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A nation committing suicide
istorian Arnold Toynbee observed “an autopsy of history would show that all great nations commit suicide.” It’s hard not to think about this, reading the results of the latest Wall Street Journal-NORC poll, appearing under the headline “America Pulls Back From Star Values That Parker Once Defined The author is It.” with the Center Only 38% of for Urban Americans now Renewal and say patriotism Education is “very important,” compared to 70% in 1998. Thirtynine percent say religion is “very important,” compared to 62% in 1998. And 30% say having children is “very important,” compared to 59% in 1998. The results that follow from these attitudes are not surprising. Marriage rates are way down. Birth rates are way down. In 1990, 67% of American adults between the ages of 25-54 were married. This was down to 51% in 2021. In 2020, there were 56 births in the U.S. for every 1,000 women ages 15-44. In 1990, there were 70.9. And among the births we do
have, in 2021, 40% of our babies were born to unmarried mothers. Not surprisingly, our population is hardly growing. In 2022, the U.S. population increased 0.4%, a modest increase from the 0.1% increase in 2021, the lowest annual population growth since the founding of the nation. Looking at the same polling data results among the youngest sector of our population, the picture looks even more dismal. Among those under 30, just 23% say patriotism is “very important” to them, 31% say religion is “very important,” and 23% say having children is “very important.” What is important to Americans today? Although 70% say marriage is either “very important” or “somewhat important,” 65% say belief in God is “very important” or “somewhat important,” 73% say patriotism is “very important” or “somewhat important,” 91% say self-fulfillment is “very important” or “somewhat important,” and 90% say money is “very important” or “somewhat important.” The devaluing of marriage, children and patriotism, and the focus on “self-fulfillment” and money are, of course, signs of a culture sunk into egotism and materialism, with a loss of a sense of being part of something larger
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than oneself. It is not an encouraging picture for a country that hopes to have a future. Our health care and retirement systems depend on a growing population. Stagnant population growth means more and more retirees per each individual in the workforce. It’s why our Social Security system is bankrupt. Zero population growth means an aging population and increasing health-care costs. In 2019, 56% of all health-care costs
were in age groups 55 and above. The overall burden of health-care costs will continue to increase as the percentage of the population over 55 increases. There are also implications on national security of attitudes that devalue patriotism and national service. We now have a volunteer military. This can’t work with a population of young people who feel no sense of identity and obligation to their nation. Again, the results are
predictable. In 2022, the Army fell 15,000 short of its recruiting goal. National defense spending is 3% of GDP, very low by historical standards. The Wall Street Journal reports our Navy’s fleet of ships will shrink to 291 by 2028 from 297 today. And the number of aircrafts in the Air Force is diminishing. Only 21% of those surveyed say that our country “stands above all countries in the world.” But our country is only the product of its citizenry. A free nation under God becomes less free, and less great, as the Creator is traded in for materialism and egotism. We have elections coming in 2024. President Joe Biden, assuming he runs, will run on more of what is destroying our nation. It is up to Republicans to run on principles and ideals, in hope that we can mend our rapidly sinking ship of state. Star Parker is president of the Center for Urban Renewal and Education and host of the weekly television show “Cure America with Star Parker.” To find out more about Star Parker and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit www.creators.com. Copyright 2023 by Creators.com
Candidate Nikki Haley slams defeatists
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Nikki Haley
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he world is currently divided by a power struggle between a free world Western alliance led by the United States and an authoritarian Eurasian Axis led by China. The Ukrainian army is aligned with the West. The Russian army is aligned with China. It is therefore very much in America’s interest that the Ukrainian army be preserved and that Russia’s army should be destroyed. Furthermore the defense of Ukraine is not just a fight on behalf of American power. It is also a defense of an essential principle of American foreign policy, that of deterrence. America has sacrificed vast amounts of blood and treasure since 1945 to uphold this principle — and rightly so, because it is the line in the sand that has prevented another world war for the past eight decades. It must be defended. This can only be done by denying Russia any fruit from its
