The Long Slide

1. The Erosion of Open Discourse and Rise of Censorship

Censorship is now the rule in popular media; news outlets openly censor ideas they don’t like, and encourage others to do the same.

A chilling shift. The author laments the dramatic decline of open-mindedness and free inquiry in American media and publishing. Once proud guardians of free speech, institutions like The New Republic and Simon & Schuster have become "close-minded and reflexively partisan," actively penalizing dissent rather than facilitating national conversations. This transformation mirrors a broader societal trend where truth is no longer a defense, but a liability if it offends powerful groups.

Publishing's betrayal. Book publishers, historically champions against censorship (e.g., defending Margaret Sanger, Charles Darwin, Mark Twain), now openly suppress ideas they dislike. The cancellation of Milo Yiannopoulos's book by Simon & Schuster, despite its commercial success, exemplifies this. The stated reason—"endorsing pedophilia"—was a pretext, as the author's direct inquiry revealed, masking the true motive of succumbing to public and internal pressure from political opponents.

Conformity over principle. This new standard prioritizes conformity over intellectual freedom, effectively blacklisting authors whose views are deemed "problematic" by vocal activist groups. The author notes the irony of a publishing house canceling a book about "The Tyranny of Big Tech" due to perceived "tyranny" by its author, while simultaneously promoting a book by Hunter Biden, who was under federal investigation. This double standard reveals a politically motivated agenda, not an ethical one.

2. The Hypocrisy and Self-Interest of Modern Institutions

What we did ultimately decide is that those actions brought so much scorn.

Scorn as a business metric. Simon & Schuster's executives, when pressed on the cancellation of Josh Hawley's book, cited "scorn" from powerful critics as the primary reason, framing it as a "business decision." This reveals a disturbing trend where public outrage, often politically orchestrated, dictates corporate behavior, overriding principles of free expression or even sound business logic. The author highlights the absurdity of this, noting that controversy often boosts book sales for political authors.

Selective outrage. The stark contrast between the treatment of Josh Hawley and Hunter Biden by Simon & Schuster exposes a deep-seated hypocrisy. Hawley's book was canceled due to his political actions, which were deemed a "dangerous threat to our democracy," while Biden, under active federal criminal investigation, received a lucrative book deal and enthusiastic promotion. This selective application of "moral responsibility" suggests that political alignment, not ethical considerations, drives decisions.

The "Son of Sam" double standard. A group of "publishing professionals" explicitly called for a ban on books by former Trump administration officials, citing "Son of Sam" laws (which prevent criminals from profiting from their crimes). Yet, this standard was conveniently ignored for Hunter Biden, whose book was published while he was under federal investigation. This illustrates how principles are weaponized against political opponents while being disregarded for allies, revealing a profound lack of integrity.

3. The Enduring Appeal of Authenticity in a Cynical Age

In a country where almost everyone in public life lies reflexively, it’s thrilling to hear someone say what he really thinks, even if you believe he’s wrong.

Trump's unfiltered appeal. The author argues that Donald Trump's success stemmed from his perceived authenticity in a political landscape dominated by calculated rhetoric. His "shocking, vulgar, and indisputably true" statements, though often offensive, resonated because they felt genuine. This contrasted sharply with the "intellectual corruption" of the Republican establishment, which had become out of touch with its base on issues like immigration and economic policy.

A bodyguard for the base. Trump's supporters, particularly evangelicals, weren't looking for a morally perfect leader, but a "bodyguard" to shield them from perceived threats to their freedoms. They recognized his "ludicrous imitation of a faithful Christian" but valued his willingness to challenge prevailing orthodoxies and "call Hillary's bluff." This suggests a deep disillusionment with traditional politicians who prioritize image over conviction.

Whistle-blower to his class. Trump's unique position as a wealthy insider who exposed Washington's corruption was key to his populist appeal. He wasn't just a reformer; he was a "traitor to his class," willing to reveal the transactional nature of power. This resonated with voters who saw Washington as a city where proximity to power translated directly into wealth, a reality often ignored by those within the "warm bath" of the capital.

4. The Shifting Landscape of Journalism and Media

Magazine journalism is worth remembering. They’re mostly gone now, but for a long time magazines played a significant role in the life of the country.

