November 15th, 2024

Don't Panic: there's a narcissism in thinking you live in the worst of times

Freddie deBoer discusses potential negative consequences of Trump's reelection, including policy rollbacks and military conflict, while cautioning against liberal panic and emphasizing the need for a measured perspective.

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Don't Panic: there's a narcissism in thinking you live in the worst of times

Freddie deBoer discusses the implications of Donald Trump's reelection, highlighting the potential negative consequences such as the replacement of key regulatory figures, environmental policy rollbacks, and the likelihood of further tax cuts. He acknowledges the challenges ahead, including the possibility of military conflict due to Trump's incoherent foreign policy and the lack of relief for economically distressed regions. However, deBoer cautions against the prevailing panic among liberals, suggesting that such reactions often stem from a sense of self-importance rather than a realistic assessment of the situation. He argues that while Trump's first term was damaging, it did not fulfill the dire predictions made at the time, and he questions the assumption that Trump will effectively implement a harmful agenda in his second term. DeBoer emphasizes that Trump's administration was marked by chaos and inefficiency, suggesting that the same patterns will likely continue. He contrasts Trump with Ronald Reagan, noting that while both had harmful intentions, Reagan was more adept at achieving his goals. Ultimately, deBoer encourages a more measured perspective on the current political landscape, reminding readers that difficult times are a constant in life.

- Trump's reelection may lead to significant policy rollbacks and potential military conflict.

- Liberal panic often reflects self-importance rather than an accurate assessment of the situation.

- Trump's first term was marked by chaos and inefficiency, which may continue in a second term.

- Historical comparisons suggest that while Trump poses risks, he lacks the effectiveness of past leaders like Reagan.

- Difficult times are a recurring aspect of life, and perspective is essential in navigating political challenges.

Link Icon 3 comments
By @mouse_ - 5 months
I'd be lying if I said the 00's and 10's were perfect

But they were better than this.

By @FridayoLeary - 5 months
Wow. It's an unusual experience to come away from an article completely disagreeing with almost all the opinions and at the same time completely agreeing with every point being made. This is my favourite line, one that together with the headline sums up the whole article:

>In general, it’s important to always remember: the hard times never end, but because they never end, they aren’t really hard times, they’re just times.

By @atmanactive - 5 months
Now is as good as any, but it is special because it is now.