February Issue Summary

The following is a summary of the articles in the February, 2003, issue of The St. Croix Review:

Angus MacDonald, in the editorial, says that much of the world is disposed to hate the U.S. because corrupt, failing despots find it convenient to shift the blame to us, and that many of our own intellectuals and leaders share the worldwide disgust with our nation. The solution is to believe in the rightness of our institutions and to persevere.

John D’Aloia reminds us of why we are a blessed nation, and what we must do to stay blessed in “Beware of Public Benefactors.”

Herbert London writes that the modern propensity to rely on “feelings” rather than “thinking” leads us into a bog of self-absorption; that the New York Times is indulging in postmodern twaddle concerning veterans and war; that the Predator presages spectacular advances in the technology of waging war; that the rigid economic rules governing the European Union will lead to its collapse; and that the economic forecast for Germany is ominous.

Allan C. Brownfeld draws upon U.S. history to warn us that the powers the federal government is gathering to fight the war on terrorism are ominous, and must not be permitted to endure after the danger has passed. He casts doubt on the “Wilsonian” idealism seemingly in ascendancy in the Bush administration that the U.S. must impose democracy and free markets on unwilling or unprepared nations. And he details how people in powerful positions in the U.S. have made a practice of escaping accountability for their bad actions.

Doug Tice writes about the impossibility of avoiding “spending cuts” in Minnesota (if the government doesn’t curb its spending then the private sector must); he writes that until the perceived weakness voters see in Democrats’ stance on the nation’s defense is addressed, Democrats are in for hard times; and he relates what he thinks about becoming 50 years old.

Murray Weidenbaum, in “The Global Economy: An American Perspective,” is optimistic: globalization is working-spreading wealth throughout the world. For the U.S. there are dangers and opportunities in the short term. Dr. Weidenbaum prescribes tax reforms that would put the U.S. in better shape. He look ahead and sees continued prosperity, due to steady technological improvements.

Clifford F. Thies discusses economic circumstances and difficulties in Japan, Europe, and the U.S.

Thomas Martin underlines the follies of a university dean and administrators. The assorted worthies at the University of Nebraska put faith in “smart classrooms,” while Dr. Martin believes students should be taught to read well.

Clifford F. Thies, in “The Commandment to Work,” uses scripture and fables to say that we are called to work by God.

Bill Hemple recently returned from a trip to China. He relates what he saw and how he believes China is progressing, economically and culturally.

Michael S. Swisher reviews The New Dealers’ War: FDR and the War Within World War II, written by Thomas Fleming. Thomas Fleming dispels the idolatry surrounding F.D.R., and makes Harry Truman the hero of the book.