outside the West still fights their wars in order to win and achieve their aims that serve their interests? The answer is by the same idealizing hubris that has damaged our foreign policy with attempts to create a “kinder and gentler” war-fighting by employing the “rules-based, international order.”
This fantasy pretends that war can be something other than what Confederate General Nathan Bedford Forrest defined it: “War means fighting, and fighting means killing.” And what Abraham Lincoln called the “terrible arithmetic.”
A related cultural change in the West reinforcing the retreat from realism was the Romantic movement, which prized feeling and sentiment as higher goods, and reflections of a superior character. It’s what Alan Bloom called “conspicuous compassion”––like “toxic empathy,” a dangerous political weapon that sacrifices reason and common sense to emotion and naïve idealizations of human nature to serve partisan aims.
Both emotions have a long history of being trivialized and politicized in Western culture. They followed the idealizing of “sensitivity” that began in the late 18th century. Novels such as Laurence Sterne’s A Sentimental Journey and Henry Mackenzie’s The Man of Feeling––whose hero bursts into tears every ten pages–– marked the point when showy displays of “feelings” like compassion, often called “luxurious” at the time, became a virtue-signaling status symbol.
This is the fad that Jane Austen satirized in her 1811 novel Sense and Sensibility. As many other critics at the time pointed out, compassion was the justifying virtue that masked what often was nothing more than emotional solipsism for those whose concern for others seldom led to action that improved their lot. When employed against military or policing polices––as we have seen in the current protests against ICE’s attempt to apprehend and deport criminal illegal aliens––these preening status-mongers and cheap emotional political weapons cost the lives of innocent citizens rather than the arrest of criminals.
By the mid-19th century, even a master of sentimentalism such as Charles Dickens recognized that such public displays of compassion for the poor or native peoples abroad were often a self-indulgence for the rich and comfortable. In Bleak House, he created Mrs. Jellyby, the archetype of today’s purveyors of virtue-signaling compassion, who bleed and weep for distant suffering, but neglected that of her fellow citizens. As Mrs. Jellyby strives to settle impoverished Londoners among heathen Africans so that they will convert to Christianity, her shabby household and neglected children continue to fall into ruin.
Dickens called this hypocrisy “telescopic philanthropy,” a combination of moral and intellectual idiocy worsened by an unearned claim of superior virtue. This combination of “conspicuous compassion,” “telescopic philanthropy,” “toxic empathy,” and suicidal self-loathing is the essence of Third-Worldism, that “woke” idealization of the non-Western “other” combined with showy self-flagellation over the original sins of imperialism and colonialism.
French philosopher Pascal Bruckner wrote a brilliant analysis of this cultural neurosis in Tears of the White Man. Bruckner describes how Third-World suffering has become a lucrative commodity for the modern media, who provide the images and commentary that we consume in order to enjoy cost-free pathos and smug superiority about our righteous compassion, as well as providing a showy penance that compensates for our “certain essential evil,”––which Bruckner calls the West’s original sin, “that must be atoned for.”
Finally, and most destructive for our foreign policy and national interests, in our times “these fake virtues” function as political weapons for progressives, leftists, and “woke” Dems, most of whom have no knowledge of the actual history of imperialism and colonialism.
The best example of this dangerous ignorance can be seen in the vicious lies told by the enemies of Israel and its “settler colonialism.” In fact, as Middle East historian Efraim Karsh writes in his indispensable book Islamic Imperialism, Islam has been one of history’s most successful conquerors, and empire-builders, which “acted in a typical imperialist fashion from the start, subjugating indigenous populations, colonizing their lands, and expropriating their wealth, resources, and labor.”
It takes monumental hutzpah for Israel’s Muslim enemies to whine about “settler colonialism” or imperialism; and it bespeaks the West’s ignorance of history for Western nations to accept such a Hitlerian “big lie.”
But such lies have been at the heart of the left for centuries, and as we’ve seen, have increased exponentially among the Dems during the Trump era. This latest whopper about the drug-transport attack is as predictable as it is preposterous, and no match for the obvious truth which indeed is making us free.
My favorite example of this mentality is when a public meeting or event starts with an “acknowledgment” that we, the evil white people, are all on land that we stole from the peaceful Native Americans.
It is the perfect way for the Politically Correct white people to feel morally superior without actually having to do anything.
Land which these “original in habitants” obtained by colonization after crossing the land bridge from Siberia, then spending thousands of years in battles with each other. They murdered, raped, enslaved, pillaged and tortured each other in the process.
