This article argues that true American patriotism is not synonymous with blind obedience to authority, but rather stems from a history of challenging power structures to advance national ideals. For 250 years, progress has been driven by individuals willing to question and confront existing norms. Supporting this journalism means endorsing the American values of critical engagement and striving for improvement.
President Trump’s second term has been characterized by a “fuck you, pay me” approach, leveraging intimidation to extract payments from corporations, universities, and even Congress. This strategy, detailed in a recent *Time* magazine cover story, has yielded millions for Trump’s presidential library fund and silenced many critics through fear of retaliation. While some institutions, like Harvard, have resisted, widespread capitulation has allowed Trump to consolidate power despite historically low approval ratings. This behavior mirrors that of notorious mob bosses, raising concerns about a trajectory towards autocracy.
John Q. Hosedrinker