I think it's worrisome that Barack Obama actually contributed to the bifurcation of our society. I don't think that he made nearly enough effort to be a uniter. And there's, I think, been a backlash against him, and some of that has been reflected in Trump's success. And I think it's really sad, and that's part of Obama's legacy.
Mona CharenIf the party of gloom is ever to regain its footing, it will have to start by understanding that those who defeated them are not a bunch of ignorant yahoos looking forward to Armageddon.
Mona CharenAbused And neglected children have paid the price for liberalism's tendency to sentimentalize the poor.
Mona CharenThe notion that the UN is some sort of dispassionate body that, โdoes rightโ and just pursues everybodyโs best interests is a fantasy. Each individual nation will be pursuing their best interests. Thatโs the normal behavior of nation-states. It shouldnโt surprise us, but neither should we go to them for permission to do whatโs in our national interests.
Mona Charen[T]he sprawl of government into every conceivable realm of life has caused the withering of traditional institutions. Fathers become unnecessary if the government provides Aid to Families with Dependent Children. Church charities lose their mission when the government provides food, shelter and income to the poor. And the non-poor no longer feel pressed to provide aid to those in need, be they aged parents or their unfortunate neighbors-"compassion" having become the province of the state.
Mona CharenLiberal dominance of important areas of America's social and political life has undermined many of the virtues that have sustained this country.
Mona CharenThough the two issues may seem utterly unrelated, they do have this in common - both health care and higher education are realms of American life in which government has undermined the operation of market forces and caused artificially high prices. These are two arenas in which the Democrats now propose to do exactly the wrong thing. Their reform reinforces old errors and will infinitely compound the problem of rising prices.
Mona Charen