A bygone era of adventure. The author reminisces about a time when magazine journalism was an adventure, requiring reporters to "go places, meet people, see unusual things." This era fostered open-mindedness, where editors encouraged dissent and paid for stories that crossed ideological lines, such as a "white conservative covering a group of black nationalists in Africa." This contrasts sharply with today's media, which is described as "close-minded and reflexively partisan."

From inquiry to propaganda. The shift from journalism as "unfettered inquiry" to "propaganda" is a central lament. Editors once saw themselves as "guardians of free speech," posting hate mail as "a badge of honor." Now, news outlets "openly censor ideas they don’t like," and journalists are no longer "free men" but are penalized for disagreeing with the majority. This transformation has driven out those with differing opinions from traditional journalism.

The death of "general interest." The author notes the disappearance of general-interest monthly magazines, attributing it to a fundamental change in American society: "Americans no longer have enough in common with each other to support any mass-media product." In a divided country, everything becomes "narrowcasting," leading to a fragmented media landscape where shared understanding and broad appeal are increasingly rare.

5. The Unseen Realities of Power and Conflict Abroad

America was totally incapable of any of that. The Americans occupying Iraq couldn’t even admit to themselves they were colonialists.

A disastrous occupation. The author's trip to Iraq revealed a stark disconnect between Washington's rhetoric and the reality on the ground. The occupation was a "disaster," marked by chaos, a determined resistance, and America's fundamental unsuitability as a colonial power. The U.S. military, despite its size, lacked the manpower to control or rebuild the country, becoming heavily reliant on civilian contractors.

The "Wild West" of contractors. Civilian contractors, often former special operations personnel, filled critical roles from security to logistics, operating in a "Wild West" environment with ambiguous rules of engagement. This led to situations where:

• Contractors commandeered gas stations, "neutering" locals.
• They engaged in firefights with no external authority or oversight.
• They acquired weapons from the black market.
• They sometimes settled scores or engaged in questionable acts (e.g., torturing cats, harassing Sean Penn).

The cost of ambiguity. The lack of clear authority and accountability for contractors created a dangerous and morally ambiguous environment. The author's personal experience of being forced to consider lethal force, with no one to judge the consequences, highlighted the profound ethical vacuum. This demonstrated that the occupation was not about liberation or order, but a chaotic exercise of power with unintended and often brutal consequences.

6. The Value of Unconventionality and Embracing Risk

Dangerous toys are an education. By that measure, my brother and I were the most erudite kids in the neighborhood.

A childhood of calculated risk. The author reflects on an "unusual childhood" shaped by a father who encouraged dangerous play and unconventional learning. Activities like car surfing, building flamethrowers from The Anarchist Cookbook, and making improvised hand grenades were not just fun, but "an education," instilling lessons about risk, self-reliance, and the limits of control. This contrasts with a modern, safety-obsessed culture.

Bucking the "Mommy State." The author laments the rise of the "Mommy State," where safety is a virtue for its own sake, and cultural consensus stifles risk-taking. He describes attempts at "low-grade subversion," like letting his kids steer the car or giving them shotguns for Christmas, only to be thwarted by mandatory safety features or societal norms. This highlights a tension between individual freedom and collective safety.

The joy of tinkering and creation. The story of Joel Suprise, the "Henry Ford of spudgunning," exemplifies the ingenuity and creativity found in unconventional pursuits. Suprise, a "nonstop tinkerer," built advanced potato cannons and even a moonshine still, driven by a passion for creation and problem-solving. This celebrates a type of American character—the hands-on builder and innovator—who finds meaning and purpose outside traditional, regulated paths.

7. The Absurdity and Self-Serving Nature of Public Life

In a city teeming with self-promoters, Banzhaf is the Edmund Hillary of publicity mongering.

Publicity as the ultimate goal. The author exposes the pervasive self-promotion in Washington, exemplified by law professor John Banzhaf. Banzhaf's "Legal Activism" course taught students "guerrilla law" and media manipulation, using lawsuits against "sexist restaurants" or "greedy dry cleaners" not for justice, but for "publicity—getting it, using it." His career was a relentless pursuit of seeing his name in print, regardless of the triviality or absurdity of the cause.

The vanity of "Who's Who." The "Who's Who" publication is presented as a transparent scam, a "vanity publication" that capitalizes on people's desire for recognition. Despite claiming "painstaking selection," it largely accepts self-nominated individuals, including "a school nurse in Jupiter, Florida" or a "pipe fitter and welder." This highlights the superficiality of status and the ease with which one can inflate their accomplishments in a system driven by self-interest and commercial gain.