aggression. “territorial dispute” in which the The Ukrainians are willing United States supposedly has no to put their lives on the line to vital interest. accomplish both of these tasks. It In the face of blazing criticism, therefore is in America’s critical Gov. DeSantis subsequently chose self-interest to give them all the to cut his stay in the Putin fan arms they need to get the job done. club short by providing a second The response of the Biden interview to Piers Morgan in which administration to this vital he stated that the Russian invasion imperative has been feckless. It of Ukraine was “wrong,” and that has decided to send some arms to he viewed President Vladimir Ukraine. But instead of sending Putin as “a war criminal” for arms to them as fast as possible, it launching it. However, he added, has chosen to send them “I just don’t think that’s a as slowly as possible sufficient interest for us to Robert — and in very limited escalate more involvement.” Zubrin amounts. On March 24, Gov. For example, The author is a DeSantis amplified his President Joe Biden has Center Square incoherency further by decided to send Ukraine advancing the ludicrous contributor tanks, but only 31 out argument that we should of the more than 6000 not send weapons to M1 Abrams tanks the U.S. has Ukraine because we need all of available. them here — for example the 6,000 And even those won’t be tanks currently adorning army delivered until the fall. Essential bases or otherwise in storage — arms, such as fighter aircraft and to defend the American homeland. long range ATACM missiles, are But there is a third candidate in being denied completely. the race, former U.N. ambassador This is an absurd policy, but Nikki Haley, and she is neither a President Biden has been able to Putin Republican or a Code Pink get away with it because up until Republican. No, Ms. Haley is a now his loudest critics have been Reagan Republican. members of a Republican Party It will be recalled that Ronald faction who have been demanding Reagan defined his policy toward that even the limited aid Mr. Biden the Soviet Union as “We win, has been offering should be cut off. they lose.” That is where Ms. As this policy would ensure not Haley stands on dealing with the merely stalemate, but total Russian Eurasian Axis. On March 20, 2023, victory, its GOP adherents, led by she cut loose on both the weakformer President Donald Trump kneed Biden and the Republican but also including such luminaries defeatists who would do even as U.S. Reps. Marjorie Taylor worse. Greene (R-Ga.) and Matthew Writing in The Wall Street Gaetz ( R-Fla.), can fairly be called Journal, Ms. Haley said: Putin Republicans. In a statement “Beijing has set its sights on provided to the ardently proovertaking the U.S. militarily, Kremlin Tucker Carlson and read economically and culturally. Mr. Xi on out the air on March 13, likely is in Moscow because supporting presidential candidate Florida Mr. Putin advances his dark vision. Gov. Ron DeSantis also entered … this asylum by declaring that “Why are many American the Russian invasion of Ukraine politicians blind to this? Why don’t was a mere eastern European they want Ukraine to beat China’s
ally? Victory for Kyiv would make the U.S. safer without putting a single American soldier in harm’s way. “Mr. Biden says the U.S. stands with Ukraine, but he has consistently let Russia seize the initiative. He encouraged the invasion by surrendering in Afghanistan and by saying a ‘minor incursion’ into Ukraine would be OK. He has failed to send Kyiv the support it needs, when it needs it. … “Mr. Biden’s hemming and hawing is consistent with his history on national security. More surprising is the weakness from some on the right. They say the U.S. shouldn’t care about Ukraine because this war isn’t our fight. Some call it a mere ‘territorial dispute.’ They say we should ignore Ukraine so we can focus on China. “This has it backward. China loses if Ukraine wins. Nobody knows that better than Mr. Xi. He wants America to shift attention from Ukraine in the short run, because it would give Russia and China an edge in the long run — in Europe, Asia and world-wide. Yet the U.S. can stifle China’s ambitions now by helping Ukraine, and we can do it without sending a blank check or risking American troops …. “We need to stand strong with our friends in Kyiv, not least because their victory over Russia would have effects extending far beyond Ukraine. Messrs. Xi and Putin know it, which is why they’re meeting in Moscow this week. The U.S. needs a leader who knows it too, and does what needs to be done to protect the American people and the freedom we hold dear.” Not leaving matters with that, Ms. Haley expanded her offensive against both President Biden and the Putin Republicans by doing a number of interviews on national
television in which she put what is at stake in the war before the American public in the plainest terms possible. For example, here she is on Fox TV March 22. “A win for Russia is a win for China,” she says, debunking those who claim their lack of willingness to stand up to the Eurasian Axis in Ukraine is part of some grand strategy to stop it elsewhere. “It is a critical mistake to view the Russian and Chinese threats separately … “This is not the time to get weak in the knees on Russia. We have to finish this. Make no mistake. This is no ‘territorial dispute.’ This is a fight for freedom, and it is one that we have to win. If we don’t win this war in Ukraine, Poland and the Baltics are next. Putin has said that. We are trying to prevent a world war.” She is a hundred percent on target. The future of the world is at stake. Up till now, those wishing for action commensurate with the threat could only watch this disaster unfold. But Americans now have a choice. If they support global victory for the Eurasian Axis, they should vote for Donald Trump. If they don’t particularly care which side wins, Ron DeSantis is their man. But if they want the West and all it stands for to prevail, they now have a candidate. Give ‘em hell, Haley. Robert Zubrin is an aerospace engineer. His next book, “The Case for Nukes: How We Can Beat Global Warming and Create a Free, Open, and Magnificent Future,” will be published by Polaris Books on Monday. Mr. Zubrin’s commentary was provided to the News-Press by The Center Square, a nonprofit dedicated to journalism.
