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About to hurt some feelings: MAGA Isn’t the American Conservative Tradition! One of the strangest dynamics of our time is watching self-described “conservatives” pledge their loyalty to Donald Trump while ignoring the very principles that built the conservative tradition in America. Conservatism, understood from Edmund Burke to Russell Kirk to the Founding Fathers themselves rests on accountability, restraint, ordered liberty, and fidelity to the Constitution. But MAGA populism? That’s something else entirely. It’s a movement rooted in grievance, strongman politics, and cult-like loyalty. It thrives not by conserving, but by tearing down & replacing principle with cheerleading. Here’s Why! 1. Tariffs: Populist Theater! Conservatives have historically defended free markets and limited government interference. Ronald Reagan warned: “Protectionism almost always ends up protecting us from prosperity.” Trump has gone the opposite route. In 2018, his tariffs on steel and aluminum backfired, costing the economy $80B and requiring $28B in bailouts to farmers hurt by retaliation. Fast forward to 2025, and tariffs are back on steroids: The Commerce Department just slapped 50% tariffs on over 400 categories—including wind turbines, railcars, and EV components Household electricity bills are up 10% nationally (and as high as 20% in New Jersey) because of tariffs, energy rollbacks, and knock-on effects The effective U.S. tariff rate hit levels unseen since the Great Depression, approaching 20% Conservatives don’t champion hidden taxes that hit families. They don’t embrace state meddling in markets to “pick winners and losers.” That’s populism masquerading as policy. 2. Misogyny: A Betrayal of Conservative Morality True conservatism upholds moral order and human dignity. Trump mocks it. The Access Hollywood tape, where he bragged about assault. Public insults like “dog,” “horseface,” “nasty” directed at women. Over two dozen women alleging misconduct. You don’t have to be a liberal to see how corrosive this is. Excusing it in the name of loyalty means abandoning conservatism’s moral core. 3. Authoritarian Instincts vs. Conservative Restraint Burke warned of leaders who shred institutions for personal gain. The Founders built checks and balances to prevent that. Trump consistently undercuts both: Pressuring the DOJ to target rivals. Demanding loyalty oaths from officials. Insisting the 2020 election was “stolen” despite 60+ court rejections and his own Attorney General confirming otherwise. Authoritarianism is not conservatism. Real conservatism respects institutions even when outcomes sting. 4. Cult of Personality vs. Constitutionalism Constitutional conservatism insists no man is above the law. MAGA insists Trump is the exception. Deficits? Trump added nearly $8T in one term… MAGA didn’t care. Praising dictators? Kim Jong-un and Putin gets flattery… MAGA cheers. Expanding executive power? “As long as it’s our guy.” That’s not conservative stewardship. That’s Caesarism in a red hat. 5. What Conservatism Really Is Conservatism is not “whatever the leader says.” It is: Limited Government – restraining power. Free Markets – trusting voluntary exchange. Moral Order – protecting virtue and decency. Accountability – leaders answer to the Constitution. Continuity – preserving institutions. MAGA violates all five. The Cheerleader Problem Many calling themselves conservatives today aren’t conserving anything. They’re cheerleading a populist movement whose creed is “own the libs.” That’s not Reagan, Burke or American conservatism. It’s performance politics… a personality cult wrapped in grievance. If you’re MAGA because you think conservatism means tariffs, insults, executive overreach, and blind loyalty…you’re not a conservative. You’re a populist. And there’s a difference. Burke said: “A disposition to preserve, and an ability to improve, taken together, would be my standard of a statesman.” Choose Wisely!

Jack Smith at the Power for the People concert. ❤️❤️❤️

My review of Winston Churchill's paintings, on show the Wallace Collection, London, published at its launch by @EngelsbergIdeas engelsbergideas.com/reviews/…

Amy Klobuchar "woman-splainging" sports team names to a MAGA mega-male is priceless!

Jack Smith: "Our investigation developed proof beyond a reasonable doubt that President Trump engaged in serious crimes against our nation ... rather than accept his defeat in the 2020 presidential election, President Trump engaged in a criminal scheme to overturn the results and prevent the lawful transfer of power"

Trump: "Super Intelligence -- SI -- I don't call it AI anymore. I call it SI because it's a much better name. It's a much more accurate name, because when you say the other, that means it's fake. 'Artificial' means it's fake, and it's not fake. It's just very strong intelligence ... it's much more elegant."

It is impossible to overstate what we are seeing today in Paris 1 million people are attending Pope Leo XIV's Mass They are lining the entire length of the Champs Elysee to the Arc de Triomphe and chanting the name of the head of the Catholic Church France is Catholic