The con artist's persistence. The recurring encounters with "Derek Richardson," a con artist who repeatedly used the same fabricated story to borrow money, illustrate a different facet of self-serving behavior. Despite being caught, the con artist's persistence and the legal system's inability to punish such minor fraud reveal a systemic weakness. This personal anecdote underscores the author's broader observation about the prevalence of self-interest and manipulation in various forms of public interaction.

8. The Complexities of Human Character Beyond Public Persona

Life is full of happy surprises like that, thank God. They more than compensate for the rest.

Beyond the caricature. The author often finds unexpected depth and humanity in figures he initially expected to dislike or dismiss. James Carville, initially seen as a "transparent fraud" and "famous partisan," is revealed as a "genuinely wise man" and trusted friend, despite his "populist plutocrat" persona. This challenges the reader to look beyond public caricatures and recognize the nuanced reality of individuals.

The human side of power. George W. Bush, despite his "forthright tough-guy populism" and occasional "flashes of meanness," is portrayed as a complex figure who is "wildly competitive" yet claims detachment from political outcomes. His ability to disarm people, his bluntness, and even his tears reveal a human dimension often hidden by the demands of public office. Similarly, Tommy Jacomo, the "maître d' of cocaine" turned "power host," embodies a bygone era of Washington where personal connections and character transcended political divides.

Disillusionment and admiration. The author's encounter with a declining Hunter S. Thompson, his childhood hero, brings a poignant sense of disillusionment, as the reality of the man was "sadder than expected." Yet, despite the personal disappointment, the author's admiration for Thompson's writing and his impact on a generation of journalists remains. This reflects a broader theme: the separation of the artist from the art, and the enduring power of creative work even when the creator falters.

9. The Disturbing Reality of Modern Eugenics

It’s hard to believe that something as historically discredited and morally grotesque as eugenics still exists in this country, but it does. In fact, it’s less constrained than ever.

Eugenics by another name. The author exposes the "eugenic utility of abortion," particularly in the context of Down Syndrome. Public health officials and medical professionals, often driven by economic calculations, have actively encouraged prenatal testing and abortion to reduce the incidence of birth defects. This practice, though cloaked in terms of "choice" and "information," effectively targets a population for elimination, echoing historical eugenics programs.

The economic calculus of life. Studies are cited that quantify the "cost to society" of raising a child with Down Syndrome, leading to conclusions that prenatal testing followed by abortion is a "great cost saving." This cold, economic justification for terminating lives deemed "unproductive" is presented as a morally grotesque aspect of modern medicine, where human value is reduced to a financial burden.

The silence of advocates. The author expresses shock and disappointment that disability rights groups, usually quick to condemn discrimination, have largely remained silent on the issue of abortion for Down Syndrome. Their focus on "myriad of federal policy issues" and reluctance to "take a position on the issue of abortion" is seen as a profound failure to protect their own constituents, allowing a "population of retarded people" to be "wiped clean from this country."

10. The Legacy and Decline of Empires, Old and New

Empires end, usually more quickly than expected. They’re not always replaced by something better.

The aesthetic legacy of empire. The author observes the enduring architectural beauty left by the British Empire in places like Mumbai, contrasting it with the "appalling" and "shoddy" new construction in modern India. This highlights a paradox: despite the evils of colonialism, the British left behind structures of lasting quality and aesthetic merit, suggesting a certain "style" was integral to their imperial project.

A warning for America. The decay of these once-grand colonial buildings, now "filthy and neglected," serves as a metaphor for the transient nature of power and the often-disappointing aftermath of imperial decline. This observation, made while reflecting on the American presidential race, implicitly warns that the U.S. empire, too, may end, and what replaces it might not be "something better."

The American imperial paradox. The author's experience in Iraq further illustrates America's unique, and often ineffective, approach to global power. Unlike traditional colonialists who "rule the countries they conquer" and "bring order and clarity," the U.S. struggled to even admit its imperial role, instead framing its occupation as a "sensitivity training seminar." This inability to effectively wield power, coupled with a lack of clear objectives and a reliance on private actors, led to chaos and failure, suggesting a distinct and perhaps less enduring form of empire.

Last updated: July 30, 2025