France demonstrations disturbing in troubled time
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President Emmanuel Macron
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SATURDAY, APRIL 1, 2023
resident Emmanuel Macron and the people of France are facing a significant challenge to government authority, social stability and the future of the nation. Massive sustained protest
demonstrations have turned into important given the important violent clashes between enraged role of France in the European workers and the police. The Union, and the continuing war in unrest is continuing. Ukraine. Britain has postponed a The source of the ongoing planned visit by King Charles to unrest is the effort by President France. Macron to increase the These dramatic developments retirement age in the nation. The are occurring only 11 months change raises the retirement age after Macron’s impressive refrom 62 to 64 and requires election to office. Last people to work for 43 April, he received just years to qualify for a full over 58% of the vote, pension. against just under 42% President Macron for opponent Marine Le decided to make these Pen. This margin, while significant shifts through decisive, is narrower executive order rather than in 2017 when these than a vote in parliament. same two candidates Arthur I, Cyr The constitution of the competed for the Fifth Republic, instituted presidency. by President Charles de Gaulle, Most important is that the provides considerable power to presidential election seemed to the chief executive. reconfirm the stability of France’s Protestors have set fire to domestic political structures and uncollected garbage in Paris. institutions of government. This is There has been sporadic fighting no small matter. with police. Separate from the Instability previously pension protests, protesters near characterized France. the village of Sainte-Soline in The decisive, stunning military western France have clashed defeat of the large, well-armed with police over a projected but woefully weak army of water reservoir, which is opposed France in the spring of 1940 by by environmentalists. the fast-moving blitzkrieg of Nazi The massive displays of Germany began four years of public hostility are particularly brutal humiliating occupation.
Years of weak ineffective governments followed Allied liberation of France in 1944. Gen. Charles de Gaulle, the exceptional leader of the Free French during the war, returned as leader of France in 1958. He succeeded in stabilizing the nation’s politics, and finally reestablished effective national authority and legitimacy. President de Gaulle’s constitution creates a powerful presidency, key to long-term stability. A referendum in 1962 confirmed direct election of the president through universal suffrage. In 2000, a referendum reduced the presidential term from seven to five years. In this century, France’s alliance with the U.S. has been strong. Immediately after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, French aircraft joined those of other NATO allies in patrolling the skies over North America. The struggle against al Qaeda and the Taliban represents a comprehensive collective enterprise, authorized and supported by the United Nations as well as the NATO alliance President De Gaulle was in power during President Dwight
Eisenhower’s second term. Ike developed good working rapport with the difficult French leader during World War II. While planning the Normandy invasion, some American and British air commanders argued against heavy bombing, which would kill many civilians. Gen. Eisenhower was able to turn to Gen. de Gaulle to support the heavy bombing. The Kennedy and Johnson administrations clashed with President de Gaulle’s nationalist policies. In 1966, France withdrew from NATO. Fortunately, in 2009 the nation rejoined the alliance. Current unrest in France has significant international implications. To learn more, see “In Search of France,” edited by Stanley Hoffmann. Arthur I. Cyr is author of “After the Cold War - American Foreign Policy, Europe and Asia” (NYU Press and Palgrave/Macmillan). He is also the director of the Clausen Center at Carthage College in Kenosha, Wisc., and a Clausen Distinguished Professor. He welcomes questions and comments at acyr@carthage.edu.
John Stossel
My COVID experience
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hen I swallow, knives cut my throat. I cough and sometimes can’t stop. That’s frightening. I caught COVID. Dodged it three years. But this week, I suddenly felt lousy, and a home test said: “positive.” The thermometer said: 101.8. No big deal, I thought. Almost everyone gets COVID. Lots of people say it’s no worse than a cold. I’m multi-vaccinated and boosted. My fever’s not super high. I’m fit. This will give me a chance to lie around. But then came the knives to my throat, and the cough that makes it hard to breathe. Darn. This is much worse than any flu I’ve had. I feel miserable. It hurts so much to talk that I just text. I think, “COVID still kills several hundred Americans every day.” Will I be one? I do feel like I might die. But COVID mostly kills old people. Wait, that’s me! Actually, I’m very old. 76. I didn’t think about being so old last week when I rode my bike and played volleyball. I felt like a kid. Now everything is different. Half of American men don’t even make it to 73. I forget that when I feel good. I check what hospital I should go to if I have trouble breathing. My doctor calls in a Paxlovid prescription. DAY 2 Paxlovid leaves a nasty metallic taste. Someone is mining silver in my mouth. Ibuprofen knocked my fever down, but it’s still above normal. The knives and strangling cough are still there. Will I die? Short of that, will I have to go to the emergency room? Will they put me on a ventilator? I’m scared of that. I shouldn’t have looked it up on Google. Google makes everything scarier. Will I get long COVID? Have brain fog? Get COVID pneumonia? I’ve got to stop Googling. But at least I’m not getting worse. DAY 4 I’m getting better! Crisis over! Please see STOSSEL on C4
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