Which band “owns” the land? The current occupants…in which case why don’t the white settlers have the right to it?…..OR the previous occupants they battled and seized it from? This is assuming that these tribes never interbred with other tribes, or Spanish or other white “Colonizers” and only pure original tribes remain….oooops…there go the Mexicans and other Latinos.
We have become a nation of cowards who pander to our enemies.
Do you mean the acknowledgement that we are standing on land that we stole from the people who stole it from other people, who stole it from others, from the time humans first occupied and despoiled the pristine virgin wilderness that we call the Western Hemisphere?
When I hear such claptrap I simply recommend they read the book “O Plymouth Plantation”, the contemporary account o the ship’s Company o the Mayphlower, landing a Plymouh Massachussets in 1620. John Brad ord was the original governor over the 1s 20 years.
Seems tha when they went ashore they met the local tribes, who were phriendly to them. Turns ou that section o the coast had been made vacant sme yeavs previous by way o anothe ribe, more inland to them, coming and raiding the community that had lived there many decades, killing o dragging away into slavery the previous inhabitants, thus leaving that large and prosperous section o land vacant. he remaining tribes welcomed the Plymouth colony people and tey peaceably coexisted to mutual benephit over many decades.
Stolen land? Move like stolen reputations, the thievery being on the part o today’s lying progressives.
reminds me o that joke o a book 1619. ……….
Acknowledgements are only the first step, Mike. Recently, in British Columbia, a woke judge awarded some sort of “title” to land partly urbanized and developed by whites. Homeowners and businesses in the area are frantic!
Actually, it’s worse than I thought. Judges have been verifying Indigenous land claims in B.C. for awhile now. Currently at stake is Richmond, a major suburb of Vancouver. Homeowners are quaking in their boots.
This article is beyond “good.” It is superlative. Thornton reveals how in a deep way, the distortions being used against the administration’s aggressive war policy against drug cartels that are the front line of a real war against the USA are part of a deep deception. I am reminded of the stick in the water example which was emphasized in philosophy when I studied at Harvard a long time ago. When a stick — a straight stick — is placed in the water, the part of the stick that is in the water and under the water will appear crooked. It slants. Yet, it is not crooked. Similarly, the defensive killing of drug runners as their boats go down may appear to some as heartless, overly aggressive, or even illegal. Yet, their biases distort the reality. They have underestimated the aggression and the danger posed by the boats and the individuals manning those boats because of the distance of the boats from land, because the boats have not been able to fire back, and because the evil ones on the boats have not been heard from in a court of law, Yet the reality of the threat is not — I repeat, is not — defined by these conditions. Although the ships are far from shore, there is NO POSSIBILITY that they are fun cruise ships. Although they do not fire back, the death of innocents is their mission. And although their rights were not affirmed by any court, those rights were abrogated when they signed up to make evil deliveries.
“The Man of Feeling,” ha haw. I had to look that one up and the synopsis is so shitty I can only imagine what the entire book is like. Excruciating, I expect. Surprisingly, it was written by a Scotsman. He had to have been gay from glen to glen.
But you should use the word “priggery” instead of the slang phrase “virtue signalling.” If any readers have to look up the word in the dictionary then you’ve done them a favor and taught them a new word that they should’ve already known the definition of anyway.
When John and Yoko were peace-and-love activists in the early 70s, John didn’t see his son, Julian, for five years.
John Lennon wasn’t mentioned in the article. Why are you bringing up John Lennon’s name? Winter brain freeze?
Because he and Ono are perfect examples of the type. Are you really that dim?
Lennon was a phony – he could write great songs – I would never include the execrable IMAGINE …
John Lennon was a capitalist who wrote songs for fans he didn’t respect.
Luke 10:25 – 37 True compassion is personal action, taken without expectation of reward.
Suicidal altruism, toxic empathy, and social justice come from Christianity.
This self-immolation garbage all comes from the words of the lunatic Jesus of Nazareth.
The Sermon On The Mount.
Eye for Eye
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’[h] 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles. 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.
Love for Enemies
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[i] and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Are you stupid? Or just larping as an imbecile?
Quite literally: The West was founded on Christianity.
We must defend Christianity to save our civilization.
The whole foundation of Leftism is founded on the religion of Atheism.
To the extent that any Leftist platform or sect appeals to a Christian narrative,
it is simply lying.
Atheists brought us here. Atheists are in charge.
And that’s why Atheists HATE Trump – because he challenges their idiotic and foolish narratives.
You have drunk the Kool-Aid of Athesim so deeply, you have a serious case of Dunning-Kruger.
PS: Everyone here knows you’re an “Objectivist” fanatic. You’re on par with Heaven’s Gate.
I wouldn’t bother, but other readers need to know that Atheists claiming they have to murder, destroy, and steal to provide for criminals, rapists, and killers because Jesus said so … The WWJD bumper sticker from the 70s …
is the very definition of GASLIGHTING.
And you’re too stupid to figure that out. I’ve been reading your moronic trash here for decades, while ATHEISTS have pressed their agenda to point where many American cities already ARE 3rd world nations.
Try reading a book besides Atlas Crapped His Pants, which is a book for 12 yos,
and educate yourself.
Hey buddy, educate yourself. Social justice is a Christian idea. Serious Christianity leads to a THEOCRACY. The Puritans did not come to America to establish freedom and liberty but to establish a Christian THEOCRACY.
There are way more Christians in favor of welfare programs and socialism than there are in favor of Laissez-Faire Capitalism because Jesus, according to the Christian mythology, did not come to earth to tell his followers to pursue happiness but to repent and sacrifice their lives and happiness for him.
Marxism comes Judeo-Christianity. Marxism is religion pretending to be secular science.
“The urge to save humanity is almost always only a false-face for the urge to rule it. Power is what all messiahs really seek: not the chance to serve. This is true even of the pious brethren who carry the gospel to foreign parts.” ― H.L. Mencken
The problem with atheism is its inadequacy on multiple fronts. Some set of false beliefs and false idols WILL fill the vacuum it leaves.
Adults—especially those on a solid and sensible life trajectory—can ignore and deny metaphysics to their hearts’ content. But—to the extent they’re operating on a sound footing and trajectory—all of that is rooted in some foundational belief system—whether they admit it or not. Nihilism is the road to personal and civilizational suicide and insanity. Especially for the young.
That said—I am not any proponent of toxic empathy. The self-interested individual pursuing goals and interests, according to ability, is a beautiful thing—but has to rest on a Judeo-Christian moral code—or else you get hell on earth.
Atheism is rooted in Satanism… or is it the other way around? So tired of the Satanist zealots forcing their views on me.
Dear THX 1138::
It is sad that you consistently misinterpret and misrepresent the Sermon on the Mount.
Broadly speaking, that sermon is a deep examination of the selfishness and depravity of the ‘human heart’ vs. the ‘Holy Heart of God’. It is, in part, an effort by Jesus to help us reorient our attitudes toward other people and toward God in a way that is more conducive to peace and harmony in this life.
Kent
You know NOTHING about true Christianity. In order to find out you would have to read the Bible, Stop getting your info from Hollywood.
Atlas Crapped His Pants…….Good one. I wonder if ole THX will have the stones to respond to you by saying “If you don’t like my comments don’t read them”
And the Kilt Lifter Altruism challenge is now in effect as Christmas is little more than a week away. And we haven’t even gotten to the cheap jokes on the death of Christ.
Yes folks. It’s that bitter time of year for THX, when the churches all fill up with the faithful. Christmas and Easter. Sucks to be you.
I would love to attend one of those “bitter table for one” services where the Objectionable ones celebrate the death of the Princess of Darkness, The Wicked witch “Bitch of the West.”
Obviously your tired yearly ridicule of the Bible fails spectacularly each year.
Abdule Jammal and Leonard Pelter two Murderers with Hollywood kissing Jammals Rings and when Clinton(Bill)was going to grant a Pardon for Pelter Both of them should be Executed for their Crimes. And Biden granting Clemency and Pardons for convicted Rapists and Child Molesters and Hollywood glorification of Thieves Robbers and Killers while calling for Gun Control/Confiscation
Pete Hegseth is Secretary of War – did the author of this article fail to proof read his article or is he just a pissy pants cry baby liberal who slants articles for whatever source he is writing for.
A compendium of virtue signalling foolishness, Beautifully written. Thanks.
Great article!
Unfortunately, my mom was one of those virtue signaling fools! She bought all the leftist lies hook, line and sinker! It took me years to understand what her stupidity was all about. Now I describe to my siblings (the intelligent ones who understand) that the problem in our home growing up was this: our mom was busy putting out the fires in other peoples lives while her own home was burning down! You can’t fix stupid!
We are, today, surrounded by “historical illiterates” [“from author David McCullough”]. The same kind of people who, in 1939, wouldn’t fund the Navy or other military requirements, thinking that once Hitler had enchained most of Europe, he would stop. The same thought applied to the Japanese conquests. Until reality changed on December 7, 1941, now lost in history 84 years ago. Liberty and freedom are always in danger, and not always from outside the sovereign borders. What Biden did violated his oath of office and screwed the American people royally. He should be brought to trial. We have the barbarians inside the country. And we will need every resource to keep the country as described in the Declaration of Independence.